On Being Your (nerdy) Self

I am so happy with my life. I’m happy with the fact that I don’t care what others think of me, yet it definitely wasn't always that way. I understand that there is pressure to be a certain way, to like certain things, and to conform in an infinite amount of ways.

You know what? You are so much better than that. You are so much stronger than that.

To encourage all of you to embrace your inner self and be proud of who you are, I’ve compiled a list of strong role models that we can all learn something from.

These women (and a droid) have inspired me to embrace all that I love and not be afraid to let my inner nerd out. I am constantly learning how to improve my real life from my favorite fandoms. Trying to learn lessons from the things I love and applying them to my life adds depth to my favorite shows, movies, and books. 

Here's the list of some of my favorite (fictional) role models :

Rapunzel:

                Despite being forced to live in a tower her entire life, Punzie never gave up hope of a brighter future. Even when she found out that her whole life has essentially been a lie, she wasn't bitter or angry. She was hurt, which is understandable, but didn't let it rain on her being-a-princess parade. She looked past Flynn’s -- Eugene’s-- rough edges and found the love of her life.

Remember: during the Zombie Apocalypse, anything can be a weapon.

Lessons learned:  Never give up on your dreams, but be prepared for when they change. Always look for the good in people, like Rapunzel did with the ruffians. Be grateful for all you have and the beauty around you- life is wonderful every day, not just when floating lanterns light up the sky.

Merida:

                Merida is frequently viewed as the only “strong” princess, but I believe they are ALL great role models in their own right. Either way, this Brave princess shows that you don’t have to become who everyone expects you to. No matter what you love – archery, horseback riding, or amazing Celtic tunes – you will be accepted by the ones who truly matter. By the end of the film (spoiler alert), she realizes that her parents will always love her just as she is, even if she accidentally turned her mom into a bear.

One day, I'll be able to do that!

Lessons learned: Don’t do anything before you are ready. Don’t worry about what others think because the ones who love you will support your decisions. Oh, and master some pretty cool skills so no one tries to force you to get married.

Sofia:

                I may not be in the targeted audience of Sofia the First, but it’s such an adorable show. Sofia is kind, understanding, and wise beyond her years. Even when she experienced a rise in socioeconomic status by becoming a princess (too many social science classes...), she doesn't lose sight of her roots -- and most importantly her old friends from the village.

                        

                          Tim Gunn is on the show, too. The cast is amazing.

Lessons learned: Sofia doesn't let her gown or tiara change her and instead uses her royal status by enriching the lives of those around her. You may KNOW that you are a princess (I certainly do!), but that doesn't mean you can become self-centered and ignore those around you.

Ahsoka:

                My absolute favorite character in anything. This Jedi Padawan from The Clone Wars has done more for young Star Wars fans than I can even imagine. I would gush about how perfect she is, but since I see myself so much in her, that would probably make me seem a little vain. Ahsoka, like Merida, doesn’t take to direction very well. But it’s not a teenage rebellion sort of thing, it’s more that she’s a freethinker. She’s not going to violate her own moral code just because that’s what’s expected of her as a Jedi Padawan. Ahsoka is independent, tough, and independent. By the end of the series, it’s clear that she makes her own decisions.

                                  

                                    It's obvious that I want to be her.

Lessons learned: Ahsoka fought off countless droids and villains; you can handle all of the problems in your life. Have some confidence in your abilities and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. :)

R2-D2

Let’s be real: R2-ey is the real hero of Star Wars. Without R2-D2, there would be no story. Everyone would be dead/in a trash compactor/ floating around in space. Not only does he survive all of the movies, he does so without being harmed. He’s creative, intelligent, and most importantly, a loyal friend.

                             R2: a droid that say so much in so few words.

Lessons learned: Beep boop. Dweeeeep.

Rose

Rose is by far my favorite companion in Doctor Who. She was the first companion to be the Doctor’s equal. I have a soft-spot for the love between the 10^th Doctor and Rose, but even if you don’t, it’s hard to argue with other qualifications for making it onto this list. She’s clever, tough, and brave- after all, she isn't afraid of facing Daleks. I love Rose because she brought out the best of the Doctor, just as he brought out the best in her. That’s what a good relationship, romantic or otherwise, should be about.

