Sunday, December 28, 2014

A Random Compilation of Music!

Here is a Tumblr challenge I found on music. I decided to use it as a way of introducing you to more music you need to listen to in the upcoming year, or reiterate my love for a few songs.

1: A song you like with a color in the title

"Blue Sky" - Francesca Battistelli

2: A song you like with a number in the title

"9,000 Days" - Overtone

3: A song that reminds you of summertime

"Shiawase" - Puffy Amiyumi

4: A song that reminds you of someone you would rather forget about

"Over My Head (Cable Car)" - The Fray

5: A song that needs to be played LOUD

"Anything Goes" - Sutton Foster

6: A song that makes you want to dance

"September" - Earth Wind And Fire

7: A song to drive to

"3005" - Childish Gambino

8: A song about drugs or alcohol

"Swimming Pools (Drank)" - Kendrick Lamar

9: A song that makes you happy

"I Want to Know You" - Measure

10: A song that makes you sad

"Echo" - Jason Walker

11: A song that you never get tired of

"Hanabi" - Ikimono Gakari

12: A song from your preteen years

"Excuses" - Deas Vail

13: One of your favorite 80’s songs

"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" - Tears for Fears

14: A song that you would love played at your wedding

"A Whole New World" - Lea Salonga & Brad Kane

15: A song that is a cover by another artist

"Now On Air" - covered by Goose House

16: One of your favorite classical songs

"Piano Sonata no. 14" - Beethoven

17: A song that would sing a duet with on karaoke

"Fancy" - Iggy Azalea & Charli XCX (honestly, I hate this song, but...)

18: A song from the year that you were born

"Reflection" - Lea Salonga

19: A song that makes you think about life

"Seasons of Love" - from Rent

20: A song that has many meanings to you

"When it Rains" - Paramore

21: A favorite song with a person’s name in the title

"Beifong's Sacrifice" - Jeremy Zuckerman

22: A song that moves you forward

"When You Believe" - Sally Dworsky & Michelle Pfeiffer

23: A song that you think everybody should listen to

"Daisy" - Stereo Dive Foundation

24: A song by a band you wish were still together

All of the bands I like are still together, I think...

25: A song by an artist no longer living

"Endless Night" - Jason Raize

26: A song that makes you want to fall in love

"Life is Like a Boat" - Rie Fu

27: A song that breaks your heart

"Tears in Heaven" - Eric Clapton

28: A song by an artist with a voice that you love

"In My Own Little Corner" - Laura Osnes

29: A song that you remember from your childhood

"Don't Worry Now" - Britt Nicole

30: A song that reminds you of yourself

"The Wizard And I" - Idina Menzel

Thursday, December 25, 2014

15 Songs You Should Listen to in 2015

Merry Christmas, guys! Mine's been pretty awesome; we're preparing for dinner right now. I was given several baking supplies, so I'll be busy for these next few weeks!

Anyway, here are some songs you need in your life this year.

  1. "3005" by Childish Gambino. This is definitely the song I'll be ringing in the new year with... partially because I have no social life and will be ringing it in at home. Again.
  2. "Dollhouse" by Melanie Martinez. "Throw on your dress and put on your doll faces. Everyone thinks that we're perfect; please don't let them look through the curtains."
  3. "Jealous" by Nick Jonas. I will admit that I never really stopped liking the Jonas Brothers, nor Nick himself.
  4. "Shadows" by Childish Gambino. I could just listen to Donald Glover's voice all day. Even just him talking-- I never get tired of it.
  5. "That Power" by Childish Gambino. If you ever just want to listen to Donald Glover's voice while he tells you a story, this is the song you need to hear. "This isn't a story about how girls are evil or how love is bad; this is a story about how I learned something... I wish I could say this is a story about how I got on the bus a boy and got off a man... but that's not true. The truth is I got on the bus a boy, and I never got off the bus."
  6. "3005 - Beach Picnic Version" by Childish Gambino. I just really like Childish Gambino, okay?
  7. "Sky" by Goose House. "Constellations above nowhere to be seen at dawn, while I blink just once. They're so like you, I smile. Strong as the will we swore, straight like the road we once used to walk. I'm missing those days, times I spent with you, and your melodies..."
  8. "The End of Everything" by Measure. This is my go-to song for bad days. Whenever I'm rejected by a casting director or I get a bad grade, this song reminds me that life goes on after the fact. My life will continue even after everything I care about ends. I'll figure something out. The end of everything isn't really the end of everything.
  9. "Bang Bang" by Jessie J. I absolutely hated this song when it first came out, but now I just can't help attempting to hit Jessie's notes and rapping Nicki's part.
  10. "Alchemy" by Kyler England. This one is a lot like #8, in the sense that it is my go-to song when bad things happen. It reminds me that even if I don't get into a school or musical or ace my chemistry test (I got a 56% on my last one and barely swept by with a 90% for the quarter), I can't change what happened, so I need to stop wishing. That's why I love the way the chorus of this song is written-- she spends half of it talking about what could have been done differently, what she wishes would have happened, how simple it could have been, and then she shuts it down saying, "it's all said and done."
  11. "Hurricane" by Athlete. "I don't wanna run; I've been here since I was young. What we see today could be gone within the hour. Oh, Hurricane, what you gonna do to us this time?"
  12. "We Are One" by Angelique Kidjo. I really love how she combines English with... Zulu, I think. I'm pretty sure it isn't Swahili, but I don't know. 
  13. "Personal" by Stars. This song kind of addresses online dating, and I'll leave it to you to decide what this song means.
  14. "Ride" by Cary Brothers. This song almost has a creepy feel to it, which is why I like it. Not because I'm creepy, but because of how soothing the song is.
  15. "Eyes Wide (Fool's Gold Remix)" by Aristotle Pop A Bottle ft. Local Natives. I don't what's up with the rapper's name, but I promise it's actually a good song.
Well, here are fifteen songs I like! Enjoy the last week of 2014!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas (and a happy new year)!

Before I start, here is a little Goose House song to get you in the spirit!


I will admit, I'm not that in the spirit this year, or any year since like... 2007. But, after completing my Christmas shopping yesterday (spent less than $68 on four people-- is that NOT a win? AND every person got at least two gifts from me, so yeah, it's a win), I got a little happier. Aside from the fact that I think I'm starting to get sick after having a migraine for two days in a row.

