????? What Yu-Gi-Oh! Guy is Best for You ?????

Yami's your ideal guy! He's outgoing and strong; a real leader! He, like his younger counterpart Yugi, is very honest and cares very deeply about his friends. But, unlike Yugi, he is definately not childish. He's very mature and would be great to go to about your problems. He's an AMAZING Duellist (he'd have to be to be the King Of Games!). Congrats! Take this quiz! Quizilla | Join | Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

*laughs* Sounds about right. <3


Also, this is a notice to any of my loyal readers (*sweatdrops*) that I'll probably be discontinuing use of this LJ. I've had it for years, and I have certain associations with it... I might use it to post quiz results or something; I haven't decided yet. However, As so many things in my life have changed and are changing, I'm changing LiveJournals, too. If you'd like to know what my new one is, feel free to leave a comment and I'll add you to my friends list on the new journal as well.

Much love,
Rissa

P.S. You should definitely look up this song on YouTube. I LOVE it. It's in English, French, and... Arabic? Not sure. It combines great back-up dancers, bellydancing, and typical pop stuff. Here's the URL if you're interested: http://youtube.com/watch?v=zvC8GpOL4Lk If you DO watch, leave a comment and tell me what you thought! :D And if you have a preference between the blonde and the dark one. I'm curious. ;)

P.P.S. Holy shit, I leave in a week for France. x_x

It is NOT "MY RANDOLPH COLLEGE," bitches. Why can't you just LEAVE the old goddamn skin for the classes of 2008, 9, and 10? Is it REALLY that hard to phase it in? Is it?

I hate it.

Believe it or not, I hadn't been there before today. Don't ask me HOW I've lived in this town for more than seven years and never been there. XD I haven't the faintest idea. But I LOVED it. I had really meant to shop with Daddy, but I was too distracted by all of the organic products. All-natural shampoos, toothpastes, candles, incense, dietary supplements, etc... Books on herbs, international cuisine, healthy living, alternative medicine... CDs from different places around the world (one was all Arabic music! *starry-eyed*)... I would LOVE to just go on a shopping spree there.

And outside on the lawn there was live music and there were crowds of people, almost like a festival, but a normal thing! Children, couples, grandparents, college students... all types of people. THAT's the kind of thing I've always loved, the kind of community that I've always wanted access to. Chapel Hill is a goldmine of a college town, from what I'm discovering. I'd love to live in a place like that... But not from where I am now.

Dad and I would both prefer living in town. We could walk places very easily, or bike, even. We could participate more, be more sociable. A smaller house means less to clean, less energy wasted (if you do things right). It would be easier to wake up and walk to the farmer's market. We could save gas - and money!!! - from not driving everywhere. We would be more connected... *sighs*

But Mom loves where we live. And she couldn't walk anywhere even IN town... and she refuses to get a motorized wheelchair, heaven forbid. She's been resisting getting even a decent manual wheelchair for YEARS... Years in which her back has gotten worse from all the bumps in the road and from the lifting a heavy wheelchair in and out of the car or truck. And she loves our yard - she says it's like a park. But that means she spends time weeding and gardening... How can you choose which to preserve, a body or a spirit?

Anyway. Maybe I'll be able to choose an apartment or a small house in the middle of a small college town someday. Near a store like Weaver Street, that has organic stuff and health food and cares about preserving the environment and our bodies. I feel like I'm starting everything so late in life, but 19 isn't old yet. It's just that I hear all of those amazing athletes and musicians say "oh, yeah, I started doing such-and-such when I was five years old..." and I get discouraged. XD But there are other people who take up something new when they're 50 or older and start making a living out of it!

So I'm good. And I need to find "Yes To Carrots" somewhere. Wonder if anyplace other than Walgreens stocks it... Hmm...

It's amazing to me how much fantasy and fiction can really affect us. It can, though, doubtless. That's always been my argument to say that all of the characters actually exist, by the way - how could something affect us if it didn't exist? It couldn't; it's as simple as that.

