Binge Watch: Marvel's Agent Carter Season 1

When Marvel's Agent Carter premiered in January of this year, I wasn't that interested in it. I was hesitant to add yet another show into my viewing schedule, especially since I wasn't a huge fan of the first Captain America movie, but after hearing it as Glenn Weldon's "What's Making Us Happy" pick on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast  I decided that I would give it 3 episodes and then make a decision.

These are not episode summaries or reviews and there are no real spoilers.

Episode 1: First impression

I can already tell that the fashion is going to be a big part of the show. Ever since Mad Men I feel like there's this push to highly stylize any "period/historical" tv shows. Which makes to beautiful cos-plays at fan conventions. I was surprised to see Chad Michael Murray in the show but since he's very easy on my eyes I won't complain.

I'm not 100% sure that I love the show yet but it's smart and funny so I clear my schedule and hit play on the next episode.

Episode 2: Second bite.

The Captain America radio show clips are hilarious! The way they show how they do the foley/sound effects makes me think about Monty Python and the horses/coconuts. We're deeper into the story now and I'm digging the feminist-vibe that Peggy gives. Historically this time period is blatantly sexist and the show doesn't hide that fact but Agent Carter's ability to manipulate her way around the people in her life feels somehow both pro and anti-feminist. Plus Peggy gives great Resting Bitch Face (RBF).

Episode 3: Decison time.

After another solid episode I'm wanting to watch more so I decide to commit and download the entire season. Since there are only 8 episodes I'm basically halfway done with this season. I hunker down and watch the last 5 in two days. The show entertains and amuses me and I find myself going into a British accent after watching it.

I'm glad that it's been renewed for a second season but, second season's can be hard for hit shows. Glee, Heroes, American Idol are all examples of the "sophomore slump". And those shows never really recovered from their mediocre 2nd seasons.

Agent Carter seem to have the upper hand in that it was an extremely short first season, so viewer fatigue should be minimal and the Marvel studio machine is still doing a full court press in growing the Avengers franchise. Also, there's plenty more story for Agent Carter to tell in terms of establishing S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA so hopefully we'll get more of this smart, funny, lighthearted show and it won't become something else I have to "get through" when I watch.

Review: Mad Max: Fury Road

Confession I've never seen the original Mad Max. That said, I really enjoyed this movie. It's basically a really long crazy ass car chase. The violence is highly stylized and strangely satisfying (if you're the type that enjoys violent comedies).

Tom Hardy plays the male lead Max. A wanderer who is captured by a gang of rebels and taken as a living "blood bag" on a road race to reclaim the "treasures" (beautiful breeding "wives") stolen by Charlize Theron's character, Furiosa. Theron is attempting to take the girls to an Eden-esque area where they'll be safe and cared for. She knows the place exists because she was taken from their as a small child. Hardy escapes from his captors on the road and after an extended negotiation he joins Theron in her quest to reach Eden.

This high energy fast paced go go go! movie definitely has summer blockbuster written all over it and I for one have high hopes that audiences will enjoy it as much as I did.

Review: Pitch Perfect 2

Disclaimer: light spoilers
tl;dr
"You're gonna miss me when I'm gone" Yes, yes we did miss you Pitch Perfect! Now you've finally come back to us and you're still making me smile. Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson reprise their roles as the Barton Bella's, but instead of a joke of the viral web they've turned into 3x acapella champions. For the first 10 minutes of the movie. Then it's back to their familiar stomping grounds of being in danger of losing everything! Hailee Steinfeld plays an incoming freshman, a "legacy" or daughter of a former Bella, who is dead set on being one of the sisters.

The music in the sequel is less sing along friendly than in the first movie, except for the 90's throwback riff-offs (hello MMMBop!) and the song the Bella's close their World's number with. Which is an original song, something that has never been done before in the acapella world (except for when Glee did it back in season 2).

I personally really wanted more Skylar Astin screen time. His chemistry with Kendrick in the first movie definitely helped us root for her (and the Bella's) but unfortunately their relationship is more of a footnote in the sequel. That doesn't mean there's no romance in this rom-com but there are no "stakes" in the pairings. Remember that in the first movie the Bella's vowed to not get involved with a member of their school's rival acapella group!

tl;dr If you liked Pitch Perfect you'll most likely like Pitch Perfect 2. There are more jokes but less music.