                       

                                           Love is supposed to be silly!

Lesson learned: Rose knew her time with the Doctor wouldn't last forever. After all, she knew the nature of Time Lords and how dangerous their adventures were. Rose was able to love the Doctor and their time together, even though she knew it would eventually end. The future is scary for everyone, but that doesn't mean we can’t enjoy the present and the time we have with the people in our lives.

In these characters, I see traits that I'm proud to have, and traits that I'm currently lacking. However, I am aware of what I need to change and hopefully, these role models will guide me. 

What characters inspire you to be the best person you can be? :) 

Pixar Theory: What Happens When People Have Too Much Free Time

                The Pixar Theory pretty much blows my mind.

                Never heard of it? Click here for all of the basics (or just continue reading and hope I provide enough information!): http://www.pixartheory.com/

                Or here, for the full theory: http://jonnegroni.com/2013/07/11/the-pixar-theory/

                    

                As in life, everything in Pixar is connected. That’s something most of us Disney-Pixar fans have figured out; there’s references to multiple films in each one and many of them share the same themes.

                But what I never would have figured out is that Pixar films all take place on Earth over a timeline of thousands of years. I would have never thought that Boo (the adorable girl from Monsters Inc) grows up to be a time-traveling witch desperately looking for Sully.

                   

                                   Notice the Pizza Planet truck! 

                This is what happens when people have too much free time. I don’t mean that in a negative way- I think it’s amazing that someone was so moved by movies that he wanted to understand everything about them. Pixar surely knows of his theory by now. Whether or not everything in the Theory (the capital T makes it so much more official) was intentionally done by Pixar, it is worth a read. Ultimately, it poses a lesson of love and tolerance and I’d like to think that Pixar would support that message.

We all get into our fandoms and I love that. I think about which side of the force I’d be destined to and why Luna is the best witch ever and whether lembas tastes good. I feel instantly connect to other fans when we discuss our shared interest.

I love analyzing these worlds because they teach us so much about our own.

                I study history in order to gain a better understanding of our present and future, not just the past. (Also, it might make me a better wargamer!)

I understand why Jon Negroni spent all of those hours coming up with the Pixar Theory- he wanted to understand his own world by analyzing the ones in these well-planned and touching movies.

I’ll give you guys a little summary, but I promise that it does not do the Theory justice. Just go and read the whole thing. It won’t take that long. :)

The Theory begins and ends with Brave. The witch turns the Queen into a bear, step one in the blur between animals and humans. These magically enhanced animals continue to evolve and breed. 

In Ratatouille, animals begin experimenting with human behaviors; Up shows us how intelligent dogs are through the collars, which humans will then industrialize in order to exploit; Finding Nemo suggests the animosity between humans and animals has grown. 

                 

        Dug doesn't look unhappy... but he does seem pretty human!

Animals became powerful due to the magic and evolve at increased speeds. They’re angry that humans are polluting the Earth and taking advantage of them.

In addition, artificial intelligence poses a threat to humanity. This feud begins with The Incredibles, machines turn against humans. 

But why? Because humans are discarding (sentient) objects, like in Toy Story. 

                     

                               The saddest movie scene of all time.

A.I. relies completely on humans, and rules them through the super corporation hinted at in multiple films, Buy-N-Large (BNL). All of this industrialization leads to pollution, so naturally, animals and A.I. become at war too.

Unsurprisingly, machines win and Earth is dominated by Cars (and Planes). 

                    

                                 Watch out for machines, everyone!

Wall-E shows us the last effort to save humans, on Axiom, where humans are now the completely dependent ones. Wall-E is a hero and life can flourish on Earth again. A seed is planted… the seed of the tree from both A Bug’s Life and Up. Finally, machines, humans, and animals live harmoniously together and create a new species of monsters!

       Monsters need humans for energy and travel back in time through doors to capture it. The witch from Brave wanted to find Sully and travels through time, through doors of course, to find him. She went back in time to Mordu in order to find the magic to bring back her best friend.