I thought I would reflect on what 2014 has been like for me. This has been a year of major ups and downs. I started driving... BUT I didn't get an A in geometry. I did good in this one thing... BUT I didn't get this other thing. I have always been one to focus on the negative, even if wasn't a big deal. So, I'm going to share the good AND bad that happened to me this year, instead of focusing on one or the other.

WHATEVER THE HECK HAPPENED TO ME IN 2014
  1. I turned sixteen, and started learning how to drive. I haven't practiced much in the few months I've had my permit, but I learned that I am actually pretty good at parking. 
  2. I got into my school's chapter of the National Honor Society, which has been my dream since middle school. I was inducted last week!
  3. I started hoarding mail from Northwestern. I guess they got my contact information by using a cookie to see how many times I've been on their website? It's a mystery. ONE YEAR MORE!
  4. I performed in my first concertLes Miserables, in front of more than 2,000 people. I was only a chorus member, but this brought me a step closer to getting the roles I've always wanted.
  5. I got rejected at an audition. I mean, this has happened in the past in one way or another, but this really hurt me. I auditioned to play one of my absolute dream roles, Natalie, in Next to Normal, a character I have always felt a strong connection with for all of the things that make us similar-- our personalities, our similar family issues, etc. It all made sense why I had to play her. And someday, I hope I will. But, I auditioned for the role, and in my opinion, it went pretty well. As cliche as it is, I auditioned with "On My Own" from Les Miserables ("...and I know it's only in my mind" through to the end of the song). Because it was a community theater, I don't think they cared how popular the song was. The mistakes I made all had to do with pitch and volume. I noticed I tended to "back off" of the higher notes ("That I'm talking to myself," "he is blind," "when the night is over," "every day I'm learning all my life, I've only been pretending," "happiness that I have never known"). That might have hurt me a little, especially since I'm a belter and didn't belt the whole time. Also, Natalie plays piano. I have it on my resume that I know chords, but... that probably wasn't a very big deal, because playing wasn't necessary. The point is, I auditioned for a role that I spent six months preparing for, and wasn't even called back. When a girl who didn't even have sheet music with her was called back. When a boy who stopped the pianist in the middle of his audition was called back. Like, what the heck? The point is, I learned that you will not always get the part. You might not even be called back. But you have to keep trying anyway. At least I can say I tried to get in.
  6. I got third place in my first Junior Council on World Affairs quiz bowl. My team of girls who didn't study at all until the week before. My team of girls who, even then, barely studied. My team of girls who were only guided by common sense. Third place out of more than sixty teams.
  7. I started my own business! Come on, if Northwestern doesn't want me after the work I've been putting into getting in, then somethin' weird's going on (actually, it's probably just my freshman grades coming back to haunt me). But yeah, I started a cake business. I've gotten really good reviews on the free work I've been doing so far. I might even get to be a decorator for a wedding! Now, to be employed...
  8. I read Fullmetal Alchemist. And yes, that needed to be mentioned. All twenty-seven volumes of it. And I have absolutely no regrets-- best manga I've ever read.
  9. I cut my hair into a pixie cut. Which I kind of hated. And still do, but it won't grow out. And yeah. It still fits into a ponytail, though, which confuses me. Like, is it a bob? Is it a pixie? Is my hair just magical?
  10. I got back into gymnastics! By gymnastics I mean an acrobatics class I took at my local dance studio for a month. But, nevertheless, it was gymnastics. And I plan on doing it again next summer.
  11. I ran for my school's student government. And didn't get in. Their loss, not mine. Actually, it is my loss because that would make me look good for Northwestern, but... oh well. I'm running again to be the senior class rep next year, and guess what my slogan is? I'm not even kidding. My slogan is, "First things first, I'm the realest." Because I am.
  12. I made peace with my inevitable fate of being forever single. I have embraced it. In fact, I don't even really want a husband until my late twenties. Which isn't the smartest decision, being someone who wants to have a lot of kids. But, like Kate Monster from Avenue Q says,"You gotta go after the things you want while you're still in your prime." 
  13. I went crazy with community service. Nearly 300 hours, I believe. I am an usher for national tour performances at my local regional theater, I volunteer for my local library, I babysit in my church nursery, I help with elementary school kids at my church, I volunteered for a Kiwanis club Christmas tree lot, I am in Key Club at my school, and I'm doing other things as well. I might start tutoring middle school kids. Take note, Northwestern. Although, I will admit that I honestly just enjoy volunteering. I don't just do it to get into college.
  14. I read 200 books! And stay tuned for a MASSIVE book review over them soon.
WHATEVER THE HECK MIGHT HAPPEN IN 2015
  1. I will start my senior year of high school. This is scary, especially since my recent Principles of Macroeconomics grade isn't exactly going to raise my GPA (I got a B... one that I am actually pleased with, as it was a poorly planned online college course). I hope my transcript is pretty enough. I'm mostly just afraid that my freshman grades are going to make colleges say no to me. It's frustrating, really, because I feel like my cumulative GPA says nothing about me as a student. I'm usually a 3.8-4.0 student, not a 3.5. I feel like my freshman mistakes are going to end up determining where I can go, even though I have grown so much since then.
  2. I will turn seventeen. I'm still sad about not being fifteen. I really don't want to turn seventeen. Luckily, I have eleven months until that happens.
  3. I will apply for BFA programs. I feel like I just started my freshman year, and now it's time to audition for programs to get a freaking Bachelor of Fine Arts. Like, where did the time go?
  4. Northwestern will make a decision about me. This really, really scares me. The one school I've had my eyes on since ninth grade will tell me a yes, no, or maybe this time next year. The only school I really can see myself at will only see me as just another applicant. One that probably isn't as impressive as those with higher GPAs and ACT scores.
  5. I will get my actual driver's license. In my grade, about 50% already have one. But, considering I'm a lot younger than most of them, getting it this summer isn't that late.
  6. I will perform in another concert, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. I'm already in this one, and rehearsals will start in March. I'm so excited-- I might even get a solo (?).
  7. I will audition for more productions. I will audition to play the wicked witch in Shrek, Rizzo in Grease, Christmas Eve or Kate Monster in Avenue Q, and some character in Mary Poppins. It'll be a busy year!
  8. I will compete in another JCOWA quiz bowl. This time, me and my girls are aiming for first place. And we've already started studying.
  9. I'm growing my hair out. How long? Who knows. I wanna see how long it can grow. Generally, I maintain it at chin length or slightly longer. But, I wonder how long it can go. When I was about eight, my hair was pretty long, but it didn't look good on me, so I finally caved and cut it when my mom asked me to. I wasn't even aware that my hair was even long until someone said, "short hair looks so much better on you than long hair." And so I have kept it short all these years. Aside from the fact that my hair began moving past shoulder-length in ninth grade, I have always had it cropped short. In the long run, I think it'll probably be short. But in the short run (ugh... I sound like I'm talking right out of my econ textbook), I think I'll let it grow long.
  10. I'll go back to gymnastics again. Or, I might even take some ballet or jazz classes, because why not?
  11. I want to attend my first casting or go-see. I should be an official signed model after taking a long hiatus this upcoming year. I'd love to book a bridal show!
  12. I'm running for Student Government again. First things first, I'm the realest. 
  13. I might get asked out to prom, or force a guy to go with me. Probably the latter.
  14. I will complete an internship. It will probably be a journalism internship, but I don't know yet. All I know is my school is forcing me to do one whether I like it or not.
  15. I will pick up a new musical talent. I own too many instruments to only be playing two of them (and they're both guitars). I think I'm going to work on autoharp and keys, while learning the basics of violin and string bass. 
Those are my goals for 2015! Thank you for being apart of my 2014, and have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Saturday, November 15, 2014

