This blog is down.
I've set up shop elsewhere, under a more anonymous presence, but I promise, it's still me. I don't list my name anywhere on the site, and sorry, no pictures either. The reason for that is simple, I've been told to not blog under my name so that it can be traced back to me. But that doesn't mean I stopped blogging.
If you are clever enough to click on the pictures, you'll find the blog. Happy hunting.
A blog about a girl who speaks her mind and talks about whatever she wants. So its a blog about everything, and absolutely nothing, all at the same time. . .
1.21.2009
1.15.2009
Guilty
Over the last week, I've been reading a lot when I am sitting around waiting, which is a lot, and read Ann Coulter's new book, Guilty. I have to say I like her. I guess there is something about strong conservative women that stick to their guns like Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin and Sarah Palin that I can appreciate. And I think I can fully realize why I like Sarah Palin so much now. I was trying to figure it out, its more then just that she's sincere and a real person and not just a public face, (as well as the whole gun chick thing, I might be drawn to another women who is into firearms) but I have also realized it's because she's unapologetic.
After reading Ann Coulter's new book, I realized that some Republicans seem to eager to please Democrats and feel the need to apologize for any offense we might cause. if something is misconstrued, damn it, the republican will apologize. The democrats never apologize, they just bitch on republicans and tell everyone about the right wing attack machine and make excuses.
I do not consider myself a republican, because I hate political parties. I'm a conservative. I don't have to apologize for my feelings and opinions, I know what I believe and if I don't know much about something, I don't hold an opinion of it until I thoroughly research it enough to make myself confident of an opinion.
This political season has got me ripped and fired up from my vantage point. I was outraged by the attack that went toward Sarah Palin, which was downright outragious. The whole 'trig palin is her grandson' and 'troopergate' scandals, which weren't scandals in the first place, had me furious at times. But what really got me going was how the similar criticisms were not levied toward others on the democratic ticket. And then there's that whole 'Joe the Plumber' deal. Why was an ordinary citizen attacked for asking Obama a question, deflecting the attention from Obama's very questionable answer?
Everyone harps on how Bush stole the election in 2000 (and try to claim that he repeated the act in 2004). Doesn't anybody find Christine Gregoire (my governor) and Al Frankin's 'Count the votes until we win' elections a little questionable?
I boycott the media now. I refuse to watch CNN or MSNBC, and Ann Coulter's book puts into words the insanity I witnessed during this election and why I pretty much stopped paying attention to the MSM. For the last eight years we've been forced to put up with a lot of crap on the left. Well guess what? That crap is about to hit the fan. The democrats managed to achieve the house, senate and the executive branch, within the next few years after a few justices retire, they'll have a solid hold on the judicial branch as well. Watch as the next couple of years the government goes into the toilet and we emerge as a socialist state. Let's see what a utopia it will be as well!
Anyway, Guilty is a fantastic book, which I highly recommend. Read it. We need to hold the freakin' media accountable for their obvious bias, and I will certainly keep tabs on this administration. It would be nice if more people paid attention to politics. Next up is Liberal Fascism. I've heard a lot of good things about it too, thought I would finally read it.
-In case your still wondering, yes, the blog is still going down. But I thought I would give praises to Ann Coulter's book regardless and tell people to go read it already.
After reading Ann Coulter's new book, I realized that some Republicans seem to eager to please Democrats and feel the need to apologize for any offense we might cause. if something is misconstrued, damn it, the republican will apologize. The democrats never apologize, they just bitch on republicans and tell everyone about the right wing attack machine and make excuses.
I do not consider myself a republican, because I hate political parties. I'm a conservative. I don't have to apologize for my feelings and opinions, I know what I believe and if I don't know much about something, I don't hold an opinion of it until I thoroughly research it enough to make myself confident of an opinion.
This political season has got me ripped and fired up from my vantage point. I was outraged by the attack that went toward Sarah Palin, which was downright outragious. The whole 'trig palin is her grandson' and 'troopergate' scandals, which weren't scandals in the first place, had me furious at times. But what really got me going was how the similar criticisms were not levied toward others on the democratic ticket. And then there's that whole 'Joe the Plumber' deal. Why was an ordinary citizen attacked for asking Obama a question, deflecting the attention from Obama's very questionable answer?
Everyone harps on how Bush stole the election in 2000 (and try to claim that he repeated the act in 2004). Doesn't anybody find Christine Gregoire (my governor) and Al Frankin's 'Count the votes until we win' elections a little questionable?
I boycott the media now. I refuse to watch CNN or MSNBC, and Ann Coulter's book puts into words the insanity I witnessed during this election and why I pretty much stopped paying attention to the MSM. For the last eight years we've been forced to put up with a lot of crap on the left. Well guess what? That crap is about to hit the fan. The democrats managed to achieve the house, senate and the executive branch, within the next few years after a few justices retire, they'll have a solid hold on the judicial branch as well. Watch as the next couple of years the government goes into the toilet and we emerge as a socialist state. Let's see what a utopia it will be as well!
Anyway, Guilty is a fantastic book, which I highly recommend. Read it. We need to hold the freakin' media accountable for their obvious bias, and I will certainly keep tabs on this administration. It would be nice if more people paid attention to politics. Next up is Liberal Fascism. I've heard a lot of good things about it too, thought I would finally read it.
-In case your still wondering, yes, the blog is still going down. But I thought I would give praises to Ann Coulter's book regardless and tell people to go read it already.
1.13.2009
NOTICE:
To all of you concerned, and I guess that is anyone who bothers to read this thing.
I will be removing my blog here shortly. It may be a temporary thing, but in the scheme of internet speak, you might as well call it permanent. Yep, this blog is going on a hiatus, the archives and everything will be going on with it.
Please don't get some crazy idea that I was forced to shut down my blog. I wasn't. I've been kind of thinking this over in my head for some time that when it comes to this blog and my career in the military, this blog has been quite a thorn in my side. The easiest way to deal with this problem is to remove the thorn. And I don't need this blog for the reasons I started it in the first place. I don't use it for the same purposes, and when you start to get to the level that I am, it becomes more of a curse then a blessing.
So I'm going to take the whole thing down for a while. In about a year or so, if I feel the need to blog again, maybe I'll resurrect it from the dead. Or maybe I'll start from scratch. Or maybe I'll just let it rest in peace. Who knows? A lot can change in a year or two.
Thanks for the comments and the readership. It has been greatly appreciated. Even if 2004 was a complete fluke and I probably shouldn't have this level of readership to begin with.
I will be removing my blog here shortly. It may be a temporary thing, but in the scheme of internet speak, you might as well call it permanent. Yep, this blog is going on a hiatus, the archives and everything will be going on with it.
Please don't get some crazy idea that I was forced to shut down my blog. I wasn't. I've been kind of thinking this over in my head for some time that when it comes to this blog and my career in the military, this blog has been quite a thorn in my side. The easiest way to deal with this problem is to remove the thorn. And I don't need this blog for the reasons I started it in the first place. I don't use it for the same purposes, and when you start to get to the level that I am, it becomes more of a curse then a blessing.
So I'm going to take the whole thing down for a while. In about a year or so, if I feel the need to blog again, maybe I'll resurrect it from the dead. Or maybe I'll start from scratch. Or maybe I'll just let it rest in peace. Who knows? A lot can change in a year or two.
Thanks for the comments and the readership. It has been greatly appreciated. Even if 2004 was a complete fluke and I probably shouldn't have this level of readership to begin with.
1.08.2009
Pedicures
I've never gotten a pedicure before, which is probably something I should have gotten a while back considering how messed up my feet can get. It was kind of a girl's day out for my family.
As you can see, I'm on the far end there.
It's something I'm going to have to do again in the near future for sure.
Of course, after the pedicure, remind me to roll my pants down next time, or you'll get caught looking like THIS! Yes, it's so sexy.
in other news, I got a picture with my niece Sarah when we went out to eat. She just turned 2 months.
As you can see, I'm on the far end there.
It's something I'm going to have to do again in the near future for sure.
Of course, after the pedicure, remind me to roll my pants down next time, or you'll get caught looking like THIS! Yes, it's so sexy.
in other news, I got a picture with my niece Sarah when we went out to eat. She just turned 2 months.
1.07.2009
Irony
Sure, as soon as I go out and buy a truck, the snow melts to the point where I can easily get around in my car.
Murphy loves me.
I don't regret buying the truck though.
Murphy loves me.
I don't regret buying the truck though.
1.05.2009
Snow Removal
Yeah, it's still snowing.
We finally got around to shoveling off the roof of the house, since several roofs have collapsed in town. Mostly garages and barns and stuff, but better safe then sorry. I just so happened to have my camera in my pocket so I got some action shots. Of me shoveling snow. Off a roof. Because that is so very fascinating.
But it covers the 365 requirement.
Day 5 of 365
Sometimes, I actually do work these days, sometimes.
We finally got around to shoveling off the roof of the house, since several roofs have collapsed in town. Mostly garages and barns and stuff, but better safe then sorry. I just so happened to have my camera in my pocket so I got some action shots. Of me shoveling snow. Off a roof. Because that is so very fascinating.
But it covers the 365 requirement.
Day 5 of 365
Sometimes, I actually do work these days, sometimes.
Joys of Automobile Buying, Cont.
Impulsiveness is one of my attributes, it might not be the best attribute to have, but I am definitely impulsive.
In car buying 101, they tell you not to buy the first car you see. They also suggest a host of other tips on buying a used car to avoid buying a lemon and making sure you got a decent vehicle, probably 90% of which I completely ignored.
I bought the first vehicle I saw. Right now, pickings are slim because apparently everyone is looking for a 4WD, and trying to keep it cheap. I got mine from a dealer, but I felt good about it.
It's a 1998 Toyota Tacoma, everything I wanted with an exception of it being a 4 cylinder instead of a 6 cylinder engine, but I think 4 cylinder will work fine for what I'll be using it for, so my gas mileage will be a little better then the 6 cylinder, and its a 2.7 liter so it has more capacity, or something. I'm not going to be towing anything to much, maybe a flatbed trailer hauling an ATV or something along those lines.
The other downside? It's black. And black shows every bit of dirt ever. So I will need to focus on keeping it clean. But it is a Toyota, and Toyotas are known for being good vehicles, and it handles so well. I've never had big problem with my toyota that wasn't directly my fault. So, we'll see how well this toyota does, and if I have any major problems with it, I'll let you know how it goes.
But going by my gut, I feel good about it. I hope my gut is right and its not impulses going nuts on me again. Could be both.
In car buying 101, they tell you not to buy the first car you see. They also suggest a host of other tips on buying a used car to avoid buying a lemon and making sure you got a decent vehicle, probably 90% of which I completely ignored.
