Friday, December 29, 2017

2017 films. (Part III).

Back in April I did a little recap of all the movies that I had watched from January-April. Then in August I did a recap for movies I watched between May-August. Now here we are in December and I'm finishing off the movies for the year. And while this all started, because I wanted to let people which movies I recommended in 2016, now I just enjoy it and want it to keep rolling, because it's fun for me and even if people don't read it at this point, that has never stopped me before.

DON'T BE MAD ABOUT IT, BRO.

Also, are people still calling each other and other people "bro"? Is that still a thing?! I don't think it is, but I'm not usually on the "up and up" when it comes to slang and/or trends, so I may be way off base on this one. The point is, I'm finishing off my list of "The films of my 2017." And yes, I'll probably continue this shit come 2018. 



Side note: No worries, if I watch a couple more in December after this is published, I'll just tack it onto the next one.... because I do what I want. That, and there's really no telling if I'll watch anymore this month (I probably will) with a couple days left and a four day weekend for me.

September's films: So.... I didn't watch any new films in September. I know, that's legitimately unheard of for me, but with all the uprooting/moving that took place that month, along with all the other shit that was going on, it got away from me. I started watching The Mummy (2017), but had to stop not even midway through, because my hearing was off (I have hearing problems). 

My favorite: I guess since I didn't watch anything new in September, I will just choose my favorite/least favorite from the "rewatched movies" on my list for this month. This is a hard choice to make, but.... I think my favorite is going to have to go to Deep Blue Sea. There is just something so terrifying to me about that one (I've discussed my irrational fears- sharks included before) and I've watched it easily fifty times. Least favorite of the month: I'm gonna go with.... The Ruins. While I like it, it's just not as fantastic as the other ones. And it certainly doesn't beat a Kyle Gallner movie (The Haunting in Connecticut) for me.

September's rewatched from years gone by: The Ruins, John Carpenter's Vampires, The Haunting in Connecticut, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Deep Blue Sea. 

October's films: The Mummy (2017), The Reaping, Harvest Moon (Hallmark), The Rite, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, The Do Over, A Heavenly Christmas (Hallmark).

*October was a very strange month.... with going from staying with Aunt Mary to staying with Aunt Poot and Uncle D, things were a little whackado. The fact that I watched so many new movies (and some of my old faves) is actually kind of impressive.*

My favorite: I'm gonna have to go with The Mummy (2017). Don't get me wrong, I definitely have to rewatch it to fully grasp it (and several others), but what I did get to pay attention to, I loved it. It's no 1999 version, but then again, it isn't supposed to be. Least favorite of the month: I hate to say it, but.... The Rite. I feel like it was a good concept and the actors are clearly talented, but there was just something in the entire execution that didn't do it for me.

October's rewatched from years gone by: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, The Faculty, Boo: A Madea Halloween.

November's films: Baywatch, A Gift to Remember (Hallmark), Trolls, Darkness Rising, The Christmas Train (Hallmark), Smurfs: The Lost Village.

My favorite: There were a couple of really good ones (and a few not so good ones) this month. I think for my favorite I'm gonna have to go with.... Baywatch. I really had no immediate interest in it, I figured I'd catch it sooner or later, buy my brother talked me into watching it and it was HILARIOUS. Least favorite of the month: I'm gonna go with.... Darkness Rising on this one. I mean, I usually like "B-" movies, especially the ones they offer on Netflix, but this one just wasn't good for me. I found it slow and too random to piece together and make a good story. I didn't even finish the last couple of minutes.

November's rewatched from years gone by: Men in Black, London Has Fallen, The Hateful Eight, Four Brothers, Practical Magic, The Mummy (2017), White Christmas, Taxi.

*the 51st CMA Awards were on the 8th of this month and Aunt Poot and I watched them (and I proceeded to get her liquored up on two bottles of wine).*

December's films: about 1/2 of CHIPS (I rented it from Redbox and the disc was corrupt so it cut off about halfway through), Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

My favorite: Even if we would've gotten to finish CHIPS I know that it wouldn't have beaten.... Kingsman: The Golden Circle. I LOVED the Kingsman sequel (excluding the parts where some of my favorites died) and laughed uncontrollably the entire time. Taron Egerton cracks me the hell up. Least favorite of the month: Including the ones that I've already seen and rewatched I'm going to have to give this one to.... CHIPS. I know it's probably completely unfair since I only got to see about 1/2 of it, but I can always amend in later posts. In defense of the movie, it had nothing to do with Dax Shepard and Michael Pena, because I love those two.

December's rewatched from years gone by: Scream 4, Hairspray, about 1/2 of A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), Terminator: Salvation.

Documentaries watched: I haven't watch any documentaries lately (I know, unheard of), but does it count that I've had "Making a Murderer" on my queue for like two years and still haven't watched it? No? Alrighty then.

Tv series I've finished: Vice Principals (S1), Fuller House (S3), Stranger Things (S2), The Ranch (S3-S4), Godless, Dog & Beth: Fight of Their Lives, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (S12 twice + all of the other random episodes).

