Anybody Seen Requiem For The Phantom?

Would you have the mental capacity and a firm enough sense of self to withstand being kidnapped and forced to kill, or be killed? Which option would you take?

The way I see it, either you're killed so your body dies, or you kill to survive and your spirit dies. Neither are an optimal choice.

How much harder (or easier) could these choices be to choose from if one suffers from amnesia? Could you become an assassin? What sort of goals would keep you going in life? How long until you're mowed down just like the targets you're forced to break, stab and shoot?

It's okay, though. You're not alone. An assassin who has already successfully went through the grooming phase is now grooming you. She's prepared to kill you if you don't listen, or if she is given the order to kill, but she understands you. Maybe. Her emotions seem a little...broken.

As you know by now, Requiem For The Phantom is a dark, grisly mind-twister. It's a fantastic anime for those who love the harder stuff. It has impact! The presentation, animation and relationship development is definitely good. I most definitely recommend this one if you're old enough to handle it.

Remember, anime shouldn't be treated like kiddie cartoons.

The opening has a haunting quality to it. If you'd like to see it, here is a link: Phantom OP

The ending has perfect energy to represent the series: Phantom ED

Go watch this one! If you already have, please tell me what you thought of it. No spoilers in the comments, though!

What should I post about next? I haven't quite decided. Any suggestions?

Until next time, pups and goslings! RoonRune is out!

Dealing & Coping With A Breakup

We think of breakups as if they are an emotional roller coaster of turmoil. It can be a dark time in a person's life. However, if we are to discover not only the person who suits us best, but ourselves (better know our needs, desires and hard limits) then dating and breakups are necessary.

While there is always some form of mourning and a sense of loss after a breakup, it doesn't have to be a gut-wrenching, heart-stomping, nerve-frying period of grief. People can be sensible and accepting of when their values, or personality just don't quite mix well with a partner's. Breaking up doesn't have to mean two people do each other wrong, or hate each other.

Breaking up can be more of a positive experience than a negative one. Two people who don't align in ways that benefit each other and make each other stronger suffer from a disconnection. Somewhere, somehow someone's needs, or wants are not realized, or are unfulfilled. In such a case, if communication does not fix the issue(s), it is best to part ways. Parting doesn't have to be full of blame, dramatic, and/or deliberately painful, but can be respectful.

Hey, sometimes things just don't work out. The fact two people tried is still a good thing. Each have better learned what they need. Plus, they got to know each other on a deeper level. Two people may not make the best romantic couple, but they can still be great friends.

However, there may come a time when we find ourselves in an ugly breakup. These are usually generated by one, or both people becoming angry over an issue that one finds insignificant, but the other considers it a big deal. Everyone views things differently. Everyone places a different value on different things. Anger caused from this, or a misunderstanding, or miscommunication can become highly charged because love is on the line. Love makes everything more electrifying.

And so, we have feelings smashed as the blame game begins. An ugly breakup indeed.

One must understand that mistakes do happen. None of us are perfect. Apologize and move forward. We learn from each other and also through example. Try not to blame yourself, or your ex too much for causing the breakup. Try to appreciate what was shared and what was learned during your time together. Take the time you need to mourn the loss of the relationship and during this time evaluate what you need from yourself, from a potential partner and from life. When you're ready, move on and, if you want to, try another relationship.

If you've experienced a negative breakup and are finding it difficult to move on, here is a wonderful site that can help: Dealing With Relationship Breakups.

Keep your chin up! You will be fine. Allow yourself to have proper time to recover and feel free to message me if you'd like to talk about a bad breakup you may be struggling with (I never ask for personal, or identifiable information – I'm just an anonymous, friendly ear). Breakups can be serious and depressing. As a crisis counselor, I often deal with others figuratively (sometimes literally!) bruised and battered from ugly breakups.

Take care, pups and goslings! See you in the next post! Feel free to drop suggestions on topics you'd like to hear about in the future.

RoonRune is out!

Happy, Lasting and Fruitful Relationships

What makes these type of relationships possible? Is it love? True love can hold out against anything (right?), so that must be the answer.

Well, that's mostly correct, but it takes more than love for two (or more) people to maintain a healthy relationship together. Love is one of the two main keys, but what generates love? How is it given? How is it shown?

First thing is first. Nothing can replace the necessity of taking proper time to fully get to know your partner. One cannot jump headlong into a relationship and expect it to “work out”, or remain stable. Time has to be given in order to learn how to properly communicate and convey love to each other – AKA learning someone's love language. Everyone is unique in how they express love and what actions resonate the most deeply. Time is also necessary so partners can see all facets of each other. What is the good and the bad sides of each other? How are hardships dealt with?

Getting back to “love language”, what exactly is this? It's difficult to describe because this can be just about anything. It all depends on the individuals. It can be a shared look that each correctly interpret to mean “run and snatch up your paintball gun because there is about to be a lover's showdown”, or not getting your partner that newest trending fantasy novel, but instead the latest novel from their favorite fantasy-writing author and have a glass of vanilla milk and their lavender-scented pillow waiting for them as they walk in the door.

