Entry 15-01.01.01 in Book Two: The Fifteenth Year of the Third Millennium of the Common Era

ENTRY TABLE OF CONTENTS

(a) Greeting
(b) Answering Questions
-----(1) Super Powers
-----(2) Cancer Child
-----(3) Ideal Woman
-----(4) Most Favorite Foods
-----(5) Most Favorite Things to Do
(c) End Note

Greetings and pleasant wishes to all on this first day of the new year.

On to my scheduled entry, answering your questions. By the way, this project may well continue onwards. It would be nice to set up more of a dialogue of question and answer; but perhaps that is merely my feelings.

First Question: Choose your super power. Any one. But it can’t be, “My super power is to have ALL the super powers.” Cause that’s cheating. And I’d like to know what you would DO with this super power. :)

Answer: As with too many things in my life, there really isn’t one answer for this. The answer I thought of immediately was “Teleportation, Linguistics, Healing Others, Fixing Machines… if you’ve ever seen Charmed, basically I think I want to be a White Lighter with the added benefits of Forge from X-Force.” But that doesn’t honestly convey a proper response. As a child, I always had visions of Warren Worthington III‘s wings bursting out of my back. To this day when the specific place by my shoulder blades hurts or itches, I think (even for only a moment) man, just burst through already! Of course, as my rage and physical pain increased with age, I then looked to Chamber of Generation X. Chamber’s ability was psionic explosions bursting from his chest. I’ve often considered how powerful, and how pleasant, it would be if I could focus my emotional energy into kinetic or explosive energy and then release it. Of course, Cyclopse and Gambit also intrigue me from that perspective. But… I also gravitate towards Nightcrawler a lot. Not only was he a religious dichotomy (something I am easily drawn to) but he was able to blend playful sprite with thoughtful infiltrator. Obviously, Super Smarts intrigues me… I would love to know everything; but the cost is high. There actually is a long standing scientific arc that says there is a point of intelligence where smarts and happiness are inversely related… so smarts kills happy. Ultimately for the best answer, I decided to ask one who knows me best: My wife. I asked her what power she thinks I would want more than anything… because, truthfully, I know the answer for her if our places were reversed. She has always passionately wanted telekinesis. I do worry that some of that desire is her ever increasing laziness, but I don’t question it… because as long as I’ve known her, she has been consumed by a fascination in the ability to move objects with the mind. So, in hopes that she would be able to offer me some insight or ideas… I asked her what super power she thinks I’d want. My wife thought for a moment and said confidently, “The ability to control other people’s minds.” I’m… honestly not sure how I feel about that.

As to what I would do with powers? That would actually depend on how I got them. If I were to just wake up tomorrow and have powers? I would split between selfish and service. I would try to make money, take care of certain things but also try to help the world at large. If I had to work hard, sacrifice, and dedicate myself to a long process for trying to get these powers? I’d be considerably more selfish with my use of those powers; focusing my use on myself, my loved ones, and those around me.

Question Two: If in order to save one child from cancer (random child, no emotional attachment), you would have to club 1,000 baby seals to death in front of your family and an orphanage of animal-loving kids, and not be able to tell them why you’re doing it. Would you do it?

Answer: I actually appreciate this question. Especially in context to what my wife and I have been discussing today. It has been dark last year. People encouraging violence against innocent people; diseases exploding that we thought we’d wiped out; population growth becoming far too massive.... so, the question is asked at a brilliant moment. There is some fascinating aspects to it. As a cursory response, I’d have to say that my answer is no. Silly as it sounds, the cost is too great.

Question Three: Describe what an ideal woman is to you…both physical and emotional/spiritual…etc

Answer: Excellent question! My present answer would, admittedly, be wrapped up largely in those things about my wife that I like but largely focused on those things about my wife which I do not.

The funny thing is, I distinctly remember my friends and I asking each other this question when we were little. They would always have a very specific concept in mind THIS type of hair THIS type of body… and I was unable to be so specific. It would be a redhead OR black hair; Caucasian OR Asian; athletic OR busty. As I grew older, and still today, the desire for a dichotomy still exists strongly. So… I suppose I’ll start as I imagine artists start and then fill in the rest.

