Post High School, Pre-College: My Life So Far
Hello everyone! I hope you've been doing well as of late. I know I always say this, but please do stay hydrated! Seriously. And please always remember to get enough rest! I hope that you all have been taking care of yourselves ❤
Before anything else, I'd like to wish y'all a happy 2018! I know I know, it's really quite late of me, and I really have no excuse other than the fact that I've been really sleeping in recently, and have had absolutely no motivation to get out of bed. I just can't believe that 2017 is over!
Still, the show must go on. As 2017 has come to a close, there are many things that I just wanted to reminisce on, and as I looked back, I was astonished by how much things have changed over the course of one year! With that said, I'd just like to share my 2017 with you guys, and there's no better time than the present.
First off, I'm going to college! Or university, depending on what you call it. I remember mentioning this in a handful of previous blog entries, but I never got around to really talking about it in detail. I'm going to uni in Australia, and I'll be undertaking legal studies. I finally graduated from my slightly preppy Chinese private school last June 2017, and was freed from the shackles of high school life.
To be honest, I really did enjoy my last year of high school though! It was relatively eventful— I went to my first ever debate competition this year, and I was part of our school's first ever big-scale
musical production 😄 I was just part of the ensemble, but being able to spend time and perform with some of the nicest, talented people I know has become a highlight of my year, and maybe for as long as my memory will serve me.
The debate competition was amazing as well! I went with my debate club, and we were so close to making it to the octo-finals, which comprises of the top 16 debate teams. Although, I didn't actually do any debating lol. Aside from the debates, there was also a public speaking portion in the event, and that was where I participated in. Though I didn't win any awards, it was a fun learning experience nevertheless ❤️
Now that I'm out of high school, my parents have been enrolling me in different skill-based classes to equip me for when I'm on my own. I finished driving lessons a month or so back, and right now I'm in beauty school learning to cut hair! I've only been learning the basics, so if you show me a picture of your desired haircut, I wouldn't be able to recreate it (yet). Perhaps someday, I can make this my side job. A lawyer/hairstylist extraordinaire— that certainly is an odd combination!
Anyways, my dull life post-high school has had its own set of challenges; mostly emotional burdens that were accrued due to feeling estranged to my friends' current lives. I love my friends and I love hearing them talk about how their lives are in college, but I guess it makes me a bit sad to hear funny retellings and stories filled with unfamiliar names, when just last year those stories contained the names of people I knew and went to school with.
I'm a really sentimental person too, so it's hard for me to leave the people I care for behind. My friends, my family— I won't see them as often as I'd want to anymore. I won't hear their voices, feel their touches. If that's what it means to leave behind my life in the Philippines, then it's a heavy burden for me. I wouldn't want this year to end. I don't want to leave.
But at the same time, ever since this plan to have me study abroad was set in stone, I started to appreciate the things around me even more; especially the simple things in my life right now.
The way sunlight filters through the bedroom curtains in the morning and lands on slept-in beds. The smells and sounds of our kitchen— garlic, wooden chopping boards, and the radio tuned into the local station. Mid-afternoon commutes, when the train isn't crowded or noisy because everyone's having lunch. The way the train gently rumbles as it hurtles through the tracks, the bright afternoon sun filling the car. Our big mango tree here at home, when it bears fruit and you could see the flowers from below. The bright blue sky, framed by lots and lots of trees and some wires from telephone and electricity poles. It's things like those that really helped me appreciate how amazing life is. I know I'll miss every one of those moments. That was how my life went; how it will be until I have to leave it all behind for a fresh start in college.
In a way, I'm thankful too. Life isn't always gonna be how it is now, and attending university abroad will be a great experience to help me learn more about myself and the world. And, I suppose, this'll happen eventually anyways, so there's no need to delay the inevitable.
For a while now, I've been taking lots of short video clips of the things that remind me of home. I plan to edit it all into one video, so that I can look back to it when I get homesick. Perhaps when I finish it, I'll give you guys a link if y'all wanna see it 😊
Ever since I got out of high school last June, another thing I've been thankful for is the chance to pursue hobbies I've been waiting to for so long. I picked up the viola, which is a really amazing instrument! The best way I can describe it is by comparing to to the violin; if violins are sopranos, then violas are altos. I quite like the rich, medium tone of the viola though. The sound is also warmer than the violin, and though it's just as wonderful too, violas are so criminally underappreciated! I guess that's why I opted for it over the violin lol.
