Life is full of unexpected things. Some of these are good. Some of them are not. It’s one of our many burdens in life to cherish the good and grow from the bad. Sometimes, that growth takes longer than we’d like.

For the past 3 weeks, I’ve been grieving for someone whom I shouldn’t have had to grieve for. At least, not for quite some time. My sister passed away a week-and-a-half ago. She was always, at least in my eyes, the strongest person in my immediate family. She was older than I by more than a decade but still far too young. She was forced to leave behind 3 young children, a loving husband, and a shocked family. To this day, I do not know what exactly lead to her death. I only know that she was here one day, in good mental and physical health. The next day, she was living off machines in the med. She passed after 2 days on the ventilator during a test. The funeral was several days later.

Part of me says that should’ve been it. The rest of me feared it wouldn’t. I still find myself breaking down emotionally when I’m alone. Everyone says that I’m “entitled to grieve” but I’ve done my grieving and I need to be strong for my family. I’m not strong enough for that, though. I know that now. I don’t know if I’m still too much of a child or if I’m overreacting. I still can’t believe she’s gone. It doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t feel possible. How is it that her son, nearly a decade my junior, is stronger than me? I’m sure he’s grieving and hurting. I just feel like he’s hiding it so much better than me. Maybe I just need more time.

Anyway, that’s enough moping around. I want to get back to being more active here. I want to get back in touch with those of you who reached out to me in those early days. I really want to say thank you. Thank you for watching, favoriting, commenting, all of it. I will be more active. I slowed down for the tragic event above but I know what time it is. It’s time to pick myself up, dust myself off, climb back into the saddle, and keep riding. Just like she would’ve done. I’ll never stop missing her but I can at least keep living life to the fullest for her and make sure her kids do too.

It's been a year and change since my last journal. Huh. So much has changed in such a short time. I had intended to take a hiatus from producing content and journals but not such a lengthy one. I feel like I've changed a lot since I last uploaded. I've gone from having a couple of hobbies to maybe having an overload of things to do. I suppose the easiest way to convey the changes would be a list. That said, I may be biased as I utterly adore lists. Here goes.

-New, Higher-Paying Job
-New friends
-Now a veteran D&D player with experience in 5e, 4e(eww), and 3.5e
-Currently a DM for two different groups and looking to branch out into a game called "What's O.L.D. is N.E.W."
-Avid player of Rainbow Six, Guild Wars 2, and Sea of Thieves
-Lost interest in most games that aren't the above
-Started reading more often
-Supporting myself financially in all but utilities, housing, and medical cases
-Changed my eating habits, lost weight, still losing weight
-More solidified in my morals and political views

That last one may sound a little weird but it feels good to admit to myself that, until now, I had no real stance on anything. I now have my own stance on multiple issues. I don't subscribe to the beliefs of any one political party entirely. I've decided that I shouldn't just pick one and except the things I disagree with when I could just have my own opinion. From now on, when someone asks me what I am politically, I can say, "I'm me. I have my own thoughts and refuse to group myself with any one political movement." I don't want to be that one guy who's always talking politics but I also don't want to be that guy who just doesn't give a shit. Wow, that went on for way too long.

Anyway, I'm going to try and be a bit more active than I have been as of late. It's good to be back in the saddle again.

The title says it all! I don't wanna be this weird force that distributes a short story or a poem into your mailboxes every few millennia. I'd like to humanize myself a bit. So… anybody playing Pokémon Sun/Moon? I'm playing Sun and thoroughly enjoying it. I decided to build a team on the fly. I don't play it professionally so I don't grind for natures or breed or even look at stats that much. I just play to have fun. That said, here's my team as it stands:

1. Decidueye (Female) Grass/Ghost
2. Lycanroc (Male) Rock
3. Mudsdale (Male) Ground
4. Arcanine (Male) Fire
5. Magnezone (NA) Electric/Steel
6. Kammo-o (Male) Dragon/Fighting

That's my team! What 'mons are you guys rocking? Let me know! I love connecting with people over mutual interests so feel free to leave your thoughts on the game or my team in the comments. I like the game a lot. It's actually kind of difficult although I've been avoiding level grinding so I'm a bit under-leveled. Anyways, I look forward to talking more in the future!