What Community Theatre Actors Want You to Know


  1. We may have been who you saw on stage, but we aren't necessarily the ones who made it possible. Go tell the director how good of a job they did when you see them. Yeah, we had our moments when we hated their guts, but without their direction, this really couldn't have been possible.
  2. The orchestra will never cease to amaze us. "But you can sing!" But I can't play the French horn, so who really wins here?
  3. Tell EVERYONE you see that they did a good job. I didn't understand this until I did Les Miserables a few weeks ago. Back in the summertime, I went to see a community production of Spamalot with one of my best friends, and found out that someone I knew was in the ensemble. So, of course I told her she did well. Then, my friend was like, "Let's go tell everyone they did a good job. You only said it to the one person you knew." I didn't really get her point-- they don't need me to say anything; other people will approach them. But that's not always true. NEVER assume that an actor had someone else seeing them that night that brought roses for them. Sometimes, no one they know is there. When I was in Les Mis, my parents and one of my sisters came on closing day. Which means for two days, I didn't have anyone there to see me specifically. And you know what? Even on closing day, I told my parents not to meet me at the stage door; I went straight to the car and they praised my performance there. But all weekend, not ONE person told me I did a good job as I exited the building with stage makeup still on my face. It was obvious I was in the production. But no one said anything. Not as I saw several others surrounded by flowers and hugs. Even one person saying something would have made me feel better about being there alone. On the last day, a whole bunch of cast members congratulated each other, but it would have been nice for someone else to say something. So be that person. You could make someone's day brighter.
  4. The chorus is very important. Even we forget this sometimes. We audition for a big role, we get stuck in the chorus (again), and we feel like a shadow in the background. This is sometimes how we're seen, too. It's very easy to forget that the chorus is important, too-- there are musicals that could not sound right without a chorus. Someone has to play that part. So, remember: the chorus may not be the lead, but they are just as important.
  5. It won't be like the time you saw it on Broadway. And it definitely won't sound like the movie. But try to enjoy it anyway, okay?
  6. The tickets really aren't that expensive. Like I said, it won't be like the time you saw it on Broadway. If you faint at having to pay $15 for a ticket, maybe you haven't seen anything on Broadway, anyway.
  7. COME CELEBRATE COMMUNITY TALENT! Many community theaters are underwater financially, and really need your support to stay floating. Also, this helps community actors gain experience for their college and performing resumes. Some community actors and singers are actually really good, and could make it on Broadway someday. But we need your support to get us there. Make sure to experience live theatre in your hometown-- you'll be surprised how much you like it!

Monday, November 10, 2014

The Realization of Growing Up

When I was younger, all I wanted was to grow up. I wanted to start high school. To get my driver's license. To get a boyfriend. To get into National Honor Society. To turn eighteen. To move out of the house. To get married. To have my own children.

Now that I'm older, I am facing the sudden realization that things are actually happening, and the ones that haven't happened will probably happen soon. I'm almost done with high school. I will have a driver's license this spring, most likely. I just turned in my application for my first job. I am getting inducted into NHS next month. Now, I still don't have a boyfriend, and I can't vote in the presidential election until 2020 (I literally JUST miss election day in 2016... thanks to having a November birthday). But aside from marriage, it's all starting to happen.

Don't get me wrong, growing up is exciting. But anyone who has been my age before (which it is likely that you are older than me) knows how this feels. People keep asking me where I want to attend college and what I want to study. Which, I have a pretty solid idea for both, but it's still frustrating. It's finally getting to me that 2015 is going to be the year that determines a lot of things for me. I'll turn in my application for Northwestern. I'll audition for NYU Steinhardt School of Music. I'll audition for a lot of roles, and probably won't get most of them. I'll have to utilize the piggy bank (or, as I call him, Piglet). Everything is changing.

As much as I want to stay the little girl who is a few weeks shy of her sixteenth birthday forever, times are gonna have to change. It's kind of like the song "Sky" by Goose House.

"I wished upon the sky in a dazzling starlight for you to please stay the same as you are. But I know that even the sky I gaze will change in every way."

Entering adulthood is a scary process. It seems far away until it finally dawns upon you that it's less than two years away (for most of my friends, it's a few months away). But even though the changes seem abrupt at first, they shape us into who we are.

And that's how I'm going to end this post, because I can't think of a better way to do so.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Why I'm NOT About That Bass

Yes, I am referring to the (unfortunately) beloved song by Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass."

If you want to hear the song, go look it up. But I will not give more money to a cause I don't agree with by embedding the video.

