Welcome to my Fun Stuff page! This is where I get to post up and share fun stuff, like favorite pictures, favorite links, or just anything that comes to mind.
Top 10 Life Goals> These are my top 10 most important goals. Some are big, some are small, but all are dear to my heart.
1. Learn Japanese
2. Learn French
3. Spend a year living in Japan
4. Spend a year living in Paris
5. Adopt a pet from a shelter
6. Publish a novel
7. Get a job working for an NGO or non-profit organization
8. Visit Africa
9. Attend a ceremony at a Shinto shrine
10. Own a house on the water
Bleach> As many of you know, I am obsessed with Bleach. No, not Clorox. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s a Japanese manga series by Tite Kubo that has been made into a very popular anime series that is shown all over the world. The series has a huge following, mostly consisting of teenage boys, but there are also otherwise mature adults like me who just couldn’t help themselves and got addicted. I have seen every episode and have watched all three movies based upon the series, and even the music is wonderful.
The story focuses on Ichigo Kurosaki, and otherwise normal high school student except for the fact that he can see spirits. One day, he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Shinigami, and his world changes as he gains his own Shinigami powers in order to protect his family. Basically, a Shinigami is a spirit being who is in charge of balancing the number of souls living in the real world and Soul Society. They all carry a zanpakuto, which is a weapon that looks like an ordinary katana. Each Shinigami’s zanpakuto is different, and is born from the Shinigami’s soul. They have names, personalities, and unique battle powers. Shinigami battle evil spirits, called Hollows, which are human souls that haven’t moved on to Soul Society or have fallen into evil. They survive by feeding on ordinary human souls, but by killing the Hollow, a Shinigami is able to cleanse the Hollow’s soul and it is finally able to find peace in Soul Society.
Ichigo is not the only extraordinary human in the series. His friends Orihime Inoue, Uryu Ishida, and Yasutora Sado all have their own spiritual powers, and there are many humans who have a high level of spirit power and are able to see spirits, Hollows, and Shinigami. But Ichigo and his friends are special, and each person’s power is reflective of his or her own purpose. The story is really very beautiful, and I encourage everyone to give it a try (hint, hint to my regular blog visitors, who probably have never seen nor heard of Bleach). Here are some interesting facts about some of my favorite characters (and thanks to Bleach Wiki for all the links).
The main character, Ichigo Kurosaki. He gained his power only to protect those who are important to him. He's rash, bold, arrogant, and very determined.
Ichigo's inner Hollow, which was born during his final transformation into a Shinigami. He wages a constant battle with Ichigo over ownership of Ichigo's soul. He is psychotic, seeking only to completely crush his enemies.
Ichigo as a Vizard. Once he's finally able to control his inner Hollow, he can harness his hollow's power to give him greater strength in battle.
Rukia Kuchiki, the first Shinigami that Ichigo meets, and the first source of his Shinigami powers. She and Ichigo have a special relationship, and one of Ichigo's first battles as a Shinigami is to save Rukia from execution in Soul Society.
A classmate of Ichigo's, Uryu Ishida is also a Quincy. Quincies, like the Shinigami, hunt down and kill Hollows, the evil spirits who prey on humans. He and Ichigo often butt heads, as Uryu is much more cautious and thoughtful than Ichigo.
Orihime Inoue, another classmate of Ichigo's. She is sweet, caring, and innocent. Although her spiritual power, called Shun Shun Rikka, has the ability to battle opponents, Orihime rarely uses it as she hates to see anyone get hurt, even her enemies. She does, however, have remarkable healing powers, and can heal wounds that the best healers of Soul Society can't. She is in love with Ichigo and has possibly the strongest spiritual connection to him.
Renji Abarai, Vice-Captain of the 6th Squad and old friend of Rukia's. Although he and Ichigo start out as enemies, they later collaborate in her rescue. Renji is very protective of Rukia, as they both grew up on the streets of the Rukon District of Soul Society. His greatest ambition is to surpass his captain and Rukia's adoptive brother, Byakuya Kuchiki. He and Ichigo are very alike, which of course causes them to argue a lot. But they remain great friends.