Love language is a language developed between people who understand what motivates and comforts their partner(s). It's born from truly caring and observing what a partner needs. It's a must-have for every relationship.

Love is both the easiest and most difficult thing to give. How can one cultivate it and make a relationship work? One truth that must be understood is no ONE person can make a relationship work. It takes all individuals giving EQUAL effort. There is no point (and should be no desire) to maintain a relationship if all parties are not fully invested.

If both (or all) individuals are willing to try, then (once again) time is your greatest ally in making it all happen. With time, as long as one is open about their wants and needs, is willing to compromise together and communicate what they absolutely cannot compromise on (hard limits), then this honest, open communication will generate trust. Trust is the second main key and an absolute MUST in any relationship. If you can't trust your partner, why are you together? Same thing if you both have conflicting hard limits. A relationship where needs are not met, or are neglected is toxic.

Be yourself. Be comfortable together. Communicate, communicate, communicate and don't forget to communicate. Communication is vital to the health of a relationship. It is the main ingredient that allows everything else to grow.

Give respect. Understand boundaries. Unless a valid reason is given to suspect a partner – DON'T. Don't let unfounded fears, or past hurts snake their way in and constrict the relationship. Don't be that insecure person. Jealousy is ugly and shows a lack of confidence. Be yourself. Listen to your partner. Time will reveal everything. If you start suspecting your partner of doing wrong, then at that very moment it is time to reevaluate the relationship.

Please do not ever blame yourself over a cheating partner. 

It takes proper communication and honesty on both sides to keep this from happening. You didn't make them stay silent on their needs, or desires. You didn't make them go behind your back. These were choices they made instead of communicating and working toward a compromise, or communicating and ending the relationship before cheating.

That's all there is to it. A healthy relationship takes time to cultivate and equal effort from everyone involved. Honest, open communication, respect and the ability to compromise are the ingredients to building keys of love and trust. Also, while love doesn't keep tabs on what it gives, it is only polite and decent to maintain a balance of give and take in a relationship. One shouldn't give too much, or take too much all the time, every time. If one truly loves, then giving is as easy as taking and vice versa. The health and happiness of one's partner means just as much as their own.

What do you think about this? Are you in the type of relationship you need? Have you ever been in a bad relationship? I'd love to hear your thoughts if you'd like to share!

Thanks for joining me today, pups and goslings. The next post will most likely be about how to move on after a breakup, and then I think I'll touch on unemployment rut. I'm also considering posting about three-way relationship dynamics. Any suggestions for what you would like to read next?

Until next time!

Anime. Again. May There Always Be Anime!

This will be a short post (yes, I can do short!) and, of course, it is about anime again. I apologize if it is too soon to talk about this subject again, but it is close to my heart.

Actually, not sorry. ANIME ROCKS!!! Ahem. Now that that's out of my system.

I cannot BELIEVE I forgot all about Rage of Bahamut in my last anime post. Just...cannot believe it. This is another one of those rare anime where the characters and their development are unforgettable. Plus, we have FANTASTIC art, animation and music. The storyline is more than decent as well. Overall, I give it 10 out of 5 stars.

If you like action, drive and feeling the hits, then check this one out!

See? I can do short posts. Maybe...too short? Let me know! I love to talk!

Next two posts will be about overcoming unemployment ruts and different from standard relationship dynamics. I will also post some of my artwork here soon. If anyone is interested in trying to win some artwork from me, you can visit my Patreon to learn more.

Thank you and until next time, pups and goslings! Live, Love, Learn and never forget to Laugh.

Have You Ever Lucid Dreamed?

Lucid dreaming is so much fun! Inside your dreams your five senses bring to life anything you can imagine. I enjoy testing out various superpowers, magic and – when I'm feeling nerdy – play out what-if scenarios on a grand scale.

One just has to be careful because if they allow a thought of fear to come in then they can lose control, and then the dream literally becomes their worst nightmare. Yeah, it sucks when that happens. No one knows your fears better than your brain does.

I accidentally discovered how to lucid dream when I was around eleven years old. A couple of years later I could nearly always lucid dream whenever I wanted. I started out by picturing stories in my head and trying to imagine what it would be like to also hear and smell what was going on. Falling asleep this way usually gave me vivid dreams, however; I didn't start lucid dreaming until I had to get up at various times during the night to take care of some ducklings. The act of breaking your sleep cycle is actually very important to lucid dreaming.

This video shares some interesting facts about lucid dreaming and how it might have beneficial aspects: https://youtu.be/OK3SfNxbK3Y

I'd go back to sleep with the story again in my head and suddenly I was dreaming. I knew I was dreaming. At first, as soon as I realized I was dreaming I would wake up. Eventually, though, I could remain asleep while aware. For some reason, imagining one's whole body gently rotating toward the left about three times helps to stay asleep when on the cusp of waking up. The mind is a funny place.

