Life Changes

I've noticed a sort of weird thing in the recent years: Whenever something that seems like a major change in my life has happened, I haven't felt like anything has changed at all. I immediately get used to it and it feels like it's always been the way it is now.

I think I've been wondering about that ever since I moved away from home and started university. That should've been a big life change, but it wasn't. Literally the most significant thing about it was "Yay, I can eat as much frozen pizza as I want."

The same year I found the word "asexual" and a whole community of people with experiences similar to mine, but to be honest I wasn't even surprised. It was cool to talk to others like me, but it was like the word immediately became a part of my identity and I didn't really need to digest it.

I think I've been thinking this again, because I just moved to a new apartment a couple of weeks ago after living in the same place for five years, and I already feel as if I've always been living here. Like every corner is as familiar as the back of my hand. Sure, I still get excited about how much more space I have now, but essentially I feel just as much at home as I've always felt.

However, I think the most hilarious example is, when I started dating my roommate and best friend last year, because our situation is anything but ordinary. I honestly believed I would never date anyone because I had no desire to, and wasn't attracted to anyone. She on the other hand was a Mormon and convinced that she was straight. And now it feels like we've always been dating.

It's funny how you can prevent yourself from seeing the obvious when you believe something. Apparently, being best friends and even living together for years without realizing you're in love with each other is not just movie stuff. It can really happen. It happened to us. (We were also one of those couples who everyone else thought was together long before it happened.)

Having romantic feelings for someone for the first time in my life should've been big. Seeing my best friend, now girlfriend, leave the religion she'd believed in for 25 years, partly because of me, should've been big. And sure, when I think about it, I can say it was, but in the end not really. Because it still feels like nothing has changed.

And I think I've come to realize why that is. If a change is natural, if it's good for you, and if it's actually already a part of who you are, it's not going to feel mindblowing. It's going to feel like the most natural thing, because, it is.

Different types of selflessness

I guess this was triggered by a conversation I had online recently.

There are different ways to be selfless and there are different ways to be selfish. Sounds pretty obvious, I know. But, as people generally like to do with other things too, sometimes some of them get really caught up in whose way is the right way.

Particularly, right now I'm thinking about people who think the only true way of serving the world around you is to be an activist of some sort. To help the people who are the most in need, to go to the places where things are the hardest.

People generally agree that being helpful or selfless is a good thing. But there are also people who think that the only true way, or at least, the highest level of doing that, is what I described above.

And sometimes people can be really quick to judge other people's lives by this standard, without having ever met them, or knowing much about them at all.

A character who would agree with me. Her name is Venna.

Often this starts with someone either describing their "cause" to me, or asking what mine is when they assume I have one. And then I will describe the way I live my life and some of the philosophies behind it. How I don't have a singular "cause" that my life is centered around. How I care about many humanitarian and environmental issues, and do my best to live my day to day life in alignment with that. How my sister describes me to be "thinking globally and acting locally". How I'm more concerned with what is happening in my immediate surroundings, and being of help to the people who are the closest to me, or reach out to me. How I have no drive to go somewhere else or lead a campaign, and how my personality wouldn't be suited for it. How I think that I personally feel I've accomplished the most, when I've touched an individual life, when someone tells me that the way I live my life has inspired them.

This is usually when they start "disagreeing" with me, though I'm only describing my personal ways. They don't want to see us as equals with different life styles. They see me as "going in the right direction but not being quite there yet". As if my life style is merely a stepping stone to their life style, which is the ultimate goal.

I really don't like this kind of condescending attitude, but I will go on to explain to them how I don't think there's only one way to help the world around you. How some people are more suited to take on leadership roles, how some are more suited to be an activist, and how some are more suited to take care of what's right in front of them. It all comes down to personality and motivation. How I also don't think that helping the one most in need is what everyone should always be focused on. Of course it has to work that way in things like health care, you have to prioritize patients to keep everyone alive if possible. But I don't think that my neighbour's heartbreak is irrelevant because of "the children in Africa". (Quotations because the people who use that phrase usually don't even consider what it really means, they just like to say it for argument's sake.)

Of course I agree that wealth and resources are divided anything but evenly in the world and respect the people who are trying to do something about it in larger scale. However, I also don't agree that everyone should be focused on that, because if I was helping the "children in Africa" then who would be listening to my neighbour's heartbreak? Just because she isn't dying at the moment, doesn't mean that I can't be concerned about her, or that helping her is lesser.