At the present, height doesn’t matter. Obviously, I’d prefer a shorter woman as I am a shorter man… but it isn’t necessarily ideal. A taller woman can be largely appreciated but… in my experience, the height difference becomes an issue for the woman… especially when it comes time to wear heels. I am somewhere between 5‘6 and 5‘8 depending on the day and my shoes. My wife is around 5’. Our hugs are awesome due to height. However, I’ve had many friends from 5’ to 6’ and generally… I’ve never had complaints about height. At present, weight matters far less than it once did. I find myself attracted to women I believe are too thin and I find myself attracted to women I believe are too heavy. Ultimately, it is how you wear it that matters. One ex-girlfriend wore shirts she really shouldn’t have because her belly always popped out like a jack-in-the-box; when my wife was thinner, she’d still wear super baggy clothes to hide herself. However, there are beautiful 200 lb women in my life and beautiful 100 lb women. As long as weight doesn’t keep you from enjoying things you want to do, it matters a lot less to me than it once did.

So, with no real specifics… we have some type of outline of our female. As to skin color, hair color and hair length? Of course it isn’t a simple binary response! I must confess, my adoration for pale skin will always push me towards wanting Caucasians or Asians. But I know many fabulously attractive hispanics, black girls, and native americans. But, if I am honest… I do still have a strong preference for Caucasians or Asians. As to hair length… I am a bit traditional. A long mane, as difficult as it can be to maintain, typically has a strong affect on me. But a lot of that effect comes from the multiple combinations available for use and wear. Pixie cuts can look hot, and short hair can be wonderful… but with long hair, there are far more available style choices. As to its color? My preferences remain, but have expanded and relaxed. The raven black hair of Japan will always be a thing of beauty… the fiery red hair of Ireland will always excite… but so too, the maroon hair of Box Dye; the Purple hair of ComiCons; the Blue hair of Anime… I really like all of those as well. I married a brunette and was once consumed by lust for a blonde. So… my standards have relaxed. Truly… hair color is uniquely tied to the individual. Rarely, but sometimes, there are women I like as blondes better than dark haired. Olivia Thrilby is one of these rare exceptions. But… honestly, I’d say the perfect choice would be the raven black hair of Asia… with the occasional highlight or straight dye of maroon, purple, or blue.

There is our outline; height, weight, skin and hair. Faces are important but attempting to imagine the perfect face will always fall flat, at least for me. Even eyes are difficult to conjure because the real beauty of a face, the real wonder of the eyes, comes from the ineffable insides of a person. As a strict beauty matter, I prefer green eyes… I married a green eyed woman and I’ve always adored that color… but that isn’t to say I haven’t been entranced by blue eyes before; nor can I say I’ve never stared longingly into pools of brown.

As to the non-physical? Even more difficult to explain. I would say a woman that is passionate, but not insane. Someone who has firm ideas, but an open mind. A person with a wonderful sense of style, but willing to experiment with that style. A person who believes in God, but is willing to have challenging conversations about religion and philosophy. Someone who values silence but appreciates conversation. An individual that can be happy alone but also wants to be around people. A person that is interested in politics and the goings on of the day; but can just as easily argue for the opposition party. Someone that is sexual enough to want me and to be open about that desire; but not so sexual that she will throw a fit if I’m too busy… and won’t cheat on me because she has to have it every day. I suppose the most important two aspects… someone who loves my family and is excited to be a part of that family and that inexplicable charge in the air… the thing that few have ever put a label to but everyone knows exists… call it a spark, call it chemistry, call it fate… that invisible hand that pushes all the right buttons that makes your heart and your brain scream “KNOW THIS PERSON!”

Question Four: What are your ten most favorite foods, dessert included?

Answer: Of course, the lawyer mind is hard at work trying to decipher what I would mean by “favorite.” For instance, I’d say quickly that Christmas Dessert and Easter Dessert are favorites… but to have them more often than those strict holidays would likely make me feel less strongly about them. However, for this answer I will list them as I will take “favorite” to mean foods that you can either eat every day or hold a special place.