I'm also writing a musical! I think I mentioned this in my first Sunday Currently entry, and yeah, I'm still working on it. I love musical theater, so I decided that maybe this is a thing I could do. The details aren't quite set yet, but if I do make significant progress, I'll be sure to write about it here 😆
Anyways, now I'm just enjoying what little time I have left in the Philippines, my home. Our church hosted a Christmas outreach as well, and it felt really fulfilling to see the children happy ✨ Last Christmas eve, we had a big potluck lunch in church as well. We had looots of sushi lol.
On more recent news, I did have my wisdom teeth removed just yesterday,
boy are my jaws swollen. I look like a chipmunk. This is not a good look. It's a good thing the surgery itself wasn't so bad— I actually didn't feel anything due to the anesthesia (my eternal thanks goes out to the creators of this numbing elixir).
I've also taken up bullet journaling! This year I've decided to try and organize my life a little bit more, as I do have an intense procrastination problem lol. I've always wanted to try this out as well, and though I'm sure that I will not be able to maintain this sort of aesthetically pleasing journal, I do hope that having a planner will help keep me on track this 2018.
Well, I guess that's everything noteworthy that has happened to me so far. Writing this has been really therapeutic, and it felt good to open up about how I really felt. If any of you guys have something weighing on your shoulders, try writing it down! It doesn't have to be on a blog if that's what you choose; nevertheless, engaging in some form of self-expression is cathartic, and will help you stay sane lol.
That's all I have to say for today. Thanks for reading! Please take care of yourselves, and take time to rest when you're tired. And spend time with the people you care about because those times will be memories to be cherished ❤️
Yours truly
— Cossette
Labels: musings
The Day The War Stopped: A Short Story
Hey there, wishing a happy new year to everyone! How have you been lately? I hope that you've been doing well, and are enjoying your holidays. This time of year really is my favorite, since it gives me a sense of accomplishment about making it through all the difficulties and challenges that we faced this year. Although, not all battles were victories, as long as you did your best then I think that's more than enough 😁
Granted, this month's entry is late lol. December has been surprisingly eventful! Just a couple days ago I went to the beach with a good friend's family, and it was pretty fun. I didn't tan (thankfully), but then again, we did go swimming in the late afternoon and the sun wasn't really quite strong already lololol. I also went to visit my old high school earlier this month since they were having a big Christmas party. I mayyyy have stolen a donut or two from their Christmas potluck though
shhh. Oh, I really will miss high school!
Anyways, for
this month's installment to the Spaceship and Vampires Monthly Writing Challenge (which I've chosen to abbreviate as SVMWC in the tags), the theme was Christmas! I guess it's only right for it to be seasonal lol. I want to encourage you guys to take part in this challenge as well! It's really good exercise for your writing muscles to stay sharp ✨ You can check out all the entries from last month for inspiration if you want, it's over here. Scroll around through Andrea's blog while you're there, she's a pretty great writer herself ❤
That aside, over the past few months as I participated in the SVMWC, I think I'm starting to have an affinity for writing about historical or cultural events, so this month's story is certainly going to follow that motif LOLOL. I remember in history class year ago, we discussed about World War I and the trenches. I remember there being some sort of "Christmas truce" at one point in the war, and I thought it'd make a good story, so I decided to write a short piece of historical fiction about it!
I hope you guys like this one, and (belated) merry Christmas/happy holidays and a happy new year to y'all ❤
You closed one eye and peered through the periscope of your sniper rifle with the other. "Just as expected," you grumble, ducking back in between the cold, hard dirt wall of the trenches.
What you just saw through the scope was nothing out of ordinary— only the bleak view of No Man's Land, the de facto name troops have christened the large expanse of land between your trenches and the enemy's. The barren swamp was framed with tumbles of barbed wire from both sides, and corpses and debris from exploded shells littered the muddy, rocky ground.
It was now December 25, and you're certain that the war had been going on for a almost five months at this point. The German front lines seem to be inactive over the past few days. You aren't complaining though— the peace, no matter how brief, was always welcomed.
"Chap, get back up," your partner hissed, giving you a swift kick in the shins.
"Good heavens sir Michael, I do not wish to argue but not a soul has made a peep for at least a week now," you complained. "And besides, I heard the Pope had suggested some sort of peace treaty for Christmas."
