These past few weeks I have been feeling unusually crappy: shaky, weak, trouble with my vision. I've always had occasional head-rushes and dizzy spells, but they'd been increasing exponentially the longer I worked. So I finally broke down and went to see a doctor today, where I was told I have... well, something really long and medical-sounding, but in laments terms can be called "low blood pressure." Which is funny, since the rest of my family suffers from high blood pressure. I had to do some blood tests (Lab Test Woman: "Okay, we can't find your vein in THIS arm, so we're gonna have to stab you with a needle (again) in the other..."), and they had to take my blood pressure reading while laying down, sitting, and standing (Nurse: "...I have no idea what these numbers mean."), as well as some type of thyroid test that hasn't come back yet, but apart from that low blood pressure thing, I seem okay. (My mom and I had been sort of worried about diabetes.)

Anyway, the doctor told me that, in response to this, I should make a few alterations to my diet. Nothing huge, since I already eat pretty healthy-- I just need more protein and Gatorade.

Yup.

Since I'm working outside almost every day, and all of the sugars I need are dripping away with sweat (lovely image, I know), that was the doctor's big thing: "YOU NEED TO DRINK GATORADE."

Which I found sort of amusing, for no particular reason.

Or maybe I just find it amusing now, 'cause it resulted in the following conversation in front of the Gatorade display at the grocery store:

Mom: Okay... so what color is the blue one?
Me: Berry. ...wait, what? XD;

On another random note (that will mean nothing to anyone except those of you who know me IRL), apparently that leg-bouncy-thing-I-do (that annoys the crap out of everyone around me 'cause it makes the tables shake) is a natural response to low blood pressure. My body just sort of DOES THAT to get blood moving, because otherwise my blood just sits there in my legs and doesn't help me much. So Ellen, when I start doing that leg-bouncy-thing in classes and stuff, you'll have to poke me and go: "DO YOUR FOOT EXERCISES AND STOP BOTHERING PEOPLE." ^_~

Anyway, I'm off to eat some protein and drink some Gatorade, now. And hopefully, that'll make me feel lots better. :D

Title: "Gratitude"
Series: Kuroshitsuji
Genre: Drama/General
Pairing: SebastianxCiel (with mentions of one-sided CielxLizzie)
Rating: R
Word Count: ~5,700
Summary: E Caelo Nobis Vires...
To Read: ( ...Our Strength Comes From Heaven. )

So a couple of days ago, I got an email from the lovely people of gamewithnoname. In it, they asked if I might be interested in helping them write an FMA yaoi game for the masses of English-speaking fans to enjoy.

I told them no.

Well, okay, that's a lie: I told them yes, I was very interested, but I didn't think I was the writer they were looking for. That is to say:

a) I haven't written for the FMA fandom in years
b) I am hardcore on the Elricest (Which means sorry, RoyxEd fans, I am not one of you)
c) I have college. And a job. And no life beyond those two things, it seems.

I was pretty depressed when I sent back my response, because how cool would it have been to have played a part in the creation of a yaoi game? Pretty cool, right? Plus, they'd gone out of their way to ask for me specifically, which was (and still is) insanely flattering. I really wanted to help.

But, as I discovered this morning, my initial hunch was correct. A new email in my inbox from the group said "thanks for the prompt reply, but you're right: we need people with free time, who are more inclined to support RoyxEd. Maybe we can collaborate on something else, soon. :D"

I hoped soon would come... well, soon.

And it did! About three seconds later, when I opened their second email. X3 In it, they told me that they were looking for someone to write the opening scene for the game-- a scene that involves only Ed and Al-- that will branch the game's story off in all of its many different directions. Sounds like a challenge, right? Plus, its only one scene, which I can totally commit to. And I'll still get to play a part in the creation of the game!

In short (HAHA, ED! I'm already getting back into the grove of this fandom...), I am very excited right now. :D I might even have to break out my old FMA DVDs... or at least my Ed and Al plushies. To get in the mood, and all. ^_~

Brother D: *walks through the door* I'm back.
Mom: How did driver's ed go?
Brother D: My butt hurts.
Mom: ....................
Me: *snorts*
Mom: ...so does that mean it went really well, or really badly? XD

Title: Episode Zero
Series: Kuroshitsuji
Genre: Humor/Parody/Utter Crack
Pairing: SebastianxCiel
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Season two has been announced, and Ciel isn't quite sure why he's still alive, either.
To Read: ( “Well then, Young Master... open your eyes.” )

では坊ちゃん。。。目を開けて
Now then young master...open your eyes.