I bought the first vehicle I saw. Right now, pickings are slim because apparently everyone is looking for a 4WD, and trying to keep it cheap. I got mine from a dealer, but I felt good about it.
It's a 1998 Toyota Tacoma, everything I wanted with an exception of it being a 4 cylinder instead of a 6 cylinder engine, but I think 4 cylinder will work fine for what I'll be using it for, so my gas mileage will be a little better then the 6 cylinder, and its a 2.7 liter so it has more capacity, or something. I'm not going to be towing anything to much, maybe a flatbed trailer hauling an ATV or something along those lines.
The other downside? It's black. And black shows every bit of dirt ever. So I will need to focus on keeping it clean. But it is a Toyota, and Toyotas are known for being good vehicles, and it handles so well. I've never had big problem with my toyota that wasn't directly my fault. So, we'll see how well this toyota does, and if I have any major problems with it, I'll let you know how it goes.
But going by my gut, I feel good about it. I hope my gut is right and its not impulses going nuts on me again. Could be both.
1.04.2009
Joys of Automobile Buying
So, I can't move my car out of the driveway. Really, I think it's the lack of traction on the tires, it kind of sunk in its spot that it's been parked in since Christmas Day and I haven't moved it since.
So I attempted to dig it out today, trying to at least move it a little more forward in the driveway so we can a little more room with a car or something, but alas, my attempt ended in failure.
My car is stuck in the driveway and I don't think it's going anywhere until the snow thaws.
However, i have no problem with my car when I can move it, but with more snowfall expected all this week, and brilliant mountain conditions, it has made me realize that, well, as much fun as it is to be snowed in for three weeks, I hate depending on other people and borrowing vehicles (like my brother's truck) when there are a hundred and one things I would like to do and can't get out to do them because my car is stuck.
But I kind of realized this week that there is a simple solution to this.
Buy a truck. It will get me around town when the weather decides to defy Global Warming Alarmists and dump record amounts of snowfall in my home town, and if I ever want to haul anything, I don't have to bother other people with the use of their vehicles. Plus guys dig chicks in trucks.
So I picked up the Nickle Nick, and the Wheel Deals and checked out Craigslist to get a good idea of what a truck is running right now. And kind of got an idea of what I want to get.
So, this is the features I'm looking for. Astricks means that I demand this feature, otherwise it's not going to kill the option of me buying the truck if it doesn't have it.
4 Wheel Drive*
Cruise Control
Extended Cab
Manual Transmission*
6 Cylander Engine for Towing Capabilities
Consumer Reports states that my best bet is a Toyota Tacoma or a Honda Highlander (hah! Slightly out of my price range) and surprise surprise, the domestic models appear to all be crap in the years that are within my price range, and have horrible depreciation. Like Dodges. Hmm. . . wonder why.
Anyway, I found this '98 Toyota Tacoma that looks to be exactly what I'm looking for except it's a 4Cyl engine (not sure if it has cruise control or not). How much can a 4 Cyl tow, or should I even attempt anything with it? Keep looking? Should I wait? Am I jumping into things and will I have buyer's remorse?
The thing is, I want to enjoy the snow and it's a little difficult when one is stuck in the home. But I'm also tempted to wait until Knox is a go or not. And I won't know for sure for about another month. But this vehicle is within my price range, even if I park it while I'm gone and let the family use it (or end up driving it and leaving the mazda at home) but whatever the case, I need to do something. Heck, it would just be handy to have another vehicle if I stick around here and need something reliable to get me to work when the weather dumps two feet of snow on me.
Who knows, I might consider an SUV like a 4Runner (my sister has one) that can tow, saw one of them online within my price range. So, truck or SUV? My dad suggested I go with a Subaru, but, well, I'm keeping my car (it's paid for), I just need something to get me around when it gets stuck in the driveway. And a 4WD is helpful when you want to go places a car can't get too. And I might as well get something that can haul and for luggage capacity.
I'll be telling you how my shopping experience goes. But I think I'm definitely going with Toyota. If anything, it gives me Free Ski Days.
So I attempted to dig it out today, trying to at least move it a little more forward in the driveway so we can a little more room with a car or something, but alas, my attempt ended in failure.
My car is stuck in the driveway and I don't think it's going anywhere until the snow thaws.
However, i have no problem with my car when I can move it, but with more snowfall expected all this week, and brilliant mountain conditions, it has made me realize that, well, as much fun as it is to be snowed in for three weeks, I hate depending on other people and borrowing vehicles (like my brother's truck) when there are a hundred and one things I would like to do and can't get out to do them because my car is stuck.
But I kind of realized this week that there is a simple solution to this.
Buy a truck. It will get me around town when the weather decides to defy Global Warming Alarmists and dump record amounts of snowfall in my home town, and if I ever want to haul anything, I don't have to bother other people with the use of their vehicles. Plus guys dig chicks in trucks.
So I picked up the Nickle Nick, and the Wheel Deals and checked out Craigslist to get a good idea of what a truck is running right now. And kind of got an idea of what I want to get.
So, this is the features I'm looking for. Astricks means that I demand this feature, otherwise it's not going to kill the option of me buying the truck if it doesn't have it.
4 Wheel Drive*
Cruise Control
Extended Cab
Manual Transmission*
6 Cylander Engine for Towing Capabilities
Consumer Reports states that my best bet is a Toyota Tacoma or a Honda Highlander (hah! Slightly out of my price range) and surprise surprise, the domestic models appear to all be crap in the years that are within my price range, and have horrible depreciation. Like Dodges. Hmm. . . wonder why.
Anyway, I found this '98 Toyota Tacoma that looks to be exactly what I'm looking for except it's a 4Cyl engine (not sure if it has cruise control or not). How much can a 4 Cyl tow, or should I even attempt anything with it? Keep looking? Should I wait? Am I jumping into things and will I have buyer's remorse?
The thing is, I want to enjoy the snow and it's a little difficult when one is stuck in the home. But I'm also tempted to wait until Knox is a go or not. And I won't know for sure for about another month. But this vehicle is within my price range, even if I park it while I'm gone and let the family use it (or end up driving it and leaving the mazda at home) but whatever the case, I need to do something. Heck, it would just be handy to have another vehicle if I stick around here and need something reliable to get me to work when the weather dumps two feet of snow on me.
Who knows, I might consider an SUV like a 4Runner (my sister has one) that can tow, saw one of them online within my price range. So, truck or SUV? My dad suggested I go with a Subaru, but, well, I'm keeping my car (it's paid for), I just need something to get me around when it gets stuck in the driveway. And a 4WD is helpful when you want to go places a car can't get too. And I might as well get something that can haul and for luggage capacity.
I'll be telling you how my shopping experience goes. But I think I'm definitely going with Toyota. If anything, it gives me Free Ski Days.
Snowboarding at Schweitzer
So I went snowboarding yesterday at Schweitzer.
It was glorious snowboarding conditions, though a little on the cold side and I found out I had the wrong wax on my board because I was having trouble getting anywhere. And for being the third time visiting Schweitzer, (the first time it was icey, the second time resulting in global transient amnesia) I learned that Schweitzer is a skier's mountain.
Don't get me wrong, it is a fun mountain, and big. But there are too many flatspots and stupid cat tracks that at times, I was riding the toe edge of my board so much that my calves were burning. Toward the end, my ankle was useless that I could barely control the board anymore.
I had fun on the first tow rope I have ever been on though. Basically, you are towed along to the top of a hill rather then walking up it. This concept is pretty easy for skiers and experienced snowboarders, and I got the hang of it for a while, until I tried to adjust my grip on the rope. And then I started to lose my balance, I caught an edge and went down, and got dragged for about twenty to thrity feet. My friend told me to let go, but this is a skiers mountain mind you, and i was sick of skating everywhere. I didn't care how close to the top I was, I just let that tow rope drag me.
I wish I got a picture. It would have been funny.
Anyway, while surfing Flickr, I saw this group called 365 Days. Basically, you post a picture of yourself every day of the year. The idea is to get creative photographs. I thought I would try it. But I'm a couple of days late and I'll probably skip a few, and who knows, I might not exactly keep up with it.
Anyway, this is Day 3 of 365.
I'll have my friend Andrea know that I absolutely LOVE that scarf, it was my favorite birthday/christmas gift this year by far and I would be absolutely heartbroken if anything happened to it.
In other news, I need to find a more feminine snowboarding jacket. Wearing this or my military issue gortex jacket has most people on the slopes mistaking me for a prepubescent boy.
It was glorious snowboarding conditions, though a little on the cold side and I found out I had the wrong wax on my board because I was having trouble getting anywhere. And for being the third time visiting Schweitzer, (the first time it was icey, the second time resulting in global transient amnesia) I learned that Schweitzer is a skier's mountain.
Don't get me wrong, it is a fun mountain, and big. But there are too many flatspots and stupid cat tracks that at times, I was riding the toe edge of my board so much that my calves were burning. Toward the end, my ankle was useless that I could barely control the board anymore.
I had fun on the first tow rope I have ever been on though. Basically, you are towed along to the top of a hill rather then walking up it. This concept is pretty easy for skiers and experienced snowboarders, and I got the hang of it for a while, until I tried to adjust my grip on the rope. And then I started to lose my balance, I caught an edge and went down, and got dragged for about twenty to thrity feet. My friend told me to let go, but this is a skiers mountain mind you, and i was sick of skating everywhere. I didn't care how close to the top I was, I just let that tow rope drag me.
I wish I got a picture. It would have been funny.
Anyway, while surfing Flickr, I saw this group called 365 Days. Basically, you post a picture of yourself every day of the year. The idea is to get creative photographs. I thought I would try it. But I'm a couple of days late and I'll probably skip a few, and who knows, I might not exactly keep up with it.
Anyway, this is Day 3 of 365.
I'll have my friend Andrea know that I absolutely LOVE that scarf, it was my favorite birthday/christmas gift this year by far and I would be absolutely heartbroken if anything happened to it.
In other news, I need to find a more feminine snowboarding jacket. Wearing this or my military issue gortex jacket has most people on the slopes mistaking me for a prepubescent boy.
1.02.2009
Blogger Down???
For some reason, my blogging service has been down, I'm not sure why, but I've still been blogging with the hope that it will soon be up again. Hmm. . . I'm crossing my fingers and hoping it works this time, but if it doesn't, I think I'm going to have to do a little research to see if I can get it working again and what's the problem.
Well, we're still getting plenty of snow in my part of the country, enough that I've gone snowboarding twice last week and am going again tomorrow. The last time I went to this particular ski resort, I came home without a memory. We'll see if I have more success this time.