Review: SPY

Disclaimer: light spoilers, feminism, and profanity ahead.

tl;dr
This movie is funny. It's funnier than you might expect it to be but it's funny in a very Melissa McCarthy way. The jokes and physical comedy are vulgar, profane, and play strongly on the fact that she is an overweight woman. (This fact is supposed to make everything she does unbelievable, amazing, and hysterical.) It's not that the jokes fall flat, or that the bits don't work but it does feel that McCarthy has played this character before in the 2013 film The Heat, which was also directed by Paul Feig.

While The Heat felt like a natural follow up to the movie Bridesmaids (which Hollywood still thinks of as a surprising blockbuster hit) SPY feels more like a farewell to the all girls comedy club. McCarthy and her Bridesmaids co-star Rose Bryne, along with new comer, Miranda Hart, let the boys (most notably Peter Serafinowicz) do some heavy hitting of their own.

While the men are allowed into the club, it's definitely the interaction between the women that carry this movie. McCarthy's hot potato banter with Bryne is wonderfully funny and weird while Hart's moments with the former echo back to the female friendship aspect that so many loved about Bridesmaids. McCarthy's character, Susan Cooper, has a very real moment in the film when she sits down with the (female) head of the CIA, Allison Janney, and realizes that her career has been put on the back burner because of a man.

Although, it's also this same man who is the reason why Cooper takes on the mission that gives her her first field assignment. Whether you think this is movie has anything to add or say about feminism in the US is entirely up to you. I will say that Susan's motivations aside, the character's refusal to believe what everyone tells her is the best lesson to take away from all the jokes and action. When everyone says you can't; fuck them.

tl;dr Funny movie where Melissa McCarthy stars as a awkward CIA desk agent who is a secret bad ass. GIRL POWER!

New Year Resolutions check-in

Holy shit. Seriously how is it already almost the end of the first month of 2015?!? Where the fuck did my month go?

They say that accountability is the key to success so I've decided to share this journey with you blah blah blah.

To best honest I'm just indulging my neurotic tendencies to over think things. Blogging makes me seem less crazy than talking to myself about it out loud in public.

New Year Resolution #1: Read 30 books

Update: I am almost done with book #1 (Memory of Light by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson) It's a little over 900 pages so I'm pretty pleased with myself for getting through it so quickly. almost 1/30

New Year Resolution #2: Go to the gym 30 times

Update: So technically I've been to the gym 4 times this month. But before you get all excited and proud of me I have to confess that I did not work out at the gym 4 times. In fact I only "worked out" at the gym once for like 20 minutes. But I did go to the gym to shower before an event, and to sit in the hot tub/steam room/sauna 4 times.

I needed the hot tub soaks because I'd gone to several Yelp Kick Butt events and was sore ALL OVER from doing squats, core workouts, martial arts, paddling, and all kinds of other crazy shit. So I didn't work out at MY gym but I've been working out. Not sure if that counts. 2?/30

New Year Resolution #3: Learn 30 new words

Update: I've been learning new words like (evitable, furfuraceous, sapiosexual & spornosexual) but haven't really worked them into my everyday vocabulary yet. But it's pretty hard to do so with these types of words, maybe I will have to choose better words that are less...esoteric. (BTW that's not one of my new words... I already knew that one.) 4/30

New Year Resolution #4: Cook 30 new recipes 

Update: I made a chicken and spinach lasagna in my slow cooker that turned out pretty good! I over cooked it a little but still yummy. And I made the recipes up all by myself! 1/30

New Year Resolution #5: 30 new blog posts.

Update: One down 29 to go. 1/30

New Year Resoultion #6: Do 30 fun activites

Update: Went to a new-ish friend's house for the first time and played board games till 4 am. Went to a martial arts class. Went on a maybe-date. 3/30 yay!

I also have a few non-turning-30 related resolutions...one of which is to have no more than 18 drinks a week. Now I've gotten A LOT of shit for this one. People want to know why/how I settled on 18, or what constitutes a drink, or what the rules are.... and you know what? I don't know. I just picked 18 because I thought it sounded do-able but a little hard.
(especially during Superbowl/Birthday/Vacation/Special Occasions)

A drink is counted simply by the glass. Big or small size is (in this case) irrelevant. One small glass of soju or large 22 o beer is one drink. Sips of other people's drinks don't count but they really have to be sips. 