First, before I state why I don't like the song, let me show you the lyrics and let you decide for yourself.

ALL ABOUT THAT BASS

Because you know
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two
But I can shake it, shake it
Like I'm supposed to do
'Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
And all the right junk in all the right places

I see the magazine workin' that Photoshop
We know that s**t ain't real
C'mon now, make it stop
If you got beauty, beauty, just raise 'em up
'Cause every inch of you is perfect
From the bottom to the top

Yeah, my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
Hey!

I'm bringing booty back
Go ahead and tell them skinny b*****s that
No I'm just playing. I know you think you're fat
But I'm here to tell ya
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top

Yeah my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
'Bout that bass, 'bout that bass
Hey, hey, ooh

You know you like this bass

Every time I talk about this song, people automatically assume I'm going to talk about the "skinny b*****s" line. Which I will, but not in the way you might think.

First, let me get a point across. I know I am not exactly plus-sized, and I may not fully understand the struggles of women with fuller figures, because I've always been thinner by nature. But that does not mean my opinion should be declared invalid because of my weight. I have a voice, just like anyone else.

I'm going to break this song into chunks. I'm going to try to focus on the good and bad. The song has a good message, it's just poorly executed.

"I got that boom boom that all the boys chase."

Okay. Girl, you should love your body. You do you. But please, for the love of all things good in this world, don't use boys as a reason for it. A woman shouldn't like her chest size just because men like D cups. So I have to say I don't like this lyric.

"Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top."

Yes, this is true. Like she says later on: don't worry about your size. I mean, we're all beautiful, even fi we don't think so ourselves. So, I like this lyric.

"Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."

Clearly Meghan Trainor has never had a man check out her butt to find that there's nothing there. This is borderline hurtful to girls with smaller figures, because it's basically saying, "Boys like girls with big butts." That's probably true. But isn't this song supposed to be promoting body positivity... for everyone? Plus, back to the boys thing-- who gives a flying crap what they think? I do not like this lyric.

"I won't be no stick figure, silicone Barbie doll."

This is NOT okay. Terms like "stick figure" and "Barbie doll" are specifically targeting pretty much any woman below a size 5. I know she means no harm, but using derogatory language just makes more people angry. I obviously am not acquainted with this lyric.

"I'm bringing booty back. Go ahead and tell them skinny b*****s that."

I get it, she follows up saying "I'm just playing," yada yada yada. This is still NOT okay. Once again she uses derogatory language, and she did not have to body shame to get her point across. And for the record, so-called "skinny" girls don't like being called skinny. It's just like calling someone fat. So you need to stop. Which, while I'm on the topic-- will people please stop telling "skinny" girls to eat a burger? It's offensive. I'm not one of these girls, but many thinner women have a difficult time gaining weight for medical reasons. So shut up.

I think "Anaconda" by Nicki Minaj uses the term "skinny ... um, female dogs" in it as well.

I do not dislike this song because I am a size 3. I dislike this song because it mirrors a major issue in society. Why do we build one group up while tearing another group down? We glorify thin women, then we put down curvy women. Then, when someone tries to be so-called body positive, they do the exact same thing, but with the tables turned.

Do you see my point? I'm not angry because I'm thin. I'm angry because there is no balance here (I just had to squeeze in The Legend of Korra Book Four's title). It's so sad that in American culture, we always have to put someone down to feel better about ourselves.

It's not fair the way curvy women have been treated in the media. It's not fair that department stores don't have a good variety of clothes for them. I am not ashamed to admit that my particular group of women has been favored by the media (aside from the fact that I am not white... or blonde... or large-breasted). I know that curvy women face a struggle that I may not face until later on in life, when my metabolism slows down (usually after a woman's first pregnancy, her luck with metabolism goes down the drain). But I also believe in equality.

We are not "skinny" and (I hate this word) "fat" women. Nor are we thin and curvy. We are women. One group. Okay?

So let me tell something to YOU.

I ain't no size two, either.
And I can't shake it either.
I don't have the boom boom that all the boys chase
AND I DON'T FREAKING NEED IT BECAUSE I DON'T NEED A BOY TO MAKE ME LOVE MY BODY, ELSE I WOULD BE MISERABLE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
Yeah, magazines do use a lot of Photoshop.
We all know dat ain't real.
And yes, every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top.

My mama also told me not to worry about my size.
She said, "Don't use boys as a way of measuring your self-worth."
I would rather you not call me a stick figure; I'm no Barbie doll either
So if that's what you want to call me THEN YOU NEED TO RE-READ THE BEGINNING OF THIS POST.

Go on and bring booty back.
We're equal anyway, so I'm cool with that.
So let's not body shame each other BECAUSE THAT GETS US NOWHERE IN LIFE (writing in all-caps is so... powerful. At least I feel powerful).
And that's all I really have to say.

In a nutshell...

-"All About That Bass" isn't THAT bad, but it has some major flaws
-Who cares what men think?
-Love your body, girls AND boys (I forgot to talk about the male gender... oops)
-Don't call anyone a derogatory name

Ah. Thank you for reading my rant. Now, instead of ranting to people's faces, I'll just send them a link to this.


I'm out!

-Hope

Monday, October 13, 2014

YouTubers I Just Can't Get Enough Of

YouTube and I have been through an on-again-off-again relationship lately. In seventh grade, I had at least ten different playlists with hundreds of videos saved, and even a few of my own uploaded. In tenth grade, I only used it for academic purposes. Now, while I am not nearly as obsessed as I was in seventh grade, YouTube and I are friends once again.

During my time this year, I have discovered some of my favorite videos and vloggers. And I think you should experience them too, if you haven't already.

So... here they are!

1. Leenda Dong (LeendaDProductions)

I don't know if it's because of all the Asians that are included in her videos (I love Asian guys... especially the one in her "If Your Period Was A Person" video) or because of how hilarious and relatable Leenda can be sometimes. Either way, I just can't stop watching her videos-- of course I have a subscription!

2. Goose House (goose house)

(Apparently, the one above was used in the anime Silver Spoon as the second ED! That's an anime I must put on my to-watch list)
Oh yes, I've blogged about Goose House. Numerous times. They might be my favorite band right now, and just so you know, you were spared. I didn't include some of my favorite songs by them. But, if you want to hear them, check out "Sky English Version," "JUST FRIENDS?", "teens," and of course, "Sing" on the blog playlist to your right.