I'm taking my camera. I want to get some good shots. Even if they aren't of me.
Well, we're still getting plenty of snow in my part of the country, enough that I've gone snowboarding twice last week and am going again tomorrow. The last time I went to this particular ski resort, I came home without a memory. We'll see if I have more success this time.
I'm taking my camera. I want to get some good shots. Even if they aren't of me.
1.01.2009
Resolutions - 2008/2009 Edition
Happy New Year!
Every year I make resolutions and post them on my website, then look back to see how I did the previous year. This year? Er, I don't think I did so well. Let's see, shall we?.
Resolutions for 2008
Wow. Just, well, that was pretty awful. I am hoping that 2009 is a wee bit more successful in the resolution department then 2008 was. But whatever the case, let's look at this next year.
Notice I didn't get so military centric with my goals? I think I need to just keep it vague and go from there. Well, here's to a better 2009 then 2008 was.
Every year I make resolutions and post them on my website, then look back to see how I did the previous year. This year? Er, I don't think I did so well. Let's see, shall we?.
Resolutions for 2008
- Paint more (I told you, it would be back)
Well, how about that. I did paint more then I did the year before, even if it was only one painting. That I haven't completed yet. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do with it. - Max APFT (this is completely and 100% doable)
Heh. Hehehe. That's completely laughable, considering I was barely even doing PT this year. I was stuck babysitting the sick call when i should have been doing PT. So write this one of for last year. This year, however. . .- Make at Least 70 points in each event on the male standard (I'll be training males at Knox, I want to be able to do anything and everything I ask them to do)
See Above. If I didn't pass that, I sure wasn't about to pass this.
- Make at Least 70 points in each event on the male standard (I'll be training males at Knox, I want to be able to do anything and everything I ask them to do)
- Accomplish every task on the Confidence Course
Never even did it. - Earn a pair of wings (Air Assault, Airborne, whatever, I'm not picky, and Campbell is just two hours away)
The opportunity did not arise. And even if it had, I would have passed on it because of the PT thing. - Buy a Handgun
Hey, I did complete one! I got a Taurus Judge! - Effectively Juggle at least one college class with a mobilization at all times.
I gave up on this quite quickly when I realize my degree was not what I wanted to do. I would like to go back, which is a possibility this year, but we'll see how that works out. - RoadTrip (almost certain to happen this year!)
And happen it did! I went all over back east, saw some places I have never seen before, although I think it would have been more fun if I had somebody with me. But road tripping is always an adventure. - Effectively grab an edge and land it on a snowboard.
I am getting better at jumping, but I have yet to grab an edge. The resorts don't really have terrain parks jumps up yet, at least the resorts I've been to don't. This is more of a lifetime goal anyway. - Jump out of a perfectly good airplane (Maybe already stated, but if I don't get Airborne, I still want to go skydiving. Or Bungee Jumping at least. Something crazy like that)
Jump out of an airplane I did :) With a stranger strapped to my back, yes, so my next goal is to go solo. We'll see how that goes. - Keep a semi regular update on comic. (This might die during mob, we'll see)
I posted a page up last month after about an eight month hiatus, but I am having difficulty getting motivated to do it anymore. I think I prefer writing to drawing. - Keep Election Year political talk semi civil minded. Unless Hillary is involved of course.
I think I was semi civil minded, wasn't I? Or should this go in the yellow or red column? I don't think I was acid tongued and called for the death of certain presidential candidates. I poked fun, yes, but I was civil minded, right?- Vote for the Winning Candidate.
Voted McCain. Obama won.
- Vote for the Winning Candidate.
- Don't go stark raving insane.
Miserable failure. I went borderline homicidal or completely apathetic at several points this year. Though it was a good learning experience.
Wow. Just, well, that was pretty awful. I am hoping that 2009 is a wee bit more successful in the resolution department then 2008 was. But whatever the case, let's look at this next year.
- Paint More - every year, I will add this resolution
- Buy a truck - after this winter, I have discovered that it would be nice to have transportation after my little mazda kept getting stuck. that, and a truck would be nice to have. Yes, I'm keeping the mazda. gas prices will undoubtedly go up again.
- Get a Motorcycle License - I have a fear of motorcycles. I want to overcome it.
- Concealed Weapon's Permit - In the next couple of weeks, I need to do this.
- Get a real Job - This is dependent on what happens over the next couple of months. If I mobilize, that counts.
- Date More - very important, I just need to work on my social life.
- Max Out APFT - I should just make this a staple resolution. It will be easier if I mobilize, but I need to work at it even if I don't. I think I would be happier if I'm active and stay in shape.
- Run More - In par with above resolution, we can include Bloomsday, but only if I'm in town for it.
- Get Into Rock Climbing - Good hobby that keeps me physically active. And it's fun!
- Go Back to College - I might just be taking general ed courses or something, but I really would like to continue with my degree. I may never see a Bachelor's, but I need to do something.
- Save more Money - I want more money in my savings account. especially if the economy goes down the toilet. It would just be a nice thing to not have to worry about as much as everyone else is.
- Send out Christmas cards - this is a good way to keep in touch with people. I sent them out last year, I want to do it again this year. And I want to get more addresses too.
- Avoid the words Hope and Change like the plague - Holy crap I was watching the ball drop last night and that's all they were talking about was hope and change. Gag me, I'm just hoping Obama turns out to be a better president then i think he will be.
Notice I didn't get so military centric with my goals? I think I need to just keep it vague and go from there. Well, here's to a better 2009 then 2008 was.
12.31.2008
2008 Year in Review
My traditional list of questions, I've been doing this for a few years now. I need to maybe ad a few questions, but we'll see.
01. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
I went skydiving and caving. Maybe next year I'll get bungee jumping in there?
02. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'll make new years resolutions again, of course, but I don't think I did to hot on them this year. There were other factors contributing to my lack of resolution keeping. I'll cover this more in a blog post in the next few days.
03. Did anyone close to you give birth?
two sisters gave birth. So two nieces joined the family.
04. Did anyone close to you die?
*thinks for a moment* Of course, there are always the celebrity deaths. But I can't think of anybody close to me.
05. What countries did you visit?
None this year. How about states? Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Missouri, Montana, Idaho and Ohio (for about two miles, just to say I went there).
06. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A chain of command that will give me a chance on the trail instead of removing me to 'protect' me? That would be bloody Fan-freakin'-tastic!
07. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 30th. It was the date that my heart was ripped from my chest and then pounded mercilessly into ground, gorged through with a bayonet and then crapped upon and flushed down the toilet, all hypothetically of course. I don't think i have ever been that depressed before or since. Not a good day, by the way.
Also, September 22nd, I jumped out of an Airplane.
08. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Jumping out of an Airplane and seeing DC and New York. September and October were my ways of coming to terms with what a totally shitty experience this summer was for me, and completely redeemed the year.
09. What was your biggest failure?
My reaction to having my heart torn out of my chest, gorged with a knife and crapped upon. It kind of took me by surprise and because of how I reacted, pretty much in a stupor and being a girl, a bit emotional, I don't think my COC ever trusted me to do what I wanted more then anything to do. And that's be a Drill Sergeant. Which I'm pretty confident I can do if somebody will throw me a freakin' bone and give me a chance. And being stuck with a couple privates, there were a few failures on my part that I don't think would have happened if I wasn't put in that position. But you live and learn, huh? I certainly learned.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Surprise surprise, no. My knee started bothering me again, but overall, this was not a year for injuries. But I've still got seven hours to go.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I guess an Xbox 360 and rockband. And a Taurus Judge. And my DSLR camera. Everything else is just stuff.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
You know, nobody stands out in my head this year. I always have difficulty answering this question.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
My Chain of Command. And literally, they sent me into depression. Several times. But suffering from disthymia, that's actually not that hard to do.
14. Where did most of your money go?
This is a good question that someday I would like to discover. But I think bills and insurance, and junk. Lotsa junk. And Leave.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Fort Knox. I was extremely excited about being at Fort Knox up until about, oh, May 29th. My excitement completely disappeared the next day.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2008?
Holy crap, there were songs on the radio all of the time. That one blatant sex song comes to mind, I don't know what its called, but going down on me between the sheets sounds pretty sexually explicit to me. And the times I had Joes in the vehicle with me when I had the radio on and that song came on, it was always 'oops, change the channel' until I was told to make sure the radio was off completely.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Hmm, I'm pretty content right now. But I think I was happier last year.
ii. Thinner or fatter?
Probably thinner. But i was more fit last year.
iii. Richer or poorer?
I would say its close to a draw. But at this moment, probably richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Spelunking. And run. And work out.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wallowed in self pity.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At the parents. we played Rockband a bit, and watched Bedtime Stories at the theater. Opened presents. the whole spiel.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I'm incapable of that emotion. But its a goal for 2009.
23. How many one night stands?
24. What were your favourite TV programs?
I don't really watch TV, but robot chicken, Lost, and Avatar (whcih finally finished.)
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I try not to hate on anybody. I get mad as all hell and frustrated, but hate is a strong word.
26. What was the best book you read?
Very little reading was done this year. But a lot of writing.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Katie Perry I guess. Her music is just catchy. Even that lesbian song.
28. What did you want and get?
A chance to jump out of a perfectly good airplane? An Xbox?
29. What did you want and not get?
Trail time.
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Probably The Dark Knight.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My birthday was not a huge deal this year, and I've noticed that becoming par with birthdays now. Something about the older you get I guess. I turned 28.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Trail time. Noticing a trend here? That was three solid months of frustration.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I have no fashion concept. For a good six months, it was ACUs and a Drill Sergeant Hat. Lately, I wear a scarf a lot. I think in cool weather, it will be a part of my attire from here on out.
34. What kept you sane?
I wasn't. But leave did help.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did youfancy the most?
Sarah Palin. Love her.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
There was a Presidential Election going on this year. What do you think? And yes, I get heavily involved in politics.
37. Who did you miss?
My sanity.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Er, I'm not sure. I met a lot of new people this year. Do any of them stand out? Not yet? Give me a few months and I'll let you know.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
All Privates are dirtbags. Important life lesson for any DS Wannabe. And until I get more trail time, that's what I feel like I am.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"so now I earn my living killing the baby seals."
01. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
I went skydiving and caving. Maybe next year I'll get bungee jumping in there?
02. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'll make new years resolutions again, of course, but I don't think I did to hot on them this year. There were other factors contributing to my lack of resolution keeping. I'll cover this more in a blog post in the next few days.
03. Did anyone close to you give birth?
two sisters gave birth. So two nieces joined the family.
