HELLO.

Haven’t written anything here for a while so I figured I’d pop by and scare the bejesus out of you. I did have urges to script something about Mother’s Day, then technology, then cars, then Father’s Day, then jobs, but all those things can basically be expressed in 140 characters or less (see Twitter feed). Not to mention all those topics have been more or less beaten to a pulp on Tumblr.

At the risk of unintentionally joining one of the biggest internet mobs, let me just say that The Avengers was pretty smashing (pun intended). If you haven’t seen the film, stop reading this right now and run to your nearest theater. If you have seen it, come pick me up and we’ll have ourselves a repeat viewing.

It’s still really difficult for me to choose a favorite Avenger. Without watching any of the previous films—other than Iron Man and the Hulk—my gut choice was the Hulk. I think Mark Ruffalo did a fantastic job portraying the “giant green rage monster.” In my opinion, he gave the Hulk an emotional depth which hasn’t been previously attempted. A steaming pile of anger could be great fun, especially where fire and explosions are concerned, but Ruffalo did lend remarkable sadness to the character… and a good deal of embarrassment. In retrospect, the Hulk is the only Avenger who ends up butt-naked after letting loose. Additionally, lay people who know of Dr. Banner’s secret generally don’t want to approach him—if they have to do so, they meet him only while armed. It was refreshing to see a much less desperate reincarnation of the Hulk who seems to have begrudgingly resigned himself to fate. Although the character is wrath-centric, Ruffalo’s Hulk underscored the multiple facets (or sources) of temper and perhaps how friendship has the most powerful purifying/nullifying effect; in the case of Dr. Banner, cue Tony Stark.

Captain America intrigued me as well. Those of you who know me know that I like most things old-fashioned and patriotic so the Cap was right up my alley. To seal my Avenger dilemma, the Cap was so darn wholesome. Good for the sake of good. I think that’s the peculiarity of modern society—it’s so easy to be vicious, evil, immoral, or generally go against the grain and stand out in that manner. It’s incredibly more difficult to practice benevolence yet still be unique. The Cap does have enhanced abilities, but to me his elevated nature makes him a truer embodiment of the superhero than someone who can, say, turn invisible or breathe ice. He is mortal (as far as I know), but he personally strives to be the best example of a mortal.

After seeing The Avengers, I immediately sought out Captain America: The First Avenger. Classic plot, classic characters. But more importantly, once scene in particular cemented my feelings for the Cap: 

It’s one thing to sing about taking a bullet for the one you love, another thing to actually take the bullet for the one you love, and a whole other animal entirely to save complete strangers in the span of a heartbeat. The Cap reminded me of why I love Sherlock Holmes as well; a mortal who also utilizes what he’s naturally given to the best of his abilities… and has a heart so big, he has to practically swallow all emotion to shield it from those who wouldn’t reciprocate in kind and/or self-destruction.

Which finally makes me realize just how deeply I miss Sherlock.

I could never lay down my life for another person—or even fake such a gesture. Maybe when I get married and have children my answer would change, but as of this moment I value my own life too much. I respect the men and women who made or make that call, and I can only hope that there still are people who commit to exemplify the good that they see, act, sing, read, or write. Life sometimes imitates art, yet it can be argued that art always imitates life.

And I don’t know about you, but I want to live a good one as best I can.

I’m going to end this before I tangent any further but before I do I’m just going to quickly mention the END OF HOUSE M.D. AFTER EIGHT SEASONS OH MY HEAVENS I’LL PROBABLY WRITE ABOUT THAT NEXT BECAUSE FEELINGS.

Eat your vegetables (and mine too),

JEO
Authoritative lip and possessive eye alike,
full rubies doth yield by the serpent’s decisive strike.

I spent the last week or so in a bit of a frenzy. I cleaned out my closet a few months before in an effort to professionalize and age-appropriate my attire, which was both necessary and an uncanny gesture of extreme foresight. Weight loss is unfortunate in that way; although I am appreciative that my fitness regime has been working (and of the opportunity to donate goods), I don’t particularly enjoy shelling out money to restock my wardrobe.

Especially since I’m paying off student loans and, every now and again, bills that are another’s responsibility. That said, I’m fairly certain that my weight loss is partly related to stress.

Anyhow, the in-state job that I was preparing for is now “on hold.” Watson said that the application reviewer is either looking over résumés or he/she has been summoned to oversee another activity. I’m guessing it’s the latter, since the “on hold” notice has been up for weeks. The company is also hosting a major event at the moment so I decided to switch gears while I observe.

While it would be fantastic to work in California—the state where I currently reside—I can’t seem to shake off the feeling that I’ll migrate once again to the East Coast. For that reason (and even if I were to simply move down south), I did some major cleaning. The photo I have shared above is essentially what I would be taking with me, wherever I may end up. Minus my clothes, bedding, and toiletries, of course.

I don’t want to prematurely expose much, but I can say that I do have some out-of-state things in the works. The most important part of this process is that I received the green light from my mother to relocate and, this time, all by myself. We’re a very small but close-knit family, so up until recently we’ve always operated as part of a collective whole rather than separate units. Her blessing means a lot to me; it is a poignant indication of what will hopefully be a great new chapter in both our lives.

In addition to all of that, I’m writing a manuscript. Most people have dreams of making it big one day and since writing is what I’m most acclimated to do, I decided to cast some of my cards in that direction. I’ll refrain from mentioning what it’s about out of protective and possessive reasons. In a grand sense however, the fictional story centers around a duo and their journey which begins when the female half discovers something rather unsettling about herself. Mental fortitude and flexibility are big themes… but you’ve probably expected that from me by now! I really don’t know how or when the story will end—I’m just finding it fun and somewhat relaxing to have the story lead itself toward, away from, or around certain details.

Needless to say, I presently have quite a lot on my mind—a portion of which I’m getting in writing then sending out into the world along with a shiny morsel of hope.

JEO
Authoritative lip and possessive eye alike,
full rubies doth yield by the serpent’s decisive strike.