The Broken Looking

No, not the kind Michael Jackson uses. The anime kind that I have a sick addiction to. Bleach gives me the same sense of anticipation I get from Lotto winnings, women, and zombies. There's lots of violence, drama, and a talking cat. The description of the show really doesn't do it justice:

Ichigo Kurosaki is a normal high school student -- except that he has the ability to see spirits. But when a Soul Reaper named Rukia gives him her power to defeat an evil ghost, he's tasked with keeping the city safe from the monstrous Hollow spirits that plague the world's earth-bound souls.

And that description only applies for a short time, after that things get really interesting, weird and very violent. And yet, still a whole hell of a lot of fun.

While it really has nothing to do with China (Bleach is Japanese), I did discover an anime site allows me to download my favorite show and not wait for it week by week on Adult Swim. The one thing you discover getting the original versions is how much they clean it up the  American broadcast. The "Soul Reapers" are really called "Death Gods." And the sword they use, "Zanpakuto" is called a "Soul Slayer." And don't forget the occasional profanity. Apparently, Adult Swim ain't all that adult.

As with most anime it is based on manga (Japanese comics). The manga is on issue 280 or so, and the anime is up to 132.  I'm watching episode 63 right now, epidsode 40 is on in the States. And yes, I will watch both versions. Naruto, too. Time with the Soul Society is time well spent.

Last week, I was told by my friend/boss type that I'm so in to my work that I'm letting my China experience pass me by. Even though I denied it, I know there is some truth to the statement. I'm working a lot (and not enough because I know me) to get some things done. I felt like I let some things slip in my last slot. Sure, I was sick for almost 5 and a half months but, what the hell kind of excuse is that? Oh yeah, I was told to stop being so hard on myself. Normally, I tend to ignore that particular comment but, this weekend I heard someone else getting the same speech. And I heard the same protest coming out of her mouth. Now let me say I was watching a subtitled anime show at the time... A little crazy, I know but, since I don't believe in coincidence, I had to take note. It all about the patterns...

So, I'm really sore today because I decided to take the rest of the weekend off and spend it with some people I barely know and do things I that I normally wouldn't. And yes, I will take a few trips while I'm here. I will go to the Great Wall and Hong Kong, at least. Small steps.

 Hmmm, so this is what it takes to get me blogging again.

How do I know? Well, today...

One of my closest friends, who known me for a significant portion of our lives, found a place that she said made great cupcakes & that I would love it. So, I asked her to get me 3 of them. Now, to her credit, she (& her husband) did suggest that I try one before I get that many. But, hey she talked it up like it was the best thing since Christina Ricci in "Black Snake Moan." You guys, know I love my skanks from the South, right? So what the hell, three sounds good to me...  After a particularly unhealthy dinner, I thought, "Cupcake, welcome to hell."  Jokes on me. After the first bite, I literally had to force myself to finish one of the nasty bastards. Now, I'm stuck with 2 cupcakes that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Oh wait, yes I would...

Anyone tells you about a cupcake place in Wallingford Center, run! Run, like you would if Dick Cheney suggested a hunting trip...

Crap. Accidentally deleted this one. :S

Just back from seeing the new movie Black Snake Moan starring Christina Ricci, Samuel L. Jackson, and Justin Timberlake. No, I did not make up that title but, I do like it! It was a small story, with a limited number of characters and locations. Christina Ricci (little Wednesday Addams is 27 now) was a delight as Rae, a girl of questionable actions. Some might call Rae a girl of questionable character but, I didn't see it that way. There were reasons why she did the things she did. It would be easy focus on the character's sexuality and flagrant disregard for her own well-being but, damn if being chained to a radiator, by a broken-down blues man (with issues of his own) doesn't teach her a thing or two. Jackson revels in his role as Lazarus, a name that is more than symbolic. And Timberlake may be a surprise to some but, after his 2 runs on SNL, I know the kid has some skills. You're going to see more of him. Overall, the movie was a surprisingly funny and revealing slice of life in the South. Sure it's pretty far-fetched but, I wanted reality I would turn on the news. 

Tomorrow, my thirteen week obsession comes to an end. MyNetworkTV's "Wicked, Wicked Games" & "Watch Over Me" are coming to a close. About three weeks ago I confirmed the final dates of the show and went through the necessary 5 stages of grief. Now understand, the shows were only intended to run for 13 weeks but, I wanted more. Don't worry, I'm at the stage of "Acceptance."

Five nights a week for over for over 3 months, I have been addicted to solid, trashy goodness. My evenings have revolved around these two shows as many of my friends can attest. Social engagements often took a back seat to Blythe Hunter & the story of Jack Porter and Julia Rivera. After months of being sick & dealing with other issues that I can talk about later, pure escapism was just what I needed and I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

This is why the posts have been infrequent... Hmmm, looking back, nicotine and black tar heroin would have been easier to kick. But not nearly as fun.