The Avengers

Yesterday I saw The Avengers and have to say, it was one of the most entertaining movies to date. SO glad Joss Whedon directed it. I'm a big fan of Firefly (Buffy kicked ass too of course) and it was great to see a Marvel movie directed properly. The dialogue was great a majority of the time, and the development and interaction between the characters was stellar. However, some folks who are totally oblivious to the background stories of the characters might end up with some questions.. though they should still be able to follow what's unfolding in front of their eyes and enjoy some good old-fashioned ass whoopin'. Definitely recommend watching Thor, Iron Man 1 & 2, the Hulk, and Captain America before watching The Avengers. Though all the characters are great, Iron Man has become my favorite. Witty, smart, honest, and he has heart. A little flashy with all the money, but it comes with the territory of success. Thor looks like my husband so of course he's a favorite. Not to mention he's wise and strong-in body and spirit.
The Hulk totally gets points for making me laugh. Never did I think relentless smashing could be so amusing!

Why I Don't give a sh**

When I was quite young I realized that everyone at times, myself included, is full of crap. Everyone has their own agenda, their own opinions, and their own insecurities which no doubt conflict with some of the people we come across in our lives. The problem is that there is no way everything or everyone is going to meet all our expectations or be how we want them to be.
I cringed when I learned that a large percentage of people have abortions once they find out the baby has Down syndrome. Info here: http://mblogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2008/09/down-syndrome-and-abortion-rates/
I cringed even more when I read that about 50% choose to have abortions when they find out their baby has Klinefelters or Turner's syndrome (which I actually was diagnosed with as a mosaic). I couldn't imagine depriving someone of life just because they might end up slightly different looking or have some manageable/reparable health issues, although fully functional and able to live long productive lives (maybe with a bit of assistance in some cases). Yeah, I was born with a heart problem and had to have open-heart surgery.. And yes, I'm on the shorter side. So what? I always did well in school and was on the high honor roll, never had trouble doing well at work, had boyfriends and now a husband, just like all the "normal" babies do. Plenty of other girls with Turner's are doing great as well. Even those with Down Syndrome are managing just fine.
It's hard to tell if it's a lack of understanding, lack of compassion, or what, that causes people to decide on such abortions.. or to advise someone into such an abortion.
If I had listened to the critics and nay-sayers that kept telling me I couldn't because I was different, I would not be where I am today. I would not be me in all my unique glory, but would be someone else's distorted and unhappy version of myself.

Anita Coleman

I remember the kindness you showed when I took a break from the SGI and how funny you thought the 10 Montenegrin commandments on my fridge were.
Your bright and gentle demeanor will be missed. I am sure the heavenly beings rejoice as you enter their realm.

the saga continues..

Amazing what can happen in a year.  A few months after my last post, on my birthday, I got a job at a home health agency.  Three months after that, on February 27th, 2011, at the Coffee Bean by the North Hollywood metro station, I met Chris.  Well, technically we met online 10 days before that, but the coffee bean was our first face-to-face encounter.  I knew after that first encounter that we were going to start dating.  There was an undeniable chemistry, and his interest in and willingness to learn about SGI Buddhism made me think "this one's special".  We are getting married next month!
I have also received 2 raises since I started working at my current job. 
My sister is getting married as well, in April, to her long-time boyfriend. My parents helped her buy a condo and I moved in with Chris in November. My parents are in town now actually, visiting and to attend our weddings.
Life is good.. Funny how things can take a crazy turn for the better after a rough patch. Purely coincidence, or a result of reconnecting with the mystic law after I stopped chanting? I think a little bit of both ;o)