Your spotter, who we now know is named Michael, responded. "Bah, we take orders from the head, not the Pope! Younguns like yourself have grown softer over the years," he lamented, shaking his head. "Back in my day, young men your age would be well on their way to becoming the head of atroop themselves! Wouldn't hesitate to fire a gun either."
"Well, I apologize for this generation's softness sir," you scoffed, tipping your helmet lower over your eyes with one hand. The algid December air was festering with the scent of the trenches—dirt, corpses, gunpowder, feces. You imagine that perhaps the other side was smelling a similar stench in their trenches as well.
Now it was Michael's turn to complain. "But well, I suppose you are right, lad," he sighed, his posture relaxing a bit. "Christmas is here, but I'm not happy. This war hullabaloo is making me depressed."
"Me too sir," you blandly respond, a sliver of agreement beneath your tone. You were about to carry on the small talk you two were having, when suddenly, a moving speck appeared in your field of vision.
"Sir Michael?" You quint at the distance, trying to confirm whether or not your eyes are deceiving you. "Sir, there seems to be a German on the opposite trench." You begin to take aim.
Your partner squints. "Seems like it," he confirms, not looking away from the speck. It was a German soldier's helmet, the camouflage print, bobbing up and down from behind the barbed wire that protected the opposing trench. "Hold your fire, chap. It might be a ruse," Michael instructs.
Your fingers curl tighter around your rifle, a finger resting on the trigger. You really had hoped that you wouldn't have to shoot anything today— or anyone, for that matter.
Before you could continue to engage in your internal monologue, a slow, foreign voice rang through the air. "Stille Nacht! Heil'ge Nacht!"
The voice was masculine, and most certainly sounded like it was German. You raised your head from your shooting position to get a view of the enemy's territory.
On the trench was a German soldier. most likely the source of the voice. "Alles schläft, einsam wacht," he continued to sing, a tired smile plastered on his face, as he pulled up a fellow soldier from his side onto the trench.
"What in the blazes are they doing," Michael whispered, incredulity thinly veiled by his raspy lilt.
You recognized the melody. "That's Silent Night, sir," you commented, turning to look at your partner. It seems that he is a step ahead of you though, as he was already gesturing at another nearby soldier to come closer and give a second opinion.
"Aye, that sure is an odd thing for 'em Germans to do," the soldier nodded. "Y'know what, I'm gonn' be calling some other lads to take a gander here," he said, and trotted off.
There were at least thirty German soldiers in their worn military uniforms standing on their trenches now, arms over each other's shoulders as they swayed left and right, singing slightly off-tune like jolly drunken men. "Uns der Gnaden Fülle läßt sehn, Jesum in Menschengestalt!"
A small crowd has started to form near the front of the trenches, where you are currently situated, in order to discuss the enemy's strange behavior.
"It's definitely a trap," one chimed in. "Those Germans are trying to lure us out!"
"Hey, why don't a sniper go ahead and just shoot while they're vulnerable, eh? This is a great opportunity," a soldier discussed with someone, shoving a thumb towards you.
"That's a pretty risky move," another retorts. "There is always the possibility that all this is a ruse to get us to reveal weak spots."
The soldiers were in a heated discussion about the predicament, though you simply do not know how or why they refuse to simply be human men today; to simply live and let live, to feel the spirit of peace that Christmas was supposed to have. Your grip on the sniper rifle becomes tenuous. You can't possibly shoot these men. You put your rifle down.
"Gentlemen, I think we do not see the point here," you finally decided to chime in, raising your voice to draw everyone's attention. "What's the big fuss? It's Christmas, for heavens' sake! Can't we be just be humans for once?" You began stretching your legs and getting on your feet, hoisting yourself over the edge of the trenches you were defending.
The men began panicking, unsure whether or not they should pull you back down. "Chap, what in the world are you doing? You're out of your mind!" someone exclaims.
You take off your helmet and looked down onto the bewildered, gaping jawed faces of the weary English soldiers crouching between the trenches. "Well, as I said," you smiled, a twinkle in your tired eyes. "It's Christmas!" You took a deep breath, and yelled from the top of your lungs, not caring whoever hears you. "Merry Christmas!"