                  

                           Anyone else getting a little teary-eyed?

                There are parts of the Pixar Theory which I am skeptical to believe. But I want to believe. (Okay, I just really want to evolve into a monster someday. I understand how evolution works and I know that just because humans/animals might evolve into monsters in these movies doesn’t mean I will be one but I’m stubborn, so that’s that.)

                           

                                   I already go to MU. I'm halfway there. 

                This interpretation of Pixar is brilliant. I don’t care if it’s right or wrong. I like it because look at all of the life lessons it teaches us:

1. Treat all life forms with respect- even those “inanimate objects.” Don’t jump on the bed, it has feelings too. Love your pets. Don’t drop your phone in the toilet.

2. Robots are awesome, but are they worth the risk? We KNOW they are going to conquer humans.

3. Don’t let any corporations/organizations get too big.  It’s only going to backfire.

4. Just kidding, let all of these terrible things happen so we can become MONSTERS.

                Here’s my Theory: continue being passionate about whatever it is that makes you happy. Stay strong in your convictions and never give up on your dreams. I’m going to become a Scarer one day, what will you do? :)

My Other Home: WBC

                By far, WBC is my favorite week (well…9 days!) of the year. WBC stands for the World Boardgaming Championships and is currently held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

We became friends with some Amish teenagers at the local Waffle House, too. 

My first year at WBC was the summer of 2010. It was eye-opening. I had only been introduced to the hobby a few months before when I started dating Joe.

Joe’s face would light up when he talked about WBC and he described it as a place where he felt like home. A place that was “his.”

After my first taste of gaming, I was hooked. And for some reason I thought Joe didn’t want me to go so I never asked. About a week before the convention, we realized that there had been a misunderstanding – he thought I thought WBC was too nerdy while I thought he wanted to keep it all to himself. Regardless, a week before the Con started, I decided to go and he taught me A LOT of games so I would be able to play in as many tournaments as possible.

(As much as I hate learning rules, I was thankful for this!)

I instantly won over the sport gamer crowd by kicking some serious butt in March Madness minutes after learning it; I made future life-long friends; I felt the majestic power of hundreds of people slamming their cups during Liar’s Dice.

I had the time of my life that first year and knew that summer would not be summer without WBC.

Forget you, "normal people," who like to go down the shore for vacation.

I’ve made some great memories over the last few years and hope to remember many of them from this year’s Con. Here are some of my top WBC tournament moments from 2013:

Tournaments:

5. Facts in Five. I learned that I know a lot about geography, magazines, and Fortune 500 companies and little of everything else. Either way, this event is so much fun. However, I was insulted by one category involving Monopoly. I’ve had too many people assume I play those types of games for me to fill in any answers. 

A picture from the 2012 event.

4. Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit. I really want this game, it’s so fun! I ended up playing two of my friends during two heats which made it even better. Since I’m a super-nerd, I wore my Ahsoka Tano hoodie to stay with the Star Wars theme. J

Any Clone Wars fans out there?

3. Pirate’s Cove. You know an event is fun when getting candy isn’t even the best part! I am going to bring some pirate attire for next year to get into the spirit. This event reminded me of why we all go to WBC- to have an amazing time. 

                                     

                                                                            

2. Paydirt. This is one of my favorite events every year! I was accidently the Browns and the Eagles (I wasn’t really paying attention during the draft and just stuck up my hand when I realized I could get these teams “for free”) but it worked out pretty well. Every year, new rules are added and the team’s stats are updated in order to make the game more realistic, which I appreciate. In the AFC heat, I won two games and then lost my third on a field goal on the last drive. In the NFC heat, I won my first game by 26 – I felt really mean – then lost my second game in overtime. I love the atmosphere of this game and how everyone gets so into it. J

Representing my hometown team!

              

1. Battleline. During this tournament, I was more focused than ever before! Usually, I daydream between turns, but for this game, I was calculating and intent on winning. This is not a game I usually win – it’s actually the game I play with Joe after I’ve already beaten him in a few so he has a chance… Anyway, I’m really proud of myself for winning five games in a row and then losing in the finals. Second place, woo!