This video has some good tips for lucid dreaming, especially if you rarely recall your regular dreams: https://youtu.be/SA5HOgf3znw

That's really all there is to it. Visualize, sleep, interrupt that sleep (set an alarm), get up for 10 to 20 minutes before laying back down, visualize again and then get ready to lucid dream. It will most likely take some practice to remain asleep at first (a week, or three), but it is one of the coolest things since television.

Let me know if you've ever lucid dreamed. I'd like to know how many can do this. If you've never lucid dreamed before, don't worry. It's possible if you try. Feel free to send me a message if you'd like to discuss lucid dreaming. I find it absolutely fascinating.

The First of Many – Stories In Truck Driving

As the title suggests, I had many...experiences during my truck driving days. This one starts near the very beginning – back during orientation for one of the large starter companies. You know, those big companies that have a high turnover rate, but are a necessary evil if one wants to gain experience in the field.

This will be a rather short story. I think. It's rather anti-climatic, but I believe we can all relate to running across that one person who tries to get back at you for something you weren't at fault for.

It took nearly a month to find a trainer, but after going through the necessary paperwork, slides, speeches and waiting and waiting in a hotel room, I was finally out on the road. In hindsight, I'm so glad I had the patience to wait for the trainer I was assigned as she has become family.

Now, this particular story begins just after training. I was finishing up the last of the paperwork and some classes no one informed me I would need in order to graduate training. I literally heard about them in passing while I was walking through the terminal. Okay, so I talk to some staff and quickly get thrown into some ongoing classes before going back to the hotel to wait the few days for my driving partner (I was to be a team driver). It was nothing major. A few hours of classes, quick tests and done. Or, so I thought.

Once I had completed my additional classes and thought I was to finish up the process and take a final ID picture the following day, I got on the transport van to hop back to the hotel. A tuna sandwich from a vending machine wasn't sitting well on my stomach, but it was all good because I had already completed all my tasks.

Well...

The next day I'm yelled at because apparently I had “disappeared” and kept this particular staff member waiting. She was going to finish up my paperwork and prepare my company ID the previous evening.

I. Didn't. Know.

This last minute change wasn't communicated to me, but it was my fault she had been at the terminal waiting for hours. Hold on... Why wait for hours? Common sense dictates to call my name out over the intercom system, at most, a couple of times and if I don't report in 15 to 30 minutes, or before end of shift then I've missed my chance and no one else is put out for it.

Okay... Sorry?

And so, what used to be a pleasant staff person to speak to every morning became a spiteful, hissing monster. She decided to keep me waiting to take that photo. She just sat at her desk doing nothing while I watched and waited in the lobby. It didn't matter that I had apologized and tried to explain the situation. (Miscommunications are the downfall of any company.) I truly felt bad for not being where I was suppose to be and keeping someone at their post late.

Eventually, she stalled long enough and I inquired to see if another staff member may be able to take my photo so I could catch the transport van back to the hotel before it stopped running for the day. In that instant the hissing monster stomped over to me (she had been watching me speak to another staff member) and said she was ready to take my photo. I was all for it, got it done and got the heck away from snooty-zilla.

I dislike anyone to be angry with me, but in the world of trucking I soon learned a very important lesson: You can't please everyone. No matter how hard you try someone will throw a tantrum at you, regardless if you had anything to do with the issue. Just apologize if you made a mistake and calmly explain the situation. Try not to get upset. It's okay. When it's over, shrug it off and smile. There are nice people in the world.

No one needs a butthole to like them, or be in their circle of friends. Drama Mama, no thank you!

You Are Stronger Than Your Obsessive-Compulsion Disorder

We all have quirks. It adds to what makes us unique. There are certain things we like done a certain way. For instance, turning off the lights when not in the room, visualizing what you're going to grab in the fridge so that the door isn't kept open long, or organizing a toy car collection by year model.

Doing these routines doesn't automatically make one OCD. It's perfectly normal to have a system set for ourselves. However, it becomes a problem when that system begins to dominate our thoughts and actions, and drain us mentally and emotionally. Those who have OCD will understand what I mean by this.

The thoughts and urges are tiring and stressful. No matter how we try to rationalize, the compulsion persists because OCD isn't exactly logical. It's more like anxiety in that it feeds off itself. The more one thinks about it, or gives into the compulsion in order to find reassurance, the more it grows. Also, just like anxiety, the more one tries NOT to think about it, the more our brains will hone in on it until we consider it. Over and over and over again. It's a survival tactic. If something bothers us, then it is a problem that needs to be dealt with, so our minds will try to figure a solution.

How in the world can we beat this if we can't even try to get our minds away from it?

One tip that has helped me with OCD also helps to conquer anxiety. Don't run from the thought, or urge. Now, this doesn't mean to give in to it. It means not to get upset, or worried when your thoughts turn to whatever drives the OCD. Give yourself a set amount of time to consider the OCD, maybe five to fifteen minutes maximum. Recognize it for what it is.

Now, this next step may sound silly, but it helps to reaffirm your mind: Tell yourself everything is okay, whether out loud, or just in your head. If the OCD has you worried about whether you locked the door, or some other task, try to pay extra attention next time you complete that task. You can also connect two tasks together to help remember each. For instance, the door is locked, and then the hallway nightlight is turned on. Focus on the fact you've done it – really focus, so you can tell yourself later you've done it.