Labels: SVMWC
Post High School, Pre-College: My Life So Far
Hello everyone! I hope you've been doing well as of late. I know I always say this, but please do stay hydrated! Seriously. And please always remember to get enough rest! I hope that you all have been taking care of yourselves ❤
Before anything else, I'd like to wish y'all a happy 2018! I know I know, it's really quite late of me, and I really have no excuse other than the fact that I've been really sleeping in recently, and have had absolutely no motivation to get out of bed. I just can't believe that 2017 is over!
Still, the show must go on. As 2017 has come to a close, there are many things that I just wanted to reminisce on, and as I looked back, I was astonished by how much things have changed over the course of one year! With that said, I'd just like to share my 2017 with you guys, and there's no better time than the present.
First off, I'm going to college! Or university, depending on what you call it. I remember mentioning this in a handful of previous blog entries, but I never got around to really talking about it in detail. I'm going to uni in Australia, and I'll be undertaking legal studies. I finally graduated from my slightly preppy Chinese private school last June 2017, and was freed from the shackles of high school life.
To be honest, I really did enjoy my last year of high school though! It was relatively eventful— I went to my first ever debate competition this year, and I was part of our school's first ever big-scale
musical production 😄 I was just part of the ensemble, but being able to spend time and perform with some of the nicest, talented people I know has become a highlight of my year, and maybe for as long as my memory will serve me.
The debate competition was amazing as well! I went with my debate club, and we were so close to making it to the octo-finals, which comprises of the top 16 debate teams. Although, I didn't actually do any debating lol. Aside from the debates, there was also a public speaking portion in the event, and that was where I participated in. Though I didn't win any awards, it was a fun learning experience nevertheless ❤️
Now that I'm out of high school, my parents have been enrolling me in different skill-based classes to equip me for when I'm on my own. I finished driving lessons a month or so back, and right now I'm in beauty school learning to cut hair! I've only been learning the basics, so if you show me a picture of your desired haircut, I wouldn't be able to recreate it (yet). Perhaps someday, I can make this my side job. A lawyer/hairstylist extraordinaire— that certainly is an odd combination!
Anyways, my dull life post-high school has had its own set of challenges; mostly emotional burdens that were accrued due to feeling estranged to my friends' current lives. I love my friends and I love hearing them talk about how their lives are in college, but I guess it makes me a bit sad to hear funny retellings and stories filled with unfamiliar names, when just last year those stories contained the names of people I knew and went to school with.
I'm a really sentimental person too, so it's hard for me to leave the people I care for behind. My friends, my family— I won't see them as often as I'd want to anymore. I won't hear their voices, feel their touches. If that's what it means to leave behind my life in the Philippines, then it's a heavy burden for me. I wouldn't want this year to end. I don't want to leave.
But at the same time, ever since this plan to have me study abroad was set in stone, I started to appreciate the things around me even more; especially the simple things in my life right now.
The way sunlight filters through the bedroom curtains in the morning and lands on slept-in beds. The smells and sounds of our kitchen— garlic, wooden chopping boards, and the radio tuned into the local station. Mid-afternoon commutes, when the train isn't crowded or noisy because everyone's having lunch. The way the train gently rumbles as it hurtles through the tracks, the bright afternoon sun filling the car. Our big mango tree here at home, when it bears fruit and you could see the flowers from below. The bright blue sky, framed by lots and lots of trees and some wires from telephone and electricity poles. It's things like those that really helped me appreciate how amazing life is. I know I'll miss every one of those moments. That was how my life went; how it will be until I have to leave it all behind for a fresh start in college.
In a way, I'm thankful too. Life isn't always gonna be how it is now, and attending university abroad will be a great experience to help me learn more about myself and the world. And, I suppose, this'll happen eventually anyways, so there's no need to delay the inevitable.
For a while now, I've been taking lots of short video clips of the things that remind me of home. I plan to edit it all into one video, so that I can look back to it when I get homesick. Perhaps when I finish it, I'll give you guys a link if y'all wanna see it 😊
Ever since I got out of high school last June, another thing I've been thankful for is the chance to pursue hobbies I've been waiting to for so long. I picked up the viola, which is a really amazing instrument! The best way I can describe it is by comparing to to the violin; if violins are sopranos, then violas are altos. I quite like the rich, medium tone of the viola though. The sound is also warmer than the violin, and though it's just as wonderful too, violas are so criminally underappreciated! I guess that's why I opted for it over the violin lol.