:)

Bonuses: It was a teammate’s team game. It is the third event I’ve earned laurels in and I still don’t have a plaque (Joe has FIVE third place plaques, among others). I think I might try to set a record. J

Overall, this year’s WBC was a success. I loved all of my tournaments and catching up with old friends. Somehow, we always managed to find the last table in the open gaming room. I don’t feel like I missed out on anything this year, which is new for me. I had an amazing 9 days. It all just worked out perfectly.

It’s a great feeling realizing that what once was “his” place is now “ours.”

                                            Is it August 4^th, 2014 yet?!

How Dungeons and Dragons Has Changed My Life

That’s right. I’ve caught the D&D bug.

For those of you that are familiar with D&D (or other RPGs), you may appreciate my reflections on why it has improved my life. For those of you that have no clue what it actually is, let me use a recent conversation with my mother to explain:

                “I’m going to game tonight with some friends.”

                “How many games are you going to play?”

                “Just one. But it doesn’t have a beginning, middle, or end. You kind of make it up as you go along and do whatever you want. And there’s no winner.”

                Dungeons and Dragons is a roleplaying game (RPG) in which you immerse yourself into a fantasy world and act as a specific character. Your quest is outlined and prepared by the Dungeon Master (ok, that sounds so silly- DM/GM) yet you get to make your own decisions and act as a character of your choice. There’s lots of die rolling and chance, so it’s unpredictable. There are many other RPGs; I play one based in the Star Wars universe as well.

                I am a competitive person (understatement of the year), so she was confused. But maybe that’s why D&D is good for me- it gives me a chance to enjoy the experience by shifting the focus away from the outcome of a game. I don’t need to worry about winning or losing, so I can just have fun.

                D&D has made me a more social and assertive person. I have to collaborate with other players and worked together as a team. Trust me, RPGs are way more fun than any "icebreaker" or team-building activity out there. While it can be viewed as an escapist hobby, it’s allowing me to develop concrete life skills.

When I first began roleplaying, it was a Star Wars roleplaying game (which I continue to do and love!). There were a lot of people and the only parts that hold my attention were the battles. I loved the fighting but just couldn’t figure out the rest of it: the diplomacy, haggling shop owners, making moral decisions, and everything else required for a successful campaign.

Now, I enjoy every part of roleplaying and have found my voice. When I first started, I was a follower. I didn’t really understand what I was “supposed” to be doing- though as stated, I was always pretty awesome at fighting. As I’ve gained confidence and really gotten into character, I find that I am much more vocal and have assumed more of a prominent role in my gaming group.

I’ve become more assertive in the game, and that transfers over to being assertive in real life.

Our map isn't nearly as cool, but I did draw a bear on it- and that has to count for something.

In addition, RPGs have given me an opportunity to think critically. It forces me to think on my feet. I’ve had to make decisions quickly and in accordance with my own moral code- even when someone in my group follows none or is a Sith!

During my first D&D encounter, children died because our group didn’t go out of our way to save them because we were following orders. It was a memorable experience because since then, I haven’t let the decisions of others prevent me from doing what is right.

For example, in the most recent Star Wars encounter, the “good guys” were going to torture and kill this guy we handed over to them, and that just wasn’t going to happen on my watch. Luckily, my really fast Togruta managed to sneak away, break into his prison cell, and take him back.

I dress up like my character. Don't hate.

Joe- the GM, probably frustrated that we never do what he predicts we will.

Trying to follow my own moral code, and the Jedi Code for that matter, challenges me. In my own life, I feel as though I will be more equipped to follow my own morals and defend those who need me because of roleplaying.

D&D is based in a fantasy world, but it’s not much different than this one. There are difficult decisions to make and evil to overcome. I think a lot of people might be nervous about playing one of these games, but trust me, your fears will fade away as you become immersed in the game. It’s part novel, part game, so perfect for me. It just may be perfect for you and your friends too.

I got Joe a t-shirt of this! 

