The Ten Day "You" Challenge: 9 Loves

I love a lot of things. It will be hard to narrow it down to just nine! But I will try...

Day Two: 9 Loves

Stella, Girl's Best Friend

1. Forget Man's Best Friend. This is Girl's Best Friend.  My Stella. She is my heart, my child, my best friend. I never knew how close a human could feel to their pet before her. But I can't help it, I always had cats before her!
2. My family. This could and should really go first. I have an amazing family. My mother is so artistic and kind and funny! My brother has always been a kind and supportive older brother. He married a wonderful lady and they have five amazing kids, each of whom I adore! Family life may not always be perfect. But I love them all anyway!
3. The Spring and the Fall. When the air is crisp and not too hot and not too cool. It makes you just happy to be alive! Days off during this time are the best when I can sit on my back porch, enjoy a cup of coffee and take in the air. Ah, it's the best!
4. My friends. Moving from a town I lived in since first grade was difficult for me. But after many years, I feel like I have a great group of very stable friends. From my co-workers to my trivia and fashion blog buddies, to my beloved bestie, Rachael. I just love you all and I am so glad you're in my life!
5. Fashion. I used to hate buying clothes. But my friend, Kelly, recently turned me on to the world of online shopping and now I can't seem to stop! Forever 21, The Avenue, City Chic! I can't stop online shopping. Keep up with my fashionable adventures on the plus size fashion blog I share with my friends, Horizontal Stripes!
6. My car. Yeah, it might be lame. But this past November I found myself for the first time in my adult life in a position where I could actually take my time and shop for a car that I wanted and I love my little baby. She is so fun to drive! 
   
7. Thai food. I think I covered this yesterday. I love to try new foods. But I find Thai to be my most favorite cuisine thus far. Rich, sweet curries, like Panang. Spicy fresh salads. Fresh cilantro in almost everything... Yum!
8. Polar bears, sloths and other weird but cute animals. It started when the baby polar bear Knut was born in a German zoo. He was so flippin' cute I decided I wanted one for myself. "He'll eat Stella!" everyone would say. But I know better. My polar bear will be a sweet, gentle soul because I will love him and cuddle him all the time and I will keep him well fed from the local all-you-can-eat sushi bar! I've also been known to post about baby sloths, meerkats, raccoons and jaguars on Facebook. Basically if it's a baby and cute, I want it!
9. Cookouts! We just had one at work to celebrate the upcoming 4th of July holiday and it was all sooooo tasty! What is it about a grilled hamburger that just makes you happy to be alive? And my homemade refrigerator pickles were a hit! Looking forward to more summer filled with tasty cookouts!

Honorable mention goes to Henry Cavill, Bradley Cooper and Matt Bomer! My boyfriends...  I love them all, but I think I gush over them enough and to include them on the actual list would be a bit obvious, no?

The Ten Day "You" Challenge: 10 Secrets

I probably shouldn't be starting this before I head to visit family for a few days, but I saw this on a few blogs that I follow and I couldn't resist. It's the Ten Day You Challenge, where I blog a little something about myself every day for ten days. Who's ready to see what you can learn about me and what I learn about myself?