Doing this can help curb the constant compulsion to check the lock on the door because one knows beyond a shadow of a doubt they not only locked the door, but also turned on the hallway nightlight, too.

This website is a phenomenal guide with a lot of helpful information, not just for OCD, but for a wide variety of topics concerning mental health, healthy living and much more. https://www.helpguide.org/ I recommend everyone give it look.

At this moment I would like to address an issue that has severely crippled me when it comes to OCD. I have a specific type of OCD called Scrupulocity. It's ironic considering I'm more spiritual than religious. Regardless, intrusive thoughts will suddenly flood into my mind, especially when I've let my guard down to try to sleep. It gets to where even the act of breathing feels as if I'm “pushing” negative feelings toward God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit.

It's incredibly difficult not to react strongly to these thoughts, or desperately push them away. Remember how trying not to think about them only makes the thoughts harder to ignore? And so, I feel horrified, like I am sinning and it is as if my soul is doomed because I'm nasty, rude and disrespectful. It's a nasty, mental cauldron that I stew in, which turns into a noxious case of anxiety. Needless to say it keeps me from sleeping easy.

How can anyone be accepting of these thoughts and feelings so that they don't cause such a strong, negative reaction when just having them makes one's soul feel damned? Logic doesn't work in the midst of one of these OCD attacks. Reason means nothing until the episode finally starts to end and you feel the relief the logic brings.

Even so, I have found what helps.

That help is, of course, prayer. I tell God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit just how these negative thoughts make me feel. I apologize for the intrusive thoughts, but also recognize the OCD for what it is. The more strongly I feel towards it, or try to push it away, the more it will continue to hound me. However, I take assurance in that God knows the truth about me. He knows what's really in my heart. He knows how I truly feel, and so I don't have to keep repeating prayers to Him to “make up” for having such thoughts and feelings.

This in turn calms the negative reaction and helps to break the cycle and constant need for assurance, although; it doesn't cure it. Remember, logic has little place during an OCD episode.

The second action that has helped is writing a letter to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Again, this may seem silly, but I wrote the letter explaining that it is mostly for my benefit. In the letter I wrote about my terrible thoughts and feelings. How I don't want to cause harm, or be a horrible person. That I want to be loving and respectful both inside and outside of prayer. I wrote the key facts about myself that I desperately need to focus on during an episode. Now, when I'm going through an episode, it helps tremendously to reread that letter and know that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit KNOW. That I DON'T have to keep repeating prayers. That I can just breathe and let the thoughts and feelings go. Everything is okay.

The terrible thoughts lessen. Their hold isn't nearly as strong.

Some may find it helpful to wear a cross to “remind” themselves they are dedicated no matter any intrusive thoughts.

So, yes, you are stronger than your Obsessive-Compulsion Disorder. It surely can't be erased right away, but we can beat it down and overcome it. If you'd like to message me to talk about OCD, feel free to do so. I work as a crisis counselor so have experience in assisting those who could use someone to talk to. If you'd like to share your experience with overcoming OCD, I would love to hear your story. Many people probably would, too.

Wishing you all the best! I'll be posting again soon. Next time will probably be about the crazy time I had as a truck driver. Stay tuned for more!

UPDATE: I've discovered something else that works wonders to dissipate the anxiety caused be
Scrupulocity. In prayer I mentioned the surety I would have negative thoughts and feelings again. They won't just go away, or stop bothering overnight. After all, this is something I have been dealing with for approximately two decades. Logically, I know that continuing to be bothered and fret over the thoughts and feelings just makes them that much stronger and frequent. So, in prayer I let it known that I would have these thoughts and feelings, but remain silent. As in, I would not be repeating any prayers to combat the thoughts, or feelings. In doing so I am ignoring the negativity and toning down my reaction to it so that its power continues to lessen. 

When I have these thoughts I will fill my heart with love and appreciation rather than succumb to disgust and worry. How? I reaffirmed in prayer that I want to be a loving and respectful person, so no matter when these thoughts and feelings intrude, my heart is one fact that will not change. There is no need to be burdened with the constant need to repeat prayers. There is nothing to make up for! (I imagine God may be happier that I'm not always yapping at Him. Haha!) My heart is known to God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost, so I can let go, feel love and try to sleep easier at night. 

Last night, I got some fantastic sleep. I'm SO HAPPY!

Insomnia Is A Four Letter Word

Obviously, it isn't, but it should be.

Most every night is a struggle to fall asleep and I can never fall asleep to any sort of schedule. It's been a real pain in the butt. Well, mostly a pain in the head as lack of sleep means a headache and cobwebs for brains.

Have you dealt with insomnia? If so, what helped you?

I've tried relaxation techniques, meditation, calming music, nature sounds, ear plugs, change of diet, exercise and even a new bed.

It's helped. I only see the sun rise three to four times a week now.