Okay. So.

According to spacexat, this line was on the included advert for season two of Kuroshitsuji found in volume seven of the manga. Which means season two will be a direct continuation of season one. Despite the fact that Ciel was shot, dropped a good hundred feet, drowned, and then carted to the Isle of the DEAD, apparently he's okay.

Lovely. Just lovely.

...

SERIOUSLY, ANIME MAKERS?! SERIOUSLY?!

I won't lie. I'm still gonna watch season two. And who knows? Maybe they'll manage to give the show another great run. But they're gonna have to do something pretty fantastic to pull it off, 'cause right now this still seems like a ton of BS to me. (And I will not accept Sebastian's having said "you can't die yet" as a viable plot hole excuse for another season. Not when he immediately took Ciel to the Isle of the Dead after having said that. If we'd seen him performing CPR, or something, then we could talk. But as it was...)

And what the hell is season two supposed to be about, anyway? I mean, Ciel's already gotten his revenge-- what reason is there for him to still have his soul? (I certainly hope the anime makers aren't banking on an audience full of SebaCiel fangirls just letting this slide. As in, "Ciel is still alive 'cause Sebas-chan wuvs his Young Master, and doesn't want to eat him in any other way but *CENSORED* :D" NO.) I know everyone really wants to see the Circus Arc animated-- and I must admit, that would be quite pretty-- but the whole point of the Circus Arc in the manga is that it helps Ciel get closer to his ultimate goal of revenge. REVENGE TIME IS DONE IN THE ANIME. Unless, I suppose, someone slighted Ciel at some point between seasons, which seems highly unlikely given that they end and open with the SAME LINE.

And speaking of the ending, how are we gonna play THAT off? ("Young Master, I'm not allowed to eat your soul until our ratings drop... So are you up for some more jolly ol' shouta-flavored adventures in Victorian England?" *holds up corset*) Is it just gonna be a repeat of what happened at the end of the Ciel-as-an-Altar-Boy Arc? Another "Haha, psych!" moment? Only more elaborate, this time, since Ciel had to go and have his Cinematic Record play, and Sebastian brought him to the Isle of the Dead and everything ("Boy, you really fell for it, Young Master! If you could have seen the look on your face~~~").

ARGH.

I know I'm making a mountain out of a molehill, but I get really attached to these series. And y'all may be happy about another season, and that's great-- but it feels to me like they're cheapening everything that I invested so much emotion in, just so they can make more money. And that infuriates me.

Most likely, I'll end up doing as Neocloud9 suggested and I'll watch season two pretending its some form of animated fanfiction, or whatever... but until the show actually starts up again, I'll probably keep bitching about it. (Actually, depending on how the show goes, I might keep bitching about it even after it begins. We'll see.)

So yeah.

Now that I've got that off my chest, it's time to go work my face painting street corner in the cold and wet.

*grumbles*

That Butler, So Squishy.

I don't know about you guys, but I think it would rather frighten me to sleep with Sebastian. I mean, demonic nature aside, who knows how many nuns and carnies he's banged? He's probably loaded with STDs. XD;

I think I'll just wait until that Bitter Bunny doll shows up on eBay. That thing is adorable.

So as you guys may or may not know, I just got my first car the other day. Rather, my dad got it for me since the jerk stole my first one to give to his girlfriend. It's not new-- a 2000 Mitsubishi, I think. It's in good shape, though-- shiny and white and thankfully un-stained. But for a long time, I have been less than enthusiastic about it. I mean, yea, I can drive myself wherever I please, but I've never been fond of driving. And now I have to worry about insurance and gas and upkeep and all sorts of money-draining expenses. Which makes me Very Not Happy.

Nevertheless, I figured, "I'm stuck with this car either way. I might as well like it." And the quickest way to like my car would be to give it a name, I thought. Since, you know, to give something a name shows you're attached to it.

But what does one name a car?

A co-worker of mine suggested "Sandra." (I shot that down right quick.) I then informed her that it was a boy-car, 'cause that's just how I roll. (As I'd rather ride a boy than a girl, haha.) So that at least narrowed my name-choices down a gender. But for a few days, I still had nothin'.

And then, it occurred to me. Rather, it was more like realization smacked me upside the head while driving to work today. In an instant, I had the perfect name. In fact, I was horrified I hadn't thought of it earlier. I mean really: I have a little, white car that is older on the inside than it's outside would suggest.

My car's name is Nate. But it goes by Near.

...