04. Did anyone close to you die?
*thinks for a moment* Of course, there are always the celebrity deaths. But I can't think of anybody close to me.
05. What countries did you visit?
None this year. How about states? Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Missouri, Montana, Idaho and Ohio (for about two miles, just to say I went there).
06. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A chain of command that will give me a chance on the trail instead of removing me to 'protect' me? That would be bloody Fan-freakin'-tastic!
07. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 30th. It was the date that my heart was ripped from my chest and then pounded mercilessly into ground, gorged through with a bayonet and then crapped upon and flushed down the toilet, all hypothetically of course. I don't think i have ever been that depressed before or since. Not a good day, by the way.
Also, September 22nd, I jumped out of an Airplane.
08. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Jumping out of an Airplane and seeing DC and New York. September and October were my ways of coming to terms with what a totally shitty experience this summer was for me, and completely redeemed the year.
09. What was your biggest failure?
My reaction to having my heart torn out of my chest, gorged with a knife and crapped upon. It kind of took me by surprise and because of how I reacted, pretty much in a stupor and being a girl, a bit emotional, I don't think my COC ever trusted me to do what I wanted more then anything to do. And that's be a Drill Sergeant. Which I'm pretty confident I can do if somebody will throw me a freakin' bone and give me a chance. And being stuck with a couple privates, there were a few failures on my part that I don't think would have happened if I wasn't put in that position. But you live and learn, huh? I certainly learned.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Surprise surprise, no. My knee started bothering me again, but overall, this was not a year for injuries. But I've still got seven hours to go.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I guess an Xbox 360 and rockband. And a Taurus Judge. And my DSLR camera. Everything else is just stuff.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
You know, nobody stands out in my head this year. I always have difficulty answering this question.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
My Chain of Command. And literally, they sent me into depression. Several times. But suffering from disthymia, that's actually not that hard to do.
14. Where did most of your money go?
This is a good question that someday I would like to discover. But I think bills and insurance, and junk. Lotsa junk. And Leave.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Fort Knox. I was extremely excited about being at Fort Knox up until about, oh, May 29th. My excitement completely disappeared the next day.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2008?
Holy crap, there were songs on the radio all of the time. That one blatant sex song comes to mind, I don't know what its called, but going down on me between the sheets sounds pretty sexually explicit to me. And the times I had Joes in the vehicle with me when I had the radio on and that song came on, it was always 'oops, change the channel' until I was told to make sure the radio was off completely.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Hmm, I'm pretty content right now. But I think I was happier last year.
ii. Thinner or fatter?
Probably thinner. But i was more fit last year.
iii. Richer or poorer?
I would say its close to a draw. But at this moment, probably richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Spelunking. And run. And work out.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wallowed in self pity.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At the parents. we played Rockband a bit, and watched Bedtime Stories at the theater. Opened presents. the whole spiel.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I'm incapable of that emotion. But its a goal for 2009.
24. What were your favourite TV programs?
I don't really watch TV, but robot chicken, Lost, and Avatar (whcih finally finished.)
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I try not to hate on anybody. I get mad as all hell and frustrated, but hate is a strong word.
26. What was the best book you read?
Very little reading was done this year. But a lot of writing.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Katie Perry I guess. Her music is just catchy. Even that lesbian song.
28. What did you want and get?
A chance to jump out of a perfectly good airplane? An Xbox?
29. What did you want and not get?
Trail time.
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Probably The Dark Knight.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My birthday was not a huge deal this year, and I've noticed that becoming par with birthdays now. Something about the older you get I guess. I turned 28.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Trail time. Noticing a trend here? That was three solid months of frustration.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I have no fashion concept. For a good six months, it was ACUs and a Drill Sergeant Hat. Lately, I wear a scarf a lot. I think in cool weather, it will be a part of my attire from here on out.
34. What kept you sane?
I wasn't. But leave did help.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you
Sarah Palin. Love her.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
There was a Presidential Election going on this year. What do you think? And yes, I get heavily involved in politics.
37. Who did you miss?
My sanity.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Er, I'm not sure. I met a lot of new people this year. Do any of them stand out? Not yet? Give me a few months and I'll let you know.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
All Privates are dirtbags. Important life lesson for any DS Wannabe. And until I get more trail time, that's what I feel like I am.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"so now I earn my living killing the baby seals."
12.30.2008
Best and Worst - Movies 2008
This year was a not my movie year. I didn't watch a whole lot of anything, but I did see some good ones, as well as some not so good ones. Hmm. . . Meanwhile, I thought I would give my own spin on the best and worst movies of 2008. Of course, there is a slight disclaimer, these are movies I've seen, so there might be better movies out there, and there might be worst movies. but I think overall it was not a great year for movies.
So, here were my favorites that were officially released in 2008, in no particular order. It was hard for me to find ten that was worthy of 'top ten', to be honest. Maybe I should see more movies? Or maybe Hollywood should pull their heads out of their behinds and put out something that is worth seeing?
TOP TEN
In No Particular Order
THE DARK KNIGHT - This was the year of Batman, and Heath Ledger's portrayal of the joker really made this movie, though it is rumored to be the role that killed him. Definitely worth a view, and it is said to have some conservative undertones to it. It was definitely one of my favorite movies this year. Though I don't know if I'll watch it again any time soon. It's one of those movies I think I can watch once in a great while, because its to depressing to be viewed repeatedly.
Run, Fatboy, Run! - I don't know what it is about this movie, or maybe I'm just a big Simon Pegg fan (Shawn of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), but I loved this movie. Yeah, its crude in parts, and I forgot about a few of them, but I just think its a sweet story that's funny. I think I need to go run a Marathon sometime.
Death Race - I actually just recently watched this, and it was surprisingly enjoyable. Lotsa Action! And that guy who plays in Transporter and Crank, I don't know what it is about him, but he plays a badass and so what if he's typecast. He's a hot badass.
WALL-E - I heard of the political undertones of this movie so I was a little hesitant to see it at first. That, and I didn't get to see most of the movies this summer because I was otherwise engaged in other activities, like intense frustration that was work related. But when I finally saw WALL-E, I thought it was cute, and the people in it actually cracked me up, the same way that Idiocracy cracks me up. Pixar can do no wrong.
Iron Man - In a year of super hero movies, this was one of the better ones. And it has Robert Downey Jr in it. And he makes this movie. Because otherwise it would be a slightly better version of 'The Incredible Hulk', which I didn't like.
Horton Hears a Who - Of the Dr Suess movie adaptations starring Jim Carrey, this one is excellent and holds true to the source. It looks like Dr Suess, and I love the story of Horton. I should have seen this one in theaters, it was enjoyable enough too. But alas, I saw 10,000 BC instead.
Expelled - Ben Stein's flick about the politics behind Science and Evolution vs the theory of Intelligent Design, it actually shows that not everyone in the science field is completely committed to Darwinism and some actually believe there is room for debate in this area. However, it also shows an ugly truth about how some voices are silenced, but whatever the case, worth a watch. They have some interesting points discussed, some I even took a little further to flesh out my Nanowrimo Project that I don't think I'll ever let anybody read, but for documentaries, was interesting. NOTE - since somebody brought it up, I didn't see this as religious propaganda at all. It was talking about scientific debate, not suggesting that Intelligent Design is the one and only explanation of creation, but it is suggesting that when members of the scientific community even mention it, they are ostracized and in a sense 'expelled', when the theory of evolution has its flaws.
Tropic Thunder - I put this movie on this list for one reason and one reason only. Robert Downey Jr. He makes this movie. Without him in it, this movie wouldn't be as awesome as it is. And Robert Downey Jr is full of Awesome. The whole spoof on war Movies is pretty funny too, though Ben Stiller forces it sometimes, but that's just Ben Stiller. Watch it for Robert Downey Jr.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - Ok, not the best of the Indiana Jones fare, but I need to flesh out my list with ten movies and comeon, it's Indiana Jones! Though I wish they focused more on Harrison Ford and less on Shia LeBouf, or whatever his name is. And the Alien twist was a little out there, but then again, previous movies had to do with lost arks melting Nazi eyes, cults that rip people's hearts out of their chest, and of course the search for the Holy Grail that instantly cures one's ailments. So I guess Aliens aren't to far fetched. Now I want to know what Indiana Jones was up to between Holy Grail and this installment.
the Curious Case of Benjamin Button - This movie was actually not what I was expecting it to be. In truth, I thought it would be better then it was, but it was still an interesting movie that follows the main character as he, well, ages backwards. It has more of an artistic flair to it, but I think to really appreciate it, I may need to see it again. On DVD.
Honorable mentions:
Hancock - been wanting to see this for a while, but I was expecting more humor then it had, and it kind of ends up on the list because I didn't know what else to put here. But it has some funny moments, but I think it was marketed differently then what it actually was. fortunately, I was prepared, otherwise I would have expected outright humor and would probably have been disappointed. But otherwise, hmm, not a bad flick.
Eagle Eye - turn off your brain in some parts and just go with it, because obviously its not going to be like that, but action/suspense. You just hope some cryptic woman doesn't call you in the middle of the night with threatening messages.
Baby Mama - I was pleasantly surprised, I expected it to be a lot worse. But it was actually funny.
Want To See Movies - these are the movies that came out this year that I haven't gotten around to seeing, and may or may not have ended up on this list.
Get Smart - I've heard that this movie is a riot, so one of these days I just need to suck it up and rent it. Maybe when I have a day when I need a good laugh.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - ever since I heard about it, the premise behind it has fascinated me. I will probably view while in theaters. But if it appeals to me like I think it might, this could easily end up on my top ten list.
Yes Man - When Jim Carrey does his more traditional comedy routine, he does well, though the last movie he was in that I really liked was Eternal Sunshine (not counting Horton hears a Who). I'll probably wait for the DVD, have you seen movie prices lately? But it looks funny, on line with Liar Liar, which I thought was hilarious.
Bottom Of the Barrel
By principle, I try to avoid movies that I think will be bad. But I sometimes get smacked with a loser. Anyway, these are the movies I have seen (or partway seen) and just didn't like for whatever reason, or maybe liked a little, but not as much as other movies I saw, or whatever. I'm actually usually easy to please with movies, when I actually watch them. Anywho, you may disagree, but hey, this is my list of sucky movies, alright?
Then She Found Me - I don't know why I bothered with this one, I think the premise on the back of the box hooked me, but I couldn't stand Helen Hunt's character, she seemed completely devoid of emotion and didn't react in a believable manner. And cameos by a bunch of liberal activist actors turned me off. I couldn't finish it. It was just dumb.
10,000 BC - Made absolutely no sense, no consistency. You mean they used mammoths to build the pyramids? That explains EVERYTHING! I understand the importance of turning off your brain when watching something doled out by Hollywood, but you have to throw me a bone here! Regardless, this film was a stinker, we should have stuck with Horton hears a Who.
The Incredible Hulk - Watch Iron Man instead. Its practically the same movie, only better, and with Robert Downey Jr instead. No, seriously, the same plotline is in both movies. Don't believe me? Watch it.
You Don't Mess with the Zohan - I'm admitting I watched this movie. Adam Sandler, where did you go wrong? Ok, it was funny, sort of. And you can get some good quotes out of it. But I don't think I ever want to view this thing again.
Twilight - OMG, Edward is like, So HAWT! *gag me* How did I get dragged to see this droll? I guess it could be worse, and by no means the worst movie i saw this year, but makes the list with Bella being played as an EMO girl with absolutely no concept of showing the expression of Love. This movie went on way to long. good thing I went in with low expectations.
An American Carol - I want to like this movie, I really do. Anything that makes fun of Micheal Moore is great with me. But it was painful to watch in parts, and at other times felt forced. And please, if there was a free concert put on for the troops, nobody in the army would show up in their Class Bs. I don't care what the other services would wear, but we would all be in ACUs (or at least BDUs if your on that big of a budget). I get bugged by this sort of thing. It was funny in parts, and I like to contribute to more conservative movies, but damn I wish I could have put it in the 'favorite' column, but I can't. I'm sorry, but I can't!
Movies that would have Probably Made this List Had I seen them.
Journey to the Center of the Earth - Not saying I outwardly avoided it, but I have heard things. But maybe it's worth watching? Maybe, maybe not. Who knows?
Beverly Hills Chihuahua - Do I need to explain this muck?
HSM3: Senior Year - Am I the only female on this planet that thinks Zac Efron's hair looks stupid? Please tell me that there are other women out there that agree with me.
Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds - You might catch the hint that I'm not a big fan of the tween fare. But there could be worse travesties out there I presume. But they really made a movie out of this? And it did THIS well?
W. - Yes, please, let's make an unfavorable movie about a sitting president, that sounds like a fantastic idea. And then let's harp about respecting the office of the presidency when somebody does a spoof about Obama. double standard? maybe a little.
Disaster Movie - Any movie that ends in 'movie' is a dud in my book. I'm not going to waste my time.
Stop-Loss - Why yes, let's see a movie about a bunch of soldiers bitching about going back to Iraq. This is Pro-Soldier you say? Sounds more like pro-desertion to me. No thanks, I'll pass. And believe me, when it comes to the military, I'm pretty good at bitching.
So, there's my little list of movies for this year. I want to see how my list stacks up against others, though I seemed to have avoided the artsy awardsy fare like Milk (I think I'll pass) and the like that will probably end up on most awards lists.
Movies of 2008
UPDATE: Saw Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and while I think it's a good movie, it wasn't what I quite expected it to be. However, I think I need to put it in my top ten because it is better then Hancock, which wasn't what I was expecting it to be either.
So, here were my favorites that were officially released in 2008, in no particular order. It was hard for me to find ten that was worthy of 'top ten', to be honest. Maybe I should see more movies? Or maybe Hollywood should pull their heads out of their behinds and put out something that is worth seeing?
In No Particular Order
THE DARK KNIGHT - This was the year of Batman, and Heath Ledger's portrayal of the joker really made this movie, though it is rumored to be the role that killed him. Definitely worth a view, and it is said to have some conservative undertones to it. It was definitely one of my favorite movies this year. Though I don't know if I'll watch it again any time soon. It's one of those movies I think I can watch once in a great while, because its to depressing to be viewed repeatedly.
Run, Fatboy, Run! - I don't know what it is about this movie, or maybe I'm just a big Simon Pegg fan (Shawn of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), but I loved this movie. Yeah, its crude in parts, and I forgot about a few of them, but I just think its a sweet story that's funny. I think I need to go run a Marathon sometime.
Death Race - I actually just recently watched this, and it was surprisingly enjoyable. Lotsa Action! And that guy who plays in Transporter and Crank, I don't know what it is about him, but he plays a badass and so what if he's typecast. He's a hot badass.
WALL-E - I heard of the political undertones of this movie so I was a little hesitant to see it at first. That, and I didn't get to see most of the movies this summer because I was otherwise engaged in other activities, like intense frustration that was work related. But when I finally saw WALL-E, I thought it was cute, and the people in it actually cracked me up, the same way that Idiocracy cracks me up. Pixar can do no wrong.
Iron Man - In a year of super hero movies, this was one of the better ones. And it has Robert Downey Jr in it. And he makes this movie. Because otherwise it would be a slightly better version of 'The Incredible Hulk', which I didn't like.
Horton Hears a Who - Of the Dr Suess movie adaptations starring Jim Carrey, this one is excellent and holds true to the source. It looks like Dr Suess, and I love the story of Horton. I should have seen this one in theaters, it was enjoyable enough too. But alas, I saw 10,000 BC instead.
Expelled - Ben Stein's flick about the politics behind Science and Evolution vs the theory of Intelligent Design, it actually shows that not everyone in the science field is completely committed to Darwinism and some actually believe there is room for debate in this area. However, it also shows an ugly truth about how some voices are silenced, but whatever the case, worth a watch. They have some interesting points discussed, some I even took a little further to flesh out my Nanowrimo Project that I don't think I'll ever let anybody read, but for documentaries, was interesting. NOTE - since somebody brought it up, I didn't see this as religious propaganda at all. It was talking about scientific debate, not suggesting that Intelligent Design is the one and only explanation of creation, but it is suggesting that when members of the scientific community even mention it, they are ostracized and in a sense 'expelled', when the theory of evolution has its flaws.
Tropic Thunder - I put this movie on this list for one reason and one reason only. Robert Downey Jr. He makes this movie. Without him in it, this movie wouldn't be as awesome as it is. And Robert Downey Jr is full of Awesome. The whole spoof on war Movies is pretty funny too, though Ben Stiller forces it sometimes, but that's just Ben Stiller. Watch it for Robert Downey Jr.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - Ok, not the best of the Indiana Jones fare, but I need to flesh out my list with ten movies and comeon, it's Indiana Jones! Though I wish they focused more on Harrison Ford and less on Shia LeBouf, or whatever his name is. And the Alien twist was a little out there, but then again, previous movies had to do with lost arks melting Nazi eyes, cults that rip people's hearts out of their chest, and of course the search for the Holy Grail that instantly cures one's ailments. So I guess Aliens aren't to far fetched. Now I want to know what Indiana Jones was up to between Holy Grail and this installment.
the Curious Case of Benjamin Button - This movie was actually not what I was expecting it to be. In truth, I thought it would be better then it was, but it was still an interesting movie that follows the main character as he, well, ages backwards. It has more of an artistic flair to it, but I think to really appreciate it, I may need to see it again. On DVD.
Honorable mentions:
Hancock - been wanting to see this for a while, but I was expecting more humor then it had, and it kind of ends up on the list because I didn't know what else to put here. But it has some funny moments, but I think it was marketed differently then what it actually was. fortunately, I was prepared, otherwise I would have expected outright humor and would probably have been disappointed. But otherwise, hmm, not a bad flick.
Eagle Eye - turn off your brain in some parts and just go with it, because obviously its not going to be like that, but action/suspense. You just hope some cryptic woman doesn't call you in the middle of the night with threatening messages.
Baby Mama - I was pleasantly surprised, I expected it to be a lot worse. But it was actually funny.
Want To See Movies - these are the movies that came out this year that I haven't gotten around to seeing, and may or may not have ended up on this list.
Get Smart - I've heard that this movie is a riot, so one of these days I just need to suck it up and rent it. Maybe when I have a day when I need a good laugh.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - ever since I heard about it, the premise behind it has fascinated me. I will probably view while in theaters. But if it appeals to me like I think it might, this could easily end up on my top ten list.
Yes Man - When Jim Carrey does his more traditional comedy routine, he does well, though the last movie he was in that I really liked was Eternal Sunshine (not counting Horton hears a Who). I'll probably wait for the DVD, have you seen movie prices lately? But it looks funny, on line with Liar Liar, which I thought was hilarious.
By principle, I try to avoid movies that I think will be bad. But I sometimes get smacked with a loser. Anyway, these are the movies I have seen (or partway seen) and just didn't like for whatever reason, or maybe liked a little, but not as much as other movies I saw, or whatever. I'm actually usually easy to please with movies, when I actually watch them. Anywho, you may disagree, but hey, this is my list of sucky movies, alright?
Then She Found Me - I don't know why I bothered with this one, I think the premise on the back of the box hooked me, but I couldn't stand Helen Hunt's character, she seemed completely devoid of emotion and didn't react in a believable manner. And cameos by a bunch of liberal activist actors turned me off. I couldn't finish it. It was just dumb.
10,000 BC - Made absolutely no sense, no consistency. You mean they used mammoths to build the pyramids? That explains EVERYTHING! I understand the importance of turning off your brain when watching something doled out by Hollywood, but you have to throw me a bone here! Regardless, this film was a stinker, we should have stuck with Horton hears a Who.
The Incredible Hulk - Watch Iron Man instead. Its practically the same movie, only better, and with Robert Downey Jr instead. No, seriously, the same plotline is in both movies. Don't believe me? Watch it.
You Don't Mess with the Zohan - I'm admitting I watched this movie. Adam Sandler, where did you go wrong? Ok, it was funny, sort of. And you can get some good quotes out of it. But I don't think I ever want to view this thing again.
Twilight - OMG, Edward is like, So HAWT! *gag me* How did I get dragged to see this droll? I guess it could be worse, and by no means the worst movie i saw this year, but makes the list with Bella being played as an EMO girl with absolutely no concept of showing the expression of Love. This movie went on way to long. good thing I went in with low expectations.
An American Carol - I want to like this movie, I really do. Anything that makes fun of Micheal Moore is great with me. But it was painful to watch in parts, and at other times felt forced. And please, if there was a free concert put on for the troops, nobody in the army would show up in their Class Bs. I don't care what the other services would wear, but we would all be in ACUs (or at least BDUs if your on that big of a budget). I get bugged by this sort of thing. It was funny in parts, and I like to contribute to more conservative movies, but damn I wish I could have put it in the 'favorite' column, but I can't. I'm sorry, but I can't!
Movies that would have Probably Made this List Had I seen them.
Journey to the Center of the Earth - Not saying I outwardly avoided it, but I have heard things. But maybe it's worth watching? Maybe, maybe not. Who knows?
Beverly Hills Chihuahua - Do I need to explain this muck?
HSM3: Senior Year - Am I the only female on this planet that thinks Zac Efron's hair looks stupid? Please tell me that there are other women out there that agree with me.
Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds - You might catch the hint that I'm not a big fan of the tween fare. But there could be worse travesties out there I presume. But they really made a movie out of this? And it did THIS well?
W. - Yes, please, let's make an unfavorable movie about a sitting president, that sounds like a fantastic idea. And then let's harp about respecting the office of the presidency when somebody does a spoof about Obama. double standard? maybe a little.
Disaster Movie - Any movie that ends in 'movie' is a dud in my book. I'm not going to waste my time.
Stop-Loss - Why yes, let's see a movie about a bunch of soldiers bitching about going back to Iraq. This is Pro-Soldier you say? Sounds more like pro-desertion to me. No thanks, I'll pass. And believe me, when it comes to the military, I'm pretty good at bitching.
So, there's my little list of movies for this year. I want to see how my list stacks up against others, though I seemed to have avoided the artsy awardsy fare like Milk (I think I'll pass) and the like that will probably end up on most awards lists.
Movies of 2008
UPDATE: Saw Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and while I think it's a good movie, it wasn't what I quite expected it to be. However, I think I need to put it in my top ten because it is better then Hancock, which wasn't what I was expecting it to be either.
12.29.2008
The Last Few Days
After being snowed in for about a week and a half, I finally managed to get out and enjoy the weather. On Christmas eve I headed over to the parent's house and hung out with family all day christmas day. But on Friday and Saturday, I went snowboarding, and yesterday I hit up Wild Walls and did a little wall climbing.
It was nice when I didn't have to drive anywhere, but it looks like I'm snowed in again. *sighs*
But one of the things I did notice, I wasn't online most of the time. And you know, it was a nice break for once. I enjoyed going out and doing things.
So, Christmas was quiet and simple, and I think I like it that way. It was definitely a white christmas, and everyone else is getting sick of the snow but i still love it and just want it to keep piling up out there. It melted a little on Saturday and Sunday, but now its back to snowing again. Yay for snow.
The mountains were fantastic. Most of the time when I go snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest, I ntoice it gets really icy sometimes. But the mountains got hit hard, though they don't have a good base, it's a thick powder. Wore myself out on Friday at 49 Degrees North and then got up and did it again on Saturday at Silver Mountain. Silver went well, but it was quite windy up there. I hit some thick powder and face planted a few times, discovered that I don't mind powder as long as there isn't a bunch of tiny shrubs and trees under it, because otherwise I get stuck. And getting stuck in powder isn't very much fun.
Actually, it can be quite a workout.
I'm going to try to go up to the mountains again soon, probably later this week, but only if I think my car can handle it. Otherwise, i need to find somebody who has four wheel drive capabilities to get a ride with.
Meanwhile, well, hey! I'm stuck! And my Xbox is at the Parent's house. I think I need to bring it back over here.
It was nice when I didn't have to drive anywhere, but it looks like I'm snowed in again. *sighs*
But one of the things I did notice, I wasn't online most of the time. And you know, it was a nice break for once. I enjoyed going out and doing things.
So, Christmas was quiet and simple, and I think I like it that way. It was definitely a white christmas, and everyone else is getting sick of the snow but i still love it and just want it to keep piling up out there. It melted a little on Saturday and Sunday, but now its back to snowing again. Yay for snow.
The mountains were fantastic. Most of the time when I go snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest, I ntoice it gets really icy sometimes. But the mountains got hit hard, though they don't have a good base, it's a thick powder. Wore myself out on Friday at 49 Degrees North and then got up and did it again on Saturday at Silver Mountain. Silver went well, but it was quite windy up there. I hit some thick powder and face planted a few times, discovered that I don't mind powder as long as there isn't a bunch of tiny shrubs and trees under it, because otherwise I get stuck. And getting stuck in powder isn't very much fun.
Actually, it can be quite a workout.
I'm going to try to go up to the mountains again soon, probably later this week, but only if I think my car can handle it. Otherwise, i need to find somebody who has four wheel drive capabilities to get a ride with.
Meanwhile, well, hey! I'm stuck! And my Xbox is at the Parent's house. I think I need to bring it back over here.
12.24.2008
Army
I got an interesting email exchange going with this person. I thought I would share.
Found it amusing. :)
Original Email: Are you for real or made up ?
Reply: What?
RE Re: A real solider.
RE re re: No, you got me, it's a huge ploy I've made up, and I got everyone including the army fooled. But damn, you saw right through it.
Found it amusing. :)
Ho-Hum Stuffs
So, after being snowed in for the last week or so, I'm finally getting out of the house to go do something more constructive. Like spend time with Family and Friends.
And there is a very strong possibility at this moment that I might be going back to Knox, but it's not confirmed. This is the last time I will speak about it. If I suddenly post a blog saying "I'm in Kentucky," you'll know I'm in Knox, and I won't blog about what I do there until I get back.
But in the meantime, I'm off to enjoy some family bonding time. Blogging will probably slow, since I haven't been online for two days. It's been kind of a nice break actually (unless you count playing rockband II as being online)
Merry Christmas.
And there is a very strong possibility at this moment that I might be going back to Knox, but it's not confirmed. This is the last time I will speak about it. If I suddenly post a blog saying "I'm in Kentucky," you'll know I'm in Knox, and I won't blog about what I do there until I get back.
But in the meantime, I'm off to enjoy some family bonding time. Blogging will probably slow, since I haven't been online for two days. It's been kind of a nice break actually (unless you count playing rockband II as being online)
Merry Christmas.
12.21.2008
Rock Band Story - Endless Setlist
SO there I was, I'm still a little cautious about driving unless absolutely necessary so I'm still a little bit snowed in. Though I did manage to dig my car out of the pile of snow today, I didn't go anywhere.
I decided to play a little rockband however, just because it's a fun game, and I was playing it online with other people when I decided to try to get some more things unlocked on my band so I opened it up so others could play with me.
Then I get a couple of kids who ask if I have the endless setlist unlocked. I do, since I sort of beat the game already. So, um, that's 84 songs, in a row. From easy to the most difficult songs on the game. I've kind of wanted to do it, but I never had a real reason too, because you have to be ready to do it. No breaks through the entire setlist. It just keeps going. And going. And going. Until you play the most difficult song in the game.
Stupid me, I agreed to it. Yes, 84 songs, we filled the band with three complete strangers and started playing. I got bass. Which is probably a good thing, because some of those later songs would have killed me on guitar.
So, somewhere around song forty, we lose our singer. He was doing awesome too, but I have a sneaky suspicion one of our other players annoyed him to the point that he left, or he wasn't prepared at that moment to do an 84 song setlist. So the rest of the setlist was played with no lyrics. Just the drums, bass, guitar and whatever plays in the background.
And the songs get harder as you go, mind you. So we do alright, I found out that I could probably go to Hard on Bass while we went along because I never failed the entire time. But our guitarist, well, he was hurting. We managed to get through alright though, until song number 80. Metallica's Battery. Try as we might, I think after six hours of playing rockband, and it being about two in the morning and these kids are fourteen years old, well, we tried but we could not get over that hump of a freakin' song. I managed to save up enough star power to rescue the guitarist and the drummer, who also failed out while we played. No such luck. We restarted the song about five times, could not make the hump over the 49% of that dang song complete, so we got the idea of, well, they let us keep playing without a singer, what if we boot the guitarist and play just bass and drums?
Small problem, we discovered. See, the guitarist and drummer were playing on the same account. When the guitarist got booted, so did the drummer.
Leaving me all alone, just the bass, playing this freakin' setlist. Well, I made it this far, I decided to just finish the blasted thing. So I did. I one starred each song because the other players got 0%, and all I got to listen to was the bass to keep me going, but I finished that stupid thing. Almost failed the third from the final song too, but the last four songs were just me.
Well, got that achievement. And that's six hours of my life I could have spent doing something more constructive. Like sleep. Or something.
But good news, you don't need a drummer, or a guitarist, or a singer to finish playing the setlist and getting the pointage. You just need you and whatever instrument you are playing. Everyone else can drop out, you just keep plugging along.
Good to know if I temporarily lose my sanity again.
I decided to play a little rockband however, just because it's a fun game, and I was playing it online with other people when I decided to try to get some more things unlocked on my band so I opened it up so others could play with me.
Then I get a couple of kids who ask if I have the endless setlist unlocked. I do, since I sort of beat the game already. So, um, that's 84 songs, in a row. From easy to the most difficult songs on the game. I've kind of wanted to do it, but I never had a real reason too, because you have to be ready to do it. No breaks through the entire setlist. It just keeps going. And going. And going. Until you play the most difficult song in the game.
Stupid me, I agreed to it. Yes, 84 songs, we filled the band with three complete strangers and started playing. I got bass. Which is probably a good thing, because some of those later songs would have killed me on guitar.
So, somewhere around song forty, we lose our singer. He was doing awesome too, but I have a sneaky suspicion one of our other players annoyed him to the point that he left, or he wasn't prepared at that moment to do an 84 song setlist. So the rest of the setlist was played with no lyrics. Just the drums, bass, guitar and whatever plays in the background.
And the songs get harder as you go, mind you. So we do alright, I found out that I could probably go to Hard on Bass while we went along because I never failed the entire time. But our guitarist, well, he was hurting. We managed to get through alright though, until song number 80. Metallica's Battery. Try as we might, I think after six hours of playing rockband, and it being about two in the morning and these kids are fourteen years old, well, we tried but we could not get over that hump of a freakin' song. I managed to save up enough star power to rescue the guitarist and the drummer, who also failed out while we played. No such luck. We restarted the song about five times, could not make the hump over the 49% of that dang song complete, so we got the idea of, well, they let us keep playing without a singer, what if we boot the guitarist and play just bass and drums?
Small problem, we discovered. See, the guitarist and drummer were playing on the same account. When the guitarist got booted, so did the drummer.
Leaving me all alone, just the bass, playing this freakin' setlist. Well, I made it this far, I decided to just finish the blasted thing. So I did. I one starred each song because the other players got 0%, and all I got to listen to was the bass to keep me going, but I finished that stupid thing. Almost failed the third from the final song too, but the last four songs were just me.
Well, got that achievement. And that's six hours of my life I could have spent doing something more constructive. Like sleep. Or something.
But good news, you don't need a drummer, or a guitarist, or a singer to finish playing the setlist and getting the pointage. You just need you and whatever instrument you are playing. Everyone else can drop out, you just keep plugging along.
Good to know if I temporarily lose my sanity again.
12.20.2008
Christmas Wish
Read this story of a little girl who only wants Christmas Cards for Christmas, as she is suffering from glioblastoma multiforme, which is a rare brain tumor, and she has been given only a few more weeks to live. I'm sure she will appreciate them even if she gets them after the holiday.
More info can be found Here. I've got a card in the mail.
UPDATE : Link fixed. Or should be at least.
Right now she has lost most of her motor skills. She is confined to bed and cannot really do anything or play with the gifts she is getting from
people, but she LOVES getting cards - she has gotten so many from people she does not know and jus t loves to have grandma read about the people who send them and see their pictures and is so proud of all her cards. Her room is just filled with cards.
When asked what she wants for Christmas she said she wants to see how many Christmas cards she can get. Many people have passed this wish along to their churches, prayer groups, friends and family. There are school groupswhere children are making her cards. People are including pictures so she can see who it is that is sending her the card.
More info can be found Here. I've got a card in the mail.
UPDATE : Link fixed. Or should be at least.
12.18.2008
Snowed In
I'm not going to even bother going outside today. I would like to go snowboarding sometime this week, but I think i need to first be able to dig my car out of the driveway before I think of going anywhere.
Yes, under that pile of snow somewhere is a car. More specifically, MY car. Its predicted to keep coming down until about seven this evening, which i can rejoice in because if I ever do make it up to a mountain (Silver Mountain is probably my best bet, right off the freeway, they finally opened today) it's going to make for great riding.
But until the roads clear a little, you think my little front wheel drive sedan will be able to negotiate two feet of snow? Probably not.
So that leaves me with a list of things to do around the house to keep me occupied until I can shovel my way out and make it to one of the nearby mountains.
What does one do when there is nowhere to go?
CLEAN - When you are stuck in your living area with no ability to escape, sometimes it helps to make it a little more hospitable. And even if you are a total slob like I am, I feel more relaxed when my space is picked up. Your snowed in with nowhere to go? Make it an excuse to pick up your place. You got nothing better to do, right?
READ A BOOK - So your space is picked up already, or you get a case of just wanting to bundle up and hunker down while the snow falls. Grab a hot cup of cocoa, peruse your library and settle down with a good book. It does help pass the time away, and letting your imagination carry you someplace warmer and more exciting is a bit of a departure from the monotony of being 'snowed in'.
PLAY VIDEO GAMES - Ok, so you hate to read, or you just have nothing that you haven't read already and you don't feel like reading something twice. Well, if you are a gamer, being snowed in might not be much of a departure from your day to day life. Turn on the ol' Xbox and play video games with loved ones until the snow melts. Play all 84 songs on Rockband II through the longest playlist ever. Practice gay marriage and polygamy while keeping all your spouses happy and unaware of each other on Fable II. And if you are feeling like getting a little exercise in, why not turn on the Wii and play a little Wii Fit?
WATCH A MOVIE - Or maybe your Xbox gave you the dreaded Red Ring of Death and you recently sold your Wii Fit on Craigs List because they are currently going for more then you paid for it, why not rade your video library instead and find a good action flick to pass the time? If it is before Christmas, you can set the mood by putting on a good holiday movie like Elf. Have a Jimmy Stewart Marathon by throwing on It's a Wonderful Life and Mr Krueger's Christmas, or give yourself an excuse to watch the entire extended edition of Lord of the Rings back to back. Heck, rewatch old seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Battlestar Galactica! That will keep you busy for hours.
WATCH TV - Or maybe your entire christmas collection of movies is over at the parent's house, and your DVD player is currently on the fritz. There is also the option of watching regular TV. Turn on the news and see how bad other people have it in the world to help brighten your day. Maybe there is a report on how many wrecks are on the road from the first major snowfall. Watch Daytime Soaps and get hooked on Days of Our Lives and When the World Turns. See completely incompetent people sue each other over frivolous issues on Judge Judy. Watch the Travel Channel and picture yourself in some exotic location like the Bahamas or Hawaii where they haven't seen snow since the ice age.
SURF THE INTERNET - Or maybe your brother has his computer hooked into the huge television set that you use to watch TV on and is busy playing EVE Online since he can't play his XBOX anymore, and the other TV downstairs isn't hooked to the cable. You could always surf the wonders of online. The internet can keep you busy for YEARS. It is the one place anybody can go to keep from getting bored. There is just so much Information, you can get your local news, check the weather stats to see when the snow will finally stop, educate yourself by researching a subject that you always wanted to learn about. In fact, Surfing the Internet can be broken down into SubCategories.
WRITE - Maybe you aren't in the mood for surfing the internet, but you aren't so much in the mood for reading someone else's imagination, and you want to explore your creative side more. Why not write a short story? Or if you are like me, continue on one of your half dozen unfinished stories that all amass 100 or more pages? You can write a story about being snowed in! Make it a thriller, the lights go out, and somebody is trying to kill you and there is nowhere to go. Defend yourself! Or you can make it a comedy about how everytime somebody tries to do something while they are snowed in, it goes wrong. Or you can make it a story about a family enjoying themselves in the summer heat during the fourth of July, you know, to escape the monotony.
EXPLORE YOUR NEGLECTED HOBBIES - The weather has killed the power and your computer is going to die at any minute. Do you have an unfinished model train set sitting down in your basement you haven't touched in two years? How about that pile of Art Supplies from your days in college that you have all but forgotten? Why not make the most of the winter season by rediscovering these lost crafts that you enjoyed doing at one time but for whatever reason you are no longer doing? You enjoyed it at one time, right? So why aren't you enjoying it now? And even if the power is not out, if you got a long put off craft waiting for you to just finish it already, put the shoulder to the wheel and why not get off your freakin' butt for a day and do something you don't do every other day of the week that is actually somewhat productive. Like CREATE SOMETHING!
STEAL THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CAR - So, YOU'RE snowed in. But that doesn't mean that everyone in your household is. What about that four wheeled drive truck with all terain tires sitting in the driveway? A mazda protege might not be able to negotiate the snowey conditions, but a Nissan Frontier could! Just steal the keys while the owner of the forementioned vehicle isn't looking (or to busy playing video games online) and take off with a bunch of snowboarding equipment in the back. Bliss! Silver Mountain, here I come!
So, there is a few items to give anybody an idea of things they can do. I think after taking three hours of researching this list, I'm going to do the second to the final. Or maybe I should take a hint and work on my webcomic that I am toying my readers with by updating once two weeks ago after an eight month hiatus. I think I need to update it, it won't take me long to do. I can get a jump on it and just get it done.
Yeah, that's it. So, update the webcomic it is. Or Clean. Or do some art. (or steal my brother's truck)
Or I can just go suck my life away playing an Evil SOB on Fable II and sacrifice innocents to the temple of Shadows. this game is so wrong on so many levels.
UPDATE: I forgot one important factor of snowed in bliss, because I failed to see what married couples all across the country see when they have nowhere to go. So, erm, this next one does not apply to me, NOW, but in a few years, when I find myself perhaps married and snowed in once more, I might look back on this list for ideas and I would be somewhat disappointed if this was not added.
MAKIN' WHOOPIE! - What better way to spend a cold winter's day snowed in then by spending it getting intimate with the one you love. Are you workin' on adding another member to your family but you don't seem to be able to find the time to get together for some baby making? What better time when it's freakin' frigid outside and the heat's not working? Create your own heat and lock the door so the kids don't come barging in curious about what you are doing. With the cold weather running across the country, can you imagine the number of child births we'll see in nine months? Of course, some people are going to be attributing it all to Obama's win in November.
Yes, under that pile of snow somewhere is a car. More specifically, MY car. Its predicted to keep coming down until about seven this evening, which i can rejoice in because if I ever do make it up to a mountain (Silver Mountain is probably my best bet, right off the freeway, they finally opened today) it's going to make for great riding.
But until the roads clear a little, you think my little front wheel drive sedan will be able to negotiate two feet of snow? Probably not.
So that leaves me with a list of things to do around the house to keep me occupied until I can shovel my way out and make it to one of the nearby mountains.
What does one do when there is nowhere to go?
CLEAN - When you are stuck in your living area with no ability to escape, sometimes it helps to make it a little more hospitable. And even if you are a total slob like I am, I feel more relaxed when my space is picked up. Your snowed in with nowhere to go? Make it an excuse to pick up your place. You got nothing better to do, right?
READ A BOOK - So your space is picked up already, or you get a case of just wanting to bundle up and hunker down while the snow falls. Grab a hot cup of cocoa, peruse your library and settle down with a good book. It does help pass the time away, and letting your imagination carry you someplace warmer and more exciting is a bit of a departure from the monotony of being 'snowed in'.
PLAY VIDEO GAMES - Ok, so you hate to read, or you just have nothing that you haven't read already and you don't feel like reading something twice. Well, if you are a gamer, being snowed in might not be much of a departure from your day to day life. Turn on the ol' Xbox and play video games with loved ones until the snow melts. Play all 84 songs on Rockband II through the longest playlist ever. Practice gay marriage and polygamy while keeping all your spouses happy and unaware of each other on Fable II. And if you are feeling like getting a little exercise in, why not turn on the Wii and play a little Wii Fit?
WATCH A MOVIE - Or maybe your Xbox gave you the dreaded Red Ring of Death and you recently sold your Wii Fit on Craigs List because they are currently going for more then you paid for it, why not rade your video library instead and find a good action flick to pass the time? If it is before Christmas, you can set the mood by putting on a good holiday movie like Elf. Have a Jimmy Stewart Marathon by throwing on It's a Wonderful Life and Mr Krueger's Christmas, or give yourself an excuse to watch the entire extended edition of Lord of the Rings back to back. Heck, rewatch old seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Battlestar Galactica! That will keep you busy for hours.
WATCH TV - Or maybe your entire christmas collection of movies is over at the parent's house, and your DVD player is currently on the fritz. There is also the option of watching regular TV. Turn on the news and see how bad other people have it in the world to help brighten your day. Maybe there is a report on how many wrecks are on the road from the first major snowfall. Watch Daytime Soaps and get hooked on Days of Our Lives and When the World Turns. See completely incompetent people sue each other over frivolous issues on Judge Judy. Watch the Travel Channel and picture yourself in some exotic location like the Bahamas or Hawaii where they haven't seen snow since the ice age.
SURF THE INTERNET - Or maybe your brother has his computer hooked into the huge television set that you use to watch TV on and is busy playing EVE Online since he can't play his XBOX anymore, and the other TV downstairs isn't hooked to the cable. You could always surf the wonders of online. The internet can keep you busy for YEARS. It is the one place anybody can go to keep from getting bored. There is just so much Information, you can get your local news, check the weather stats to see when the snow will finally stop, educate yourself by researching a subject that you always wanted to learn about. In fact, Surfing the Internet can be broken down into SubCategories.