At this point it's usually evident that these people think I'm childish or small minded. They are so adamant that their way is the only right way.

But how did they come to the conclusion that their "cause" is the most urgent one, anyway? The one that the world needs the most? Usually they don't have a clear reasoning for it. Because it's way more complex than that. They aren't doing what they do because it's "right", like they seem to think. They're doing it, because they have a personal motivation, and a drive for it.

And if I don't have a drive for it, then what good would I be for them?

Yeah, I know, they think they can awaken this drive in me, because they think it's the only way to go about life. For some reason it seems like they have to believe that what they're doing is the ultimate good, and no one else is good enough unless they're doing the same thing with their lives.

But it's not like that. Because no one knows what's the ultimate best thing for the world, and everyone has different drives and motivations. These people are not, for example, trying to make the world vegan because it's a higher calling. They're doing it, because they have the drive and the personality for it. And they shouldn't think that anyone who simply is vegan is below them, or ultimately going to become like them someday.

Trying to make big changes in the world isn't the only way to make change, and the big changes will only last if individual people will live it true in their daily lives. And this isn't a one-way process, it's more of a circle. There are different ways to help people and that should be good! I'm glad that some people are fit to lead campaigns. Just like I'm glad that some people are fit to help their neighbours and friends in their day to day problems and sorrows, like me.

And though these ways seem opposite, neither is more selfish or selfless than the other. The one that is sacrificing all their time to a cause, can be extremely selfish in the eyes of that neighbour, who only asked for a little bit of their time, for a few kind words, but they only ever have time for "the world". Just like from the eyes of the activist, the person going around helping neighbours is selfish because "they could be doing so much more with their time".

But the world just wouldn't work if everyone was the same, right? Like, there has to be people who are able to ignore people's immediate feelings around them, and focus on practical things instead. Just like there has to be people who are willing to "waste" time, and listen to personal problems. Because even if there is enough food and water for everyone, it won't matter if people are so lonely and depressed, that they're not going to want to live. The same is true the other way around too of course. Words of kindness and a listening ear alone isn't going to pay the rent.

All I'm really saying is that people have a lot of different needs, and the environment has a lot of different needs too. And I wish that people would be happy that there are different kinds of people to cater to all those different needs! It shouldn't be about who is more selfless or who is doing the most good in the world. This shouldn't be an ego issue.

And what people should realize is an ego issue, is which things in the world you're determined to make better. Just because you have a personal instead of an "absolute, unquestionable, divine" reason to do what you do, doesn't make it insignificant. Instead, after realizing that, you can help people better, because you understand what it is you're getting from it.

Sometimes I just want to tell people "Relax, you're fine, you don't have to be perfect" but I know it wouldn't help them, it would just rub them in SUCH a wrong way.

If I don't stop now this is going to get out of hand, so I'll just conclude this with a rose I drew with my left hand, and another that I drew with my right foot. Because why not.

Selfish, childish and foolish

Why is it selfish to want more?

You already have a roof over your head, you don't have to worry about your next meal, you have a family you love, great friends, you have a degree, and you have hobbies. So many people don't have these things you take for granted. You are already good enough at many things, for them to bring you joy. You should just be grateful that you've been given such a gift, so many people can't do one of the many things you can do. You shouldn't have the nerve to say you aren't good enough at something when so many people are bad at it!

But people have other needs than the very basic ones. And for some reason I should show my deep gratefulness, and how humble my privilege has made me, by denying myself anything more. Because it's selfish. Because everyone doesn't have what I have. But that means denying my humanity. It means denying myself growth and dreams. It means to stop moving forward, to stop making progress, to stop striving for greatness? And for who? No one! Denying yourself good things isn't going to help anyone in need. It's completely and solely for your own ego.

I'm so annoyed when people tell me I should be grateful I draw, or write so well. That it's selfish to say I'm not good enough. Because there are other people who don't draw or write as well as I do. But how is that selfish, when me, and those people have completely different personal standards?? When I say I'm not good enough, I obviously mean I'm not good enough (yet) for someone who is looking to write or draw for a living, I'm not saying it because I want people to convince me I'm good! It's not a cry for pity, it's a realistic and critical examination of my abilities and how much I still have to grow before I can reach my goals. I'm not comparing myself to other people but the standard I have to reach! Can't people understand the difference?