Tv series still on my queue: That 70s Show, Peaky Blinders, Shameless, The Punisher, Baby Daddy (I've been putting off watching the last three episodes, because I'm sad they cancelled it), Breaking Bad, Young & Hungry, Dexter, The Walking Dead, The Blacklist, American Horror Story, The Mist, The killing, The Following, Supernatural, Bates Motel, Spartacus, Penny Dreadful, iZombie, The Originals, Ash vs. Evil Dead, Merlin, Haven, New Girl, Friends, Salem, Bitten, Criminal Minds, Lost Girl, Being Human, Burn Notice, and The Borgias.

Stand-up watched: Jeff Dunham: Relative Disaster, Norm MacDonald: Hitler's Dog-Gossip&Trickery, Rodney Carrington: Here Comes the Truth, Ralphie May: Unruly (#RIPRalphie), Rodney Carrington: Laughter's Good, Ron White: A Little Unprofessional. 

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Creeping into Terminator territory.

I love the Terminator movies (yes, I love them all, but we all know T2 is the best one in existence). There's just something about them that makes you go, "oh.... maybe we should be aware of machines and their capabilities.... are we really safe with AI?!"

But most of the time you watch one and after a few hours or even the rest of the day (or night, depending on when you like to watch movies, I don't judge) you let those thoughts fall by the wayside. It makes sense.

Afterall, technology is everywhere in our lives and advancing every single day. In fact, I had the idea for this post and started it on my Iphone.... and finished it on a computer. I love old-fashioned ways (i.e. letter writing, visiting, etc.), but to say that technology hasn't made life easier and more convenient would be a lie.

But when is technology too much? Well.... I say it's too much when you literally can't function at anything all day simply because your technology has a "glitch."

Think about it.... how does your day go and how much do you really "accomplish" if your internet crashes?

Granted, these days we have to have some form of technology, whether it be for work or personal (I know that Netflix doesn't seem like a "must" but trust me, in my life it is), but I think maybe people are taking it a little bit too far.

Like, I realize that everybody seems to have cellphones these days (myself included), but do you really need a function on it to talk to, because you're too damn lazy to just look something up (Siri)? And yes, that kind of thing is handy for someone who has a form of disability and needs assistance.... but everybody does not need to be able to look at their phone and say shit like, "hey Siri, how many noodles can a dude fit into his nose before he suffocates and dies?" (And yes, I heard that exact thing at the grocery store between a man and his phone in the spaghetti aisle last week).

Do we really need for our things to talk to each other from ACROSS THE ROOM even though one of them ISN'T EVEN TURNED ON at the time? Is this really where we want to take it? Technology is so far advanced that it surpassed us a long time ago. In fact, it's so advanced that I don't know if we could ever even catch up.

Did we learn NOTHING from John Connor?! Afterall in the first movie he said, "The machines rose from the ashes of the nuclear fire. Their war to exterminate mankind had raged on for decades. But the final battle will not be fought in the future. It would be fought in our present.... tonight." I mean, I know y'all think I'm crazy and that my paranoia and conspiracy theories are leaking over into Randy Quaid territory, BUT is it really so crazy to think that our technology that is so far advanced already would be able to "think for itself" and decide that mankind was a threat unto itself? I know it sounds crazy, but I don't think it's that far fetched.

Let's just all hope that there are some John Connor's and Kyle Reese's walking around out there. And that I'm 100% crazy.... which let's be honest, isn't that far fetched considering that this will probably be posted tomorrow, but I'm writing it tonight and I've had ALOT of wine. You can thank my family and their Christmas gifts to me for that. Speaking of which.... I totally need to watch Terminator: Salvation tomorrow night. I love that damn movie (because Anton Yelchin, Sam Worthington, and Christian Bale make fabulous movies separated let alone together).

What was my point again?!

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Christmas 2017: a company party, a three-day weekend, and lots of wine.

Remember on Friday when I was contemplating running away to join the circus? Well, you'll be happy (or incredibly sad) to know that I didn't join the circus, but it's still an option that I'm keeping open.

Friday was our annual Company Christmas Party and they decided to do it a little differently this year. Usually we have the party in our warehouse (we rent heaters and tables), but this year they (and by "they" I mean UR and Dani) decided to have it elsewhere.... so we rented the back room of a brewery in downtown Indy.

There were some other changes made too, but mostly we're sticking with location and food on this one.

I would like to go on the record of saying that usually we freeze our asses off at these parties. Yes, we rent heaters, but it's the end of December in Indiana, heaters or not.... WAREHOUSES ARE F*CKING COLD. And then we usually end up ordering and picking up wings, pizza, etc. There's a whole lot of setup and teardown involved and it usually ends up being alot of trouble.

But this year the only thing we had to do was rent the room, choose the food, buy the drink tickets and show up. (And we did minimal raffles like usual). Aside from the little snafu of them not realizing that our party was scheduled from noon to three (they had us down from three to six), it went smoothly. And no worries, they quickly set things in motion for our original party time.