There's no particular reason I decided to do this other than I kinda wanted to see if I could do it. 18 drinks a week is kinda a lot but I definitely am used to drinking more than that one a regular basis. The additional benefits are just that...additional. Yes it will be good for my health to drink less, I'll hopefully save money and lose weight. I'll go out drinking less which means maybe I'll be more productive and get more reading/writing/working out done.

I also wanted to do the 52 week savings challenge but so far I haven't started it yet. Honestly I'm not sure if I'm going to do this one because if I move money from my checking account into my "new" savings account for this resolution and then more money from my old savings account into my checking account to pay for bills does that count as saving? No, right? So It should be like actually saving that money from each paycheck without having to move money around. Which means I just have to fucking spend less money....damn it why is this so hard? I'm Chinese! Being cheap should be my natural state!


Thanks for reading if you did... if you didn't thanks anyway.

TL;DR? New Year Resolutions are crap but I'm working on them.

Restaurant Week Reflections

Restaurant week is not for amateurs. In what I like to call "a Thanksgiving training" binge I visited 10 different restaurants in 6 days, gained 5 lbs, and basically cleaned out my bank account all in the name of research! Here are the top 5 dishes that I wish I could eat again and again and again!

 1. Beef and Foie @ MW

This amazing dish captured my heart so much that it prompted two return visits in as many nights. The beef is seriously stupidly tender and the foie gras just melts onto your tongue. The freshly shaved Burgundy truffles perfectly compliment the truffle oil mashed potatoes and the hint of sauteed greens help relive any worries about calories. 

 2. Pumpkin Crunch Ice Cream Cake @ Stage

I wasn't expecting much from this little dessert but sometimes low expectations are a good thing because I was really wowed by the flavors in this! My dining companions were all stuffed so I sacrificed my waistline and heroically volunteered to help them polish off their desserts.

3. Mud Pie "For Wade" @ MW

Poor Wade. We were lucky enough to get the last order of the mud pie and he didn't actually get to taste it even though it's allegedly for him! The famous MW cookies were a nice touch and eating them dunked into the mud pie made me want to propose marriage to Michelle (even though I know she's already married.)

4. Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare @ Arancino at the Kahala

Confession: I don't like Uni. But the Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare aka Uni pasta at Arancino at the Kahala has become an exception! The house made pasta coated in their uni and white wine sauce is so delicate and light but creamy and velvety at the same time.

5. Salade Frisee @ Grondin French Latin Kitchen

Do you know what it takes for a salad to make it onto this top 5 list? I mean it's going up against foie gras, truffles, and chocolate! But this little salad definitely holds its own with the competition. The poached egg and smoked lemon juice make a wonderful dressing and the generous portion of pork belly might make you have to run a few extra minute at the gym but it's worth every bead of sweat and every huffed breath!

Runners up

These dishes also continue to haunt my taste buds and I definitely recommend that you try them out too if you're so presented with the opportunity! However I don't recommend sharing them because you'll instantly regret not being able to gobble it all up by yourself. Trust me on this one...it was an ugly scene with me and my dining partners all fighting to get our spoons and forks into these!

Roasted Kabocha Parfait* @ The Pig & The Lady

*Non Restaurant Week Menu Item

Bread Pudding @ Prince Court

Insalata alla Caprese @ Arancino at the Kahala

Chocolate Banana Cream Pie @ MW

Happy Valentine's Day My Loves!

A few years ago I wrote a special Valentine's day post to tell my friends how much I love them. This year I'd like to repeat that act because I feel an abundance of love in my life!