I've also tried Unisom, valerian root (taking the supplement gave me hives), melatonin (1mg up to 10mg), various herbal teas, Sippin' Syrup (which worked well enough and was super tasty, but has too much sugar and can get quite expensive), milk, magnesium and even banana tea.

In case you've never tried banana tea: https://2breathe.com/articles/sleep-solutions/sleep-remedies/2-banana-tea-recipes-awesome-sleep/

In case you're interested in Sippin' Syrup: http://www.sippinsyrup.com/

Would you choose to become a millionaire if doing so meant never having another full night of rest? Probably not. No one can put a price on good sleep.

I believe my issue is I can't shut my mind off. It just keeps making noise worse than a neighbor dancing on the second floor above. Funny thing is...apparently sleep helps calm the mind. Woo! Go figure. If only I could do that.

Any suggestions? At this point I'd be willing to try a frying pan, or baseball bat. Heck, I'd even run in front of a sedation dart gun! But, ow...and I'd be groggy so what's the point?

I'm just going to sob softly now. As I write this, the windows are starting to show morning sunlight.

The Basics That Really Helped Me Learn To Draw

I love drawing. Sometimes it's just weird colors and outdoor scenery. Drawing the night sky is one of my favorite ways to pass the time. The pattern of stars, stardust, galaxies, the moon, lights and colors are unique and beautiful. Captivating. I also have fun drawing designs for Reddit sub communities, like Entitled People and Pro Revenge. This is one of the designs I'd like to sell.

Anyway, back on track. Negative space and catching the eye to make it flow over the entire image is important, but the key to start with is finding size and shape. This lays the groundwork for your drawing.

Begin with basic shapes. Whatever you intent to draw, break that image down into basic, easy shapes such as circles, triangles and rectangles. Lightly sketch onto your page these building blocks. Don't erase anything just yet, even if you make a mistake. Continue to draw lightly until you have the size, and then shape you need.

Once you're done, you can erase until what you have left is all you need. A good artist uses their eraser nearly as much as their pencil to draw, or so I've heard.

Some find it best to work with gray tones before trying to apply color. This can increase the dynamic effect and depth of the drawing. As for myself, I love to jump straight into experimenting with colors to see what “pops”. I like to see if I can create a certain effect, or illusion.

There are many different color schemes. For instance, complementary, split complementary, tetradic complementary, triadic complementary, analogous and monochromatic. It's so much fun, plus color is a powerful thing. Did you know that being surrounded by a bright and cheery yellow for extended periods of time can actually make one grumpy?

Speaking of color, I found this site quite interesting: https://www.canva.com/learn/color-theory/

If you'd like to show off your art skills, you can find me on FaceBook, Instagram and Twitter. Instagram is all about posting images, so I often post drawings on there.

Catch you in the next post, pups and goslings. If you have a topic you'd like me to discuss, please let me know in the comment section below. RoonRune is wishing you lots of happiness! Although, not too much cheery yellow. Just no.

Top 10 Favorite Anime Characters & Why

You already know from the title that I have a passion for anime. If you're here you most likely share this same passion. Right on and high five!

Anime is brilliant. The art, the colors, the animation itself where even the act of a blink has to be planned out and timed, the music...the possibilities! Mwahahahaha! Yes, it's more addicting than crack and trust me when I say I've found it very difficult to narrow this post down to just 10 characters from 10 different anime.

THE RULE is you can only pick one character from each of the ten anime of your choosing. I've chosen my favorite characters based on how engaging the series itself was (to me) and how much of a pull these characters had (to me) within their world.

Fun Fact: Did you know it takes one animator a week to make one second of animation? This includes the very beginning of concept, to drawing and timing keyframes and in-betweens, to coloring and editing. THAT'S how much brilliance and effort goes into animation. It no joke! Animators work their tails off.

DRAGON BALL Z

First in line is the ever popular DBZ. Not only is this considered the godfather of Japanese animation here in America, it was my first ever anime and the first show I diligently followed as a kid. Forget soap operas! (Seriously, soap operas are boring.) This show had me hooked and I still love (the original) to this day. DBZ is what led me to obtaining my Bachelor's in Media Arts and Animation.

My favorite character? Gohan. He starts out as this overly scared and whiny child (this is what helicopter parenting does), but over the course of the show he finds courage and a zest for life. Not only is he powerful – which when we ourselves are children we ADORE child stars – but he is kind, gentle, thoughtful, reliable, determined and loyal. He is a wonderful person! My only gripe is his older teenage phase. Saiyaman...you made me cry...or at least facepalm hard. PTSD from encountering the Ginyu Force maybe? You called them goofballs, Gohan, why are you acting like one?!?

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST

Brotherhood is amazing and follows the manga (which rocks!), but I'm talking about the first anime series of FMA. The art style had more grit, in my opinion and I diligently followed the story. So much so that when my job at the time called me in to work late and close, I considered saying no just because I would miss the weekly episode featured on Adult Swim. It was the episode where we got to see the aftermath of Envy punching a hole through Ed's chest! Come on! We all saw the light leave Ed's eyes in the previous episode.