We all proceeded to drink, talk, laugh, play darts, and find Where's Waldo? It lasted for a couple of hours and once everybody was ready to get out of there.... we just left. Because we didn't have to clean or put away ANYTHING. We just left. Which is probably my favorite part of it all (aside from getting lost on my way home.... don't ask).

And yes, my family had a nice Christmas. We went down to Aunt Poot's and Uncle D's for Christmas dinner (that we eat between noon and one) and exchanged a couple of presents and Momma and I came home. It was a three day weekend (with another one on the horizon!) and it was mostly just me, Momma, and Tayder chillin' at the house and getting alot accomplished in the way of settling in. That was my favorite part.... the "chilling" part. It was a good weekend. A cold one (it's about eleven degrees outside this morning), but a good one. (I forgot to take pictures of Christmas itself).

Merry Christmas and all that jazz that most people say at this time of year.

Friday, December 22, 2017

The Greatest Showman.... just give me all the Zac Efron you got.

Today is our company Christmas party and Christmas is in three days.... so obviously I'm ignoring all of it and contemplating running away to join the circus.

I'm a huge Hugh Jackman fan. I think he's hilarious and has a singing voice out of this world (and yes, he's pretty easy on the eyes too). He's the entire reason that I started watching the X-Men movies (even though I grew to love them regardless) and he was amazing in Les Miserables.

And I like Zac Efron pretty damn good too.

With all of that being said, I should really follow it up with a confession.... I LOVE musicals. There's really no "cool" way to put that. I just love them. Line me up with some Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, RENT, The Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, Grease, Les Miserables (among countless others) and I'm one happy girl.

I'm assuming that the new Hugh Jackman/Zac Efron (and also, Zendaya who I watched on Dancing with the Stars and is awesome) is going to be no different. I definitely want to watch it and I'm sure I'll love it.



Wednesday, December 20, 2017

The horrifying moment when you're looking for an adult.

And then you realize that you're technically an adult.... but you don't feel like playing today, so you want to invoke the "I'm an adult, I can stay in bed and watch tv and eat junk and not get dressed all day, BECAUSE I'M AN ADULT THAT'S WHY" clause in your contract. Speaking of which, does anyone have a copy of this "being an adult" contract?

Lately work has been.... stressful.

Yeah, we'll go with stressful. And it's the kind of stressful that feels never-ending and you're pretty sure that if you crawled into the fetal position and drank your weight in cheap wine that you would feel better. (Plus, it probably doesn't help that we're all sick and feel like death either?)

I'm sure everybody has these moments. And I'm not saying that I don't like my job or that it's terrible or anything, but lately it's just a tid-bit.... overwhelming.

And I'm not the only one feeling like this by any means.

Literally every single person here is on edge and none of us seem to be dealing with it all too well. I would love to be one of those people that are all, "it's the stress of the holiday season.... once the holidays pass everything will calm down and go back to normal."

But.... this isn't a "holiday" thing. It's a "we're all on edge and our heads are gonna spin off at any given moment" kind of thing. None of us know who is going to snap first.... but we have a betting pool that is really anybody's game at this point.

This morning was no different (nor is the entire day for that matter), so to alleviate a little bit of stress and hopefully push us a little bit backwards from the edge, Danielle's husband Chris started a NERF war.... that she and I promptly won (then Tony came up, because he thought the ceiling was coming down from all of our running) and we all had a little talk and laughed a bit.

And that lasted about ten minutes. Now? We're back on the precipice. Send good vibes.... and liquor.... our way.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the release of the movie: Titanic.

I LOVED this movie when it came out. (It debuted in US theatres on this exact date twenty years ago).

Granted, I was only seven years old, but for some reason, I just loved it. Whether that reason be the fact that I had never before seen a movie of that magnitude, the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio was a dream, or Kate Winslet would continue to be my idol for years to come, I couldn't say.

The year was 1997 and while there was plenty going on without the buzz of what would come to be the first movie to ever reach a billion dollars, I don't think anyone ever expected much from it to begin with, let alone for it to pave its way through the Oscars, but it did. It exceeded all expectations and gave us people to identify with (Jack Dawson, Ruth Dewitt Bukater, and Molly Brown) and love (or hate.... I'm looking at you Ruth, Cal, and Lovejoy).

Side note: Watch the official trailer and the extended Carpathia scene.

[[ Events from 1997: Princess Diana's funeral, Heaven's Gate Cult mass suicide, Scientists cloned Dolly the sheep, Timothy McVeigh is found guilty of the Oklahoma City Bombing, Harry Potter was published, Mmmbop debuted on the charts, the Packers beat the Patriots to win the Super Bowl, Biggie Smalls was murdered in a driveby shooting, Madeleine Albright was sworn in as Secretary of State becoming the first woman to ever head the State Department. ]]

I remember the first time that I ever watched Titanic and it was amazing.... and I cried. At seven years old even I knew that it wasn't fair that Jack had to go, but that it was his love that made him save Rose. And Rose save him in her own way.

