A little bit about the freetime thing: We spend an awful lot of time watching anime. If anyone is interested in anime at all, here's a few series you should be on the lookout for:

Fullmetal Alchemist - story about two young brothers who travel the world using alchemy in a quest to restore their bodies to their original forms. It sounds strange, and I can't really explain more without going through a two page synopsis of the story thus far, but just trust me and seek it out.
Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex - A series of stories involving the characters from the film. The series was originally only slated to run for 26 episodes in Japan but a second season was picked up and just started.
InuYasha - This can be viewed on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup, though Adult Swim hasn't gotten nearly as far in the series as they have in Japan (I believe they're on episode 141 now...AS is at episode 60 maybe?)
Chrno Crusade - In an alternate universe, a young Nun, whose life is bound to her demon and partner Chrno, searches for her missing brother, an avatar of God. Based on the content of this, I'll be HIGHLY surprised if this series ever makes it the US in a mainstream format.
Naruto - Story of a young underdog ninja from a village of ninja training with the ultimate goal of becoming the best. In terms of action and storyline, this is probably one of the most compelling series I've seen in quite some time.

That's just a basic roundup. I'll post more as they come to mind. Most information about these can be found through a basic google search of the names above. And..um..resourceful people will probably know where to look for these series...