3. KisukeUraharaAnime

Now, I know that this guy doesn't really post original stuff. And, his channel is really, well, full of anime. But you signed up for anime the second you started reading this blog, sucka! If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have heard of "Hanabi." Which means I would never have started listening to Ikimono Gakari (actually, Goose House has covered their songs, so I guess I would have heard of them eventually). Speaking of Ikimono Gakari and Goose House-- why haven't they covered "Sakura" yet?

4. nigahiga

Yes, this is the only video I've seen of his. But come on, he's a cute Asian it's so funny!

5. Octopimp

Okay. If you ever watched Iwatobi Swim Club, you probably watched 50% Off. At least once. I'm pretty sure I'm behind on the episodes, but still. You should check out Octopimp. Nuff said.

6. Anyone who uploads an Ikimono Gakari video

Yeah. I just really love Ikimono Gakari even though the only songs I know well are "Hanabi" and "Sakura".

Who are your favorite YouTubers?

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Goose House!


In case you needed another reason to want to move to Japan, I have found another. I have decided to ditch college and move into the Goose House.

Forget auditioning to become a musical theatre major. Forget studying at Northwestern. Forget my dream dorm room. Forget my college Pinterest board. Forget performing on Broadway. Forget living a relaxed life in the United States. Just forget it all. I've already started saving up to move far away from the States and over to Asia.

Okay, so maybe five dollars won't get me a plane ticket. But I'm in the process of applying for a job at my local library, so I'll just use the money I was going to put in a bank account for college and put it in my travel fund instead! And I'll need to go to school to study Japanese. Man, I did not think this through.

Okay, scratch that. I won't ditch the ACT. I'll still take vocal lessons, gymnastic lessons, and audition for plays (I'm auditioning to play Natalie in Next to Normal in a few months, I'm auditioning for a Nutcracker-esque musical soon, and I'm already in Les Miserables!). I'll still keep my grades up (although, I think I'm developing a minor case of senioritis-- and I'm not even a senior yet!). Looks like Japan is gonna have to wait.

But still. I think I have found my best friends. They don't know it, but we're best friends.

When I was little, I used to want to join a sorority and live in a house with sorority sisters. However, I already have biological sisters, and if I can't stand having two, how am I supposed to survive with that times ten? But I think I want to live in the Goose House.

Goose House is a band of (at least) eight people. I don't know if they all live together or they just like to record in that house, but it doesn't matter. Because I'm going to move to Japan and live with them. I mean, they've helped me with my Chinese summer homework (上海 and 花,meaning "Shanghai" [the city] in Chinese, and the next character, "Hana," being the same character in Chinese and meaning "flower"). They've helped me find hair and fashion inspiration. They've helped me discover new music. They've helped me bring out my guitar (one that's been collecting dust for far too long). So it's obvious we should be friends.

Enough talking, here's some of their music!

If you don't admire any of the girls' style or the guys' guitar and mandolin skills, something's wrong. But there are two things you can learn from this at the very least: 1) Not all Japanese people look the same, unlike many think and 2) Japanese girls can pull off any hair length. Or outfit. Like, for real. Those outfits look gorgeous, but the moment I try to wear one of them, it'll look so hideous I won't leave the house in it.

This song translates to "Shanghai Honey," performed by ORANGE RANGE. I wish I knew this song when I was preparing for my entrance Chinese test! Shanghai was one of our vocabulary words. I don't really understand what's going on at the beginning of the video, but surprisingly, I actually understand some of what they're saying! Maybe getting a minor in Chinese or Japanese language is actually for me.

This is "Hana," also originally performed by ORANGE RANGE! Yes, I've blogged about that band, too (look up "Asterisk"). This song definitely does the original justice-- I like it just as much, or even more! I think this might actually be my favorite Goose House cover so far. SAY YEAH!

Yes, these Japanese kids (who are probably in their twenties but whatever) speak English. I honestly like this better than the original. I usually like Taylor Swift covers better than the originals. I think it's because of the use of both genders in this cover. Honestly, the only hope I have in ever meeting these people is because I know they can speak English.

And, of course, the very first song I ever heard by Goose House-- their cover of Linked Horizon's "Guren no Yumiya!" This is the song that got me really listening to their music, so thank you Shingeki no Kyojin!

Here is a list of songs I would love to hear them cover:

"Hanabi" by Ikimono-Gakari
"Life is Like a Boat" by Rie Fu
"My Pace" by SunSet Swish
"Daisy" by Stereo Dive Foundation

So, what do you think of Goose House?