(as always ladies first)

• Melissa: You are ALWAYS there for me. If not for you I would have been totally lost all these years! (literally (which way is North shore?!) and figuratively! LOL) Thanks for always seeing the best in me. I love you like you're my family...except more than that lol.
• Marleen: You are the best! I can always depend on you to keep me grounded. I love love love LOVE you and your family!
• Cherie: It was so amazing to get to see you this year! I love it when we get together because shenanigans are much more fun when done together! You are my wife for life and I can't imagine a better one!
• Mahina: You are the best kind of out of town mistress a girl like me could ask for. LOL. Seriously though our friendship is so great because it's as simple as breathing! You show up, we hang out, have fun. End of story! Hope to see you soon either in AZ or HI!
• Maka: This crazy Yelp Life would NOT be as much fun without you! I'm so happy we've become friends & definitely foresee a long future of friendship for us! Your secret nerdiness is just one of the things I love about you!
• Melinda: I hope it's doesn't come as a surprise to you that I count you amongst my closest friends! We don't get to spend a ton of time together but I love that you are so friendly & patient & kind! 
• Corie: Sometimes short (like you! haha) and sweet is the best way to say something. Thanks for being a good friend. It's always fun hanging out with you! Can't wait for you to teach me more about political stuff!
• Michelle: Even though you're always busy you still seem to make time for me. I love you lots!
• Malia: I'm so glad we've become closer friends! I hope to get to know you even better and hear more stories over wine!
• Whitney & Kim: You two are both so far away and so grown up now! I miss you both TONS & TONS but am so happy you're doing so well! Although we don't talk often you guys are always in my thoughts & in my heart. Love you!
• Emi: You are such an amazing person. Thank you for teaching me so much about love, joy, and happiness! (and marketing/event planning too lol) Every minute I spend with you makes me into a braver & better person. I appreciate the opportunities (and gentle pushes) you give me to grow and learn. I love you!

(And now the boys)

• Doug: You are my platonic husband and best friend. You are also one of the very best and most gentlemanly guys I know. I know I can always count on you to be my moral compass and I trust you completely (which I think you know is a pretty big deal for me). I love you and am so thankful for your friendship!
• Reymar: You are also one of the best and most gentlemanly guys I know! I'm so glad that you're my friend/brother-in-law (hahaha). I can't wait to go to Japan and have adventures with you and Doug! I love you lots!
• Brandon: You & Marleen's love has always inspired me. It has shown me what I should be looking for in a relationship. This past year you've also inspired me by how you've really changed your life and gotten in such amazing shape! (seriously stop being so sexy okay?) Hopefully I'll be in good enough shape to workout with Coach Puka sometime soon!
• Jacob: You are one of the nicest guys I know. You are a really wonderful friend and I sincerely think the reason I love Yelp so much is because it introduced me to you! Thank you for being such a great friend! I love you!
• Nick: Thanks for always being so cool to me! I'm glad that we're friends :-)
• Keli'i: I'm pretty sure you're not going to read this but I just wanted to tell you that you're awesome! I know you work hard but you always try to make time for all of us! Thanks!
• Justin: You just want me to be happy and that really means a lot. I'm so glad we've been able to stay friends all these years!
• Stephen & Ray: We might not hang out as much as we all used to but you two are definitely still people I love!

And to my many, many, MANY amazing & awesome Yelp friends (Grant, Richard, Mahina, Paul, Brian, Alycia, Laurie, Jordan, Russ, John, Amara, Talor, Michael, Anthony, & much too many more to name) thank you all so much for being such nice & friendly & wonderful people! 

All of you guys make me feel so very loved and appreciated! I am really so lucky & honored to be your friend! I love each and every one of you and hope you have a great Valentine's day!

I looked up and noticed the light today as the sun was about to set. Dusk. It was beautiful. The sky was lavender and navy and golden. It's my favorite time of day especially during the "winter" months. It's softer than daylight but not nightfall. As the sun's light yields to the moon's we, on Earth, are trapped between their two powers and can feel the pull of both celestial bodies upon us. It's a time to be more yielding, more sexy, more in love.

But unfortunately many of us spend that time trapped in daily commutes. Thinking of dinner plans, exercising, TV schedules or whatever little hurts (or even happinesses) we experienced that day, week, or lifetime. Rather than looking up at the sky and seeing how the dual light creates a soft glow on everything we stare unblinking into the brake lights of all the cars before us, change songs on our ipods, or text that we're stuck in traffic.