In real life, I may not have to roll a 20 sided die before I do anything (though that surely would take a lot of pressure off), but the skills I am learning by playing roleplaying games are helping me become a more confident and happy person.

I’d call that a critical hit. J

Episode I: Why It's Better Than You Think

            “Jar Jar ruined the series.”

“Pod racing was unnecessary.”

“There was too much CGI.”

            “I never wanted to see Darth Vader as a little kid.”

                And on and on. I've heard all of this, either from friends or from what I’ve read online. And I’m here to prove to you that you have all been misled. The prequels are valuable, important, and amazing movies. Hating them doesn't make you a “true” Star Wars fan; it just makes you like everyone else.

Preface: If you really honest-to-the-Force hate them, that’s alright. I’m here to open your mind and reach those people who secretly like them but felt like it’s not acceptable. By liking the prequels, you don’t take anything away from your love of the original trilogy. I think fanboys and girls are pressured into critiquing the prequels to the point where they can no longer enjoy them. Ok, back to the post.

I’ll start with my hardest sell: Jar Jar wasn’t as terrible as you think. Yes, he was clumsy and goofy, but so is everyone. He is the epitome of not fitting in with the cool crowd- now who can’t relate to that? Despite his quirks, Jar Jar was extremely important in battle and diplomacy. He contributed to saving and in many ways uniting Naboo!

Hatred of Jar Jar is universal- a German friend I’ve made on a gaming website hates him as much as my American friends- yet so is love of the infamous Gungan. Children relate to him because they often feel like they don’t belong. They like that he has a funny accent and is always getting into trouble.  When I was younger, I loved him! Now that I am older, I appreciate him- as a character and as the reason so many children get interested in Star Wars. (For me, it was Chewy and then podracing, but for many, he’s it!)

The complaint about Jar Jar that I don’t understand is that he wasn’t serious enough. I LOVE the original series… but those movies are not entirely serious. The prequels are much more philosophical. The original series had witty comments, goofy costumes, and the wonderful comic relief of R2-D2 and C3PO. Jar Jar was a form of comic relief for the prequels, which was desperately needed, considering the dark concepts they explore.

I believe that Lucas planned to make Jar Jar a more prominent character in the other movies but changed that due to everyone’s negative reactions to him. I have no way of knowing this, but it just always seemed weird to me that he was only in the other two films for a few minutes and had only a few lines. If we had seen this (hypothetical) character development, I bet less people would hate him. For now, his inclusion on the Clone Wars series can do him some justice.

On to the next topic: The prequels were filmed over 20 years after the original trilogy. Why wouldn't they look different?

In regards to the use of CGI, it doesn't bother me- I can’t even distinguish what is CGI and what isn't most of the time. Visually, these films are beautiful. With this technology, we are taken on a journey to the Gungan world (my personal favorite) and introduced to many species in the Galactic Senate.

Technology didn’t ruin Lucas’s vision- it allowed it to happen. It took two decades, but technology allowed his vision to come to life.

The plot and themes of this movie are dark. Pod racing lightens it up a bit. Star Wars is fun, just sit back and enjoy all of the action.

Perhaps the worst complaint is that no one wants to see Darth Vader as a child. For me, seeing Darth Vader as a human is the most important aspect of the entire series. (And if you didn't know, humans are children before they are adults.)

It is easy to see a villain like Darth Vader and pretend that he’s different than you. It gets significantly harder to separate yourself from the “villain” when you see him as a child. Who was sold into slavery. Who doesn’t have a father. Who is taken away from the only person he loves- so he can have a chance at a life he could be proud of.

Anakin is the protagonist of the saga. Without information about his childhood, the audience wouldn’t have become as emotionally attached to him or understand his later decisions.

I love to analyze Star Wars in order to understand all of its life lessons. Overall, Episode I teaches us that there is always more to someone than it seems.

Jar Jar teaches us not to overlook the outcasts, as they might become instrumental to creating change. Understanding Anakin’s childhood allows us to understand his future actions. Pod racing allows us to once again root for the underdog- an ode to the original trilogy.