But what implications does that leave for so-called reality? Existing and taking material form are two different things entirely. For example, one could note that the existence of unicorns (immaterially) casts an unfair shadow over real horses who, although justly magnificent in their own right, cannot be something that they aren't. It's utterly unfair to compare the two. And the horse actually has many wonderful things that men may desire but never find in a unicorn. A material form, the willingness to work hard and side-by-side with humans, strength and sturdiness, a humble lack of bothersome fame (no luck for the unicorn!)... etc. I could go on, or pick another example.

But then what of the man who yearns for a unicorn? Is he fated to be labled as "out of touch with reality" for the rest of his life? Will he be content with his magnificent steed without a feeling of settling? Does he hold a hope - and isn't it a hope in vain? - that somewhere, there's a *material* unicorn?


...In other news, I've been reading WAY too many Yugioh fanfics. XD And there was a lovely thunderstorm briefly this evening. And Case called me! ^^

I utterly wish I had a yami. *chuckles* Living in a fantasy world is fun, yes? Min, I know you know what I mean. If you're reading this. Seeing as you haven't updated in FOREVER. *subtle hint* Ne? Oi. Mou jikan jyan?

I have decided that dragons are a major part of my life. They've sort of surrounded me without my notice, but I have apologized and acknowledged them. They seem pacified. Although one of them still lacks a name. *ponders*

In other news, my trip to Maryland was quite enjoyable, when it wasn't sad. I absolutely adore both Jim and John. I'd like to call Jim Granddad, but I'm not sure how Mom feels about it. John is an absolute sweetheart, and I'm going to make some CDs for him. It was also good to see two sets of grandparents, two sets of aunt/uncles, several cousins, several second cousins, and "other." XD Matt's really grown up - I can't believe he's married! o.O But I quite like his wife (so weird to say, like whoa)... whose name I can never remember. -_-; Great, Rissa. Really impressive. Anyway... there are other members of my family who are a bit more aggravating, but I'll chalk it up to idosyncracies and call it endearing for now. Who knows how long they'll be around?

I have a cold sore. It hurts. I just noticed it about an hour ago. Ouch.

Fresh berries and toast make for a perfect breakfast.

The summer seems endless and too short at the same time.

Hey everyone! Just a quick note to let you know that I'll be out of town and away from computers for a while... probably until Thursday or so. My little cousin, Alicia, is graduating from high school tomorrow and I want to be there with her. Feel free to leave messages or email me, and I'll reply when I can.

Much love!
Rissa

P.S. Anyone have any YuGiOh cards they don't want? XD

I'm missing Japan at the moment. I miss purikura and all the WONDERFUL food. I miss my (first) host family, too. I'd love to go back and spend a few weeks with Natsuki and Okaasan and Otousan again. But my Japanese is so bad!!!!! T_T *sighs*

Anyway. This morning was fun! The local EMTs did a practice emergency drill in our neighborhood. There were firetrucks, ambulances, everything! We all had roles, too. We were patients or dead - I got a sprained wrist and minor cuts/abrasions. I was well taken care of, but some of the other patients "died." ^^;; It was supposed to have been a tornado, so people had all sorts of injuries. There were broken legs, broken ribs, broken arms, head wounds, a diabetic who was going into shock, a lady having a heart attack, etc. There were people of all ages involved - it was like a neighborhood party with fake blood and bruises! XD And I got to have my arm in a sling. So that was fun.

Now, I really should go buy those tickets to Ireland...

Love,
Rissa

Wow. Talk about inner conflict. That is all. x_x

So I got my new glasses today. I do like the frames! They'll take getting used to, but I really like them. They're bolder, which makes them more of a fashion accessory and less of a necessity. It gives me more personality, rather than a handicap. It's not, "oh, poor girl, she has to wear glasses;" it's "oh, look at those fun frames!" ^^ So I'm happy.

In other news, I saw Izzy briefly at Harris Teeter, which was nice. We were never terribly close, but it's always nice to see a familiar face, you know?