I can't figure out which frightens me more: how big of a dork I am, or how much more I now love my car. XD;;;;

I took these pictures for Noveltynovelist, 'cause he wanted to know what my tea sets look like. In case, you know, he ever decides to come over and play Old Maid and Gin and have some tea with me. X3 (You'll have to bring the tea, by the way-- I'm all out.) Y'all are invited, too, of course-- we could all have one great big tea party! :D

( I'm a little teapot... )

Wrote this for 12gatsunohime in the span of 5 minutes. 'Cause she wanted ficcage for Ciel and his fork. XD

IN CASE YOU HADN'T SEEN THE PICTURE...



And now... HORRIBLE MINI FIC TIME!

~IN THE PHANTOMHIVE DINING ROOM...~

Sebastian: Young Master, why are you sucking a fork? It is not dignified.
Ciel: Shut up. I can do whatever I want. *sucks*
Sebastian: *annoyed tic* If you really want something to suck, I can think of more appropriate items--
Ciel: And I can think of less appropriate.
Sebastian: *sighs* Will the Young Master at least use a spoon? That way, he won't hurt his delicate little tongue...
Ciel: Are you trying to spoon me?
*They stare at each other*
Sebastian: ....................that was forced, Young Master. I am most dissapointed.
Ciel: It's not my fault that you're terrible at teaching puns.
Sebastian: *indignant* I will have you know that my puns are fantastic.
Ciel: Face it. You suck.
Sebastian: No, that would be you, Young Master. You and your fork.
Ciel: It doesn't have to be.
Sebastian: 'It doesn't have to be' what, exactly?
Ciel: A fork. *sucks*
Sebastian: ...
Ciel: *sucks*
Sebastian: ......
Ciel: *licks and sucks*
Sebastian: .........you know, Young Master, I use those forks for fighting. I have no idea where they have been. It might be dangerous for my master to use them like that... How about we find the Young Master one of those 'less appropriate' things to occupy his mouth? >|3
Ciel: >:3

THE END

I WANT THIS...

1) ...right now.
2) ...with English subtitles.
3) ...to be about $50 cheaper.

I guess I better start saving.

Title: Hierarchy
Series: Kuroshitsuji
Genre: General/Drama
Characters: Lizzie, Sebastian
Rating: PG
Summary: Elizabeth is the Queen. And she has figured out why.
To Read: ( “Ciel is teaching me chess, you know.” )

Title: Dinner Games
Series: Kuroshitsuji
Genre: General/Drama
Character: Ciel
Rating: PG
Summary: Two short prequels to the first episode of the anime.
Please Note: These were originally written as writing samples for an RP I was joining. Obviously, I had no idea how to do writing samples. ^_^;;;; But I'm still fairly fond of these two little ficlets, so I thought I'd share them for giggles. :3
To Read: ( It was a familiar story, at this point... )

So, as I mentioned earlier, I recently got my hands on hard copies of the first five "Kuroshitsuji" manga. When flipping through them, I realized something: I hadn't seen some of these pictures online!

( So I thought I'd remedy that. )

I finished and posted "Angelic Reeds!"

SO I EXPECT EVERYONE TO GO OFF AND READ IT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW~~~

As if that wasn't enough to make me smile, work called and canceled my shift 'cause of a storm. That makes me a happy fangirl indeed. <3

And did I mention that I managed to get my hands on the first five copies of the "Kuroshitsuji" manga? (Perhaps the one thing about this past week that made me happy-- I got to go to Mitsuwa's in Chicago and do some shopping. :3) I plan on scanning some inserts for y'all; perhaps I'll get around to that today, since I have some unexpected free-time.

So yup. Feeling oddly elated right now-- which is sort of strange, since I spent the day up til now feeling nauseated with worry. Dunno why.

Oh well. :D

DANCE WITH ME!

/o/ \o\ /o/ \o\

That was your literature reference for the day.

ANYWAY, IT'S MEME TIME! :D

Reply to this meme by yelling "Words!" and I will give you five words that remind me of you. Then post them on your LJ and explain what they mean to you.