The Phantom Menace does not exist in a vacuum; it is a crucial part of the series. One of its most important themes in this movie is the blur between light and dark.

Its title alone says so much about the series, and therefore about life. (For me, Star Wars IS life, but that’s another story.)

Although the meaning behind the title could be debated, I believe that it refers to Darth Sidious concealed behind the appearance of an “honest” politician (wait, isn’t than an oxymoron?). Episode I shows how the dark side lurks all around us, even when we aren’t expecting it. The world is so much more complicated than any of us could ever believe and because of that, it’s so difficult to know who to trust.

The prequels are more political than the original series, but that makes them even more interesting. And I’m not just saying this because I once spent an entire Comparative Politics class discussing Palpatine’s rise to power and everything else in the movies.

In real life, dictators rise to power. Otherwise innocent people commit atrocities because they were following orders. People are manipulated by others, even if they only intended to do what is right. Countries support evil leaders because there are no other alternatives.

Perhaps maybe the reason so many Star Wars fans dismiss the prequels is because they don’t want to face these truths. Instead of dismissing The Phantom Menace, let’s enjoy it.

Let’s learn from it.

Star Wars Weekend: Is It Worth It?

                A few weeks ago, I attended my first Star Wars Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I love Disney. I love Star Wars. But I am still shocked at how excited I was meeting every character and talking to other fans. I highly recommend attending Star Wars Weekend if any of you are planning a Disney trip in the future!

                The first character my boyfriend, Joe, and I met was Darth Vader. Now, he had the longest line of any character we saw- but it was worth it. He pushed little kids over, denied high fives, and threatened children with his Stormtrooper guards. It was wonderful.

                I managed to get a hug. (Actually, he didn't notice me, but this picture kind of makes it look like we hugged. Right??)

                One character who did not shy away from hugs was Chewbacca. He was so happy and excited to meet everyone. Wookies are ferocious, yet they choose to love. He could have ripped my arms off but instead he gave me three hugs. This is why I admire him so much! 

                I met Asajj Ventress, from the Clone Wars series. It should be noted that I am absolutely afraid of her. Joe told her this so she grabbed my hair as we took a picture- I am still freaking out about it! At Disney World, you believe in the magic. When meeting one of the most evil, scary, terrible characters ever, you really get scared. And that’s pretty awesome.

                The Chipwoks were the only characters we met that were part Disney, part Star Wars. They were adorable and even made my boyfriend and me kiss!

                Mace Windu was impressed that I was a Jedi Master, Darth Maul didn’t say ANYTHING (super awkward), I negotiated a trade with a Jawa. It was perfect.

                All of the characters were great experiences, but meeting Ahsoka Tano made my life. I don’t just like Ahsoka, I want to be her (#fangirlproblems). I was nervous talking to her- that pesky Disney magic- so of course Joe told her I was obsessed with her and she was my favorite character ever. Luckily, she got excited and we began discussing different missions she’s been on!

                Some of the voice actors from The Clone Wars had a show in which they brought some fans onstage and let them act out a scene!

It was so fun seeing the stars and getting to see how excited the fans were. I love Ashley Eckstein for all she’s done for fangirls (more on that later) so this was perfect for me! Other celebrities were there, but I’ve already met Peter Mayhew (twice!) and attended a Q&A with Billy Dee Williams, so I didn’t feel the need to camp out at 3 a.m. to get a fast pass for their autographs.

                What made me happiest about this Star Wars Weekend was all of the fangirls. Every little girl there (and many boys) LOVED Ahsoka and that made me happy! I met one girl who was having the time of her life- while her dad was bored and not a Star Wars fan. Finally there is a line of cute merchandise designed for fangirls, Her Universe. I remember watching the original trilogy when I was younger and being disappointed that there weren’t more female characters. I’m so happy that young girls today have great role models in the Star Wars universe, as well as some to fear!

Star Wars weekend brought out the best in me, I hope that all of you can attend one soon. All of your Disney-now-owns-Star-Wars fears (if you have any) should be washed away. The union of these two powerful organizations means that fans will always have something exciting to look forward to! J