To find out that it was a true story (I knew that before watching it) was insane and made it that much more tragic in the end. Sure, some of the characters may have been made up, but the fact that they were either based on real people or served in the place of an actual person was heartbreaking

It most definitely made you (or at least, me) start to see the world as unfair and realize that some people are treated different, sometimes in horrible ways, just because of their class, race, gender, or any number of other things. I learned that lesson at seven years old, thanks to this movie.

Most people might think that this movie is ridiculous. They may think that it is outdated, and they may break down and pick at the mistakes made, but one thing is for sure.... it definitely carved its place out in cinematic history.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

When you're trying to reach a custody agreement.... on a box full of letters.

I've always loved to write. I'm sure you can't tell from the amount of rambling that I do around these parts, but I have. Back in the day my friends and I used to write each other letters and notes (and it's amazing how bad my handwriting has always been) and like all good pre-teens/teenagers, we had some pretty personal stuff in there.

Because we didn't know that social media was on the horizon.

So, needless to say I have alot of letters/notes from old friends of mine (yes, I'm a hoarder and I've accepted that about myself) detailing who they liked at the time (my friend, Rachel, liked alot of people.... Mo liked a few people), what was happening in our everyday lives, and answers to some math questions. You know, random.

There were very few friends of mine that kept my letters to them (because who in the hell keeps shit like that besides me?), but they have one or two from our childhood/teen years. You know, mementos.

Then there's that one friend of mine.... you know, this one.

He apparently has a box full (no, I don't know the size of the box) of my letters/notes/cards that I have written him over the years. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Once again, who keeps shit like that besides me? He informed me of this one day when we were giving each other shit via text and it definitely took me by surprise.

My first response was: "Wait a minute.... I wrote you enough letters and cards to fill a box??! When was the last time I had that much effort for anything? Wtf?!"

My second response was: "Burn them."

Because why in the hell wouldn't you want someone to burn a box full of shit that you had written/drawn on over the most awkward and painful years of your life? Now he refuses to burn them and nothing I can say will talk him out of it. I might have a better chance if I seen him face to face (he tries to give me the puppy face, but we both know that I invented that look ON HIM), but probably even then he wouldn't go for it.

I'm not sure why, but it probably has something to do with the blackmail that is at some point inevitably going to rear its ugly head. And no, I don't know what he's gonna blackmail me for, but considering that I don't remember what's all in those letters, it could be something really bad. Well, not bad, but hilarious for him.

Come on, dude. You need to burn that box.... I can't be having proof out there that I had feelings at some point in my life! Whether those feelings be of friendship, sadness, "like that", or otherwise.

Annnddddd.... he's still not going for it.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.

Home Alone.... you've seen it, yes?! If you haven't I don't know what the hell you did with your childhood or what in the hell you're doing as an adult, but you need to stop whatever it is that you're doing right now and go watch it.... because if you haven't, this shit has gone on long enough.

If you're a normal human being you've seen Home Alone at least once or twice (or 967 times, but who's counting?), and we can all just agree that eight year old Macaulay Culkin was the cutest kid on the planet and made your eight year old self look like a dorkfish.

With all that being said, I think we can all agree.... Kevin McCallister went through some shit.

In both Home Alone and it's fantastic sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin had to outsmart not one set of bad guys.... but two sets (counting his siblings/cousins) and three sets once you included the New York hotel staff. The kid was resourceful to say the least and we all know that we (you and I) would never have pulled that shit off at eight (or ten).

It may not be the holiday season until I watch White Christmas, but it's also not Christmas time until I say my favorite Christmas movie line (luckily, I say: "Buzz, your girlfriend.... WOOF!" year round).

Saturday, December 9, 2017

I wore elf ears upside down and pretended to be Spock.

A few years ago a couple of my aunts (and maybe Momma?) decided to start having our annual get together. The women in my family used to do it once every year around Christmas time, but back then they called it the "Sister Thing." 

It was called that, because out of Momma and her siblings, there are ten of them (if you count the oldest/craziest one that I've only met like twice in my life) with seven of them beings sisters. It's not called the "Sister Thing" anymore (because we're not all sisters and they thought it was weird.... even though more than just the "sisters" have always come), but they instead made the group name "The Girls."

And I know this, because Danielle was forced to make a FB group so that we could all "keep up" and post pictures, and communicate.... and we all use it about once a year.

When it first started they decided they wanted it to be once every couple of months, maybe meeting up for lunch sometimes and at a house another.... and that lasted about half of the first year. Then it went to twice a year for a couple of years (or maybe just one year?), and now it's at once a year. We all say that we're going to have lunch together or something like that and then the next thing we know a year has gone by.

Because we have no follow through and we're tired.

With the "once a year" way, we usually meet up at one of my aunts house and have lunch/snacks, do a "Dirty Santa" and maybe exchange holiday cookies, ornaments, and treats.... and sometimes participate in a craft.

There are always people that don't come (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND IT'S YOUR LOSS, BECAUSE WE'RE DAMN HILARIOUS), but we usually have a good time, some laughs, and it lasts a couple of hours. And then we go about our merry way and say shit like, "we're gonna have to do this more often" and we don't not do it, because we don't like each other (even though some of us like more people than others), but because once again that whole follow through thing.