I'm also writing a musical! I think I mentioned this in my first Sunday Currently entry, and yeah, I'm still working on it. I love musical theater, so I decided that maybe this is a thing I could do. The details aren't quite set yet, but if I do make significant progress, I'll be sure to write about it here 😆
Anyways, now I'm just enjoying what little time I have left in the Philippines, my home. Our church hosted a Christmas outreach as well, and it felt really fulfilling to see the children happy ✨ Last Christmas eve, we had a big potluck lunch in church as well. We had looots of sushi lol.
On more recent news, I did have my wisdom teeth removed just yesterday,
boy are my jaws swollen. I look like a chipmunk. This is not a good look. It's a good thing the surgery itself wasn't so bad— I actually didn't feel anything due to the anesthesia (my eternal thanks goes out to the creators of this numbing elixir).
I've also taken up bullet journaling! This year I've decided to try and organize my life a little bit more, as I do have an intense procrastination problem lol. I've always wanted to try this out as well, and though I'm sure that I will not be able to maintain this sort of aesthetically pleasing journal, I do hope that having a planner will help keep me on track this 2018.
Well, I guess that's everything noteworthy that has happened to me so far. Writing this has been really therapeutic, and it felt good to open up about how I really felt. If any of you guys have something weighing on your shoulders, try writing it down! It doesn't have to be on a blog if that's what you choose; nevertheless, engaging in some form of self-expression is cathartic, and will help you stay sane lol.
That's all I have to say for today. Thanks for reading! Please take care of yourselves, and take time to rest when you're tired. And spend time with the people you care about because those times will be memories to be cherished ❤️
Yours truly
— Cossette
Labels: musings
The Day The War Stopped: A Short Story
Hey there, wishing a happy new year to everyone! How have you been lately? I hope that you've been doing well, and are enjoying your holidays. This time of year really is my favorite, since it gives me a sense of accomplishment about making it through all the difficulties and challenges that we faced this year. Although, not all battles were victories, as long as you did your best then I think that's more than enough 😁
Granted, this month's entry is late lol. December has been surprisingly eventful! Just a couple days ago I went to the beach with a good friend's family, and it was pretty fun. I didn't tan (thankfully), but then again, we did go swimming in the late afternoon and the sun wasn't really quite strong already lololol. I also went to visit my old high school earlier this month since they were having a big Christmas party. I mayyyy have stolen a donut or two from their Christmas potluck though
shhh. Oh, I really will miss high school!
Anyways, for
this month's installment to the Spaceship and Vampires Monthly Writing Challenge (which I've chosen to abbreviate as SVMWC in the tags), the theme was Christmas! I guess it's only right for it to be seasonal lol. I want to encourage you guys to take part in this challenge as well! It's really good exercise for your writing muscles to stay sharp ✨ You can check out all the entries from last month for inspiration if you want, it's over here. Scroll around through Andrea's blog while you're there, she's a pretty great writer herself ❤
That aside, over the past few months as I participated in the SVMWC, I think I'm starting to have an affinity for writing about historical or cultural events, so this month's story is certainly going to follow that motif LOLOL. I remember in history class year ago, we discussed about World War I and the trenches. I remember there being some sort of "Christmas truce" at one point in the war, and I thought it'd make a good story, so I decided to write a short piece of historical fiction about it!
I hope you guys like this one, and (belated) merry Christmas/happy holidays and a happy new year to y'all ❤
You closed one eye and peered through the periscope of your sniper rifle with the other. "Just as expected," you grumble, ducking back in between the cold, hard dirt wall of the trenches.
What you just saw through the scope was nothing out of ordinary— only the bleak view of No Man's Land, the de facto name troops have christened the large expanse of land between your trenches and the enemy's. The barren swamp was framed with tumbles of barbed wire from both sides, and corpses and debris from exploded shells littered the muddy, rocky ground.
It was now December 25, and you're certain that the war had been going on for a almost five months at this point. The German front lines seem to be inactive over the past few days. You aren't complaining though— the peace, no matter how brief, was always welcomed.
"Chap, get back up," your partner hissed, giving you a swift kick in the shins.
"Good heavens sir Michael, I do not wish to argue but not a soul has made a peep for at least a week now," you complained. "And besides, I heard the Pope had suggested some sort of peace treaty for Christmas."