Day One – 10 Secrets

1. I'm a bigger reality TV junky than I let people know. True, I don't really know what goes on with the Real Housewives anywhere, but I love Food Network's Chopped, Next Food Network Star and The Next Iron Chef. I also love Bravo's Top Chef (I recently died when I found out the uber-sexy Fabio made am appearance in town and I did not hear about it until afterward) and Fox's Hell's Kitchen. Basically, if you throw a camera in a kitchen with a bunch of people, I'll watch it. I don't give my reality TV love only to chefs, however. I'm a Survivor junky and since it's just become summer, I'll share that summertime belongs to Big Brother! My sweet, guilty pleasure!
2. I tend to obsess on things. Not creepy stalker obsessive. But, yeah. If I like an actor, actress or director, I have to see everything they've ever done! Sometimes that leads me to gems, like watching Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures because I loved The Lord of the Rings so much! Sometimes it's not so good and I want to forget the things I've seen. Let's pretend you never made the A-Team, okay Bradley Cooper? And Kevin Smith, I'll forget Jersey Girl if you will! It's also why I am currently burning through episodes of The Tudors like a house on fire. I love you, Henry Cavill!
3. I love video games. I enjoy playing them, but I also enjoy sitting back and watching others play. That's right, gentleman; take note! I am lady who will rarely complain that your gameplay is keeping me from my "stories." In fact, I used to have this friend who was always sick of watching her husband play God of War. She's look to me for back up. But, in all honesty, I got lost in the story. I actually liked watching him play. Sorry, girl. Can't back you up!
4. I worry that I'll have no one to care for me when I get old and decrepit. Don't get me wrong, I love my single life. I date and have fun, but I've never settled down and had kids. Now that I'm older and facing mortality (yeah, I know, I'm not even 40 yet, so I need to chill), I sometimes look at my 91-year-old grandmother and wonder who will care for me when I am her age.
5. Crowds freak me out. I think that's why I get pissed off at WalMart. I can't stand to have my exits impeded. Yeah. You wanna piss me off? Be one of those two elderly ladies who pick the end of the buffet line at a wedding or the tiniest walkway at a party to stop and have a conversation! If I can't get by it makes me nervous. Which will manifest itself in bitchiness. So just let me by and we'll all be happy, K?
6. Overly picky eaters bug me. I mean, don't get me wrong. You don't have to love every food. I don't like onions! Or most mushrooms! But I've lived in the South long enough to see my fair share of eaters (mostly men, but not always) who refuse to put a vegetable in their mouths. If it's not meat, covered in meat with sauce and more meat on the side, forget about it. And don't try to feed them any ethnic food, like Thai or Indian, even Chinese. Maybe growing up outside the nation's capital gave me a broader perspective about food and I shouldn't be so judgmental. But if I'm handing you a delicious bowl of Pad Thai and you won't even try it because it doesn't look like a piece of fried chicken, then I pity you, And yeah, I think you're a little silly. There. I said it. This has stopped numerous first dates from leading to second dates. If I had a dating profile, it should read "Unadventurous Eaters Need Not Apply."
7. I am anal about my toenail polish. While it does not bother me to see others whose toe polish does not match their fingernail polish, I cannot stand it on myself! My toe color must match my finger color! The exception, of course, being if one set of digits is painted clear or in the French manicure style. That does not count. French manicured fingers pair nicely with a variety of toe colors, IMHO!
8. I am addicted to Youtube tutorials. Mostly makeup ones, but really any tutorial will entertain me. I watched about a dozen on how to make the perfect ripped T-shirt. And I can watch makeup tutorials all day long. My favorites? I have several, but my top three have GOT to be:
1. Kandee Johnson. AKA Kandee the Makeup Artist. This woman is just so damn cute! I just want to pull her through my laptop and give her hugs and make her my friend!
2. Lisa Eldridge. Lisa is like the Bob of makeup videos. No. She doesn't put happy little trees everywhere. But her voice is so gorgeous and soothing. And her advice is very good. When she puts up a new video, I can't even wait to get home to watch it!
3. Makeup By Tiffany D. I love this woman's style. Her makeup is always flawless and I want to be her when I grow up. Yes, I realize I am probably older than her. I still want to be her when I grow up.
9. I'm a bit weepy. This is no secret for those close to me. But I try and hide it from the rest of the world. I'm happy? Tears of joy! Sad? More tears. And if I'm angry? Get the tissues ready. I cry every time I'm angry. More so than when I'm sad. I don't know what it is, I just don't know how to process those feelings and it comes out in tears. Yep. I'm a crier. So much so that is anyone could actually experience being bored to tears, it's probably me. Fortunately, I try to keep myself busy so I don't experience that. LOL
10. I do not understand why women find Benedict Cumberbatch sexy. Everyone is entitle to their own opinion, sure. But I just don't get it.

Sex symbol (?) Benedict Cumberbatch

Why dream about this when you can dream about this???

My future husband and star of The Tudors and Man of Steel, Henry Cavill.

That's all for today, kiddos. Back tomorrow with more about me! LOL

Five Things I Learned From This Is The End

What can I say about apocalyptic film This Is The End? Well, it's funny as hell! And don't pardon that pun!

If you haven't seen it yet, go. Now. You'll thank me later.

The film stars, well, everybody! There are cameos from seemingly all of Hollywood's funniest men and ladies, including: Jason Segal, Mindy Kaling, Aziz Ansari, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse (aka McLovin'), Paul Rudd, and even Emma Watson and Rihanna! Ok, not all are comedians, but all are funny.

The film's stars are James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson and Danny McBride. The plot? Baruchel – an old buddy of Seth Rogen's from their days on (one of my favorites) Undeclared – is in LA for the weekend, so he's staying with Rogen, who has an epic weekend planned including video games, a shit ton of weed and a party at his buddy James Franco's house. The only problem is, Baruchel doesn't like any of Rogen's new friends, including Franco, Robinson, McBride and especially not Jonah Hill! 

Here's a little trailer for those looking for a little more info. Warning: It is a red band trailer and therefore sooooo NSFW!

Not only did the movie keep me in stitiches – it's FUNNY, y'all – but it taught me a lot too. Without further ado, here are 5 of Life's Lessons I Learned From Watching This Is The End.