(1) Because the season has just passed, I must proudly declare Chocolate Steamed Pudding with Golden Sauce. Yes, steamed pudding much in the manner of Britain (or so I’ve been told) where it is more of a spongy cake than a strict pudding-in-the-American-sense. The Golden Sauce, though, makes it! My brother says every year (without fail, no matter how many times we’ve heard it) “The pudding is really more of a vessel for the Golden Sauce.”

(2) With my head on holidays, I must then state another favorite would be Easter Dessert. Truly, it is not so unique or bizarre as Christmas Dessert, but the key is in preparation and tradition. Easter Dessert is also called Swans or Cream Puff Swans (with a twist). Imagine an almost puzzle-like bread bowl… a small bread “plate” with airy bread swan wings attached; and finally a a full swan neck and head. The bread is the type typically used for confections, an airy puffy kind of bread. Into this swanny bread artistic piece is placed a “body” of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream and then the whole contraption is drizzled with chocolate sauce. Honestly… the flavor is exactly the same as if you just ate a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate syrup… but the presentation and the traditional connection to Easter and Family make the entire thing… important.

(3) To ruin the elegant mood of traditional family desserts, my next response would have to be Pizza. As unhealthy as it can be, there is no food on this planet that I would be more content eating every day.

(4) Staying with the unhealthy, there is a meal my dad created that… it will be hard to share the name without giving away my last name… something I’m not too keen to do at the moment. I will simply call the meal Special K Dinner… it is a layered dish comprised of cheese, hot dogs, and mashed potatoes. Start with a layer of hot dogs cut into halves… put them flat side down covering a lasagna dish. Now cover them with mashed potatoes as if you are laying mortar. Cover the mashed potatoes in cheese to ensure that your Potato Mortar is solid. Repeat those three layers one or two more times. Bake in oven. Remove… eat… get fat. :p

(5) This may sound strange but… egg sandwich also makes the list. It is simple, it is easy to make, it isn’t some grand or noble culinary pursuit… but it tastes good, is a quick entree, and some of the beauty is found in the simplicity.

(6) LASAGNA… of course, meat lasagna. I’ve had vegetarian (even vegan) but I always prefer Mom’s Lasagna made with meat!

(7) Back to family treats; my wife cannot stand when pineapple is put on anything… only eats it when it is by itself… but my dad makes these awesome Hawaiian Burgers (basic burgers with an awesome run and a pineapple on top) that I can’t leave off this list!

(8) Potatoes Au Gratin! Funny story behind this one… I had never had potatoes au gratin before but I was cast in this play for church. The role was basically to be the younger brother that didn’t now what to say to defend his sister from the criticism at the dinner table… perfect storm… my character was supposed to stay quiet, but attentive, look uncomfortable, and lose himself in his dinner… and we had real food on the plates. I had never had the potatoes cooked that way before so… not only were they delicious, the experience (or lack thereof) helped sell the character.

(9) Root Beer Floats! Again, simple, but simple can be good. I’ve said this a million times and, even though it has happened, I always want it to happen again.... I have this image in my head of my dad making 4 root beer floats and mom, dad, me and my wife all sitting in front of the fireplace drinking them.

(10) Lastly… the absolute masterpiece… the meal that I would cut off my own hand if it secured that I could eat this for the rest of my life… SHRIMP CASSEROLE! It involves macaroni shells, salad dressing, cream of mushroom soup, cheese, dillweed, and loads of shrimp. Quite genuinely, I would eat this for every meal of every day… it is amazing!!!!!!

Question Five: What are your ten most favorite things to do?

Answer: As cheesy as it sounds, everything is always conditional. The right time, the right place, the right scenario, the right people… everything kind of boils down to that. So… as I try to answer this, I will also try to provide the perfect scenario that would go with it.

