blair marie: She's a normal girl, so to speak
family
As I don't know my extended family that well, I quickly learned that my parents and my brother are everything to me. I know there are people I can always count on, who will always be supportive of me and my interests. Although I didn't include my mom in the 'best friends' section, she is definitely one to me and is my strongest supporter. She's the person I probably cherish most, and I do my best to spend every minute with her despite the crazyness of school and work.
As of right now, Nick and I don't share the same name, and we aren't family yet - but it definitely feels like it. We share our lives together, eat meals together, and I can't think of being with anyone else. I'm grateful for all that he provides me for, and for all the happiness he brings me each day. He's more than a best friend, I can tell him anything, he supports me in everything I do. What more can I ask for? Nothing. He's the best.
best friends
I almost consider my personality to be somewhat solitary. I only have a few close friends, who are my best friends. Brenda, who I have known since first grade has been by my side since middle school (we weren't in classes from second grade through sixth). We know each other inside and out, and happen to have the same interests! She's probably the only person who I can talk to seriously about video games, anime, and Japanese music. Despite this, she's always been there for me whenever I've needed it and she's like a sister to me.
Molly and I have been friends since we attended Baker school. Still, she wins at being my most sanest friend and has always provided me with advice whenever I've needed it! Not only that, but I've had the pleasure of growing up with her and becoming young adults together. As we grow older, I'll always know I can count on Molly regardless if we're states apart!
Chris and I became friends in high school as we were in jazz band together. However, we didn't become close friends until we went to CSU together. As we're both possess fairly quiet personalities, it was a little difficult making friends at first. For each other, we were our piece of home away from home, and during hard times, he's been like a brother to me that I can always count on.
music
I began my musical career in the second grade where my mother gave me the option to take either dance or piano lessons. Dance lessons were repetetive, so I opted for piano. I took lessons up until my senior year of high school. I grew very attached to the instrument and primarily enjoyed playing contemporary and classical music. It is a pastime I enjoy that gives me time to organize my thoughts, or otherwise abandon stress.
In high school, my jazz teacher advised me to learn tenor saxophone as a result of too many pianists in our jazz band. It was definitely one of the hardest things I have accomplished in my high school career. However, once having mastered the basic skills on the instrument, I prefered the instrument in jazz as I was able to be more creative with the music. Also, I grew to love the sweet, sweet sounds of the tenor sax.
My musical career continued in college when I decided to join Colorado State University Marching Band where I continued to play tenor sax. I had never marched in high school, and learning how to do so was extremely difficult for me. Despite this, I was able to march like a champ by the end of my first season. I really love marching band despite the hard work and time dedications to the class. It really satisfying to have over 200 members on the same field who are passionate about performing and who share similar interests as you. Currently, I am beginning my fourth year as a section leader, and I am very excited for the upcoming season!
As far as musical tastes go, I stumbled onto Japanese rock at the age of 12. I quickly became immersed in the music despite not understanding the lyrics. My musical tastes in Jrock have changed since then, but it primarily the only kind of music I'll listen to. In addition, I am very grateful to be able to utilize my passion at Jrock Revolution, where I can write about the bands I love!
journalism
As I began my career in journalism, I learned that I can utilize my writing skills and serve as a watch dog for the public eye. I feel like it is almost a calling, that a journalist's responsibilities include making the public aware of a variety of things, the government's mistakes, corporate conglomerates, the food industry, the list can go on forever. I enjoy what I study and what I do, and has given my life purpose.
Also falling into the journalism field, is web and graphic design. I started experimenting with both I was 12, and it all began with a nerdy website called Star Wars Many Forces. Don't ask me where the title came from or what was exactly on the website - I am really too embarrassed to say, and I honestly can't remember. But that was the beginning.
I soon met Zimrahil on the web, and she helped me learn the ins and outs of web and graphic design standards. Her experience and guidance has provided me with invaluable insight, and without her, I wouldn't be where I am today in terms of my career.
Although I haven't been working for Penton Media for very long, I am discovering that I really enjoy editing. It may seem dull and boring to some, but to me, it is a very rewarding experience! For some reason, I am very satisfied after editing a 1200 word article to 600 words! In addition, I love my job because I get to read about my interests all day!
otaku
My best friend introduced me into anime. My first anime was Fullmetal Alchemist. Before long, I was well versed in mainstream anime, and eventually ventured into the realm of manga as well. This past-time hasn't faded, as I go every Thursday to Ramnime, my university's anime club. Yay anime!
In addition, my best friend got my into the Final Fantasy series, which resulted in countless hours of video gameplay - specifically, RPGs. Call me a tom-boy if you will, but I do love my RPGs. :)