Randimaxis

BronyCon was also a turning point in my own life, as well.

It marked the first time EVER that I actually made plans, all by myself, and executed them.  I am a 40+ year old man, and until BC, I was NEVER able to do that; much of my life has been spent with other people calling the shots, making me feel like a liability at best.  I'd spent a lifetime with being told what to do, how to do it, and getting berated when I made mistakes.  People around me had seemed to merely settle into the idea that I was always going to be a child, and I was treated with very little respect - even by my own family.

But the forums were a place where not only was I liked - I was wanted.  Nobody there treated me like anyone I actually knew in real life... which felt wonderful.  They even saved my life, as I was on the brink of suicide when I was overwhelmingly shown love and affection by you wonderful folks... and because of that, I have always loved this place and the people here.

Trobs, I didn't get to interact with you much (mostly because I get Wanderlust at conventions, and you and Jeric were inseperable), but in complete honesty, I was scared to death of meeting you.  You were always the one who dealt with some of the roughest trolls we ever faced, and you were the AUTHORI-TAH for the forums... and I was frankly terrified, and for some reason got it in my head that I was going to get chewed out at some point, for... who knows what!  Irrational fears are irrational!

But, when I actually met you... I saw someone who was just as awesome as they could be.  Practical, kind and with an ACID wit, you proved to be one of those people who was a class all your own; those folks are rare, though I'd like to think there were a lot of them at BC.  I wish I'd had more time to speak to folks - you included - but I think the moment made itself, and that we all got something from it we needed.

I wouldn't trade my experience at the last BronyCon for all the merch in the world; excelsior, Troblems - thank you for being a part of it.  }:)

When Life gives you lemons, do not spindle, fold, or mutilate.  Bazookavite.  Post no Williams.  All your bass are belonging to us - which ain't nuttin' but treble.

And lo, the thing has been spoken.  Join us next time, when we plan to divulge the thing in chalkboard screeches.  Hail Eris, all hail Discordia.

I actually happen to be one of those folks who, when they ask 'how are you?', I actually DO want a response; the standard 'I'm fine' is bullshit - NOBODY'S fine.  Besides, how can I try to make anything better if you're 'fine'?

So yeah... if I ever ask you that question, feel free to tell me about the cousin who blew up his car, or the guy at the hot dog stand that sneezed on your food, or that ache you have behind your middle toe on your left foot... I'll listen.  I want to make connections, and the easiest way to do so is asking for more information.

However, I tend to start with 'hiya', because I agree that starting with a question sounds foolish.

And, for what it's worth, I feel your rage up there; I get it.  There are so many pointless things in the world today; it's just one more dog on the pile, I suppose.  My sympathies to you.

The passionate embrace, I'll give you... but no kisses; I'm contagious.

Ah, but aren't 3 and 5 both TWO numbers?  Add that two to the three... *wiggles eyebrows meaningfully*

The Goddess is pleased; keep vibrating, and she shall come.

*wiggles eyebrows*

You're the good guy and I'm the bad guy, but we HAVE to team up to destroy the BIGGER bad guy, because plot.

My favorite line from one of my favorite movies.  

Money is always tight, but no, I'm currently managing what I can & am getting things together... but thank you for the offer.

I eventually got home by way of a good friend affording my bus ticket. 

Roughly five minutes after:

I loved the new Duck Tales from episode one, because I saw the LOVE for the original material & the fans of it.  It gave me hope after actually SEEING a couple of episodes of some of the above-mentioned CW Titles... and trust me, I DID shed an actual tear over those.

But there's so much about the Disney Afternoon that lives on in this amalgamated universe, and even though I was 13 when it all originally started, I was an avid fan through almost the entire run of the original shows - especially Darkwing Duck.  'The Terror That Flaps In The Night'?  That was AWESOME to me - a meek little kid who had few friends and numerous bullies.  I may not have done as our esteemed actor did in DT, but it did steel me against giving up, giving in or giving out.

I even had a Darkwing figure.  Wish I still did, honestly.

All the same, when I got a glimpse of him as a 'TV Show' fave of Launchpad's, I squee'd like a little girl being given a boxful of floofy kittens.  It was juuuuuuuuuust a mention or two, and barely a five minute presence... but I still got misty eyed, all the same.  Nostalgia hits you hard, bro...