This year we met up at Aunt Susi's (it's usually at her house.... always has been), and ate, did the "Dirty Santa" thing (and I'm still not 100% sure that we all know how that game works), and talked for a couple of hours. We didn't do a craft this year, but Dani made her stuffed mushrooms so I think we can all agree to chalk that up to a win.

Here's to next time.... probably.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

The amount of pride was overwhelming.... and I may have teared up.

As most people know, this past July things were drastically changed in our lives. While I didn't go into in depth detail, the fact that everything was going to be different moving forward was a given.

There were alot of sleepless nights and anxiety attacks (if I'm being perfectly honest, there still are), but I've always known that my mother was a strong lady. She's shown me her strength my entire life. The fact that she's dealt with my brother for thirty-one years is just a testament to that (because my brother has always been a terror).

These past six months have been hard. And at times.... overwhelming.

From her being sick, to her surgery and readjusting to a different life, to moving in with her sister for two months and then moving into a new home, things have just been.... "on edge" putting.

But no matter what, we have continued to love, and hope, and learn.... and just be there.

And days like today make all of the other stuff fall to the wayside and truly put into perspective the amazing things that you have in your life.

Today.... Momma took the first steps that she's taken in over five months. She doesn't have her prosthetic yet, they're still fitting it and making sure that it's all correct, but they used a "sample" prosthetic to get the dimensions right and he let her walk.

(And yes, I totally took the day off of work to go with her, because I 100% didn't want to miss this moment).

She did amazing and her doctor/prosthetist is so incredible and nice (and brave, because he and his wife have five little girls all under the age of nine!). She was excited and for a minute I thought she was going to try to take off running! I may or may not have teared up a little watching her take those steps.... and I may have taken like fourteen videos of the three minute ordeal, but I assume this is what an enormous amount of pride feels like. And to say that I have pride in her is not even the beginning of it.

It's going to be a long road ahead, as it has been this whole time, but like I always say, we got this.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Twelve seasons in and going strong. (For me).

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.... let's talk about it, shall we? As most people know it is my favorite show (even beating out Sons of Anarchy which was entirely unheard of until I was introduced to The Gang).

Danielle tried to convince me around four to five years ago to give the show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia a go. I watched the first episode or two and then forgot about it, because I have the attention span of a ferret on methamphetamine. I was going to go back and try again, but time got away from me, so it just sat on my Netflix queue for like two years.

Then one evening I decided to give it another go. You can call it whatever you want, the happenstance, the randomness, the.... three bottles of wine, giant plate of nachos, and the winter months later, but once I started it for the second time, I couldn't stop. I had to continuously binge-watch it.

And that was around two to two and a half years ago. (And I still binge-watch it).

You see, the show is tacky and crass and I LOVE it. It doesn't matter how tired or blah that I may feel, it's nothing that Charlie and the Gang can't take care of. While Charlie is clearly my favorite, I love all the other characters too and it just wouldn't be the same without them. There's nothing quite like being "???!!?!" for awhile and  The Gang putting it into perspective for you.

With all of that being said, I wanted to let you know that Netflix is losing all eleven current seasons available for streaming on December 9th. Yes, I am officially in mourning. Lucky for me, Hulu currently has twelve seasons and I don't think they're losing them anytime soon.

Saved. By. Hulu. And to think that I was going to just cancel my Hulu subscription (even though I love it and it introduced me to the series Drunk History). I was going to choose between the two, and because Netflix offered me original series like Stranger Things, Santa Clarita Diet, The Ranch, Grace and Frankie, and numerous other favorites of mine, I was just going to let that be the one that stuck around. And while Hulu has some good movie choices and such, I was still gonna stick with only Netflix.

But now, I have to keep them both, because while I do enjoy all of those Netflix shows I just mentioned.....  I need my Sunny.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Moving: a tale of the girl who's LAN cable & curling iron got thrown away.

I've been talking about this whole moving process for around two (two and a half?) months now. Well, Saturday was the big day. Uncle D woke me up at what felt like the unGodliest hour imaginable, but what was really 7:45 am. We all got up, got ready (against our will.... I guess that's what Aunt Poot and I get for drinking two bottles of wine while watching MacGyver and Hawaii Five-0 the night before?), and headed out.

Momma and Poot stayed at the new house (that has wood floors and I never knew how much wood floors made everything echo, but I still love them.... I might actually get to hear in my own house now, because everything is amplified!) to wait for the cable (really internet, but whatever) guy and hang curtains and such and Uncle D, Greg and I headed over to our big storage unit to start moving our stuff.

Oh, and we have a couch now.

My cousin, J, was helping us and said that he would meet us over at the storage unit (we had two, one big one and one small and now we only have one condensed one which I'm good with, because we don't have a lot of storage space at the new house.... yet!), so we waited for him outside the gate. We figured that with Uncle D's truck and trailer and my cousins truck that it would take us about three trips/loads to get everything.... and that's when he pulled up in a 24 foot box truck.