I'm still on my Yugioh kick. I like my new deck; I reworked it a bit. I wish I could use my J-cards; oh well. I'm also pondering cosplaying Dark Magician Girl. THAT would be fun! XD Besides, who else could I be? If you have suggestions, I'm ready to hear them. Preferably characters with medium-long blonde hair so I wouldn't have to deal with a wig. The list I've thought up so far of characters that I could do decently is something like Zoisite, Usagi, Minako (Sailor Moon); Dark Magician Girl (Yugioh); Eve (Black Cat); Relena, Sally, Dorothy (Gundam Wing); Misuzu (Air); Joyleaf (ElfQuest); Maetel (Galaxy Express 999); Cleo (Majutsushi Orphen); Integra (Hellsing)... The main problem is that the majority of them have BANGS, which would be a problem for me. Are bangs really that great? Should I get them? Lord knows they'd probably improve my appearance... *ponders* And I WOULD like to do a female character, with Zoisite being the possible exception. *sigh* We'll see. Any suggestions/comments would be MOST welcome!!! And preferably from something that I've actually seen and enjoyed.

Love to all,
Rissa

So today was supposed to be a sort of mini get-together. But in the end, no one could come except for Fu. I almost just cancelled it entirely, but I had really been looking forward to it, and I knew that I wanted an excuse to see Fu again anyway, since we've been so distant online recently.

Anyway, we ended up having a good time. We watched Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind as well as Howl's Moving Castle. I also got to see some of the shots from his photo shoot, which was awesome. He's still shy and unsure of himself, but I guess that might never change. ^^;

I've spent fun times talking with Jim, Grandmom's boyfriend. I really like him! It almost feels like I have a grandpa again (with her; as opposed to my other three). He's talkative!! It's fun to listen to him though. He's very intelligent and sociable, and quite the gentleman! It's hard to find gentlemen in this world anymore, but Goddess knows he's a real one! ^^

Anyway, I probably need to sleep. But it's worth noting that I'm on a Yugioh kick again at the moment. Cards, episodes, songs, fics, slash, drawings, everything! Fu even tolerated sitting with me and looking through a whole slideshow earlier. Now wasn't that nice of him? *chuckles*

Good night all...
Rissa

Happy Birthday to ME! XD

Love,
Rissa

This song calms me down.

I've had a good day... Mom and I went out and bought flower pots and some plants, and I'm going to have my own garden in my dorm room next year. I'm quite excited!

"I hope I love you all my life."

Then we went to the recycling center and went out to a cheap dinner with Dad. Despite the fact that it was cheap Mexican food, it was actually quite enjoyable. I also got a short letter from my love, wishing me a happy birthday and promising a big hug in less than a month.

"'Cause I miss you, body and soul so strong that it takes my breath away."

And we just watched Under the Tuscan Sun together - my all-time favorite movie in the world, forever. I can't help but smile for hours after I've seen it. I love the characters. I love the scenery. I love the humor, the love, the pain, the colors, the outfits, the weather, the music - everything. I always end up wanting to buy an Italian villa and renovating it by myself. Okay, not by myself - with a group of polish workers. XD

"'Cause I love you, whether it's wrong or right."

I could be utterly happy by myself, you know. In a life I built for myself, in a house I furnished by myself, with money I earned myself. I could raise children myself, I could smile by myself. But I don't HAVE to be by myself, and having that at the same time is perhaps the best thing of all. What a great way to end my eighteenth year in this world.

"If I'm not made for you, then why does my heart tell me that I am?"

I don't think I've been this relaxed and happy in quite a long time, even if it only lasts a moment.

"And I pray that you're the one I build my home with."

All my love,

Rissa

I'm glad to say that I'm feeling significantly better today, although I wouldn't say that I'm entirely healthy yet. But hooray for feeling better! I still couldn't sing well, but at least I know I'm getting better.