Byakuya Kuchiki, the captain of the 6th Squad of the Gotei 13 (Protection Squads) in Soul Society, and Rukia's brother-in-law. He originally helps the forces behind Rukia's pending execution, but later assists in her rescue. He's the head of an ancient noble family, and is very proud and arrogant. He has immense spiritual power and is considered to be the most famous captain in the Gotei 13.
Toshiro Hitsugaya, captain of the 10th Squad. Although some mistake him for a mere child, he is incredibly powerful and possesses the most powerful ice-type zanpakuto in Soul Society. His enemies often make the fatal mistake of underestimating him. He is very serious and dislikes anything childish.
Kenpachi Zaraki, captain of the 11th Squad, and his Vice-Captain, Yachiru Kusajishi. The title of "Kenpachi" is given to the greatest swordsman of each generation, and the Kenpachi is traditionally the captain of the 11th Squad, the most powerful battle squad in the Gotei 13. Zaraki found Yachiru when she was a baby and decided to adopt her after she showed no fear of his bloody sword. Zaraki is bloodthirsty and loves fighting, often laughing his way through battles. Yachiru watches his battles from a safe perch, but otherwise rides on his back wherever he goes.
Kisuke Urahara, the former captain of the 12th Squad currently living in exile in the human world. He is a legendary genius with immense fighting skills, and is very mysterious, but is also caring, goofy, and humble. He trains Ichigo and helps him gain his own Shinigami powers. He often assists Ichigo and his friends in their battles.
Ulquiorra Cifer, the 4th Espada. The Espada are a group of powerful Arrancars (Hollows who have removed their masks), who have joined forces with Captain Aizen, a Shinigami who seeks to overthrow Soul Society. They have the same level of spiritual power as most Shinigami captains. Ulquiorra is cold, brutal, and unemotional. He doesn't believe in human emotions since his eyes cannot see them. However, after spending extensive time with Orihime while she is held captive in Hueco Mundo (the Hollow world) and after battling Ichigo, Ulquiorra finally finds a human heart.
Grimmjow Jeagerjaques, the 6th Espada. He is ruthless, bloodthirsty, and willing to do anything to prove his strength. Grimmjow and Ichigo fight several battles, and even have a kind of respect for each other. Grimmjow even goes against Ulquiorra and the rest of Hueco Mundo to let Orihime heal Ichigo so they can have a fair fight.
A Few of My Favorite Things> I’m addicted to making lists of things. I don’t know why…one of my many quirks, I guess. These are my favorite things (this list is of course subject to change without notice).
My Favorite Books: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Shirley by Charlotte Bronte, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Persuasion by Jane Austen, A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami, Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, All Color But the Black by Tite Kubo, Germinal by Emile Zola, Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder, Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
My Favorite Movies: Amelie, Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Bleach Movie 2: The Diamond Dust Rebellion, Center Stage, Sleepy Hollow, Chakushin Ari, Rinne, Rear Window, The Transporter, Hitman, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Joy Luck Club
My Favorite TV Shows: Bleach, NCIS, Midsomer Murders, Family Guy, Death Note, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Rachel Maddow Show, The Daily Show, Law & Order: CI, South Park, Intervention
My Favorite Songs: Velonica by Aqua Timez, Alones by Aqua Timez, Bleach OST by Shiro Sagisu, Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap, 21 Guns by Green Day, Walking With a Ghost by Tegan and Sara, Limo Wreck by Soundgarden, Disturbia by Rihanna, 18 and Life by Skid Row, Armageddon It by Def Leppard, Intervention by The Arcade Fire, Side by Travis, The Day I Tried to Live by Soundgarden, Say Hello to Heaven by Temple of the Dog, The Last Song by Elton John, Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult, Mary by Oingo Boingo
My Favorite Flowers: lavender, cherry blossoms, iris, snapdragons, hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, peonies, daisies
Favorite Foods: pepperoni pizza with extra sauce, fliet mignon, Fuji apples, croissants, chicken Caesar salad, pasta, garlic bread, tomato soup, potatoes, peppermint ice cream