Where did he get it? Well.... he got it from our work. (Did I mention we work at the same place? If not, we do.) My other uncle that runs the place said that we could use it to make the move easier and to say that it made me extremely happy wouldn't even be the half of it! We got it all in one load.... except for about four big pieces of furniture that we wanted moved to our other unit, because we don't have a place for it right now. You have never seen anyone be as happy as I was that even though no matter what moving sucks, but it was easier this time around. And hopefully, I'll never have to move again.

Now we have a million things to unpack and organize, we have to figure out what we want to keep and what we want to get rid of (we got rid of Grammy's chair.... we didn't want to, but it's kind of old and it's been in and out of storage for years and we would never have gotten that smell out of it), and you wouldn't believe the amounts of laundry that we have. We may or may not take it to the laundromat so we can whack it out in one fell swoop.... or I may just start laundry this evening and not stop until it's done. It really just all depends. It would be easier to go to the laundromat, but I kind of just don't want to leave our house since we're in it now. *insert laughter but also seriousness here*

The house is very nice and it's great having our own place again.... so just wish us luck for all of our future endeavors. And a little luck on this whole finding effort to actually unpack and organize everything wouldn't hurt either.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

It's a process.... it's always a process. A throw myself off a cliff process.

I've been talking about this whole us moving thing for awhile now. I've talked about why we were moving out of the house we had been living for two years, and all of the problems there.

I've mentioned how much I hate moving and at one point Momma and I even considered moving back to Tennessee (it was a short little conversation during one of the "f*ck this" moments and we both realized it was a horrible idea and brushed it off).

I try to get through process like this with sarcasm, but the fact that it can all be frustrating is a real thing.

We were only going to be staying with my aunt for about two weeks.... and that turned into two months (and switched aunts houses).

Everytime we seemed to have found something either things didn't pan out or a offer was put in before we could even schedule to look at it.

It just honestly seemed impossible and I kind of wanted to throw myself off of a cliff.... not to be dramatic or anything.

And then we thought we had maybe found a great contender.... but then again, we had thought that before and it had been snatched, so we didn't want to get our hopes up too high. Once the house had been seen, an offer was put in and the inspection had to be done. We knew that whatever we found was going to need some kind of work. And if it was something like paint or flooring, something like that, we were good with it. But if it was a "major" problem, it would be a no-go for us.

We got the inspection back and there were just a few things that we had asked the current owners to fix and then we had to wait on their response.... and wait. And then.... wait some more. It was basically like being in Limbo and it was stressful.

But then again, this entire process/situation has been stressful, so we were pretty used to it at that point.

The current owner's counter-offered and agreed to fix three of the four things that were submitted and the last thing (unattached garage roof needs some work) would be up to us. They've been fixing things for a couple of weeks and now it's time for closing.

We weren't sure how far off the closing would be, since the paperwork takes FOREVER (all paperwork for everything on the planet takes forever.... I do a shit ton of paperwork at my current job, so I know this), so we've just been waiting.

And then the call came in and told us the closing date and time. Y'all, the house will be ours.... tomorrow at 5:00pm. And I for one am pretty damn happy about it. We'll be moving the majority of our stuff this weekend, but will probably have to get the rest of it over a little bit of time, because it's such short notice and some of our family has offered to help us move stuff, but they have lives too and can't just spend all of their time on us. And we're good with that.

So, wish us luck y'all. Hopefully, this house will be the "last" house.... because f*ck moving.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

My thoughts on the limited series Godless. (Part III).

*Over this past Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Uncle D and I decided to start a new show on Netflix.... Godless.

It's a limited series (seven episodes in total) and he's actually the one that suggested it. I had only got to see little snippets on social media and such, so I wasn't real sure on anything about it, but he had apparently seen a few commercials advertising it and wanted to check it out.

Catch up: Part I, Part II.

We managed to watch the first three episodes on Saturday night and the final four on Sunday evening.... and I would 100% recommend this series to any and everyone.

I know that there are alot of people that don't care for westerns (seriously y'all, what's wrong with you?!), but this is one of those shows that make you like it even if you don't give two hoots about the "framing."

Besides, it has actors like Jeff Daniels, Sam Waterson, Merritt Wever, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Michelle Dockery, and Jack O'Connell (whom I name last only because he's the newest to me), so you really can't go wrong.

I don't think that I've ever watched Thomas Brodie-Sangster in anything (apparently he's of Game of Thrones fame? and I only watched the first couple of seasons of that), but his way of portraying Whitey Winn made me an instant fan.

And I've been a fan of Jack O'Connell ever since I watched the movie Unbroken and quickly fell in love with the true story that he brought to life. The man is impressive to say the least. The very least, that is, because he is incredible.*

Episode Seven: Homecoming

Official Synopsis: "While the residents of La Belle prepare for Frank's onslaught, Whitey seeks help from an unexpected ally. Roy and Frank come to an understanding."