Denying yourself the wishes that are higher in the hierarchy of needs means denying your human nature, and denying the progress humanity could have through you. And for what? For your ego.

That's what I call selfish.


Why is it childish to make your own path?

Get a high education, get a job that pays well, get a man, get a house, get a kid or two or three. You shouldn't be reluctant to have so stressful job that you have no energy for your hobbies anymore, because that is completely normal. You should be serious about finding a man, otherwise, when you are older and wiser and realize you want a man, there won't be any good ones left. Of course you will want children, you silly. After all, all of these are things that everybody owes to society.

I have nothing in particular against the idea of having a high(er) education, a well paying job, and a family.

Except, that I prioritize other things. And, there are only so many hours in a day.

But why is it childish to want to create a life that suits you personally? Why am I childish for prioritizing things that make my life meaningful, like my hobbies? As if it's childish to want to be happy. As if adults aren't meant to be happy.

As if I'm not a productive member of society, if I don't make a lot of money and kids. Well, in the name of Art and Culture, I firmly believe that there are other things to contribute to society besides those two mentioned earlier.

Doing what you're "expected to do" only because most people do it, labeling things that cause some people harm as "normal" only because it doesn't cause harm to most, and believing it's the only way even when it does, because others did the same before you and didn't whine about it... expecting everyone to become adults the same way, to become the same kind of adults...

That's what I call childish.


Why is it foolish to try, against the odds?

You can't make a living out of writing or any kind of art. So few people are able to make that happen, there's no point even trying. You must get a sensible job that pays well, then you can have hobbies in your free time. But don't expect anything to come out of them. Because most people dream of a creative job. But that's just it. It's a dream! You should really get it together and stop investing so much time to things that don't pay. It's time to get serious.

Yeah, okay, but some people do make it. Some people can make a living out of their dream. Technically, I could be one of them.

But I'm not expecting to be. I'm doing what I do because it's personally fulfilling for me, in itself. I'm not dreaming about being a writer because I think it's somehow a glorious career! I'm dreaming about it, because I love writing, and I have so many stories to tell. But it's not the end of the world if I can't make a living out of it. As long as I can tell those stories.

And I am very serious, thank you very much. I'm serious about all those things that don't pay. I'm serious about the experience of reading a great book, I'm serious about every doodle that is making me draw better, and I'm serious about every ballet class where I can improve myself, even though I've always known I'm not cut out to be a dancer. I'm sorry they're not the same things you're serious about.

What baffles me is, that some people seem to think that your job should automatically be more important to you than your hobbies. That if you can't make a living out of something you should pretty much just throw it out of the window. You shouldn't even try to arrange your life the way that makes you able to do the things you truly want to do, the things that fill your life with meaning, even when they don't pay, because it's... objectively more sensible to have a lot of money than be happy?

You can't make compromises because more money is always more important than more time and energy? Just because you can't get everything you dream of, you should just... stop dreaming, and not try to even get a portion of it?

That's what I call foolish.


End of rant.

This is going to be random

Here's a thing:

I should blog more about random things that are on my mind. (Or write my diary I guess?) Because if I don't write them, I'm never going to process them out loud either.

I used to have this dumb notion that I should only blog once I have something important and universal to say. (I had to let go of that thought to even start a blog, otherwise nothing was ever going to be important enough.)

Besides what's the point? Most people who read my blog are my friends anyway.

And the reason I don't blog that much is mostly that I think about what I say too much. (Which doesn't necessarily equal quality.)

But right know the thing is that I'm so busy I'm not going to be able to blog at all if I think too much about what I say. I have possibly the busiest period ever in my school life going on right now.

I think I have to learn to get my thoughts out without being too critical about them. I mean, it should be okay if it doesn't always make sense. It's better to say something incoherent and reflect, and learn from it, than not say anything at all because every thought has to be "finished".

There are definitely a few things that keep coming back to haunt my mind even during these busy days, because I haven't really chewed on them by writing about them. That's how you can always see things in a new light afterall!

Good blogs are probably the ones that can get something general and relatable out of personal experiences, but right now I think I wouldn't mind not having that kind of standards for this blog. (I can try to do that with my typology blog if I want.) And even personal ramblings can be relatable, and I think they have their own value.