1. There is not one redeeming person in Hollywood. That's right. When the rapture comes and all of the world's saved individuals are sucked up into the Lord's warm and welcoming blue light, no one from Hollywood is saved. Not even Hermione!
 


2. Seth Rogen can only play one character, himself. And I am totally ok with that! And in this movie he is literally playing himself! I love this man's sense of humor, his delivery. He amuses me. And much like James Franco is enamored with him in the film (perhaps a little too much so), I too, would love calling Seth Rogen my friend. 

3. When the world ends, make sure you have plenty of weed! As evidenced here in the clip, all one really needs to get buy in post-apocalypse Hollywood, is a little bit of water, a lot of weed, and hopefully more than one Milky Way bar!

4. James Franco realizes that he is a douchebag. The world ends during a kick-ass Franco house party, so we spend much of our time in his house. His house replete with pretentious pieces of art (like giant penises) and stolen movie props (like the gun from Flyboys). It is obvious Franco knows what we think of him and he is in on the joke.

5. There are still original ideas in Hollywood. OK, so yeah, the idea of actors playing exaggerated versions of themselves has been done before. Entourage did it very well. But this is done with a new flair. It's the Apocalypse, baby! 

I love the way this film is not afraid to make fun of the very industry of which it is a part. There are constant reminders of the actors' less-than-stellar film choices and Rogen's (in Baruchel's opinion) descent into Hollywood douchebagginess. Baruchel's continued hatred for Jonah Hill despite Hill's pleasant demeanor is so amusing and don't even get me started on the hilarious cameo by awkward funny boy, Michael Cera!

Oh yeah, then there's this scene:

My friend, Steve, said he enjoyed the idea that someone possessed can be sarcastic. I agree. Yet another part of the film that caused tears to form. But in the best way possible! 

This is the End is full of hi-jinx, hysteria and hilarity. I haven't chuckled so hard in the theater is a good long time. Well, at least not when the director wanted me to! I'll be buying this one on Blu-Ray aaaannnnd, probably seeing it again in the theater! Will I be seeing you there too?

My thoughts on Man of Steel

Those who know me, know that Superman is my animated dream boyfriend (just as Adam Levine is my musical dream boyfriend and Bradley Cooper my actual, real life dream boyfriend)! And I loved 300 (also directed by Zack Snyder) so I walked into Man of Steel with great expectations!

Don those Superman edition 3D glasses ladies; it's time for Man of Steel!

They weren't completely dashed, the move was entertaining but it seems when choosing between spectacle and substance, Snyder chose the former over the latter.

The good:

Henry Cavill. Isn't he Super manly?

The cast. Henry Cavill, as I've been saying all day, is a whole lotta pretty. I mean Pre-tee! I'm currently trying to stop myself from dropping everything and diving into a marathon of The Tudors just so I can have more of him. He behaves very "Supermanly" in the film.

I've always said that Superman is a hard role to cast because the actor must recreate both the regal, confident Kal El and the goofy, stumbly, mumbly Clark Kent. Cavill does a great job of conveying the quiet power of Superman. He is physically imposing, but has a gentle feel about him. How does he do at portraying Clark Kent? Well, we don't really know. Snyder doesn't show us and that is one of the things I don't really like about the movie. If Superman is truly about TWO characters – Clark Kent and Kal El, then they only tried to tell half the story, as we don't even glimpse the iconic bespectacled Clark until the last few minutes of the film! That's like telling an Incredible Hulk story without Bruce Banner! WTF???

Enough about that; back to the cast! Amy Adams is just gorgeous and I think she really captured Lois Lane. Waaay better choice than I think Kate Bosworth was in Superman Returns. She's tough as nails and more determined than a pit bull on a pant leg. I loved her as Lois.

And Michael Shannon as Zod. What can I say other than he scared the shit out of me? He always has! Especially after watching this: Michael Shannon Reads the Insane Delta Gamma Sorority Letter.

Michael Shannon is cray cray.

In true Snyder fashion, the movie is very visually stunning. And the fight scenes are awesome. I just feel like they went on for a lengthy amount of time.

The bad (Spoilers Ahead):

Pa Kent. Kevin Costner? Really? Why the hell did Snyder change how he died? Jonathan Kent is supposed to die of a heart attack! It is a constant reminder to Clark how fragile the human life is. To have him taken out by a tornado??? Lame!

The movie seems to focus a lot on the cruelty that human beings can display for one another. While I think that can be true, I don't like that Superman agrees with this. It has always been my view that the joy of Superman is his undying love for the human race, his admiration for their capacity for good.

Stupid plot devices. Holes so big, you could drive a Mack truck through them. For example – and let me know if I missed something – Clark finds an ancient space ship in the arctic. It had been there for millions of years and inside he finds the secrets of Krypton, his past and his biological parents. How the hell did Clark know it was there??? I mean really?