So… hi. It's… uh… it's been a while. I've been in a bit of a slump. Classes are in full swing and I haven't uploaded in a hot minute. I'm trying to find something I can get into. My thought process is "If I can get into something, I'll feel better and be more productive!" Not sure if it'll work because I can't find something to get into. Books, video games, television, studying, movies, walks, recreational driving, music… none of it worked. I realized the time I feel happiest is when I'm hanging out with my friends. Using that, I have drawn the conclusion that I must, in some way, find a group to play D&D (or some similar tabletop RP game) with. There's just a few problems…

1. I have no friends interested.
2. Sans lingo, I don't know much about D&D-esque tabletop games.
3. My schedule is not conducive to having a physical gathering to attend.
4. Who wants to play with(babysit) a newbie and waste their precious time? Most likely nobody.

Anyways, I wanted to check in and let you guys know that I yet breathe. I'm going to keep searching for a cure to my slump. I'll post something new soon, I swear. For anyone who speaks Spanish, there might be a bit of a treat in store for you with my next upload. As always, I love you guys.

Talk to you soon!


The Amazing Anomaly

So, I know I haven't been very active here on FA. It's my fault for not being active enough on the site but I just haven't found the time to let the creative thinking flow. By the time I get done with classes every day, I'm either so emotionally drained or physically tired, I just don't have the energy left to fund any kind of creative process. Couple that with out-of-class work and a half-successful attempt at maintaining a healthy social life and I don't have much time for anything else. I'm not sure exactly what I want to say here or how I want to say it but here goes nothing.

1. I am unhappy in my major. I began university last year in August as a budding chemistry major. I loved chemistry in high school. LOVED IT. It was fun, exciting, and a release from the monotony that was the rest of my high school schedule. As it turns out, high school chemistry was an exciting, action-packed, jump-cut-filled, summer-block-buster trailer. Chem I and II have been a documentary that manages to be both boring and terrifying. Not once in high school did I ever feel emotionally unstable from just sitting down in a classroom. That's been Chem II for the last few weeks. It's infuriating and amazing that somebody that was inducted into their high school's Hall of Fame for academic excellence and social grace as voted by both faculty and peers could be so utterly destroyed by a freshman course. I'm considering changing my major to something in the Computer Science/Networking and Telecommunications. From my research, it seems to be a constantly growing field in which to build a stable and worthwhile career.

2. I have been ill the last few days. I came down suddenly with a violent case of the flu. I am currently taking around 7 different medications. A steroid to help my breathing, an antibiotic to kill the flu, an antibiotic to kill strep(high possibility of having both), my usual med for nervousness, a pill to reduce nasal congestion, a painkiller for my throat, and some medicine to repress fever(the fever's been gone but my doctor ordered me to complete the dosage). Thanks to being low on energy emotionally from classes, physically from being sick, and mentally from being on more drugs than your average Hollywood celebrity, I nearly broke down into tears at the introduction of a concept today in class that I didn't understand. My apologies if this post seems overly-dramatic. The above is probably the reason for that.

I hope you guys can forgive me for dropping off the face of the planet. I'll have another story or a poem up before too long. I want to thank for helping me through these times by being a good friend and excellent source of advice for a story I've been working on.

I don't know why you come to this website. To some, FA is a porn site. To other's it's a social site. To some it's an outlet, others, inspiration. For some it's a combination of some or all of these. This website, even though I haven't posted anything for a while, has been an escape from everyday life.

I hope you guys are doing well. I'll talk to you guys again soon.

First of all, my heart goes out to those in Paris who were wounded, killed, and otherwise affected by the attacks today. I was devastated when I heard what happened this afternoon. To have such iunwarranted wanton destruction of lives and property suddenly erupt in your country is a terror that nobody should go through. I hope safety and closure come quickly to the citizens of Paris and the famillies of those affected. I hope for a swift and harsh punishment for any and all involved in the planning and execution for these heinous acts. This senseless violence has gone on long enough. It is time for the governments of the world to strike down these aggressors and ensure safety for all people. To think that there are people out there, right now, applauding the undeserved destruction of innocent lives makes me feel ill. It makes me worry that the world may be beyond saving from eventual self-destruction.
I also feel for those trapped in countries controlled by these monsters parading as people. I feel for those who live in constant fear from the people of their own country. My heart goes out to those who risk everything to leave their homes to find shelter in other countries. This injustice MUST STOP. Those in power must rise up and DO WHAT MUST BE DONE. Not TALK about what must be done, DO. There are people right now with the power to obliterate the perpetrators of this madness and they MUST take action and do so for the sake of those who cannot help themselves.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the periscope for today will instead be on Monday at 3:30pm CST at Overton park. The periscope for next week will still be in Thursday at 3:30pm CST at (most likely) Riverside Drive.