(1) Tabletop Games. Whether it is Defender’s of the Realm or Arkham Horrors, or a Role Playing game… I love the social, fantasy, competition, and cooperation games one can play with a group of friends around a table. As a lot of my experience is still limited… the perfect scenario would be with a group of good friends that both knew what they were doing and had enough patience to help me learn in areas I was unfamiliar with. To be fair, I’ve never played Magic or DnD but I want to… and maybe that’ll happen if Matt and I can find a group or if I move back to my Point of Origin.

(2) I love video games. I admit it. I started being a video game fan only a short time after I started acting (not that the two are related) which shows it has been a LONG held passion. This, though, is very scenario specific. Sometimes, I just want to play solo. Sometimes, a game I usually play solo- I’ll want to play with friends or family. Sometimes I’ll want to play PC, sometimes I’ll want to play XBox, sometimes I’ll want to play Playstation… sometimes I’ll miss the authentic feel of an Arcade Cabinet. So… the Perfect Scenario is wildly subjective.

(3) More sedentary things, I suppose, but I love watching movies. My only problem is, I outright refuse to let it be a passive or mind numbing experience. If a movie doesn’t spark a reaction from you- the movie failed. I love wrestling with the ideas, themes, subtext, metaphors, everything in a movie. Films aren’t simply moving light to numb the pain of existence… they should scare you, or make you think, or excite you, or catch you off guard… something!

(4) Reading, in its most perfect setting, is wonderful! My family loves taking vacations by lakes as most of the family fishes, all of the family swims, and my mom used to have a small FJ sailboat. While I would participate in those activities from time to time… a quiet vacation cabin by a lake is the perfect place to just relax and read. I love reading on vacations because there is no stress, no distraction, no hurry. You can really just sit and enjoy the book(s).

(5) I’m putting reading Comic Books as a separate element. Yes, I suppose one could say it is “reading” and should be tied to number 4; but there are fundamental differences. When I say reading above, I am thinking about the week I read the entire Bourne Series sitting by the lake. Or the fishing trip where I read Paradise Lost and The Divine Tragedy. Reading comic books is simultaneously so much more and so much less. Comic Books involve artwork, history, characterizations, and interpretations that a novel doesn’t necessarily contain. However, as comic books are very much a living form of art and story telling; there is always the likelihood of a reboot or a strange change of direction for no reason.

(6) Obviously, I like to write. Ultimately, I wish I had learned more from my grandmother about writing as she would have helped me with grammar, structure, and how to best compose the ideas I have. As I may have said before… my brother has a divine gift to make a picture, painting, sculpture, (or now) digital image of anything he pictures on his mind. The best I can do is my writing.

(7) This is going to sound super corny, but it is honestly true… simply hanging out with my family is one of my most favorite things to do. I love my mom, dad, brother, sister in law, wife, cousins, aunts, uncles, second cousins, kids of second cousins… when we hang out (like during family reunions) they are the kinds of events talked about for years! That isn’t even an exaggeration.

(8) Nerd that I am, I’ve always liked investigating. Some of the earliest books I ever read were Choose Your Own Adventure or The Sherlock Holmes series or Encyclopedia Brown or Clue. I loved trying to figure out what was going on. As I’ve become older, that has turned more to research and observation and trying to solve “the big problems of the world”… but the heart of investigation remains.

(9) It is hard to word this one but… dogs. Anything with dogs. Whether it is taking dogs for walks, or petting dogs, or dog sitting, or whatever… I love dogs, I love spending time around dogs. It may seem strange or silly to put on a list like this but… yeah… my life would be a much emptier place had it never involved dogs.

(10) Not surprisingly, the thing I most love doing is having conversations/arguments/dialogues/debates with other people… provided they are “the right” people. It works for any of the subjects previously mentioned. Some of my favorite conversations have been about reminiscing over what happened during an RPG… “Damnit, RJ, the bed is already on fire… are you absolutely certain you want to sit on it?” Conversations about video games, books, movies… the exchange of ideas is so valuable to me and so much fun… provided it doesn’t devolve into vicious ad hominem attacks and nobody gets overly emotional.

END NOTE

I am hoping to limit entries during study periods. To that end, I believe I will be designing entries as follows:
A. Greeting
B. Entry
C. Study Statistics
D. Study Concerns