With 2014 being only 21 days old I want to try and remember to make every moment count. I know that it's easy to get caught up in the details of everyday life. Traffic, bills, errands, and horrible co-workers/neighbors/family members all take their toll on us. But someday, and possibly someday soon it will all be over. Just like that no more dusks, dinners, or daily commutes. So take a second, even if it's something as simple as looking out over the horizon at dusk, even if it's over a sea of red brake lights on the H1as you're dashing home or to the gym. Just look up, see how beautiful being alive is.

I'm not a "new-age" or "eco" type. I don't eat vegan or organic food or have a sustainable anything. (especially not a bank account hahaha) I don't even particularly think of myself as a "feelings" type of person. But I don't think we need to be that "type" of person to remember to be kinder to ourselves. I mean being angry & stressed out isn't going to make your day get any better. But having a drink (even if it's coffee) with a friend or listening to your favorite podcast or just going through the drive through and having a milk shake can dramatically improve your mood. If you take the time to give yourself that love, you're going to be a happier person when you finally do get to your destination.

I recently reconnected briefly with a beloved old high school teacher. It wasn't elaborate. A simple message on Facebook. But I took 5 minutes to thank this person because I realized that I wouldn't be who I am without his guidance in those tumultuous years. I can't speak for the receiver of my message but as the sender it felt amazing to simply send thanks and love into the world. I highly recommend doing anything that give you that feeling.

November is my month of change

I know that most people usually wait until the new year to make BIG changes in their lives. And normally I love the New Year and setting resolutions. But I decided this year, that I'm ready to start making changes now. In November.

And why not? I mean who's going to stop me? (other than myself) like seriously though who's going to be the jerk who's all "You can't work towards being a healthier you until Jan 1 and you definitely can't take steps towards your dreams until after Christmas." (which really I don't even celebrate.)

Anyway here it is my first blog post for this "new & improved" (even though I get that's it's an oxymoron) version of myself.

So what do I have to report so far? Well, I've been working out more regularly. First it was yoga once a week and now I'm up to 3-4 workouts a week including running! Ok it's more like jogging with walking in between but whatever it's still positive movement in the right direction!

And I've been doing some writing for NaNoWriMo. Not as much as I suppose I should./could but again positive steps and all that. 

Oh and yes of course I'm back to blogging. Woohoo!

So stay tuned because I'm sure there will be lots of fun and exciting things for me to write about soon. Like how I'm going to clean off my desk because I can't be a writer with all this crap keeping me from my computer. Or how I ate a bunch of unhealthy things and omg so what I'll just deal with it by trying better next time and not giving up on everything.

yup. Oh! and in the long-term there's going to be....online dating. Yeah. Saddle up partner. Things are going to get interesting!

Are Japanese Women Better At Being Feminine?

What is it about Japanese women that makes them seem so feminine? I'm not talking about local girls who are part Japanese, part something else. I'm talking about those FOB Japanese tourist girls. The ones with the cute hairstyle and the super cute outfits. Sometimes when I see them I wonder about my own femininity and how I come across to them. I wonder about the hows and why of their "looks". How to they manage to look so girly but not girlish? Is it simply that they're thin and petite? Maybe it's their clothes? They do tend to wear soft colors, gauzy floating layers, and skirts or dresses. Maybe it's their hair + makeup? They're always made-up but in a way that doesn't call attention to the fact that they're wearing makeup. You won't see these girls wearing a bold red lipstick or blending their 4 different colored MAC eye-shadows. They also tend to have that brassy, orange-y colored hair and wear it either piled up in a messy bun on top of their head or down and pin straight.

But I don't think it's any of these things at least not separately. Even put together on an American Asian woman I think there would be some key element missing. What is that element? There's a part of me that wants to be snide and say "oh well obviously it's the stereotypical submissive trait" and it might be. It could also be as simple as the fact that their culture has very set behavioral standards for femininity. Their idea of femininity varies from ours.

American women tend to be more aggressive and outspoken. We can be bold, brash, and ballsy and still be feminine. Our femininity seem to be tied more closely with sexuality than with girlish innocence. Bikinis, skin tight "body-con" dresses, and mile high stilettos are the symbols of  mainstream American femininity. I think that Japanese femininity tends to be quieter and softer. It might sound judgmental of me to say this but their femininity seems like it's more about being delicate, fragile, and dainty. Honestly I think I could learn a lot from them.