This Thursday, I will be broadcasting live from Riverside Drive(probably). Tune in at 3:30pm CST(-6:00 GMT). More details to come!

I know it's short notice but I'll be Periscoping from Audubon Park today at 3:00pm CST(-6:00 GMT). I'm just going to be talking about different things like U.S. and Global news, my college experience so far, and just random stuff. Look for me on Twitter/Periscope(@Tchessking/RussianCactus)! See you guys then!

So last night, I graduated from high school. It was a wild ride and I know I'll miss it. From going to lunch with my friends, to learning from the great teachers I've had throughout the years, to memorable times spent on field trips and the like, I know I will miss my school and the people in it. So many people in my class(including myself) have been struck with senior-itis and were so ready to leave. Now, I feel sad that I won't go to class and see the people I've known for so long. I feel sad that the teachers I met and connected with won't be in my life nearly as much as before.
I feel happy, however, that I'm moving on in life. I will be attending University of Memphis in the fall and, personally, I can't wait to begin this next exciting chapter in my life. So many things will change in my life and that scares me, but I know I can handle it. I won't be too far away from home so I can visit often. I will also be able to visit my grandmother(not the one I spoke about a few months ago) who has been struggling with cancer. I will be able to be there with her should she need me. Also, it's not like I won't know anybody. At least three of my friends are going to attend University of Memphis and another one of my friends is going to attend Southwest Tennessee Community College which is also located in Memphis.
I'm so happy that I get to move on and move up in life, but I'm also sad that I'm leaving my high school behind. I went to a small private school so everybody knew everybody and we were like a big family. There are some people I won't miss but those are few and are far outnumbered by the people that impacted my life. I will miss those people sorely. I am not done with education, not by a long shot. I still have a great distance to go before I reach the finish line and even when I do reach it, I'll still have the rest of my life to go with adventures aplenty.

Goodbye BB King. You will be missed. Thank you for bringing so much culture to our world with some of the greatest Blues music to ever be heard in Memphis.

If you can help  zonedragon please do. I cannot do much besides be a friend to him and spread the word. His situation is dire and needs help but also needs some people to be by his side during these difficult times.

I've been having a good time here. Still very limited wifi. Will be back home Monday night. Expect a submission and journal sometime between then and Thursday of that week.

So I meant to post a journal before I left but I forgot. I am in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip. I will post another journal when I get back to the States. Little wifi here. See you all soon!

Hey guys, how's it going?

I'm sorry I haven't been as active as I normally would but things are a bit on the chaotic side at the moment. Between getting everything set up to go to university, finalizing preparations for my trip to the Dominican Republic, and then all the usual hectic stuff: weather, school, family, and life in general, I have been able to get the ball rolling on something that should be posted by the end of the week.

I hope this journal finds you all well,

-Anomaly

Rest in peace, Monty Oum. You may not have ever heard of him and that's fine. Simply know that one of the most creative and brilliant animators of our time has passed away. Monty was the creative mind behind RWBY and was responsible for some of the best animations I have ever seen. May he be remembered forever. My only regret is that I never got to meet him. I wish the best for his family, his coworkers, and his legacy. You will be missed Monty.

Okay so apparently a bug is preventing me from streaming. It worked at 2:00pm today but now? NOPE. We'll just have to try again this weekend. The Twitch app on the XB1 says I'm Live but the Twitch website says I'm offline and the stream is blank. Oh well. I will try again some other time.

Are you ready? I am.


If anything goes awry and I'm not able to play Battlefield, I will switch over to Minecraft: Xbox One Edition. Hopefully, everything will go right!

http://www.twitch.tv/theamazinganomaly

Edit: I have switched over to Minecraft due to unforeseen technical complications.

Hey all, I will be streaming tonight for the very first time. Check it out at http://www.twitch.tv/theamazinganomaly

I will be setting things up this afternoon so I will be on and off if anyone wants to tune in early. If everything goes well, the stream will start at 9:00pm NACST (North American Central Standard Time). I will be playing Battlefield 4. It will mostly be a mixture of Conquest and Team Deathmatch. The stream will last until around 10:30 NACST circumstances allowing.