Sunday, August 24, 2014

My Back-to-School Playlist


  1. "Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift. I cannot believe I actually like this song. I'm not a fan of Tay-Tay, but this song grew on me. "'Cause the players gonna play play play play play and the haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate baby I'm just gonna shake shake shake shake shake." Gosh dang it, it's just so darn catchy!
  2. "When You Believe" from The Prince of Egypt. I'm going to need this song to get through precalculus this year. And sociology. And chemistry. And econ. And probably Mandarin. I basically mentioned almost all of my classes. "Many nights we've prayed with no proof anyone could hear. In our heart's a hopeful song we barely understood. Now we are not afraid although we know there's much to fear. We were moving mountains long before we knew we could."
  3. "Everything Else" from Next to Normal. This song totally describes how music feels to me, and my dreams, and... ugh. I just wanna play Natalie so badly! "You play 'til it's perfect, you play 'til you ache, you play 'til the strings or your fingernails break, so you'll rock that recital and get into Yale... 'cause you've got your full-ride and your early admit, so you're done with this school... and you graduate early, you're gone as of May... and you know that it's just a sonata away and you play... and everything else goes away."
  4. "Hanabi" by Ikimono-Gakari. I think I've already expressed my love for this song, but dang. Like, I just really love it. It's just so beautiful. It's not even a sad song, but my eyes always water when I hear it. It's low key inspiring.
  5. "Through Heaven's Eyes" from The Prince of Egypt. Whenever I feel stressed out, this song calms me down, if only for three minutes. "So how can you see what your life is worth or where your value lies? You can never see through the eyes of man. You must look at your life. Look at your life through heaven's eyes... though you never know all the steps, you must learn to join the dance."
  6. "花 (Hana)" (which means "Flower") by ORANGE RANGE. I prefer Goose House's cover, but this song is still like, amazing.
  7. "Crazy in Love" covered by Emeli Sande. Don't get me wrong, Beyonce is pretty perfect, but I love the jazzy spin Emeli puts on it. Don't worry, Bey-- your version will play at my wedding reception.
  8. "Body Rock" by Mamoru Miyano. Oh yeah, I blogged about this one, too. The ultimate study song. Or Friday song.
  9. "February Air - Acoustic Version" by LIGHTS. I can't wait to learn this song on guitar (after I'm done perfecting "Hanabi"). It's just a pretty song to listen to in the afternoon.
  10. "New At This" by Megan and Liz. "I've got a lot of life to live, don't treat me like a little kid, I'm just a little new at this."
  11. "Next to Me" by Emeli Sande. This is another song that helps me work faster. 
  12. "My Pace" by SunSet Swish. "All FAAAAIIIILLLLSSSSS!!!" His voice though.
  13. "Almost There" from The Princess and the Frog. "This whole town can slow you down, people takin' the easy way. But I know exactly where I'm going, and I'm getting closer and closer every day! I'm almost there! ...People down here think I'm crazy, but I don't care!"
  14. "Daisy" by Stereo Dive Foundation. This song is perfect to drive home to. Heck, this song is why I never say goodbye! (Itsudatte sou se)
  15. "Theme to Lizzie McGuire" by Angie Jaree. "Sometimes we make it, sometimes we fake it. But we get one step closer each and every day. We'll figure it out on the way."
  16. "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Yes, I've been waiting for September just so I can sing this song. And eat pumpkin spice cupcakes.
  17. "Just Another Day" from Next to Normal. In case you need something to get ready to in the morning.
  18. "Dancing Through Life" from Wicked. "The trouble with schools is, they always try to teach the wrong lesson. Believe me, I've been kicked out of enough of them to know... Life's more painless for the brainless... nothing matters when knowing nothing matters. It's just life, so keep dancing through!"
  19. "Go the Distance (Single)" by Michael Bolton. "A thousand years would be worth the wait. It may take a lifetime, but somehow I'll see it through!"
  20. "Chai Tea Latte" by Angel Taylor. "People might compliment our chocolate and vanilla skin... you've blown my mind in two hour's time, and I'm so weak and unable to picture you with someone other than me. But I guess I have to, 'cause you haven't asked me out on a date to get some chai tea latte..." Does that stuff even taste good? Might have to try it...
  21. "Up We Go" by LIGHTS. Is there an instrumental version available? Because the instruments are the main thing this song has going for it.
  22. "Shake it Out" by Florence + The Machine. "I can never leave the past behind. I can see no way..."
  23. "All I Need to Be" by Fireflight. "Tell me again that I am strong..."
  24. "Ain't it Fun" by Paramore. The perfect song for starting freshman year, be it high school or college. "Where you're from, you might be the one who's running things... so what are you gonna do when the world don't open up around you? What are you gonna do when nobody wants to fool with you?"
  25. "Scramble" by Yui Horie. "Guruguru mawaru!"
Well, time to update your playlist!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Light-skinned Black Girl Problems


  1. "You act so white, it's like I'm blacker than you!" Um, no. No. Just no. I didn't know there was a code of conduct in order to be black.
  2. "What are you mixed with?" Nothing? This is a good question, but don't jump to conclusions. It IS possible to be fully black and have light skin.
  3. "But you don't look black AT ALL!" Would you like for me to show you my new growth? Because I am due for a relaxer touch-up any day now.
  4. "How would you know anything about the hood?" Because not all people who live there are dark-skinned? I don't actually live in the hood, but I have spent so much time in East Cleveland (and other cities like Atlanta and Chicago), you best believe I know as much (or more) about the hood as you do.
  5. "Are you sure you don't want to borrow my SPF 50?" Yes, I am light-skinned. No, I do not burn.
  6. "You look just like Rihanna!" Is this because we're both light-skinned?
  7. "Let me guess. I know what your ethnicity is! 你好! 我是美国人。你是中国人吗?" I know you did not just ask me if I'm Chinese.
  8. "So what if you can't play Tiana in the Disney parks? You could totally play Mulan!" You've got a good point...
  9. "I'm going to come back from Spring Break darker than you!" LOOK, I get it, there are white people darker than me, yeah. Moving on.
  10. "I don't think you're really black." Let me take you on a field trip to the plantation where my great-great-great grandfather was a slave.
  11. "I hear Asian parents have really high expectations." But I'm not... ah, forget it.
  12. "Why is your hair so short?" Because I'm black. Technically, black people (including my sisters) can have long hair, but it is a rare occurrence. Of course I'd be the only girl in my family with the inability to grow hair past shoulder-length.
  13. "Since you're light, you could probably stop getting relaxers." Tell that to my unruly curls.
  14. "If you were a slave, you would be treated very well." That is very comforting.
Those are some things I've faced being a light-skinned black girl! Did I miss anything?

The Broke Girl's Guide to Gettin' Paper!

In this economy, my dream house Pinterest board is nothing but a dream, and will be nothing but a dream for awhile. Especially considering I am going to be a starving artist coming out of college. However, I have found some little ways to save money, earn money, and get freebies. No matter how well off you are, you know you like getting things for free, don't you? Well, join the rest of us.

Here is my guide to saving money now, even if you're still with your parents!

