Two Good Things

I haven't been writing much, and when I have it has just been a reason to post pictures of my recent hiking trips.Truth is, life has pretty much just been going on without much added excitement.I mean getting engaged is exciting, but it doesn't exactly put a sparkling finish on the day-to-day grind.

Anyhow, I figured I'd just share a few things interested in recently.Not very exciting, I know.It really is just an excuse to write something.

1)Epica -This could almost be considered a guilty pleasure.Epica is a symphonic metal band, although they are sometimes lumped in with groups like Lacuna Coil and Evanesence.This is probably because they have a female singer and instruments other than guitar, bass, and drums.The band's music is generally a bit "grand".If choirs, strings and woodwinds aren't your thing then you might want to just skip this band.Simone Simons provides most of the vocals.I am in love with her voice.(She's also gorgeous, but that really has nothing to do with the music.)It lends an air of class that helps some of the band's more grandiose moments escape becoming overblown.

They also have a darker, more black metalish side.This half of the vocal duties is handled by guitarist Mark Jansen.Let me tell you something, when Epica decides to rock, they put their peers to shame.They may get lumped in with Lacuna Coil and similar groups, but L.C. only wish they could get so heavy.

My favorite song is "Cry For The Moon", from the first album, The Phantom Agony. I could listen to that song all day and never get tired of it.

2)Strangers In Paradise :I had always heard good things about this comic, but just never bothered to pick it up.A conversation with the owner of my LCS inspired me to pick up the first trade and I've been hooked ever since.I have gotten completely wrapped up in the lives of Francine, Katchoo, David, Tambi, Casey, Freddie Femur, and the rest.I don't think any comic has ever made me laugh out loud as much as this one has.My favorite scene so far is from the second trade, when Francine decides to make a "milkshake".The visit from Francine's mother isn't too shabby either.

I also can't remember feeling so personally involved in the antics of fiction characters.Starting at about the 7th trade, Francine and Katchoo start to have some major falling outs.I find that whenever this happens, I get really upset and am in a bad mood.And Terry Moore just seems to LOOOVVEEE to play with your emotions in this book.I've had to take five or ten minutes after reading the last few trades to just let the events sink in so I could adjust.

I have last finished the 13th trade.There are only 6 more to go.I don't want it to end.I know the actual series has ended by now, but I've managed to avoid any spoilers.I hope it has a happy ending.These characters go through too much hell to not give tham a break in the end.

It's getting late and I'm tired.I think two things is enough for tonight.Hopefully I'll post again sooner rather than later.