I spent a lot of time outside today - I actually mowed the lawn. It was quite fun; I prefer this new lawn mower to the old one. And it's GREEN instead of orange. Much better. NOT that I'll be making a habit of mowing the lawn. That would be too out of character for me. But it was the first time in forever that I've actually put on a pair of shorts (ugh), and I got to wear my Panthers cap... <3

Mom and I sat down to watch Amelie tonight, but halfway through the DVD started screwing up. We're mad... So we're going to go back to Visart and demand another copy for free, so that we can watch it again. I LOVE that movie!! :D If you haven't seen it, you have to. It's not just an art film - it's hilarious.

In other news, I'm on my computer again, not Mom's. Dad upgraded the bios on my laptop, whatever that means, and somehow it's not overheating anymore. Yet. But it's definitely good to be back on my own laptop in my own room with my own keyboard (even though it's on English at the moment...). And my own MUSIC! God, I haven't been able to play MY music when I want to for weeeeeeeeks. Such a relief. And now I really need to take time to email the millions of people I owe letters... Okay, not millions. But a lot. Gloria, Paul, Hikaru, Haha, my E-Pals, etc... ^^;;

Not sure what I'll do tomorrow. I'd love to go shopping - there's another sale at Kohl's! - but I know that I should probably wait until everything goes on sale for Memorial Day weekend... Hm. I need a new bathing suit. Which means I need to exercise, ugh. I HATE the way I look at the moment. Anyway... I also would like some dresses, as well as a few shirts, skirts, maybe some sandals... Although I LOVE the two dresses and the pair of flip-flops that I got the other day. There's some little store in the center of town that's going out of business, and they have some great stuff for really low prices! ;D

Anyway... I'm trying to follow some semblance of a reasonable schedule, so I should go to bed. Sigh.

Love muchly
Rissa

I hate being sick. I have no energy at all, I'm freezing, my throat hurts, and I've been through almost an entire box of tissues within the last 24 hours. Ugh. I really wanted to go see Elizabeth's meet today, but I had to back out. AND I'm missing sales at JC Penny and Kohls... *sigh*

Other than that, it's good to be home.

Rissa

That was exhilarating. Stitch and Lily, I love you!! ;D And I need photos. >>

Ugh! I HATE creepy phonecalls!! Other girls on campus, do you get them too? I know at least two of us on my hall get them occasionally. I was just watching a movie with Mariam, though, and we got FIVE of them in a fifteen-minute period. That is enough! On caller ID it always shows up as "out of area" in our room. We've only gotten them two or three times, and always at really odd hours of the morning.

I HATE it! It creeps me out, but I can't show it because if I show any fear, Feeley will absolutely break down. It's as much as I can do to calm her down enough to go to sleep - an hour later - after each call. Our phone line isn't working tonight (for whatever reason), so we don't have to worry about it this time, I guess...

Please tell me we're not the only ones getting these phone calls? It almost makes me not want to come back to this college. I KNOW people can get into the buildings if they really want to. I mean, there's at least one window on the first floor that's almost perpetually open - easy access. Ugh. And security just said to "report any more" and didn't really do anything. I'll email them again tomorrow.

Stupid people. If it's a prank, it's not a funny one. Especially not after VA Tech. I hate feeling like I have to look behind me when I'm walking down an empty hall, or locking our door at night. Our door was NEVER locked before. But it's just a prank. So there's absolutely nothing to worry about - it's just some drunk asshole or bitch being stupid.

End of year... Ah, it feels good to be (almost) done. So, what I have left to do:

Go to RA training 9-5 - Mon / Tues / Wed / Thurs
3-page paper for HIST/FREN LAC - due the 11th
Read 150 extra history pages
Sing at Commencement - on the 13th
Buy tickets from France to Ireland
Pack
Go home!!!


In other news, I'm really bummed out about the French elections. Stupid Sarkozy - he's more like Bush than most other politicians I know. HOW did he get elected?? Damnit... We'll see what comes of it. I don't know how much radical change he's capable of, but depending on how much he changes France, I would seriously reconsider living there. I don't want to leave the US for a neo-US. Ugh. And Professor Dixon was right - Bayrou IS disolving the UDF and creating a new party in its stead.