Tagged by: littlelinor

Word One: Fic

Gee, I wonder why I make people think of this word... XD;

Oh, fanfiction. <3

...I don't even know what to say beyond that. I mean, what does this word mean to me? It means seven years worth of stealing copyrighted characters to write stories that I post on the internet. That's about it... though I could also be cheesy and say that I've met some of my favorite peoples through fanfiction. Which wouldn't be a lie. :3

Word Two: Quill

My first thought, actually, is of "Sugar Quill," a Harry Potter Fanfiction Archive that I used to frequent way back in the days of my childhood. (So, you know, a couple years ago.) They have some really cute Ron/Hermione stuff there... So I guess the word "quill" makes me think of sugar and fluff? XD;;;

In other news, I was trying to figure out why I would remind anyone of this word... maybe 'cause it's a writing utensil? Or maybe because one of the avatars I use when I'm posting new fanfiction is one of Sebastian writing with a quill?

SPEAKING OF WHICH--

Word Three: Kuro

KUROSHITSUJI. Which means sexy demon butlers, and adorable shoutabait, and boots, AND OH MY GOD CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR. Any questions? :D

Actually, this also makes me think of a yaoi manga my friend Jenna lent me called "Man's Best Friend," which featured a dog named Kuro who changed into a human when he got excited. And then he would have yoai!sexy-times with his master. But to be honest, that only makes me think of Kuroshitsuji MORE, 'cause of Pluto and all. One track mind? Yes. Yes, I haz.

Word Four: Glasses

Since we're apparently on a Kuroshitsuji-Kick on this word-meme (or, at least, I am), the first thing that pops into my head is Maylene. But geekiness aside, I actually do wear glasses IRL (or, I should say, I own a pair; I'd rather wear my contacts). And every once in a while I muse over how royally SCREWED I would have been if I'd have been born at any other point in history, 'cause my eyes are BAD. And being able to see is sort of important, you know?

Word Five: Chocolate

...okay, my first thought wasn't entirely PG. (I'm guessing “Toppings” has something to do with why I got this word, right?)

What chocolate means to me. Um, well, it's candy. It makes me think of Death Note-- mainly the "Death Note: The Last Name" live-action movie, where L eats copious amounts of it, 'cause sorry Mello fans, I am not one of you. "Chocolate" also makes me think of this girl I know in college who pretty much ONLY eats said sweet. The thought makes me feel rather sick, to be honest; I like chocolate as much as the next girl, but really now. Have some fruits and veggies, too.

And that's all five words! Who else wants a turn? :3

So now that I've been to an amusement park as a guest, rather than an employee, I have a random observation to share: Amusement parks are a great big metaphor for sex.

Fer serius.

You go into the ordeal all excited, nervous with anticipation. You talk about it with friends, get their opinions-- they tell you how much fun it is, and what to expect. Some of the rides are rough (you find yourself bruised afterwards), and some are more gentle-- but all of them have you going "Ah-- ah-- aaaah~~~!" Sometimes, you even scream "faster" to whoever is letting you ride their generally-phallic-shaped pod. Then there's a sudden stop (which usually comes before you've decided you're finished), and you're left going "wait... that's it?" You get off by yourself (pun intended), and part ways. Sometimes you're left satisfied, sometimes you're not. Sometimes you come back for more, sometimes you go off and throw up and start getting weird cravings for deep-fried oreos.

Yup.

So remember, always wear a condom when going to an amusement park. :D

Apparently: a "colonial accent"... I haz one. XD;;;

CAPS LOCK DOES NOT FULLY EXPRESS MY FANGIRLY FURY.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-14/kuroshitsuji-anime-second-season-green-lit

AND I WAS SO PROUD OF YOU FOR NOT COPING OUT~~~

*crais in a corner of depression*

So I didn't manage to finish scanlating "Angelic Reeds" before my week-long vacation, nor did I have the opportunity to make that super-special-awesome friends-locked-entry I keep alluding to, but I did put the final touches on "Sankaku Sankaku" and post that. So yea! Well done, ol' bean, and all of those happy cliches. X3

So go off, my lovelies, and enjoy some LMN. :D

\o\ /o/ \o\ I FINISHED TRANSLATING 'ANGELIC REEDS.' /o/ \o\ /o/

I am so insanely proud of myself right now; I thought that doujinshi was going to take me all of summer break to complete. Instead, I finished it in the span of weeks. <3 In my excitement, I've immediately started work on another LxNear flavored doujinshi, the ever-adorable "Sankaku Sankaku."

And speaking of LxNear...

WHAT WOULD I HAVE TO DO TO GET SOMEONE TO WRITE ME SOME LxNEAR?

I mean this sincerely. There is absolutely NO good, new LxNear fanfiction out there... I am willing to do any sort of media-exchange (that is within my power) for some well-written LxNear. Any rating. Though I admit, I'd love me some pr0n. XD;;;

Just throwin' that out there.

And now, back to translating. :3