Hope to see you guys there!

I'm just gonna gauge the audience here…

I'm thinking about streaming some games via Twitch on Xbox One. I will mostly be streaming Battlefield 4 but Lords of the Fallen is also an option. Eventually, if people like it, I might be able to add Dark Souls 2, Destiny, Minecraft: Xbox One Edition, and Dragon Age: Inquisition. I'm not going to be able to do picture-in-picture or voice at first but I may be able to do voice eventually. I'm mostly dealing with space limitations when it comes to Kinect.

There is, of course, the possibility that my potato- I mean router might not have the ability to handle livestreaming. My ISP is -umm- not on my good side right now *cough cough* AT&T *cough cough*

Anyways I just wanted to see if anyone would be interested. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

I am not sure whether this has been done before but here we go. . .

I am sure that someone reading this has at least heard of the DoTA 2 A-Z challenge. For those of you who haven't, here is a short explanation. DoTA 2 is a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game with many different characters to play. These characters are listed alphabetically. The A-Z challenge is to play matches back-to-back with a different character every time. You start with the first one, Abbadon, and, if you win, you move on to the next character alphabetically. If you lose, you try again. You work your way through the list all the way to Zeus and win a match with Zeus. This is the conclusion of the original A-Z challenge.

My idea is similar. When you go to "Browse" on FurAffinity, you see 4 filters for the art you can see. Under the "Species" filter, there is a list of species you can set as the filter. I want to work through this list from "Frog" to "Scorpion" excluding any "Other" filters. Since I can't draw worth anything, I will be doing this FA Species Challenge with short stories and poetry. If anyone wants to join the challenge they are free to do so. Maybe we can work through it together.

Anyways, since I am relatively new to FA, I am not going to claim this as an original idea because it may have been done before.

Let the challenge. . . BEGIN!

As always,
You guys rock!

-Anomaly

The Weekly Update is back. I will have a new installment on Monday. Consider this a bonus WU. My life is slowly getting back to normal. My grandmother miraculously survived both sepsis and a bout of pneumonia. I swear she is tougher than Rocky Balboa could have ever hoped to be. She is recovering slowly and is out of ICU. She just needs to get her strength back and then, hopefully, her mind will return to what it was before all of this began.

I uploaded a new submission and, if it is possible, can someone tell me what it's about because it started as a shallow weight gain short story and I don't know if it fell into a vat of nuclear waste or something but it morphed into something a lot deeper. I also think I will start using the icon made for me by the talented  dragontzin as a submission icon for my writings.

As always, you guys rock!

-Anomaly

I'm going through some really tough times right now. My grandmother, who practically raised me during the week, is dying as I write this. This morning, around 1:20 AM she was in severe pain. She had an extreme urinary tract infection. While at the hospital, she went into what's called septic shock. Septic shock leads to Sepsis in which the organs begin to shut down. I am not handling it well. I am going to try to upload a sound file that will hopefully explain to you guys. I feel like all of you have the right to know. I am not telling you to listen to it. I'm warning you, I sound harsh. Very harsh. No cussing or anything, just some hard language. Things are tough right now guys. I'll get back to you guys later.

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend! Not much to say this week except that I will be uploading a teaser for my next big project(that I will actually complete). I encourage all of you to ask questions about anything in that upload. Questions are welcome here and in the comment section on the submission. If your question is longer or you have more than three questions, please note me and I will note you the answers. I hope you all have a great week!

You guys rock!
-Anomaly

I just realized that I've hit SIXTEEN watchers! Wow, I guess time really does fly when with good friends. It seems like just yesterday I uploaded my first story, Jasmine: Mirror Day. I'm so glad all of you have seen fit to put me on your watch list. I really hope it's been as fun for you guys as it has for me. I have been having a blast. I feel like I've been able to connect with so many people here on FA. I can't wait to see what happens on down the road. Thank you all for your dedication and comments. I take everything said very seriously. You guys are one of the nicest groups of people I've ever had the pleasure of interacting with. Keep on being awesome.

And now, a shout out to. . .

arvanas_sorrat
codytheito
ColdWarg
Datpenguin
DGADController
dorenot
Dragontzin
EddSmoth
FurWriters
industry-standard
misingno
mnnnnnssssk
Randoman05
SmallerGod
Switzerlandragon
~Elska~

Thank you so much guys.

As always, you guys Rock!
-Anomaly