Feeley's still here. She was going to leave yesterday, but she had too much STUFF to put into Sharon's car... So Sharon took most of Feeley's stuff and left Feeley and the rest of her stuff here! XD I'm amused. And honestly, it's nice to have her here - the rest of campus is eerily quiet at times, although I expect I'll get used to it. The food sucks, though. -_-

Orange bag shopping is fun! I got more stuff today, including a black shirt that I'm IN LOVE WITH. :D

Well, I'm off... I'm really tired for some reason. Last night was much fun, though - Feeley, Michaela and I watched Under The Tuscan Sun. They both LOVED it (Michaela says it's the best movie she's ever seen :D) and then sat and chatted... And ended up doing Tarot card readings. Not sure how it got around to that, but it was lovely. :)

Love to all
Rissa

It makes me sad to see an ad: Engagement ring for sale. Perfect condition; comes with wedding ring. What could be sadder to sell...?

Urgent:
Evaluations for FREN 366
Evaluations for FREN 372
Evaluation for MUSC 133
Voice Finals (I got an A!!)
Study for and take RELG 112 exam
Study for and take HIST 102 exam
Go horseback riding once more - on Wednesday
Hand out exams - on Thursday
Portfolio for FREN 372 - due Friday
5-page paper for FREN 366 - due Saturday



HA!!!! ;D

This morning we had voice finals. I was very nervous and sang too fast and thought that I had messed everything up, but Dr Speer thought it was magnificent and gave me an A. XD I'm absolutely thrilled. And I got a hug! *squee* I LOVE GETTING HUGS. Okay, anyway. It was good. And god, I'm going to miss him next semester... I talked to him for about half an hour today. Glad Min fell asleep instead of just being bored waiting that whole time. ^^;;

Then I walked around campus with William while his parents ate lunch and spoke with their French friends. Why are there so many random French people in Lynchburg of all places?? It's bizarre. Anyway, William and I had fun seeing the bicycles and how they work. *giggles* It was adorable to watch. And everytime someone he didn't know came too close, he would run back to me and hold my hand tightly, pressing against me to be sure that he was safe. *melts completely* God I want kids....!

Farah held a going-away party today, too. I'm going to miss her! Why are all the cool French people leaving? T_T It's utterly unfair. I hope I like Professor Watts... I'm fairly confident that I will, though. But I talked to Professor Dixon for quite a while today... about stuff. And it was great to hear her talking to another professor during the party, too, because I got to hear about her personal life, which is really interesting to me.

I had a meeting with Steffey today, too! That lasted about two hours... XD It wasn't really about anything. We just ended up lounging at one of the tables in front of the bookshop and drinking frappacinos and talking about everything. It was probably one of the best times I've had all semester. Intelligent conversation, beautiful day, great atmosphere, no worries for just a short amount of time... He's an amazing person. He's competant in over a dozen languages. I'm seriously in awe of him. He inspires me! I want to learn more, I want to go to grad school and study linguistics. He says he thinks I would make a fantastic professor, which is extremely heartening to hear. He's really just one of my favorite people in the whole world to talk to. Intelligent, funny, he shares my interests, he's perpetually fascinating and full of opinions and advice and anecdotes and wit and all that. I seriously need to talk to him more often. Or major in religious studies just to have him as an advisor. XD

Anyway, I'm off to bed. Hopefully no more dreams, unsatisfying or not, about Fu. *shakes head* I don't know what to do about him. Thanks for helping, Min. You're great.

Love,
Rissa

P.S. Went "orange bag shopping" this evening with Mooney and Min. For free, I got: a cute, pink pair of Ralph Lauren tennis shoes; a cute green sweater that matches my pink one (I hope it fits); an adorable, soft, sexy, blue nightgown; and a lovely, beaded, brown corset. Oh, and an "Astronomy for Dummies" book. XD Wooooot. Much happiness.

P.P.S. And my sunburn isn't nearly as bad as I had feared, but it still hurts. :( Owwies.

P.P.P.S. I'll be RA for Bell 4th next year. Oh well. I'll turn it into a kick-ass hall...! I hope. I'll go scope out my room tomorrow...