My thoughts: That newspaper guy (Grigg) is a dick and it's no surprise that the article he wrote to poke at Frank Griffin is ridiculous. I can't believe the ladies all rode out to Alice's ranch to "get Roy" and actually thought that was gonna work out. Like, even if he hadn't been gone (which he was), Alice would've shot y'all in the face. I'm not surprised that Tig Ed Logan and his crew stole all the horses. Douches. But Roy and Sheriff Bill finding them and giving them what for is priceless!! I just knew Frank and his Gang was gonna find Louise's family.... they're all dead, but Whitey is there to save her and her little brother just in time! Three cheers for Whitey Winn! Roy Goode and Sheriff Bill riding back to La Belle is what we needed. And look at those ladies loading up.... they're preparing for war!! WHAT?! WHITEY GETS TAKEN OUT FIRST BY A KNIFE TO THE CHEST?! A F*CKING KNIFE?! RIP Whitey Winn, we didn't know you long enough. This entire show was worth the wait just for this shootout scene! That ole Martha is one mean lady.... and Mary-Agnes and Alice ain't too bad either! About then, Sheriff Bill walks up into the middle of town and this is the equivalent of every single showdown in a Clint Eastwood movie. No one hits the mostly blind Sheriff and he ain't budging.... and in rides Roy! They take a shit ton of the guys out, and watching Alice shoot that guy right before he gets to Roy and Roy acknowledging her as the "saver" is the best. Of course Frank takes off after the fight is over.... and Louise finds Whitey's body. That's right Louise, I'm crying too. I knew Roy was gonna see Truckee again, you can't just leave it at what it was. Frank: "No.... I've seen my death.... this ain't it." Roy: "You seen wrong." Once Truckee catches Roy and Roy tells him to "not let that witch lady light him on fire again" it's time for the "real" western ending. After saying his goodbyes and realizing that Iyovi does in fact love him, he rides off into the sunset leaving behind his money for the woman he loves (as he had buried it under the fence post for her). The preacher finally shows up in time for Whitey's eulogy and I just can't get over Whitey being gone (even though I assumed it would happen early on). And then.... peace.

My favorite part of this episode? The entire exchange between Roy Good and Sheriff Bill. *Roy shoots the second guy in the leg* Random guy: "What did you do that for?!" Roy: "Uh.... because I'm just so damn mean, that's why."

There has been some talk about trying to pick this series up for a second season if fan response is positive enough.... but I'm of the belief that sometimes you need to let shit go. I mean, I loved this show and would watch it again in a heartbeat.... but no matter how much I love it, a second season would just damper the first. I feel like they told the story how they should've and they should just let it be what it is. More would just ruin it.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

My thoughts on the limited series Godless. (Part II).

*Over this past Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Uncle D and I decided to start a new show on Netflix.... Godless.

It's a limited series (seven episodes in total) and he's actually the one that suggested it. I had only got to see little snippets on social media and such, so I wasn't real sure on anything about it, but he had apparently seen a few commercials advertising it and wanted to check it out.

Catch up: Part I.

We managed to watch the first three episodes on Saturday night and the final four on Sunday evening.... and I would 100% recommend this series to any and everyone.

I know that there are alot of people that don't care for westerns (seriously y'all, what's wrong with you?!), but this is one of those shows that make you like it even if you don't give two hoots about the "framing."

Besides, it has actors like Jeff Daniels, Sam Waterson, Merritt Wever, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Michelle Dockery, and Jack O'Connell (whom I name last only because he's the newest to me), so you really can't go wrong.

I don't think that I've ever watched Thomas Brodie-Sangster in anything (apparently he's of Game of Thrones fame? and I only watched the first couple of seasons of that), but his way of portraying Whitey Winn made me an instant fan.

And I've been a fan of Jack O'Connell ever since I watched the movie Unbroken and quickly fell in love with the true story that he brought to life. The man is impressive to say the least. The very least, that is, because he is incredible.*

Episode Four: Fathers & Sons

Official Synopsis: "Bill receives some distressing news. Frank takes on a different type of danger. Through a series of of flashbacks, it is revealed that Roy had a brother from whom he was separated at an early age when he left Roy in the care of Sister Lucy. We also learn of Alice's past and how she and Bill first met. Roy, Truckee, and Iyuvi go on a hunting trip."