I'm not exactly sure where I'm going with this post, which feels oddly refreshing already. :D

I feel like overviewing some of the things I have in my mind but never put anywhere.


1. Books and other fiction in general

Have some bad cosplay I'm doing of my own character reading here!

I haven't had time to write proper reviews! And it makes me restless when I don't. I feel like there's a stack of books and series just waiting and waiting and getting heavier in the back of my head because I haven't gone through my love or hate or indifference for them, in a really satisfying way. I need to break them into pieces to let them settle to their rightful place in my mind.





2. My summer jobs

I had two this summer, and I definitely haven't gone through such a multifaceted work experience like... ever? At least not in a period of two months! I did talk about a couple of things that happened there with some friends, but my life has been so busy, I feel like I haven't really been able to digest it all. It's weird, because I kind of went through the highest highs and the lowest lows in my personality during these months... and they're all things I knew about myself but these jobs made me reinforce my understanding of them. I guess many of my problems and strenghts haven't been so... in my face? Not for some time. There's still stuff to think about there. (And it would be good now that I'm about to start an internship.)


3. The big career choice questions

Am I too liberal to work in a parish? Is the fact that I can talk about the matters of faith in "lutheran language", enough to actually call myself lutheran, when I could also talk about them in pretty much any "religious language" (and non-religious as well), and I only feel most at home with the lutheran one, because it's one of the "loosest languages"? Is the fact that I could definitely be understood as an atheist, a monotheist and a pantheist, or pretty much anything else, simultaneously, depending on your understanding and use of the terms, too impractical for a priest? I'm very content in my worldview but am I content in this environment? Is this the right place to do what I want to do, to help people? I guess this school year, and the internship, will answer that question. I hope.

4. Typing

I've said this before, and this relates to my other blog, but I need to start writing my fictional character typings. It's no good to just analyze them in my head, and since I'm going to do that anyway I should at least start getting some of them out of there. To stop thinking I need to be able write my reasoning perfectly. The whole thing about typing characters is to learn more about the theory. To make the understanding of it more accurate and articulate.


5. Kuroko no basket

Yeah, really. I didn't want to admit it, but this series has had more impact on me than any other since Harry freaking Potter. And the reason I didn't want to admit it, is because it hits a little too close to home. I've never related to a fictional character as much. (For the record: No, it has nothing to do with basketball. It has to do with... everything else. Everything that can be applied elsewhere, if that makes sense.) The thing is, until now I don't think I've ever been so aware if I relate to a character or not, because it never seemed relevant to me. It's not my comfort area to know that. I like to empathize with characters, not sympathize. I don't generally like the feeling that I'm seeing myself in there. So I have a love-hate relationship with this series. Something brings back painful memories? Easy, right: Don't watch/read it. But when I think that, I realize it's also surprisingly satisfying to feel understood. So... apparently there's still a dilemma there I need to work on.

It really was something like this at first.

6. Daily thoughts

I often find myself thinking there's some general phenomenon I'd like to write about when stuff happens during the day that relates to something like that, but then I never write about it. I forget, or there's too much going on, or I, AGAIN, feel like the thought isn't finished enough. My little inner perfectionist needs a kick or something.


7. HSP

I read Elaine Aron's book on the Highly Sensitive Person and related immensely, but, again, I feel like I haven't really had time to process this subject either (other than crying every other page and recommending it to other sensitive people). I have to have time to analyze this whole thing to pieces so I can really benefit from it.



Okay... this was really random. And really personal. I'm not saying I will blog about any of these things, but I do promise myself to write all my thoughts about them out in my diary at least.

Maybe it's not so bad to write something so personal though. Because I would really like to read things on similar level from other people's blogs!

Self-irony?

What do you think about self-irony? I think it can be totally great! But what about when people say or post these kinds of things and label it as self-irony:

”What can you do when you're as dumb as me?”

”Don't blame me, blame my genes.”

”You can't expect me to do math with this gabbage as my brain.”

I don't think this is self-irony. It's self-pity. These are just excuses not to try your best, because they imply that you are not responsible of your shortcomings. It's the world that is to blame, you're just a victim. If you're powerless to begin with, then obviously it's everyone elses' mistake to expect anything from you.

I don't think this is self-irony either:

”Life is so much more interesting when you're as crazy as me.”