Also, I am all for feminine empowerment in comic books. But did it not feel a little convenient how Lois discovered how to take out Zod and his minions? And even if she did come up with the idea, did it not seem totally contrived that the military would let her on board the plane set to destroy the Kryptonians? Totes ridick! 

My friend, Rachael, turns to me in the quiet and whispers, "What the hell is she doing up there?" Good question, Rach. Good question.

I could go on and on about the little things I felt they got wrong, but I don't want to be so completely negative. The movie was just fun. A good way to spend an afternoon, but not my favorite. They left it wide open for a sequel for which I will promptly report to the theater, because, hello! Superman!

But if you'll excuse me, at the moment I seem to be late for a rewatch of The Tudors. Cuz... damn!

Game of Thrones, Quit Playing Games With My Heart

Ok, so I'm the last one to the party, I know. But I need to talk about Sunday's episode of Game of Thrones, "The Rains of Castamere." In fact, I hadn't really planned to blog about the show, but I am still upset about it. Those who haven't yet seen the episode, be forewarned, There Be Spoilers Ahead!

"Rains of Castamere" has been called the most brutal and devastating hour of television ever made. I've seen worse – Opie's death in Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead's barn scene in episode 7 of season 2... But this one is right up there. 

And it's certainly one of the most frustrating episodes of television I have ever witnessed.

They play with you on soooo many occasions in this episode! 

Bran and his entourage? They hide out from a storm in an abandoned tower when who should ride by? Jon Snow and the Wildings! But is there a joyful reunion between brothers??? Noooooo! Because the Wildings want Jon to prove his loyalty to them by killing an innocent. But, Jon is an honorable man. Instead of killing the man, he turns his blade on the Wildings and a pretty decent sword fight ensues. Jon ends up leaving his brother, the Wildings, and one very pissed off Ygritte behind.

**And now let's have a moment of silence as Ginny says goodbye to sexy time with Jon and Ygritte. Goodbye, sexy time. You will be missed.

If one so-close-you-can-touch-it family reunion wasn't enough for you, then have another. Because Arya, who has been traveling with The Hound in hopes that her mother and brother would pay dearly for her safe return, is on her way to meet them!

Sadly, this will not happen either because just when she is this-close to reaching her family, she and The Hound are turned away at the gate. Why? Well, that's when I get truly pissed off.

The episode opens up with Robb asking his mother, Lady Catelyn, if she agrees with his plan to attack Casterly Rock. It's dangerous and it involves Robb asking for assistance from a man he has wronged, Walder Frey. See, Robb promised to marry one of Frey's many daughters but instead he fell in love with Talisa, a nurse among his armies and he married her instead.

Catelyn is worried about her oldest son but she gives him her blessing and it is lovely to see these two getting along after all of their recent fighting.

The Starks go to Frey and ask his forgiveness for Robb's broken promise. 

Frey's all, "Yeah, that's totes cool. After all, Robb, you married for love and what's more honorable than that? Have your uncle marry one of my ugly daughters and we're totally square."

Ever the trusting soul, Robb's all, "Sweet! Let's do this!" And off they go! But not before Frey got all creepy, sexual harassing Talisa. 

They're at the wedding and Robb and Talisa are being all cute and stuff. She's pregnant and tells Robb that if it's a boy, they should name him Ned after Robb's father. Squee!

But Ned Stark was brutally killed in season one and little Ned Junior meets a similar fate as one of the Freys suddenly comes up behind her and stabs her violently in the belly. As Robb kneels over her weeping, he is shot with multiple arrows and all of his men are locked in the room and their throats are slit. It's horrible! Horrible, I tell you!

Catelyn is watching all of this and begs for her son's life. she threatens to kill Frey's wife if Robb dies. Frey, ever the douche, just says he can get another. As Robb is stabbed multiple times, Catelyn screams, kills Frey's wife and then promptly has her own throat slit by one of Frey's men.

Thus ends one of the most infuriating hours of television I have ever watched.

I had George RR Martin's novels on my summer reading list, but now I'm asking myself if I really want to read them. What is up with Martin? He takes everyone good and honorable – Ned, Catelyn, sweet, trusting Robb, and murders them in horrible ways while weasly, cowardly little d-bags like Joffrey and his awful mother carry on without a care in the world! Who's next, Rickon??? (Don't say Jon Snow. Don't say Jon Snow. Don't say Jon Snow!) 

Is this really a world I want to immerse myself into??? If you've read the novels, speak up; I want to hear from you! Are they worth my time? Or do I need to recommend a good psychiatrist for our friend Mr. Martin?

While I try to make up my mind, enjoy this Youtube video I found that aptly describes my reaction to Sunday's episode: