Month: September 2013

30 week blog challenge – week 3: favorite tv shows

This week, Marie asks us what our favorite TV shows are. I don’t watch a lot of TV. I get most of my media fix from books or the internet (damn you, tumblr. I can think of only one show I like to watch, and that’s not even on all the time, and that show is Doctor Who.

doctor-who-logo-blackWhen Adam first started watching Doctor Who, I just didn’t get into it. He started with the Eccleston episodes (the Ninth Doctor), and well, it seemed that every episode started with screaming. I have issues with screaming that isn’t fun screaming. And this screaming was never fun.

But then the season went on, and I would find myself taking glimpses at the television. And then the episode The Empty Child came on, and I found myself very entertained by it. I still wasn’t a convert until sometime when David Tennant became the Tenth Doctor, though. But when Matt Smith became the Eleventh Doctor, I kind of fell in love.

For a while, I had this habit of starting TV shows then just giving up on them. I was gung ho about Gossip Girl, but sometime during second season, I ran out of time and interest. My DVR was out of control and something had to give. Sometimes a show will give up on me. Earlier this year, I loved the cop show Golden Boy, but CBS cancelled it after just a few episodes. I don’t even watch cop shows, but this one was different. It was more character driven rather than situational driven, and I was loving the chemistry between the actors. Sadly, CBS holds more value in shows like Two Broke Girls (which I hate) than really good shows with great content.

Which is fine. I don’t mind having less TV to watch. And Adam watches enough for both of us.

I did watch a lot of TV when I was growing up. Even through adulthood. I set my days of the week by which shows were coming on that night. Some of my favorites from the past include Punky Brewster, Silver Spoons, Webster, Mr. Belvedere, Who’s the Boss, Full House, Family Matters, Perfect Strangers, Amen, 227, Golden Girls, The Cosby Show, A Different World, The Charmings, Different Strokes, Roseanne, Hunter, Quantum Leap, Small Wonder, The Mickey Mouse Club, Arrested Development, Make It or Break It, The O.C., Queer as Folk, Sex and the City (duh, my son is named Aidan), and many many more.

I used to watch some reality TV. I was so into Big Brother, and I loved, loved, loved America’s Top Model before it turned all crazy. I used to also enjoy What Not To Wear, and I enjoy certain cooking shows. When I was pregnant with Aidan, I tortured myself with episodes of A Baby Story. If I catch an episode of House Hunters, I’ll watch it happily. Don’t let there be a marathon. Hello! I was also a big fan of Tia & Tamera for a while there. Every once in a while I’ll get sucked into an episode of Dance Moms or something like that. But I don’t seek out reality TV.

My sister was more into the cartoons. She loved all of them. With the exception of Popeye (especially the super old black and white ones) and the Flintstones, I really only cared for the rare cartoon specials. Like the rare episode of Strawberry Shortcake or Rainbow Brite, or the Charlie Brown holiday specials. I did not care for the Smurfs, and I thought Looney Toones was too much. I liked Woody Woodpecker, though, but it wasn’t until I got older that I really appreciated Tom & Jerry.

I think I get frustrated with TV now because it’s so homogenous. When I was growing up, there was a lot more diversity. Entire shows with casts of color and no stereotypical bullshit. Black people were professionals, their children were going to college, and the parents were active and caring for their children. Now, everything is quirky with a few actors of color on the fringes, with thinly veiled racism or stereotyping, and I’m so BORED with it.

OR everything is paranormal and dark. Adam LOVES Breaking Bad. I refuse to watch it. I can hear the screaming from the other room and I have to put on headphones. Game of Thrones is another one that seems way too violent for me. I don’t even know what else is popular now–I ignore most of the stuff that pops up on my Twitter and Facebook feed when people are talking TV shows.

I don’t judge other people for watching lots of TV. I know that’s how they escape, just like how mine is the internet and books. It’s just not my first choice for entertainment these days.

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so far this year….

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1. Have you had more than 5 different boyfriends/girlfriends?
Um, no.

2. Have you had your birthday?
Nope. Will have that December 20.

3. Been to church?
No.

4. Cried yet?
Yes.

5. Been to the movies yet?
No. Waiting for Catching Fire! πŸ™‚

6. Stayed up all night?
Yes.

7. Drank Starbucks?
No. I only drink Starbucks once a year or every other year. It’s like a way special treat for me.

8. Gone shopping?
Yes!

9. Been camping?
Yes. I KNOW RIGHT?

10. Been to the beach?
Yes.

11. Bought something for over $200?
Yes.

12. Met someone new?
Yes. Tons of new people.

13. Been out of state?
Yes. Florida and Iowa.

14. Gone snowboarding?
No.

15. Kissed someone?
Yes.

16. Slept in someone else’s bed?
Yes.

17. Snuck someone over?
No.

18. Snuck out?
No. I love being a grown-up.

19. Been to a bar?
Does filming a movie in a bar count?

20. Lied?
Duh.

21. Got in a car?
Yes.

22. Been called a tease?
No.

23.Loved anyone?
Yes.

24. Done something you regret?
Sure. Don’t ask me what, though. I try to block such things out of my mind.

25. Last person you hugged?
Adam.

26. Last person to call you?
Adam.

27. Last time you took a bath?
That reminds me! It’s been a while. I’ve been doing showers. A bath is in order!

28. When was the last time you felt stupid?
I’m sure it was recently, but it’s blocked from my mind.

29. Who was the last person who saw you cry?
Not sure. I don’t think anyone witnessed it.

30. Who was the last person who made you cry?
It wasn’t a person, it was because Aidan was going back to OH.

31. Who was the last person you danced with?
Remember the film shoot I referenced in #19? Some fellow background actors.

32. What did you do today?
Slept in, shopped, read, and now I am up late doing this survey thing. πŸ™‚

The last time I did this was in 2007. It’s cool how some of my answers have changed!

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summer 2013 wrap up

So…. it’s the time of year again. Adam is burning the Leaves candle from Bath & Body Works, and there is a definite bite in the air. Fall is coming and will officially be here in just over a week.

I do love autumn, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to mourn the end of summer. I will miss the hot temperatures, the sun, wearing all the cute shorts and tank tops and sandals. Now it’s time for boots, sweaters, jeans, browns, golds, and reds.

Here’s a quick(ish) wrap up of our summer. Just that little last hurrah before I have to dig out the heavy stuff.

We Are Family

I spent the first part of my summer working way too much. I was working so many hours that everyone was commenting on it. Adam told me that I didn’t have to work so much, and Aidan kept saying, “Mom, all you do is work. You said you’d play with me.” That did it. I made some changes so I could spend more time with Aidan.

You all know we kicked off summer break with Disney World, but did you know we also made a few day trips? We went to zoo, we went to Six Flags Great America, and we went to the Iowa State Fair!

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park zoo was fun. We don’t go there often enough which is a shame, because it’s free! And giraffes live there! We saw really cool animals and exhibits. I didn’t get to hold any snakes or anything, but I still had fun.

Six Flags Collage

We went to Six Flags Great America, where I FINALLY got to meet my friends S.Abdul and his wife Brenda! I’ve known them for years online (seems to be a recurring story with me, huh?) and he’s such a huge coaster buff. I knew he’d lead me well at Six Flags. Because I am more familiar with Cedar Point, he explained all the rides to me in Cedar Point terms. “There’s a Troika over there!”

We went on a Saturday in July, so I knew I’d have to be picky about which coasters I rode, because otherwise I’d be standing in line all day. I really wanted to ride X-Flight and Superman, and I got to ride them both, and with Batman as a bonus!

The best part was Aidan’s growing bravery. He was interested in most of the thrill rides–at least, the spinny rides–and I had a blast riding them with him. I was so excited to finally have a spinny ride partner again!

That is… until we went to the Iowa State Fair.

Iowa State Fair

I was ready, with Aidan, to RIDE ALL THE THINGS. Unfortunately, I got sick when I got off of ride #3, which has never happened to me before. I mean, OK, the ride that did me in was the Tornado, and it nearly did me in a few years ago at the Ohio State Fair. This time, it won, to my great embarrassment. So I was “off” for the rest of the day, but I didn’t let that stop me. I’d paid $25 for the wristband so I was determined to get my money’s worth! I even rode the Gravitron, a ride I’d been wanting to try for years and no one would ever ride it with me or wait for me to ride it.

IT WAS AWESOME.

I rode it by myself at first, then I came off and told Adam and Aidan that it was the COOLEST THING EVER, so they rode it with me. So that was twice for me, then I was done. Adam and Aidan rode again, and then we were done with rides.

We had fun anyway. I didn’t eat much. We saw some animals, saw some art, some some miniatures and dollhouses that were awesome. Adam ate all the fried things. We saw some of Adam’s friends. It was a good time. Unfortunately, I was still dizzy and a bit queasy for a few days. But do I regret it? NOPE. Well, maybe riding the Tornado. NEVER RIDING THAT ONE AGAIN.

…more iowa state fair

Summer

My cousin Falandos came to visit for a weekend, and that was so much fun! Sadly, I hadn’t realized I wasn’t fully recovered from Iowa, so I ate something bad for me and got sick again. BOOO. So Falandos has to come back so we can hang out without me feeling icky.

We got to see s00j sing and have her and Ryan stay a night–that is always THE VERY BEST. So much love for those two. Truly.

I went on my third ever camping trip–but this was my first time actually staying in a tent. I went to the Sukhava Bodhe Yoga & Music Festival. My friend Reshma and I, both of us having no clue what we were doing, managed to survive a night in a tent. I had to have help pitching the tent (a loaner from my friends Missy and Rory), but now that I’ve seen it done, I’m confident I could pitch it again easily. Reshma brought an air mattress. We had bug spray, flashlights, all the stuff one needs when camping at a festival.

Now, let me tell you something about me. I love nature, but I really love my luxuries. That means running water, a bed, a hot shower, and lights to read by. So imagine my surprise that I ENJOYED CAMPING. Even when we were hit with massive thunderstorms, I felt awesome because I’d fixed the rain cover so we didn’t flood! And we had the great idea to hang the lantern from the hook at the top of the tent using my doo-rag, so we had decent light. And Reshma, our friend Amy (whose tent flooded so we had her come in with us) and I had the best night, listening to the music on the main stage, and talking. At about one in the morning, I had to pee, and I was irritated by that. I had just gotten comfy and my bladder HAD to talk.

But when I finally got my flashlight and stepped outside, I WAS SO GLAD. The stars had come out and the night sky was BREATHTAKING. I actually woke Reshma and Amy up so they could see it. Reshma kinda grumbled and rolled back over, but Amy peeked out and gasped like I did. I was so glad… because I thought I’d miss the stars because of the storms.

Anyway, we did well, considering it was our first time. And because it was a festival at a retreat center, there were hot showers (that smelled like pennies), and there were vendors selling hot food. I had the most yummy grilled cheese.

…more sukhava bodhe

Some of the new things I did this summer:

– got sick on a ride (boo)
– got henna (twice)
– slept in a tent
– rode the gravitron
– attended a lunasaugh ritual
– been a background actor in not only one, but two movies (one a major motion picture)
– costume fitting for major motion picture
– met some amazing authors
– jury duty

…Just to name a few! So, all in all, it was a great summer. The only bad thing about it was that it was too short. And flies. Flies suck.

Here’s hoping for a mild autumn!

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currently.

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It’s Friday the 13th. I don’t know why, but these “Friday the 13th” dates fascinate me so much. I think I *like* tempting fate in a way. I mean, I do own a black cat, after all.

The weather has cooled down, and fall is definitely approaching. Here’s what’s going on currently.

reading.

I’ve taken a bunch of books out of the library, but in typical Ronni fashion, I’m ignoring them in favor of rereading HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE. But you know what? I prefer HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE. I love the British-isms. Although, I still haven’t figured out what a knickerbocker glory is. I’m assuming some ice cream dish?

watching.

Nothing! I’m not a huge TV watcher at the moment. There are no new Doctor Who episodes on yet, and there is no show starring Theo James. So I have no reason to watch television.

I did recently watch Breaking Dawn Part 1 and Part 2 with Rifftrax. I’d seeing BD1 in the theatre, but I’d never seen BD2. All I have to say is…. WHAT!

loving.

All the stuff I wore in the late 80s and early 90s is back in style! (Well, I’m not so much into the acid washed jeans… but the other stuff!) I got a bunch of new clothes. I know, the LAST THING I NEEDED was new clothes, but I cannot resist new sweaters. And this year, I am able to {slowly} restock my J Crew sweater collection. J Crew merino sweaters are really the only ones that keep me warm enough. Adam actually gasped when he heard the total at the till… but for me, paying a lot for decent sweaters that will keep me warm is worth it because being cold makes me that miserable. I feel the same way about Juicy Couture hoodies.

I wonder if overalls will come back in style? I hope so. I still have a few pair. If only I hadn’t gotten rid of my denim shirt.

Working the Front Desk
me in 1994.
stylin’ man.

I think this was my best look, though. πŸ˜‰

Mickey Mouse Freak

I really wish I still had that vest.

wearing.

Unfortunately, I’m not wearing that Mickey Mouse vest because only God knows what happened to it. Also, my boobs are probably too big to fit it now anyway.

It’s season-changing time. My fashion plan this fall is long sweaters, skinny jeans, and boots. I currently have six pairs of boots with another pair coming in the mail. I got a denim jacket that’s not cropped, a pair of hoop earrings, and a cute brown purse for the fall. It’s also time for me to pull out my Ohio State teeshirts and hoodies. Hair is either in a fluffy ponytail or bun, braids, or wild and free. And the socks I have! Oh man. TARDIS socks and Dalek socks and Superman socks! Love!

Hi!!!

enjoying.

Reading and relaxing. I don’t have to go anywhere today, but I might go to a dharma talk this evening. And yes, I will actually put on pants for that. It’ll be too cool for a dress. πŸ™

listening.

I think it’s called “chill-step”, the type of music I’m really into now–stuff by Blackmill or Adventure Club. Can’t get enough of Charli XCX. Loving some of the tracks on the Great Gatsby soundtrack (especially Where the Wind Blows by Coco).

eating.

Pepperidge Farm has its Caramel Apple bread out now. Delicious! I’ve also been eating a lot of Bob Evans sausage and the Trader Joe’s version of Cream of Wheat, with apple sauce. Drinking lots of water with lemon essential oils. I’m really feeling like I need to detox, so I’m hoping the water with lemon helps.

rejoicing.

I’m alive. I only had to serve one day for jury duty, and I had nice peers and the people working at the courthouse were great. I found my Tiffany bracelet. Knowing that if I really want to, I can book a trip to Disney World for my birthday. (That doesn’t mean I WILL, but I certainly COULD. And I am definitely tempted.) I get to see my mommy in just over a week. Just over five weeks until I visit Wanda in New York City. I found pink combat boots in my size and I ordered them! I can still fit my midsummer night’s dream dress. (I just need a black tie event to wear it to.)


this is the dress!
photo taken in 2005
(here’s the live journal entry where I talk about how
I came to own such a beautiful piece of clothing)

I am so glad I can still fit it!!

That’s all for now. Till next time!

Inspired by this post at much love, illy.

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30 week blog challenge – week 2: favorite movies

So, this week’s blog challenge is about our favorite movies. There are a lot of movies that I enjoy… but I have some that are my go-tos if I have the apartment to myself and I want a night of pasta and DVDs.

Some of these movies I’ve loved since I was a little girl. Others have come later in life. All are beloved.


Stick It

They had me at “gymnastics”. Gymnastics is my favorite sport to watch, and one that I like to dream that I’m good at. (I’m not.) I love this movie because it’s about a talented but reluctant nationally ranked gymnast who had quit the sport but is thrown back into it against her will.

The entire movie is quirky, funny, and touching.


Girls Just Want to Have Fun

I first watched this movie, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt, probably when I was nine or ten years old. And I adored it. Basically, I loved any movies with girls in them (The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, Firestarter, etc.) but this one really stood out for me. I wanted to be crazy and fun-loving like Lynn, but I always felt awkward like Maggie. But most likely it was because I could relate to Janey as she dealt with her super protective parents. And I admired that she chased her dreams and didn’t let anything stop her from achieving them.


Mean Girls

Not only is this movie extremely quotable, but it’s so over-the-top that it’s awesome. I think Linsday Lohan was amazing in this movie, and I just really enjoy how ridiculous yet… TRUE a lot of it is.


Clueless

I love everything about Cher in this movie. I love her life (what’s not to love? she’s rich, beautiful, popular, gets whatever she wants… and she’s NICE), I love her clothes, I love her adorable cluelessness about everything! I think, what makes this movie so great, is that Cher never intends to be hurtful. Her intentions are always good (if self-serving) and come straight from her heart. But things constantly go awry because she’s so inside her own head. I really enjoyed watching her grow in this movie. Plus, it has great music.


Titanic

What can I say? I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it. It was December 21, 1997. It was sold out, so we got tickets for The World Is Not Enough. Then we snuck into the Titanic theatre because I was with rebels! We sat in the very front row, which I was OK with because I thought I was too cute for my glasses back then.

The clothing, the love story, the settings. The glimpse into that world was fascinating to me. Kate Winslet. Just… Kate Winslet. (As a side note, I was recently an extra in the movie Divergent, and she is stunningly beautiful in real life…cameras don’t even do her justice.)

When I got the VHS tapes (remember how it had to be divided into two?), I would only watch the first half because I loved it before all the dying started. Now I watch the entire movie, but it still hurts because y’all, that stuff was REAL. And horrific.

But the movie was/is magnificent.

Some of my other favorites:

    · Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (beautiful cinematography)
    · Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (yes, I like the Johnny Depp one!)
    · Beauty and the Beast
    · Juno
    · Twilight (I KNOW, shut up)

I also like:

    · Batman Begins
    · The Boondock Saints (although I’ve not watched in in years for fear it would be too violent)
    · Hitch

I’m sure if I were to go out and look at my DVD collection, I’d be able to pull out more… but for now, I’ll leave you with these. πŸ™‚

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