Edward Elric is my favorite from this series. How could he not be? Although, Alphonse Elric is a rather close second. Ed is powerful and smart in a small package. (Yes, I called him small. He knows he is short.) However, what really draws me to Ed is his sheer undying determination and loyalty to his brother. His spit-fire personality only adds to his appeal.

D.N. ANGEL

This series captivated me with its amazing artistic backgrounds. I love the town of Azumano. Seriously! I would love to live in a place like this. The hills and cliffs overseeing the sparkling ocean, combined with the trolleys and cobblestone paths are just so appealing. Then we have the whole concept of two personalities in one body, or should I say spirit? The addition of wings to fly all over the wondrous city just makes it that much more attractive. It's no wonder I wrote fan fiction about it.

Okay, this one was really difficult. I love all the characters for many reasons, but the one who stands out is Daisuke Niwa. He isn't perfect. None of us are, but that's exactly what makes him appealing. He is trying his best to be accepting of his crazy and sometimes painful position as well as a good person. He is sweet, a little goofy and clumsy, but yet can still pull off some mad physical stunts. Also, he's smart and intuitive...in some areas. Others...not so much. Oh well, he's young. He'll learn.

TORIKO

There's just something about animes that can blow through the realm of possibility and still retain a sense of believably. This series is just so creative and awesome with its FOOD, FOOD, FOOD and fight scenes. I can't help but love the adventures with Komatsu and the Four Kings. Don't try to diet when watching this. A good idea is to have healthy snacks available, such as fruit, vegetables and lean proteins. I'm being serious...

Ah! Another difficult anime to pick from! I love Komatsu and all the Four Kings, but Toriko takes the cake. Why? He is funny. Yeah, he's powerful, determined, loves life and has great respect for it, but he is just too funny. (The Durian Bomb episode killed me and has become my all-time favorite scene of any anime. They'd mentioned durian in the series twice, so I was wondering when it would become a thing.) Plus, he really loves food. He's adorable!!

DETECTIVE CONAN / MAGIC KAITO

Oh man, this series! I can't pick what I like most about it. It's spanned for over 20 years (eep gad! Over 900 episodes, 21 movies and how many OVAs, specials and dramas?!?), and so as one watches they can see how the art styles and animation effects have changed over the years. The best part? Over these many years the characters are voiced by all the same seiyuus (voice actors). I don't know about you, but when a series changes its voice actors...it's not the same at all. Yes, I've written fan fiction for this series, too. Actually, I'm currently working on more. Fan fiction shows love for the series and helps develop writing skills, which I'm using to write my own original novel as well. Yay! (If you're interested, I plan on posting the first chapter of my story here soon.)

We already know I've had issues picking a favorite, so let's just get to it. Kaitou KID is my favorite. He is a cool, fun-loving mystery with an eidetic memory. With nerves of steel he pulls off the impossible with a scimitar grin. He is so suave, but inside he is such a goofball. Deeper still is his totally serious and butt-kicking side, although; he is adamant no one gets hurt even as he balances trying to expose his father's killers while keeping the unaware safe from the clutches of the large, evil organization. What a tightrope act that must be!

ANGEL BEATS

The plot behind this anime is so engaging. Everyone is dead! Some remember how they died, some can't. For now, they're stuck in-between and aren't sure why they're stuck. Where even is the in-between? The story...the characters...oh my heart. The development is supreme and so is the presentation. My heart couldn't sit still, especially after episode three and on from there. Oh! Oh!

I have to pick?!? Darn it! Then it has to be Misami Iwasawa. Remember that third episode? Her determination, her dreams, her strength...are beautiful. I tear up just thinking about everything she went through, how she rose and blossomed and became what she needed herself to be. Misami is a powerful and motivating character. Honestly, the whole series is full of these type of characters.

CHEEKY ANGEL

Okay, this is the third series here with 'Angel' in the title. I'm developing a kind of pattern. Anyway, this is an older series (love that animation!) that stole my heart. For a multitude of reasons. The characters' development, the story, animation and delivery are something to be proud of. Wow. The main character is a girl, but she identifies as a boy. It's funny, it's serious, it's heartfelt and amazing. Have I mentioned the character development is great?

My favorite character is hands-down Miki. She's the best! She's gentle, kind, smart, full of goodwill and will do anything for the best interest of those she cares about. An all-around good person who learns to better stand up for her own wants and needs.

DISASTROUS LIFE OF SAIKI K

If you haven't seen this anime, go watch it. Right now. Just go watch it. It's out-of-this-world hilarious without undermining itself. It's grounded and the characters are phenomenal. If you've watched it once, go watch it again. Okay, you don't have to. I'm just expressing how much I fell in love with this one. It somehow mixes cool and funny at the best ratio I've seen to date.

My favorite character...darn it! I have to pick again? It has to be Kusuo Saiki. He may be super powerful, but we can all still relate to him in some way. His sarcasm is point on and his false apathy just makes it all the more entertaining.