But when I saw 'The Duck Knight Returns'... I cried.  Eeyup - bawled like a baby with Thrush.  Especially seeing the origins of Negaduck, a villain I always enjoyed in the original series... and who better to play the part, eh?  Oh, I dunno, how about JIM FREAKING CUMMINGS out of nowhere as Starling, hence Negs as well - as it damn well originally was!  Hell, the voice of Darkwing/Negaduck, to me, is as distinct as the voice of Optimus Prime (Transformers being another show I grew up loving).

This... ALL of this, the whole kit-n-kaboodle of the new Duck Tales... THIS is what it should be.  This is what happens when generations young AND old work together, unified to create something wonderful, respectful and highly entertaining, regardless of what "age category" they're statistically aiming for...

Sorta like a certain show about pastel-colored ponies I've herd of.  

Top notch - totally cereal.

Excelsior, good sir.

May your days be bright and merry, and your nights be mysterious and adventurous.

Happy shipping, in whatever you may do in life.

*bows with great respect*

Though we may grow weary, always remember that every step you make yourself take is another step on the path to becoming stronger.

Though, I believe there's a song that might speak to you about this, and it's one of my faves:

I hope this goes to show you that there are others out there who are also tired... yet they continue to fight the good fight.  You are NOT alone, my friend.  *supportive hug*

Are... a-are you leaving?

I certainly hope not - you're fun.

Thank you. 

Everyone needs that reminder, every now and again. 

When I read this, I didn't realize how badly I needed it... and how truly valuable Hope can be. 

As I said, thank you.  *hugs*

*hugs*

Effort is never truly wasted; consider that you've learned what that feels like, and realize you now know the facts you'll need to ensure you never do the same thing to anyone else.

Empathy is the ability to relate to others... and empathy is best learned through experience.  And experience, as any well-versed roleplayer can tell you, is far more valuable than anything you could ever earn otherwise, because lessons like this stay with you long after the money is spent.

Use what you've learned through your troubles to make yourself stronger... and keep that chin up.  

Excelsior.

May your life go farther than you ever imagined, and may you be content with what you accomplish throughout the years.

Our Forums are humbled to have played a small part in the miracle of Life that is your journey.  *bows humbly*

... no Creedence Clearwater Revival?  

You have ABBA... this blog is officially 20% cooler.

As for Aerosmith... bravo, but couldn't you even have used ONE of their pre-80's tunes?  I mean, Toys In The Attic was a MONSTER of an alb-...

... no, y'know what?  Don't mind me at all - this is YOUR blog, and those were what came to YOUR mind when you thought of the bands in question.  

Rock on, fellow Ponyite.  

I sincerely wish I'd been right there with you in the theatre - it sounds like you had much of the same thoughts and experience that my daughter and I did.

Mr. Jelly Bean: How are you today? I'm Mr. Jelly Bean.

Morty: Hi, Mr. Jelly Bean. I'm Morty. My grandpa and I are on an adventure.

Mr. Jelly Bean: Nice. Is it a fun adventure?

Morty: I hope so. But I'm starting to get nervous that maybe it's gone a little too far off the rails.

Mr. Jelly Bean: Well, isn't that what adventures do?

Morty: Hey, you know what? You're right; everything's going fine. I just gotta relax and go with the flow!

Be like Morty - realize that adventures ARE harrowing, and they're good for you.  That sense of anxiety can be turned into the same kind of exhilaration one feels from roller coasters and stuff.  Plus, a little fear is okay - it helps us prepare for the BIG fears that come in Life... the ones we can't avoid.  Nothing at all wrong with a little trouble.

But Sweet Luna's Crown, don't EVER be Mr. Jelly Bean.  EVER.

*looks above*

*notices how everyone else is a god/goddess, yet he is just a Muse*

I may not rate among the gods... but then again, as a Muse, I'm just a figment of your imagination anyway.

Doctors sacrifice their peace of mind in exchange for giving others a shot a life again; there are few professions that are so noble, yet so very costly.

For them, the exchange is worthwhile.

Don't beat yourself up over it, Mezzy - even if you never become a doctor, you're always free to learn what you can; who knows?  Someday, you may actually have a chance to SAVE a life with what you know... and besides, there's nothing wrong with broadening your horizons.