Obviously I haven't really figured out a point to this musing yet. I had hoped that by trying to verbalize(?) my thoughts, some grand epiphany or at least some organization would occur but alas I must struggle on and continue to ponder.

Essie dive bar w/ chinchilly accent nail

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Sinful Color Frenzy

A cute blue & purple glitter. 3 coats.

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Glee Season 2 & Finale Review

Glee is one of my “must watch” shows. In fact it’s one of the few shoes that I still watch “live” when it airs. But for me season 2 has been a little disappointing. There’s been too much wacky and zany moments; from Sue’s turn as the Grinch in “A Very Glee Christmas” to Emma’s sudden marriage to and subsequent separation form “Dr. Carl D.D.S.” to Finn thinking that a cucumber can give you AIDS in “Sexy.” (Then again is this any harder to believe than the fact that he thought you could get pregnant via hot tub.)

But I continue to watch because there are great moments/episodes. The post Super Bowl “Sue Sylvester Shuffle” was such a strong comeback from the shows two month hiatus. And “The Rocky Horror Glee Show” was also another notable episode.

My fear is that Glee is about to go the way that “Heroes” did. Yeah. Remember that show? “Save the cheerleader. Save the world.” And then the next three seasons were crap and they were canceled long after anyone was watching.

But onto the season finale: (If this review seems disjointed it’s because that’s exactly how the finale left me feeling.) I agree with Joel Keller’s TV Squad review for the most part. There wasn’t anything particularly “Season Finale-ish” in this episode. In regards to Finn/Rachel I was really hoping that she would remain true to her “no boys, no distractions” rule and seeing her and Kurt sing that duet together on the stage of Wicked really makes me cheer her on. But alas, the passion is too much for her to bear and she and Finn kiss and reunite in the middle of their set at nationals.

The kiss is not unexpected and it’s nothing special, except for Finn and Rachel. The world melts away and that kiss is the only thing that matters in that moment.

In other storylines we see Quinn’s evil plan was nothing more than a simple “tattle” on Rachel and Kurt for sneaking out when the Glee club was on lockdown. Seriously?! Where’s the conniving queen B from last season who schemed to convince Finn he was her baby daddy and planned to let Teri have the baby so she could fool Will? Instead all she wants is someone to love her, and all se needs is a haircut? Really? No going AWOL right before nationals? No locking Rachel into a closet and setting it on fire? I expected more from you Fabray. Much more.

There’s a moment where Puck & Zizes are sitting at the hotel bar and try to order drinks which seems fitting for their characters but slightly out of place in this episode. But there were a lot of other things out of place in this episode. In fact the entire ending seemed like it was cobbled together at the last minute.

After we find out that New Directions has not in fact qualified to semi-finals in nationals we’re back in an Ohio coffee shop with Blaine and Kurt while Kurt is describing the aftermath to him. Apparently Santana went all “Lima Heights Adjacent” on Rachel…which means screaming and failing at her in Spanish. And then the silent flight home. When Blaine comments on how well Kurt is taking losing he just shrugs it off as says he was just happy to have gone on an airplane and seen New York. Then Blaine drops the “I love you” bomb on Kurt who looks stunned for an awkward moment replying tightly “I love you too.”

To break this tension Sam and Mercedes enter and we’re treated with another odd/tense interaction with Mercedes and Sam claiming to have “run into one another” at the coffee shop and then they walk away from Kurt/Blaine and we see their hands intertwined as they whisper “do you think they know?’ to each other. Seriously out of left field.

There’s some Mr. Schue stuff too, where Matt Morrison sings a song, (which doesn’t really relate to anything happening in the episode) off his newly released album, then deciding not to go chase his Broadway dreams (even for just a summer!) after all.

What I think I’d like to see in season 3 is a return to telling the story of the Glee-clubbers. When will we meet Rachel’s two gay dads? (Who would have in all actuality NEVER missed her NY debut) and what about Sam’s homelessness or “Furt” and their family? I’d also would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see more about Tina/Mike if we could do so without breaking them up (because seriously? I <3 them)

Carousel Coral essie

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Bad Kitty China Glaze

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Dreams Dreams Dreams

What is your dream?

