PASSIONS.

Lord Voldemark

There's something about passions that are kind of like Horocruxes. (Suck it, Harry Potter haters!) Passions, like Horocruxes, are the things you put your soul into. (Side Note: Unlike Horocruxes, you don't HAVE to murder someone to develop a passion. It just helps if you do.) Whether it's an activity you tirelessly pursue or an object you're never seen without, these are the things that keep you alive once Death hits you with an "Avada Kedavra" curse. No, your deceased Grandpa can't be reanimated from that pocket watch he carried around since before you were born (especially if he's a muggle), but I dare you to say he's not resurrected in your brain every time you look at that timeless time piece. Taking note from the king of Horocuxes (whose name must not be spoken), I've devised a list of seven things that bear a piece of my soul.

FOOD

Starting left and moving clockwise: Dagwood's Chicken Salad Melt, Palmetto Pigs all-you-can-eat BBQ (Plate #1), Grecian Corner Chicken Souvlaki w/ side of Tangy Hot Sauce. (Not pictured: A lot of other INCREDIBLE food.)

I'm not sure what the attendees of my funeral would say if I met an untimely (probably bike related) end, but someone better utter something to the effect of, "Although that jackass forgot to wear a helmet, he never forgot a good meal." I don't mind the thought of my decaying corpse being devoured by maggots, so long as they enjoy it. Then I can truly say I've become what I love. (Side Note: That's a lie. I want my body donated to science, NOT insects. Those little shits wouldn't appreciate my sweetness.)

kangaROOS

Note To Roommate: I DID sanitize the counter after this picture was taken.

For going on 8 years now, these shoes have walked me through the most pivotal moments of my life. When I prematurely (double meaning) lost my virginity on an inebriated whim, my Roos were there (scattered on the floor, but still there). For the six years I spent "finding myself" through higher education, my Roos were there. When I flew out to Austin in hopes of landing my first full-time job, my Roos were there. And every morning when I rummage through my wardrobe, my Roos are there. Although these pocketed sneakers can only hold a few items (a heartfelt letter from a dear-old friend, ticket stubs from the 2004 NCAA Lacrosse Final Four and a School of Rock guitar pick, to be exact) they hold more memories than I can count. I'm all about donating clothes to the homeless, but these low-top time capsules will stay with me until the day I die.

MUSIQ (and other soul music)

Brothas and Sistas, pour some cognac and click this link for one soulful ass Grooveshark playlist.  

To the untrained eye, I'm the whitest thing since a Klan robe. (In all fairness, I never said what Klan. You racist!) But before you go judging this milk by it's carton, read the ingredients. You'll be surprised to see how much chocolate I contain. Don't believe me? Pass the Courvoisier and ask me to karaoke ANY song on that playlist and I won't miss a word (I was going to say "beat," but my rhythm matches my skin pigment). I've loved R&B since I put every penny of my bed-making allowance towards a Tony! Toni! Toné! cassette tape. Although it's hidden beneath my nearly translucent epidermis, I got soul (and I'm super bad (at proving it)).

THE LION BLANKET

AKA, my invisibility cloak.

Say what you will about a 25-year-old man who still owns a "blanket," but this thing has been protecting me from the Boogie Man since before I could speak. Although I no longer believe this Leo linen keeps the monster under my bed at bay, I DO hold true to claim that this blanket contains magical powers. I challenge any of the two remaining people who follow this blog to show me a more climate controlled cover. Whether it's the dead of winter or heat of summer, this mythical throw keeps me nice and cozy from head to toe. Speaking of, it reaches my feet! as a 6'2" dude, that's HUGE!

UP MARRIAGE MONTAGE

NEVER have I felt such a roller coaster of emotions in such a short span of time. You can probably attribute a million of the 2,555,119 (current) Youtube views to me alone, and it STILL taps my tear ducts. I wish I could have seen the initial shock on my face when Pixar played the MISCARRIAGE CARD! That production studio has more balls than Carl and Ellie have balloons. (They've also got a lot of nerve. Cars 2, Pixar! REALLY!? Brave better be one HELL of a movie.) Up is still battling it out for the title of my all-time favorite movie, but I can confidently say that this clip is my FAVORITE MONTAGE OF ALL TIMES! (Sorry, Team America.)

FEDER-BEAR

This little guy gets around (http://www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?t=97997)

What started as a ploy to annoy one of my old roommates has become one of my most childish and cherished traditions. Anytime I travel for an extended period of time, I leave room in my backpack for this TY tennis player. He's left his heart in San Francisco (as you may have noticed). He's celebrated Halloween on Bourbon Street. He's rubbed elbows with David Schwimmer at the SXSW Film Festival (before I permanently relocated to Austin). And he's constantly nagging me about our next destination. (NOT literally. I'm not THAT crazy.) Some people may pass down precious jewels or pocket watches (see opening paragraph), but the most valuable (emotionally speaking) item in my will will be this adventurous Beanie Baby.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Which side of the ledge are you on? (Hint: Enemies and Frenemies belong on the left.)

My final and most important (also most cliché) Horocrux is the group of individuals who guard and protect my other passions. Sure, a lot of my friends and family may ridicule me for bringing Feder-Bear on our journeys or for wearing my Roos to, well, anywhere, but they would NEVER take a Basilisk's fang or Gryffindor sword to one of my passions (or each other, hopefully). More so than a delicious meal, a delightful movie or a nostalgic article of clothing, these select individuals carry the only piece of me that can truly insure my immortality, memories.

So, one remaining reader (if there is one), what are some of your quirkiest Horocruxes (passions)?