  1. Never, EVER pay full price for clothing. I love shopping at Forever 21, but I am not willing to pay more than twenty dollars for a dress, to be honest. And unless it's this shirt, I'm not buying it unless it's on clearance. Being a fashionista isn't hard when you spend your money wisely!
  2. Thrift store does NOT mean garbage can. I like shopping at Goodwill and the dollar stores. I have actually purchased some of my cutest dresses from Goodwill, but I wouldn't admit it in real life. Actually, I have before. But still! And don't worry if you're spotted in a thrift store-- we all shop there sometimes! Jill Duggar's maid of honor (another Duggar sibling... not a big fan of that family honestly, but somehow I learned about Jill's wedding) even bought the bridesmaid dresses from a thrift store, and they were actually very cute. And nothing screams vintage better than something actually from that era.
  3. Never forget your student or military ID. Discounts, discounts everywhere! Need I say more?
  4. Don't buy books. I've never been big on book buying anyway, but when I became a book reviewer in 2010, I was practically being hired by WaterBrook Multnomah and Thomas Nelson Publishers to read a book and blog about it online. Was I paid? No. But, I mean-- free books!
  5. Volunteer. I am a volunteer at a regional theater in my area, and I get to see multiple musicals and plays this year-- I even get to see Wicked twice! All I have to do is be an usher, and I get to watch the stuff for free. 
  6. Start a little business. This doesn't have to be separate from your home; you can start a photography business, nanny business, cleaning, and like me, cake decorating business. It's a fun way to bring in a little bit of money on the side while doing what you love!
  7. Get a pay raise? Live off of what you were making before and add the rest to your savings account. I learned that on Pinterest.
  8. Make a list of things you buy often. What do you absolutely need? What could you buy a little less often?
  9. Do you own something you never use? Whether it's a violin or textbook, you can make fast money selling it.
  10. Save your lightly used binders. If it can last another year, use it for another year.
  11. The piggy bank works! If you want ice cream, get your change from Mr. Piggy. Don't dip into the twenty.
  12. Ride a bike. No, really. If it's not snowing, you're not sick, and you're going local, leave the car in the driveway and ride there! It saves gas, and it keeps you healthy. No need for a gym membership. Plus, it's relaxing when your calves aren't burning.
  13. If you can, try to have more than one job. I'm not saying work mornings at one job and nights at the other, but I'm saying if you babysit in addition to your fast food job, stick with it. Earn that dough.
  14. Start doing crafts. DIY projects are some of the best things you will ever do with your spare time, and they will save you a lot of money in the future. Crafts are for everyone!
  15. Know what to say no to. My school is going on a trip to Italy, but I want to take driver's ed this year. Obviously, driver's ed is the most logical thing to do. I can travel internationally any time in my life. Driver's ed is something I need to do within these next two years. See my point? Priorities.
  16. Ditch the salon... when you can. I get it; we all need a hair cut every once in a while. But when it comes to nails, facials, etc. you need to just get a Pinterest account and do some stuff yourself.
  17. Naturally infuse your water, and limit intake of soda and other unnatural drinks.
  18. Put ads on your blog or in your YouTube videos. I am not eighteen yet, so I am not sure if it is legal for me to get ads on my blog, but you best believe I will! Get money from any place possible.
  19. Stream music on Spotify or Pandora. I only use iTunes when I have a gift card (or feel like treating myself). Spotify and YouTube are free, so why not?
  20. Buy pocket sized deodorant. Only saves you but a few cents, but it's so dang cute!
  21. Most importantly, KNOW HOW MUCH YOU ARE SPENDING. A cautious spender is a good spender, and someone who may never have trouble paying rent. 
"Make that money; don't let it make you!"

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Bedroom Makeover: The Victoria's Secret Trash Can

Let's be honest: trash cans are eye sores. No one wants to touch them, they don't go well with anything, some of them are translucent-- just no.

I hated my trash can. My room is pink, and this puke green trash can was just not working with my theme. I know that it's just a small little can that needs to be in there, but must it be so ugly?

When my older sister moved out about a month ago (which meant I got to have my own room), I was determined to turn my room into a place I enjoyed being in. That's why I have roses around my closet, and other stuff you'll see later. I decided I wanted a room that was mostly pink, though I chose to keep the walls white.

When I say I wanted the room pink, I mean it. Which meant the green can needed to go.

However, I do not have a job yet, and no way was I going to beg my parents for a stinkin' trash can when I could be asking for more important things... like a bank account or money for driver's ed.

So, once again, I found a problem in my room, and I needed to solve it.

This also applies to you college kids! Most dormitories don't supply trash cans, so why not make a cute one out of something you already have?

A lot of girls shop at Victoria's Secret. I don't, because... let's be real. It's lingerie. I'm doing just fine with my yoga panties I got for five dollars at Gabriel Brothers. However, my sister saved some of her bags, so that left some DIY material for me.


It's simple, really. Just take your trash can and stick it inside a gift bag (or, in my case, a Victoria's Secret bag). You can also do a little extra, like I did-- put in some tissue paper for decoration. I also have another Victoria's Secret trash can by my bed for convenience, but I didn't take a picture because my room is a wreck right now.

So yeah. That's what I had to talk about. Thanks for reading.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Bedroom Makeover: Organize Your Closet

This image brings to mind many things.


Frustrating mornings deciding what to wear might come to mind. Or maybe knowing exactly what you want to wear, only-- where the heck is that skirt, anyway?

As the school year starts getting closer, I begin to think about how much time I won't have. I can't sleep in until 3 p.m. anymore. I can't stay up until 3 a.m. anymore. And I'm not a morning person-- I wake up five minutes before I'm supposed to leave. I'm going to have to get better on that before I get my license. The point? I don't have time to spend ten minutes searching for the perfect outfit. I need a system.

And so I created one. I heard about people organizing their closets, and so I decided I needed to organize mine. The other ways seemed so complicated and hard to stick with, though-- whites with whites, Louis Vuitton shoes with Louis Vuitton shoes, lace with lace. I can't stick with something that specific to save my life! And I don't own any Louis Vuitton shoes-- just a poster and a scarf.

I came up with what I hope is a very simple organization system. No more long mornings searching for your favorite tank top!

Now, this can be reversed, but my style is more casual clothes on the right, and dressy clothes on the left. I have a strategy to this-- I'm left-handed, so this makes it that I'll be more likely to grab a pretty outfit. Then I realized that I use my right hand just as much and no matter where I put the stuff, I'm gonna want to wear a T-shirt. Oh, whatever.

1. Sporty tank tops


On the far right, I have my sporty tank tops that I'd be more likely to wear when riding my bike or in gym class (which, thank God, I passed with an A and will never have to take again).

2. Tank tops I might wear under something else


I know, I know. That blue tank top isn't very cute at all. But it comes handy, so don't you dare judge me. These are like magic. Purple bra shows through a white shirt? Just put on a cami.