”If I didn't do stupid things, I would never have any fun.”

”I'm not insane, you just don't understand my genius.”

I guess, in the right context, these could mean a healthy notion that your flaws and strengths are connected. But usually those things are phrased differently, they aren't overly simplified like these. In fact, these usually imply that the negative side of a trait doesn't exist, that it's all positive and other people just don't see it. It's an ego thing; when you can't admit a flaw, you make it an ”identity”.

I think self-irony is something that shows you don't take yourself very seriously. And all of these phrases do the exact opposite.

Real self-irony would look something like this:

”Haha, I wonder who left the fridge door open again?”

”If my room was any messier, I wouldn't find my bed.”

”I'd deserve a medal for my efforts at being late.”

Self-irony implies that you actually admit your flaws but don't think they're too serious to laugh at. It's supposed to make others find them funny as well, not pity you because the world doesn't excuse your flaws, or envy you because your flaws are somehow better than theirs. It's supposed to say something along the lines: ”I know I messed up, and I'll try to do better, but at least we've got something to laugh at.”

Um, random morning thought. This may sound like it had a specific trigger, but I don't think it did.

I always end posts so well. (Even though that's not irony but sarcasm...)

Good day!

(Yes, those are Hetalia characters.)

 

Comic Diary #3

This may be weird, but it was so funny then...

Comic Diary #2

MBTI Stereotypes

Because they deserve every face-palm they get.

I haven't yet made a post about the MBTI personality theory which I'm obsessed with. I figured I'd start with putting the general stereotypes in a nutshell because they're still out there and no good. Other people have probably done it better before and I'm still no typology expert, just your common enthusiast, but I feel like putting down the images people seem to have going around, and which I find ridiculous, unfair, harmful and totally biased. Not helpful to anyone who is really trying to understand the system and use it to understand other people better, not bash them.

If you're unfamiliar with MBTI, and interested, go visit Personality Café or something: http://personalitycafe.com/forum/

It doesn't really make sense for me to try to explain the basics in this blog.

Sometimes the stereotypes seem to have a seed of truth in them, by which I mean they are overly simplified and exaggerated descriptions based on general tendencies associated with certain cognitive functions and combinations. Others, however, don't even seem to be based on reality but misunderstanding the functions and dichotomies entirely.

It seems these stereotypes often come to life because some people internalize one-dimensional type descriptions/dichotomies, look for people who resemble that description, form some kind of an archetype about them and settle with typing people according to superficial understanding of their external behaviour, not taking underlying processes into account.

In the most unfortunate cases, people already have a bias against certain kind of people and because of it, start matching all of them with one/few personality types and then begin to see the whole type in a negative light. And of course, some people only seem able to type people with no views or traits opposing to their own to the same personality type with them.

In typology forums this shows in threads with a (sometimes direct, sometimes indirect) message like: ”Why are all ISFPs emotionally biased about everything?” or ”Don't trust an ESFJ” or ”ENTPs are useless trolls” and crap like that.

It's like some people really consider stuff like this relevant:

Feelers are emotionally biased crybabies and incapable of coherent thought.

Thinkers are cold sosiopaths and incapable of love and empathy.

Sensors are dumb and incapable of independent thought.

Intuitives are clumsy and incapable of doing physical tasks well.

Rather than rambling more about how untrue those stereotypes are, I'll get to the type-specific ones. If you're purposely creating one-dimensional comedy characters or something, then you might have some actual use for these but in typing real people they are seriously useless. But the more people are aware of them, the better. If you don't personally need to be reminded of this, maybe you can still find what I've gathered kind of hilarious. :D Or enraging...

I'll have my fictional characters starring as their types. Because fun.

ENFJ

All ENFJs are manipulative, backstabing goody-two-shoes who wrap everyone around their little finger, never say what they mean or act authentically. In conflict situations they always side with the majority. They want power but not the responsibility.

INFJ

All INFJs are crazy conspiracy theorists and prone to mental illnesses. They're detached from reality and live in a dark world inside their heads. They're ineffective in any sensory environment and mess up everything they touch.

ESTP

All ESTPs are reckless thrill-seekers who never think about the consequenses of their actions. Their life is all about dumb stunts, sex and motorcycles. Anything abstract or ethical receives no response from their brain.