BOKU NO HERO ACADEMIA

Basically, Japanese Marvel Universe. Oh, yeah! This is definitely one of those series that need to be marathoned. Just can't get enough. The world, the ideas and plot, the characters, the art, the animation, the music (opening three is the best!) and, of course, the quirks.

Darn it! Okay, my favorite is...oh geez...why did I pick such a difficult topic to blog about? It has to be Izuku Midoria. Everyone loves an underdog and this guy has determination, motivation and the ability to see objectives completed in spades. Under all that he has the right reasons for wanting to become a hero. Also, his mental and physical endurance is off the charts. Who has that much pain tolerance?

YURI!!! ON ICE

What can I say? This show is beautiful on so many levels. The art, the animation, the goals and the story. It's not your typical anime. All the animes I've written about here have heart, yes, but this one has a heart that stands out. One can dream and give their all, but the difference between success and being left behind ultimately comes down to opportunity. We all need someone in our lives who will give us a chance.

This decision wasn't too hard. My favorite character is Yuri Katsuki. One can relate and empathize with him so well. He falls down and sometimes falls hard. He experiences moments where he wants to stay down and just break. However, his passion refuses to be snuffed out even when he is on the brink of throwing in the towel and feeling emotionally beaten by the world. Yep, this one is a marathoner.

Phew! That took longer than expected. Wow.

So, what are your 10 favorite anime series and characters? I'd really like to know, but please don't feel you have to go into detail like I did. Although, if you want to, I will definitely read what you have to say!

Some honorable mentions:

ATTACK ON TITAN – EREN JEAGER

GET BACKERS – GINJI AMANO

NIGHT HEAD GENESIS – NAOTO KIRIHARA

ONE PIECE – MONKEY D. LUFFY

S-CRY-ED – KAZUMA TORISUNA

TIGER & BUNNY – IVAN KARELIN aka ORIGAMI CYCLONE

TOKYO GHOUL – KEN KANEKI

TRIGUN – VASH THE STAMPEDE

WALLFLOWER – SUNAKO NAKAHARA

XXXHOLIC – KIMIHIRO WATANUKI

YU-GI-OH! – JOEY WHEELER

YU YU HAKUSHO – SHUICHI MINAMINO aka KURAMA

A CRAPPY BOSS SERVED AT LEAST 7 HELPINGS OF JUSTICE

About a decade, or so ago – back when I was naive and new to the job industry – I worked for this rather terrible boss. Most of us have unfortunately experienced just how difficult and hectic having such a boss can make working life. It can even spill into your everyday, personal life. Ugh. 
 

Somehow, I managed to survive for (only) a little over three months before I was steamrolled out the door. During that time, I experienced many blame games, ridiculous requests and inconveniences (almost to the point of not being able to do my job!) resulting from poor and lazy management. Not JUST from the general manager AKA boss, but from the store manager as well. I don't know how the assistant manager handled all the burdens thrown her way, but without her covering two of the five stores no employee would have been able to work and the stores would have went under much faster than they did.

None of those stores are open now. They are just dusty husks of their structures. A result, I believe, that stems from the two, or three people who approached me one-on-one during a few of my shifts. These people told me about the horrible things the boss had done and warned me I needed to leave before any of it happened to me. From simply not getting paid for work, to being prosecuted for stealing hundreds in lottery money, stealing store product, or accused of selling tobacco to minors and also being subjected to sexual harassment.

Each person had paperwork with them and warned me they were going to court and were absolutely determined to bring this boss down. Hard. Without mercy. They were livid as they recounted what happened to them. Not only them, but other former employees they had rallied together. Apparently, there were at least five others who were ready to fight.

Stupid me. I should have left the job then and there. I had already experienced issues; such as it taking months to be given one too-large uniform shirt, but never a name tag, nor the promised increased pay after my initial probation period. I was SO naive. 
 

However, it wasn't until after my friend, who managed a different store and who recommended me for hire to the boss, was suddenly fired that crap really started to fling my way. It was cruel how the boss treated my friend. My friend had worked hard to manage multiple stores and had done loads of repairs and cleaning by himself, saving the stores thousands of dollars. He had recently been promised a raise, which would help as he was newly married. Then, as soon as he had done all the extensive labor, he was fired without warning and without reason. Over the phone. 

This left me feeling angry. Out of loyalty, since he was my friend, I asked him if he wanted me to quit. I didn't want to work for such a jerk, but he told me he knew I needed the job and to try to stick it out until I could find something else.

Without him working, everything got thrown onto the assistant manager, since neither the boss, nor the manager wanted to work. It was almost too much for the assistant manager, but for the sake of keeping her job so she could support her son through a crisis, she held in there. Seriously. The manager would come in, plop in her office with food and a fashion magazine and stay in there reading and eating until she left for the day. The assistant manager did all the paperwork. It didn't even matter if I was out of change, which I ran out of change on a Friday and remained that way over that weekend. I was told to deal with it and ask for change from costumers, or only take exact change if they didn't use credit, or debit.