3. Tanks that could be worn on their own


These are tanks I might wear on a weekend or to a party... birthday party.

4. T-shirts


Some days you just don't care. It's nice to be able to just reach into a certain part of the closet and be able to find something comfortable.

5. Shirts to wear when I want to be comfortable but still look decent


You know what I'm talking about. When you're not feeling like dressing up, but you want to have a look that still says, "I tried." The kind of shirts that have the best of both worlds. They could be worn with ballet flats or tennis shoes.

6. Plaid shirts


Plaid is another type of clothing I like. It could be worn with black leggings and tall, heeled boots, or worn-out jeans and sneakers. Requires hardly any effort on my part.

7. Slightly more upscale shirts


I've been meaning to get rid of this green one. I think I kept it for St. Patrick's Day? I don't know. But! Behind it, there are more fancy shirts-- a grey sweater, a Christmas-like red shirt, and a bohemian one (that I never wear).

8. Fancy shirts


These are shirts I might wear for an interview, head shot, or presentation. We're moving into fancy territory!

9. Sweaters... or jackets... whatever this classifies as...


I keep these all in one section. I might wear one to meet dress code at school when I'm wearing a strapless dress, for example.

10. Short skirts


I don't know where I got this hanger from, but I love it. Almost all of my short skirts on one hanger? Love, love, love!

11. Fancy... and bohemian skirts


Wrinkled? Yes. Been meaning to get rid of it? Thinking about it. The skirt might not look good on the hanger, but it's cute on a body. I got it while thrift shopping. Who cares if it's not from a brand name store? Thrift shopping is the best. Behind it are some maxi skirts.

12. Casual dresses


These are dresses I might wear to school or just to look cute, but not like I'm trying. Oh, and if you have a small bust (like a certain 34B I know... not me, definitely not me... nope), strapless dresses are like heaven. Well, when they don't slide off.

13. Funeral dresses


Not that I look forward to wearing one of these to a funeral any time soon; I just call them that because they could be worn for one. Honestly, I might wear the one in this picture to the first day of school. It is a sad event, isn't it?

14. Sunday and wedding dresses


These are dresses for not-as-casual occasions, but could still be worn for casual events, like spring weddings. Believe me, showing up over-dressed to a wedding when you aren't the bride is a little embarrassing. In my defense, black people don't do farm weddings-- we just don't. How was I supposed to know it was acceptable to wear a maxi skirt? I showed up in a dress that was more suitable for an evening wedding. I should have known.

15. Homecoming/dinner party dresses


Not a lot of people re-wear their homecoming dresses, but I do. Not to homecoming, of course, but for recitals, auditions, etc. I wouldn't recommend wearing your homecoming dress for an audition, but most of mine are really down-to-earth (my dress from my freshman year was too short to wear anywhere else, though), so it doesn't matter.

16. Bridesmaid dresses


Don't throw away your dress from your sister's wedding! I've never been a bridesmaid (which, by the way, I would be a very good bridesmaid and am accepting requests), but these are definitely bridesmaid-esque dresses. The purple one behind the grey one actually is a bridesmaid's dress. I almost wore it to a wedding in October (another farm wedding, but less casual than the previously mentioned one), and I'm glad I didn't; I would have matched the bridal party. Theirs were red, but it was the same design. The point here is to keep your bridesmaid dress, because... I don't know, they're cool. Unless you had to wear an ugly one. Then go on and give it away.

17. My graduation gown!!!!


I'll be graduating from the same high school as one of my sisters, and since we're close to the same size (width-wise), her graduation gown is mine now. It's on the very far left of my closet. It's nice to know that the next time I remove it from the hanger, I'll be graduating. Weird, huh? Less than two years and I get to wear it.

Well, that's how my closet's organized. Now, follow your heart and organize yours!

Thursday, July 17, 2014

5 MORE Japanese Songs That Should Be Available in the West

This is my third post on this topic. Check out the others here and here.

21. "Dried Up Youthful Fame" by OLDCODEX for Free! Eternal Summer.
I can't begin to describe my love for this song or how great of a job Kyoto Animation has been doing with this anime. So I just won't.

22. "Future Fish" by Style Five for Free! Eternal Summer.
Again, dang, Kyoto. That animation. My favorite parts of the ED (in the second video)? Hmm. 1:44. Why? No explanation required. And the little bit that starts around 1:54. Again, no explanation needed here. And they're all so adorable at 2:44! And then there's Rin's booty dance shortly after. "Never give up!"

23. "Life is Like a Boat" by Rie Fu for Bleach.
"Every time I see your face, the oceans heave up to my heart, and make me wanna strain at the oars, and soon I can see the shore."

24. "My Pace" by Sunset Swish for Bleach.
This song is just... so chill. Honestly, I don't really know what he's saying, but still. Bad day, good day. This song is appropriate for any day.

25. "Hanabi" by Ikimono Gakari, also featured in Bleach.
Okay, you may be able to tell that this is one of my favorite songs in the world right now. No matter what key or what singer, this song is purely wonderful. I don't why, but it makes me so emotional. Maybe because it's a really pretty song? Almost everyone who sings it nails it (except for that high note at 0:10). This song is on iTunes, but it is a cover ("Asterisk" is also on iTunes through the same people), and doesn't sound nearly as good. But I bought it anyway. The singer on iTunes doesn't breathe well, and so instead of singing like, "Kirameite, yurameite, aoki yume mai hanatsu, hana moe yuku..." it sounds more like: "Kirameite *breath* yurameite *breath* aoki yume *breath* mai hanatsu *breath* hana *breath* moe *breath* yu *breath* ku..." But when you're desperate like I was, you buy it anyway. And then you get annoyed with it later. But can we admire the ED (the second to last video)? The art is so beautiful for Rangiku (seen at 0:11), Yoruichi (0:16), Orihime (0:22), and Ichigo (0:27). "Kono hana moe yuku!"

26. "Body Rock" by Mamoru Miyano
This song may be a little "scandalous", but... I had to. And it doesn't make it any better that Mamoru is Rin's voice actor from Free!.

Well, that is all. For now. I shall return. Soon.