ISTP

All ISTPs are like ESTPs but antisocial, so they prefer playing video games, building useless objects and breaking things apart just to be able to put them back together. They never use whatever abilities they may have for any useful purpose.

ESFJ

All ESFJs are dumb blond barbies who blindly follow whatever rules and morals they have grown up with. They want to please people only so that everyone would love them, and the moment you turn your back on them they're already bad-mouthing you.

ISFJ

All ISFJs are spineless door-mats whose life revolves around one person (their lover, usually). They have no morals, personality, or passions of their own, they need someone else to complete them. If their love isn't reciprocated 24/7, they become obsessive stalkers.

ENTP

All ENTPs do nothing but troll all over the internet 24/7. They talk inexplicable amounts of nonsense, and get nothing done. They're opportunistic freeloaders who can go to ridiculous lengths to escape all and any kind of responsibility.

INTP

All INTPs do nothing but sit alone in their room coming up with useless theories, wondering about trivial things, fancying themselves as the most intelligent personality type and comparing themselves to Einstein, while never coming up with anything anyone could really use. Have troubles remembering to take their weekly shower.

ESFP

All ESFPs are foolish party animals who live only for having fun. They have no abilities, no sense of responsibility and no direction in life. They are entirely useless, except maybe as a clown if they get lucky.

ISFP

All ISFPs are either hippies who smoke weed with ENFPs, or artists suffering from frequent emotional breakdowns, which they actually enjoy. Incapable of surviving among ”normal” people.

ENTJ

All ENTJs are narcissistic, abusive chiefs of some sort who wouldn't know what to do with themselves if they couldn't order people around as they please and take their anger out on their subordinates.

INTJ

All INTJs are sosiopaths or narsissists who care about nothing expect themselves and their One True field of science. They think they're perfect, and that every brain fart they let out is an objective fact. They think everyone wants to be them.

ENFP

All ENFPs use drugs, prefer one-night-stands to relationships and wish to live their life running around naked on a field while chewing flowers. They're incapable of keeping a job. Sometimes they might get serious but OH HEY A BUTTERFLY.

INFP

All INFPs want to be INFJs and a half of them pretend to be. They're the weakest and most emotionally biased personality type, they're all emos who do nothing but watch gore anime. They never leave their room but manage to fancy themselves as world saviors/figthers of justice.

ESTJ

All ESTJs are meatheads who gain a sense of power by ordering people around according to someone else's (ENTJ's) orders. They fancy themselves as the alpha male (all ESTJs are male of course) and their self worth competely shatters and they turn berserk, if this fact is questioned.

ISTJ

All ISTJs are complete robots. They're the people ESTJs order around. They're blind to everything except following the majority. If someone else didn't give them instructions and orders they would just rot and die.

…Gee, I wonder why some people think MBTI is about as useful as horoscopes?

Imagine if your average people where really like this. What a world it would be.

Enna Burning and Elements

WARNING: Very random personal rambling.


This is the first time in many months that I've finished a drawing that I a) did just for fun b) put enough effort into so that it's worth of putting online anywhere...

This is not because I've been lazy though! It's because for the past six months I worked on illustrations for a fantasy manuscript of mine (on the side of working on my degree work and other school stuff and editing the fantasy manuscript maniacally, eheh). I ended up drawing over 40 pages of them, redrawing a lot and finally keeping over 30 pages. Now I'm waiting for rejections...

Anyway, I was rereading Enna Burning, a very awesome, inspiring, heartaching and understanding fantasy tale by Shannon Hale. And I rarely draw fan art too, but I remembered how much I love Enna, the main character, again and I just had to draw her. I'm actually semi-happy, almost quite happy with how she turned out.

I took some liberties with the fire... She doesn't actually throw it in the story like she seems to be doing here, but more like burns things with thought. You can just imagine she threw something in the air before burning it, if you like. Because I was shameless and just wanted to try to create this cliché visual effect with the fire. It was fun.

I think I've improved my watercolour technique. A little bit.