- READ THE BLOGS - Find out what is the talk by surfing Political blogs. Why is the left mad at Obama for choosing Rick Warren to say the invocation at his inaugeration? What does Michelle Malkin have to say about the Auto Bailout? What does the Daily Kos have to say about Michelle Malkin? The drama is always at its height during election season, which we seem to still be in, but if Politics are not your thing, you can always try the milblogs to see what people are saying on the ground in Afghanistan, when they have a chain of command who will let them speak. And if that's not your thing, how about Mormon Mom Blog Spoofs? Seriously! If none of that sounds interesting, bare in mind that if there is a subject out there that interests you, there is probably a blog out there about it. Check out Cracked.com, which has a blog that blogs about various lists on any topic imaginable. Very entertaining.
- START A BLOG - Didn't find a blog that interested you? Think you have a better understanding on a subject then some other neanderthal? Why not start your own blog? You can blog about anything, and chances are somebody out there will read it, even if its your own mom. And if you don't want your mom to read what you are writing, start a blog under an internet alias that sounds nothing like your real name. Nobody will know its you unless you put your picture up. You can even come up with a better list of things to do when your snowed in then I have!
- WEBCOMICS - Sure, a lot of good ones fizzle and die, but if you want to keep yourself entertained for hours by looking at pictures with words on them (not like a novel which generally has no pictures in them if you can't stomach reading a book), and whats more, they are generally funny. There's some really popular ones out there, most of them seem to be geared toward gamers like Penny Arcade and Ctrl+Alt+Del (though I'm quite partial to 8-bit theater, being a huge fan of the original Final fantasy and all), but Online comics are more then that. You can view sindicate classics such as Calvin and Hobbes, Army favorites like PVT Murphy's Law, nifty comics like Sluggy Freelance, or strange and unusual comics with ridiculously long names that frequently go in and out of hiatus that has such a niche market that they will likely never be insanely popular like Creature, Keeper of the Vortron: Dimension Gateway. Pick one, read it from the beginning. Some of them might take you a week to get through their archives. But where are you going? You're snowed in, remember?
- YOUTUBE - You don't want to read, you just want to watch and laugh without much brain power involved to remind yourself that you are not that miserable being stuck indoors for who knows how long. But if they made a video of something, you will likely find it on YouTube. Watch Robot Chicken episodes before Adult Swim pulls them for copyright Violation. Enjoy as Charlie the Unicorn goes on another magical adventure and get's his kidney stolen in the process. View Chad Vadar work a thankless job as a Supermarket Day Manager. Listen as this guy carefully records himself four times to sing aCapella versions of John Williams classics to Star Wars Themed Lyrics. And on the same vein as Youtube, there is Today's Big Thing, which will leave you with plenty of interesting things to watch for hours.
- SELL UNNEEDED CRAP ON CRAIGSLIST AND EBAY - Like that Wii Fit you've used a grand total of four times since you bought it, or that PSP that you never play. Your snowed in, go through all of that stuff you got and find out what you no longer need and make a few bucks. Just bare in mind that since your snowed in, other people are as well so it might be a bit before they can come and get things. But that's what ebay is for. You can list it so that it comes off when the snow finally melts and then you can ship it. And on the same vein. . .
- BUY CRAP - You got some christmas shopping to do, you aren't able to go anywhere, go on Amazon.com, eBay, or whatever other website you prefer shopping at and get a little shopping done for the holidays. Then have it shipped to your house in time for it to go under the tree. Think of the money you save on gas! It can go to shipping instead. If you play it right, you can get some deals that offer free shipping for further savings! Sweet!
- GO TO AN ONLINE DATING SERVICE - Of course, it helps if you are single, but if you are a swinging type or wish to have a discreet affair, well, I'm not saying that I condone that sort of behavior but hey! To each their own. Just don't go crying when you pick up an STD from a casual encounter with a complete stranger. And each dating service has a different niche market. eHarmony for a long time was about christian values and commitment through compatibility. Craigslist personals are all about whatever the hell they are about, pick your poison, you'll probably find something. Match.com is, well, a matching site, kind of like eHarmony. I think. Log on, make a profile, find somebody else and start chatting with them through the IM service they provide. Plan a meeting for when the snow finally melts. Make sure its a public place and to bring your mace on your first encounter in case the person turns out to be a complete whack job. I'd say bring your gun but you might be percieved as the whack job in that situation.
- VISIT FORUMS AND CHAT ROOMS - maybe you don't want to hook up with somebody. Maybe you just want to find people of similar interests and chat about things. Anything at all. You can spend hours in forums and chat rooms meeting people and finding new friendships with people that you will likely never meet in real life.
- PLAY GAMES - There are a ton of gaming sites out there. Flash games are probably the most prolific, you can play old stand bys like poker or swat the penguin, or Cat bat if you have a penchant to seeing cute things bloodied up. And if you want to have your soul sucked away, try World of Warcraft or Everquest and kiss your social life goodbye, because you won't make it out of your snowed in state intact.
WRITE - Maybe you aren't in the mood for surfing the internet, but you aren't so much in the mood for reading someone else's imagination, and you want to explore your creative side more. Why not write a short story? Or if you are like me, continue on one of your half dozen unfinished stories that all amass 100 or more pages? You can write a story about being snowed in! Make it a thriller, the lights go out, and somebody is trying to kill you and there is nowhere to go. Defend yourself! Or you can make it a comedy about how everytime somebody tries to do something while they are snowed in, it goes wrong. Or you can make it a story about a family enjoying themselves in the summer heat during the fourth of July, you know, to escape the monotony.
EXPLORE YOUR NEGLECTED HOBBIES - The weather has killed the power and your computer is going to die at any minute. Do you have an unfinished model train set sitting down in your basement you haven't touched in two years? How about that pile of Art Supplies from your days in college that you have all but forgotten? Why not make the most of the winter season by rediscovering these lost crafts that you enjoyed doing at one time but for whatever reason you are no longer doing? You enjoyed it at one time, right? So why aren't you enjoying it now? And even if the power is not out, if you got a long put off craft waiting for you to just finish it already, put the shoulder to the wheel and why not get off your freakin' butt for a day and do something you don't do every other day of the week that is actually somewhat productive. Like CREATE SOMETHING!
STEAL THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CAR - So, YOU'RE snowed in. But that doesn't mean that everyone in your household is. What about that four wheeled drive truck with all terain tires sitting in the driveway? A mazda protege might not be able to negotiate the snowey conditions, but a Nissan Frontier could! Just steal the keys while the owner of the forementioned vehicle isn't looking (or to busy playing video games online) and take off with a bunch of snowboarding equipment in the back. Bliss! Silver Mountain, here I come!
So, there is a few items to give anybody an idea of things they can do. I think after taking three hours of researching this list, I'm going to do the second to the final. Or maybe I should take a hint and work on my webcomic that I am toying my readers with by updating once two weeks ago after an eight month hiatus. I think I need to update it, it won't take me long to do. I can get a jump on it and just get it done.
Yeah, that's it. So, update the webcomic it is. Or Clean. Or do some art. (or steal my brother's truck)
Or I can just go suck my life away playing an Evil SOB on Fable II and sacrifice innocents to the temple of Shadows. this game is so wrong on so many levels.
UPDATE: I forgot one important factor of snowed in bliss, because I failed to see what married couples all across the country see when they have nowhere to go. So, erm, this next one does not apply to me, NOW, but in a few years, when I find myself perhaps married and snowed in once more, I might look back on this list for ideas and I would be somewhat disappointed if this was not added.
MAKIN' WHOOPIE! - What better way to spend a cold winter's day snowed in then by spending it getting intimate with the one you love. Are you workin' on adding another member to your family but you don't seem to be able to find the time to get together for some baby making? What better time when it's freakin' frigid outside and the heat's not working? Create your own heat and lock the door so the kids don't come barging in curious about what you are doing. With the cold weather running across the country, can you imagine the number of child births we'll see in nine months? Of course, some people are going to be attributing it all to Obama's win in November.
12.17.2008
Bush Dodges Shoe, Left Laments
Alright, for all his faults and especially with this Bailout crap over the last few months, President Bush has been a severe disappointment (though his popularity rating continues to be higher then congress), but I don't hate the man. Actually, as a person, Presidency aside, I really like George Bush. I have a feeling he'll be just fine once he leaves the whitehouse, though his legacy might not be intact, just so long as Obama doesn't have a terrorist attack on his watch.
Anyway, you may or may not have heard of the Shoe Incident in Iraq, where Bush was holding his last press conferance as president there, and an Iraqi reporter stood up and lobbed a shoe at him. And then proceeded to throw the other one. The left are all in awe and rejoicing that somebody would throw a shoe at President Bush, also commenting on what an insult that is in the muslim world because the soul of the shoe is considered dirty, and universally they all seem saddened that Bush wasn't hit by the shoe and how fantastic that would be.
Then some news reports are adding insult to injury by stating that Bush 'cowers' at shoe throwing incident.
Look at this old guy and his cat like reflexes. What would you have done if you were in his position, take it in the face?
Bush of course, takes it with grace. I think he's developed quite a thick skin in the last eight years, considering he's been called all sorts of vile things. With the whole Obamamania going on, people need to remember that for another month, Bush is still our President. The least they could do was respect that position, if they hope that people will treat Obama with respect.
But the shoe dodging is impressive.
"Throw a shoe at me once, shame on--you. Throw a shoe--you throw a shoe, you can't throw a shoe again."
Anyway, you may or may not have heard of the Shoe Incident in Iraq, where Bush was holding his last press conferance as president there, and an Iraqi reporter stood up and lobbed a shoe at him. And then proceeded to throw the other one. The left are all in awe and rejoicing that somebody would throw a shoe at President Bush, also commenting on what an insult that is in the muslim world because the soul of the shoe is considered dirty, and universally they all seem saddened that Bush wasn't hit by the shoe and how fantastic that would be.
Then some news reports are adding insult to injury by stating that Bush 'cowers' at shoe throwing incident.
Look at this old guy and his cat like reflexes. What would you have done if you were in his position, take it in the face?
Bush of course, takes it with grace. I think he's developed quite a thick skin in the last eight years, considering he's been called all sorts of vile things. With the whole Obamamania going on, people need to remember that for another month, Bush is still our President. The least they could do was respect that position, if they hope that people will treat Obama with respect.
But the shoe dodging is impressive.
"Throw a shoe at me once, shame on--you. Throw a shoe--you throw a shoe, you can't throw a shoe again."
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