Your spotter, who we now know is named Michael, responded. "Bah, we take orders from the head, not the Pope! Younguns like yourself have grown softer over the years," he lamented, shaking his head. "Back in my day, young men your age would be well on their way to becoming the head of atroop themselves! Wouldn't hesitate to fire a gun either."
"Well, I apologize for this generation's softness sir," you scoffed, tipping your helmet lower over your eyes with one hand. The algid December air was festering with the scent of the trenches—dirt, corpses, gunpowder, feces. You imagine that perhaps the other side was smelling a similar stench in their trenches as well.
Now it was Michael's turn to complain. "But well, I suppose you are right, lad," he sighed, his posture relaxing a bit. "Christmas is here, but I'm not happy. This war hullabaloo is making me depressed."
"Me too sir," you blandly respond, a sliver of agreement beneath your tone. You were about to carry on the small talk you two were having, when suddenly, a moving speck appeared in your field of vision.
"Sir Michael?" You quint at the distance, trying to confirm whether or not your eyes are deceiving you. "Sir, there seems to be a German on the opposite trench." You begin to take aim.
Your partner squints. "Seems like it," he confirms, not looking away from the speck. It was a German soldier's helmet, the camouflage print, bobbing up and down from behind the barbed wire that protected the opposing trench. "Hold your fire, chap. It might be a ruse," Michael instructs.
Your fingers curl tighter around your rifle, a finger resting on the trigger. You really had hoped that you wouldn't have to shoot anything today— or anyone, for that matter.
Before you could continue to engage in your internal monologue, a slow, foreign voice rang through the air. "Stille Nacht! Heil'ge Nacht!"
The voice was masculine, and most certainly sounded like it was German. You raised your head from your shooting position to get a view of the enemy's territory.
On the trench was a German soldier. most likely the source of the voice. "Alles schläft, einsam wacht," he continued to sing, a tired smile plastered on his face, as he pulled up a fellow soldier from his side onto the trench.
"What in the blazes are they doing," Michael whispered, incredulity thinly veiled by his raspy lilt.
You recognized the melody. "That's Silent Night, sir," you commented, turning to look at your partner. It seems that he is a step ahead of you though, as he was already gesturing at another nearby soldier to come closer and give a second opinion.
"Aye, that sure is an odd thing for 'em Germans to do," the soldier nodded. "Y'know what, I'm gonn' be calling some other lads to take a gander here," he said, and trotted off.
There were at least thirty German soldiers in their worn military uniforms standing on their trenches now, arms over each other's shoulders as they swayed left and right, singing slightly off-tune like jolly drunken men. "Uns der Gnaden Fülle läßt sehn, Jesum in Menschengestalt!"
A small crowd has started to form near the front of the trenches, where you are currently situated, in order to discuss the enemy's strange behavior.
"It's definitely a trap," one chimed in. "Those Germans are trying to lure us out!"
"Hey, why don't a sniper go ahead and just shoot while they're vulnerable, eh? This is a great opportunity," a soldier discussed with someone, shoving a thumb towards you.
"That's a pretty risky move," another retorts. "There is always the possibility that all this is a ruse to get us to reveal weak spots."
The soldiers were in a heated discussion about the predicament, though you simply do not know how or why they refuse to simply be human men today; to simply live and let live, to feel the spirit of peace that Christmas was supposed to have. Your grip on the sniper rifle becomes tenuous. You can't possibly shoot these men. You put your rifle down.
"Gentlemen, I think we do not see the point here," you finally decided to chime in, raising your voice to draw everyone's attention. "What's the big fuss? It's Christmas, for heavens' sake! Can't we be just be humans for once?" You began stretching your legs and getting on your feet, hoisting yourself over the edge of the trenches you were defending.
The men began panicking, unsure whether or not they should pull you back down. "Chap, what in the world are you doing? You're out of your mind!" someone exclaims.
You take off your helmet and looked down onto the bewildered, gaping jawed faces of the weary English soldiers crouching between the trenches. "Well, as I said," you smiled, a twinkle in your tired eyes. "It's Christmas!" You took a deep breath, and yelled from the top of your lungs, not caring whoever hears you. "Merry Christmas!"
Labels: SVMWC
Books 
My friends 
Homestuck 
More time to read books please 