Reading Enna again made me think about elements quite a bit. Mostly relating to people and my fictional characters. When I was younger, I used to type people by elements all the time. I had always typed people according to my own subjective categories, long before I ever came across personality theories like MBTI and Enneagram which I'm currently obsessive about. I typed everyone by colours, flowers, stones, planets, animals, mythical creatures, you name it. I didn't really think about it as a kid, but that was my way of supporting my memory and people skills. You know, it was just an association thing that helped me sort out my understanding of others. ^^'

But it was in second grade when I really got into elemental typing. It was because I started reading W.i.t.c.h. comics. (If you're not familiar with it, it's a story about five girls with elemental superpowers, the fifth element being "energy".) I read it as my comic bible for five years or so. It was hugely popular for a while. I mean, who didn't have their own W.i.t.c.h. gang? Everyone had to figure which one of their friends was which of the girls/ who used which element. It was kind of fun. (For some reason I was never one of the five though, but I was assigned as their friend Elyon who didn't use any element but rather random magic. Apparently I just didn't have the personality of any of the W.i.t.c.h. girls. I can sort of see why. I was never the funny one (Irma), the strict one (Cornelia), the brains (Taranee), the wild one (Hay Lin) or the leader (Will).)

In my head I didn't actually type people according to W.i.t.c.h. girls or the logic of elements in the comic. I went more with looking for the quality of the elements (according to my logic...) from their personality and behaviour and only used the four commonly included elements. (Though I didn't voice these typings.)

Looking back to it, I had plenty of fire around me. Raging fire, supressed fire, emerging fire. I think I was attracted to it because there was always next to no fire in me. I didn't always have the smoothest relationship with it. Although it was generally rare for me to make anyone mad, I can see why someone would get frustrated with my lack of agressiveness.

Which brings me back to Enna. She's definitely not the only fire representing character I'm so fond of (No, there's... so many of them.) but I think she does it very well. The idea that there's something in you that can turn into a destructive force and engulf you and everything you love is so well brought out in Enna's character. How addicting the power can be and how hard it is to keep it under control. And ultimately, how you can only find the perfect balance by having other elements both in you and beside you. Which applies to all people and elements of course. : )

Haha, so I guess that's it for the element rambling. I haven't really typed people according to elements in at least six years but this book took me back for a bit. And I can see why typing fictional characters like that can still be helpful, although it may seem rather simplistic. It can help articulate the impression you want to give. Not sure if I'm going to invite the elements back into my system but I guess I'll see about that.

30 Day Challenge: Favourite Quotes

DAY 3 - FAVOURITE QUOTE


Do people actually know their favourite quotes? I mean, can you decide on just one? Because it's seriously hard for me. I've never thought about which one actually is THE best.

So, I'll share a few.


The quote I possibly feel the most nostalgic about:

The quote I probably use the most:

And the two writing quotes I couldn't choose from:

That's it for this one. :)

30 Day Challenge 2: 20 random questions

 DAY 2 – 20 FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF

I was too lazy to come up with 20 facts myself so I picked these questions pretty randomly from somewhere. Some are rather boring, some hopefully not as much.

1. Height?

2. Hair/Eye colour?

 

3. Do you dance crazy when no one is looking?

4. Do you like to sing in the shower?

 

5. Whats your favorite colour?

6. Favourite hair product?

 

7. Would you rather play basketball or hockey?

8. What's your favorite midnight snack?

 

9. What is the one, single food that you would never give up?

 

10. What is your weirdest "quirk"?

 

11. What's your favorite movie?

 

Always. Well, ever since I first saw it when I was 9.

12. What do you think is the most useless class in high school?

Well, I don't actually think any of them are... but maybe philosophy.

Because there seemed to be basically three kinds of students:

1. Actually interested, but all the theory is already pretty obvious to them so just getting booored.
2. Almost as bored because doesn't even care to understand anything.
3. Totally psyched about their sudden new ability to question EVERYTHING and they do, oh, just because they CAN. (But that's all they ever learn and in their case it probably would've been better if they hadn't...)

13. Do you shampoo first in the shower or soap?

Whatever way it happens to go.

 

14. Do you scream on roller coasters?

No. I laugh sometimes.

 

15. Where did you go on your first airplane ride?

Actually, I came back from Sweden.

 

16. What's your favourite season?

 

17. T.V. show you secretly enjoy?

 

18. Last thing you bought?

 

Gee, a book! You never would've guessed right?

19. One of your stuffed animals' names as a kid?

 

Meet my Neverlan- uh, I mean, my book shelf.

(And yes, those are Harry and Hermione dolls.)

 

20. The last song played?

Well, that was surprisingly fun. :D For me at least.

And my lack of scanner looks as great as ever.

8D