My dream life looks like this: I live in a nice apartment/condo w/ my significant other or with a really good friend. It's in a nice neighborhood and is a secure building with ammenities like a pool and a grilling area or gym. I have a great job that pays me enough that I can survive comfortably (and has all the usual benefits plus perks) have co-workers who are awesome and smart and friendly. (like the ones I have now) There’s writing involved for this job, and some travel, and lots of food/style/pop culture research. I also write novels and non-fiction books, which are published once or twice a year. I have a great group of friends (including my current ones) and have lots of time to spend with them and with my family. Everyone is happy and healthy. I travel to lots of other countries and to all 50 states. I speak several languages with varying degrees of fluency and people are instantly at ease in my presence. I matter and make a difference in my part of the world.

china glaze III

A nice "mannequin hand" color with some subtle shimmer to keep things interesting. Are two coats it was still somewhat sheer so I decided to do three. I wonder what this color would look like on my toes?

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Essie Pretty Edgy

I was expecting a "jelly" finish but I'm not sure if it is...lol. This is two coats.

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Glee "A Night of Neglect" review

So this is my first TV episode review... I know it's not really what I usually write here but a friend told me that if I wanted people to read what I write, I should write things they want to read about. So since I know a lot of people adore Glee I figured I'd write a review about tonight's episode and see what happens.

Tonight's Glee was the show's return after a month long hiatus and I personally thought that it was a soft return. Like testing the water with your big toe before jumping in. WARNING: Spoilers ahead.

We open with the Glee kids in the practice room, and Mr. Shue pitches a fund-raising idea of selling salt water taffy in order for the club to make money for nationals. What I really liked about this scene was that Mike Chang got a chance to stand out from the crowd. After listening to Santana and Quinn complain about how being in Glee club still wasn't making them (more) popular he stands up and announces that he's tired of hearing them complain. (Amen brother) He goes on to tell the club about how the academic decathlon team at McKinley high is also going to nationals and he, Tina, Artie, and Brittany weren't able to go because they didn't have the money.

This is the jumping point for the rest of the episode. Mr. Shue offers to try and raise money for the aca-dec team along with the Glee club by moving more pieces of taffy. It's his girlfriend Holly Holiday who tells him to dream bigger and have a benefit show to raise money.

Then there's the return of Sunshine who offers to help the McKinley high kids with their benefit by starring in their "night of neglect." She auditions with Celine Dion's "All By Myself" and is amazing (as expected) Rachel doesn't trust her but goes along with the majority of the group and concedes to let Sunshine preform.

This pushes Mercedes further away from the spotlight and Lauren decides to push her into standing up for herself and to make some demands to show that she expects her talent to be recognized. The best moment in the night comes from this storyline. After Sunshine fails to show up Rachel is sent out to talk Mercedes into singing. This heart to heart really lays it all out on the line. When Mercedes asks Rachel why she isn't as big of a star as Rachel is; Rachel replies that because nothing else matters to her more than being a star. Not being liked, not being loved. And she's not kidding herself that this is healthy, it simply is the way she's natured.

As Mercedes sings her heart out we see Rachel standing offstage, she glaces out at the audience to see Finn and Quinn snuggled up together; looks back to the stage to see Mercedes standing in (her) the spotlight as we see her face crumble for a moment. But she pulls it together in the end and shows how much she's grown since season 1 and manages to step aside and let Mercedes be the hero.

There's also the side plot of Holly Holiday and Mr. Shue's relationship coming to an end. But I didn't find that story line very intriguing. She catches his sharing a (overly?) friendly moment with Emma and he walks in on her being hit-on by one of the Legion (League) of Doom (Evil). Then she tells him she needs space and sings a break up song at the benefit.

There's also the formation of the Legion/League of Doom/Evil but again less interesting except for the resolution that it brings this episode to. One of the members of the Legion (pink Dagger) has a weakness to Aretha and decides to fund the brainiacs to go to nationals.Small problem solved, larger question of Glee nationals to contend with.

...And that's my review of this week's episode of Glee... again thanks for reading it (I know it's not exactly what you signed up for when you decided to read my little corner of the world but hey... you know me) lol.

still here

I haven't abandoned you little blog! I'm just not sure what to post....but I'll figure it out by writing more and seeing what I like.

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