Late at night I had to go outside alone where there wasn't even a camera or much light to stick the gas tanks and clean the trash cans. My car had already been broken into once and I was dealing with a stalker at the time. The manager griped about having the employee work scheduled moved out of sight from the costumers and pinned in the office where it belonged. I guess the manager didn't want to be disturbed while she goofed off in there. 
 

My hours were cut until I was lucky to work seven hours a week after being promised no less than thirty-six hours a week. Driving thirty minutes one way to work just for three, or four hours of work at minimum pay really hurt and all I had was a van. Gas was (and still is!) expensive. I started being accused of taking lottery money and cigarettes, but nothing was ever done about it because they said the cameras hadn't caught me yet. Was told off for staying too late to finish all my work, and then – once I found a way to work more efficiently and get it all done in good time – was yelled at for not doing any of my duties. I was scared, confused and dreaded going to work.

Even so, I reminded the boss of our agreement that I work no less than thirty-six hours a week. The response I received made my jaw drop. I was told no such promise was made, but if I wanted more hours then I could go to the other stores any time I wanted – where I didn't know the employees, they didn't know me and remember I was never given a name tag – and ask to take money from the register to go off store property and buy cleaning supplies to return and clean with.

I told the boss I didn't feel comfortable with that if I wasn't so much as scheduled and the employees told to expect me, or even given a certain amount of money and a list to buy off of. It just SCREAMED wrong, especially since I had already been accused of stealing. 
 

Although I needed the hours, I didn't take the bait – erm, I mean offer. 
 

The final straw was when I got sick to the point I couldn't get out of bed and called the manager. She never picked up. I must have called her three, or more times throughout the day, leaving voice messages on top of texting her. What hurt is her voicemail greeting included something along the lines of “if I don't get back with you then you're not important”. Of course, I already called the store to speak with the assistant manager so someone knew I couldn't make it and apologized to her for not being able to come in for my shift. I felt so bad for her. She already had so much to deal with. 
 

The three days I was bedridden, I was unable to contact either the manger, or the boss. I should mention a couple weeks after my hours were reduced I went to the Unemployment Office to file partial unemployment to help make ends meet. Once I was able, since I couldn't contact the two lazy managers by phone, I sought them out at the stores. I finally caught the boss. At this point I had spoken with the assistant manager and discovered I had been taken off the schedule. 
 

The response I received from the boss once again made my mouth drop open. The excuse? It was believed I had quit because I didn't show up for work and unemployment had been in contact. I called BS and recounted the many times I had tried to call, as well as the fact unemployment would have made it clear that I had filed for PARTIAL unemployment. Had I seen, or been able to get in touch with the boss more often I would have mentioned having to file in the first place. 
 

Regardless of having not quit, I was no longer allowed to work and wouldn't receive the two checks I was owed until I turned in my uniform shirt. Having expected this possibility, I walked to my van, grabbed my one, overly large shirt and thrust it at the boss. I wanted my checks before I left. Thankfully, I was given them without further hassle. 
 

The real hassle came in trying to collect unemployment. The boss and manager fought with me and tried to get my benefits denied. After many appeals, I won, but I took a penalty because of the lies they said against me. 
 

Some time passed. I stayed friends with the assistant manager. While I had been working, I had attended classes for my GED. One day I showed up with my diploma in a legal document folder to show off to her. Not five minutes after my arrival, the manager pulls up in her car and stares at me. Just stares. She never leaves her car. I see her stony face pale as she stares at the folder I'm holding. I look at the assistant manager, share one last laugh with her, and then leave so as not to get her in trouble. 
 

Finally, the moment everyone is waiting for that makes this long story worth it! Justice! Guess who got caught stealing all that store product and lottery money? The manager was jailed for it! The same butthole that had made all us employees count everything before and after every shift to “try to catch the culprit”. It was in the newspaper and all I could do was laugh and hope the young, single mother who had been fired for stealing would now be able to clear her name. 
 

I turned in documents about what all had happened to me while working under the boss. Combine that with the force of former employees that were out for vengeance... Yeah, all five stores closed. There must be a lot of crap that happened because the properties and buildings have yet to be renovated for another business to move in.

I lost touch with the assistant manager after a while, but the last time I saw her she seemed to be doing well at a better job. For this I am thankful. 
 

Crappy bosses are awful, aren't they? Especially when you're starting work for the first time and don't know your rights, who to turn to for help, or know the proper steps to take for legal assistance.

If you have a story about a crappy boss you'd like to share with me, please submit it to my Reddit community where you can receive credit for your story. I may even make a YouTube video out of it. I discovered Reddit through YouTube videos and enjoy listening to stories while on my walks, so maybe others would enjoy reading, or listening to your stories, too. 
 

Come share with us! If you have any questions, or comments about it be sure to speak your mind in the comment section here. Thanks and I'll see you next post. I'm hoping to post daily, so stay turned for more and if you have any suggestions on topics you'd like to hear about, please do let me know! 

Next post will be about favorite anime characters. I hope you join me for that one. Animation is a passion of mine. So much so that I have a Bachelor's in Media Arts and Animation. Watching the shows is a form of studying for me. Teehee!