My thoughts: The episode opens with the morning of the La Belle mining accident and watching tiny little Whitey Winn pulling those dead men up and stumbling up onto one of the pregnant widows is DEVASTATING. It took seven dozen(84) lives.... wow. How is Whitey not more shell shocked from this incident? Sheriff Bill has to go identify Marshal John Cook (Sam Waterston) and once he come to the conclusion that the local law didn't do anything, he is even more driven to find Frank and stop all of this.... especially after he finds out that one of the gang members took the Marshal's badge. I'm not sure what the [point of this whole "sick house" smallpox scene is, but if it's to get me on Team Frank, it's not working. Although I concede that sometimes shitty people do good things, those twins are a terror and need to be shot asap. *flashback* So, that's why Alice has a little tender spot for Sheriff Bill. When she was widowed the first time (after the "flood"), a group of violent Native American beat and try to rape her (cutting her from her neck down to her navel in the process) and she fights back and that's when Sheriff Bill finds her, kills the attackers, and takes her to some nice Native American people that care for her. Roy Goode decides to take Truckee hunting.... and that's when Alice tricks him into taking her mother in law (Iyuni) as well. *flashback* when Roy Goode was a young'en his brother left him to be raised by Sister Lucy Cole. That's where that name on his letter comes from! Whitey is walking along with his girlfriend (Louise) who I guess isn't technically his girlfriend.... but she clearly wouldn't mind since she kisses him. She then requests that he take off his pants because she's "just gonna give him a bath" and they share a cute little moment in the creek UNTIL her daddy finds them and he very clearly does have a problem with Louise seeing Whitey (#hater). He sends Whitey off, whips Louise, and Whitey almost shoots him until Roy happens upon him and saves that day (again). Whitey understand what Roy has just done for him and I hope he remembers that once he finds out Roy's past. I don't know how Sheriff Bill just got out of the situation of Frank and all of his men surrounding him in a river.... but I'm gonna take it, because I feel like Sheriff Bill has alot more to offer.

Episode Five: Shot the Head Off a Snake

Official Synopsis: "Eager to track Frank and his crew, Bill solicits help from the Army. Meanwhile, Alice and Roy hit pay dirt and Whitey shares a secret with Mary Agnes."

My thoughts: Am I the only one that isn't surprised that Frank is the one that taught Roy how to break horses? We've already established that he's a horrible person that has a few good traits. How long did y'all let Roy hang in that tree before you cut him down? Damn. Of course the little traumatized church builder/baby almost got ate by a rattlesnake lady is the one to spill the beans on Roy. She doesn't know who he is, but that asshat writer sure is taking liberties with it. He's definitely gonna make Frank Griffin come into that town. Roy is learning to read at an unbelievable pace and Alice seems to be impressed.... and in awe. Speaking of awe, poor little Whitey is going to see Louise.... but turns back after seeing her from afar. Poor, Whitey. Roy finishes digging that well that I'm pretty sure Alice and Truckee have been digging on for like ten years and he seems at an impasse.... he knows it's time to move on. I love that Mary-Agnes is cutting her girlfriend short and being a dick and her girlfriend just straight up calls her out for it and for being a hypocrite. Get it, Callie!! Is it just me, or is Roy reading long lost/waterlogged mail to Alice for "practice" more romantic than actual grand gestures? Just me? Fine. So.... Roy dug his daddy back up, stole his clothes, and then reburied him? Cool, cool. Alice darlin, I would look sad if Roy said he was leaving me too. I love that Truckee is sassing Tig Ed Logan when they take the horses in.... do they recognize Roy? Uh oh. Roy: "Did you steal that from me." Truckee: "Eh."

My favorite part of the episode? That flashback of Frank watching a little teeny Roy steal his horse right in front of him, letting him ride out of town, and then hollering for his horse to buck Roy off. Priceless.

Episode Six: Dear Roy

Official Synopsis: "Mary-Agnes tries to help the free-spirited MArta escape her past. Grigg ensures Frank stays in the know. Roy struggles with his feelings for Alice."

My thoughts: Y'all, everyone knows that those twins are sociopaths. Roy knows it, I know it, that guy with too many knives knows it.... even Frank knows it. He's willing to overlook the fact that they just murdered their entire family (even the babies!) to have more followers.... Charles Manson much? It's ok Roy, I wouldn't want them in my "family" either. I'm loving this whole Pinkerton Detective/Mary-Agnes/Martha dynamic. So hilarious. Martha ain't scared to shoot a bitch in the leg and then take him in (#originalmadamefromthewayback). Is this preacher ever gonna show up? What are they gonna do once this church is completely built? Roy just beat the shit out of that guy.... and Frank knows Roy is no longer "under his control." Get the hell out of there, Roy!! Truckee isn't having this whole Roy leaving thing. Him throwing that fake gun and storming off is to Roy the way I feel when my dog is mad at me. It's emotional! Damn, Alice. Roy's all crying and upset and you choose this moment to kiss up on him? You go, girl! These two getting together for one night is what I imagine living near an Army base feels like. Never have scars been so sexy. Roy rides off into the horizon, but leaves his letter behind for Alice.... and it's true, his brother wants him to come and find him. Although, I feel like his brother promised to come back so maybe he should be the one to make that long ass trip? These flashbacks throw me off sometimes.... I thought I had missed something and then I realized that it was just showing the ladies of La Belle seeing their husbands off.... for the last time.

Sunday, November 26, 2017

My thoughts on the limited series Godless. (Part I).

*Over this past Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Uncle D and I decided to start a new show on Netflix.... Godless.

It's a limited series (seven episodes in total) and he's actually the one that suggested it. I had only got to see little snippets on social media and such, so I wasn't real sure on anything about it, but he had apparently seen a few commercials advertising it and wanted to check it out.

We managed to watch the first three episodes on Saturday night and the final four on Sunday evening.... and I would 100% recommend this series to any and everyone.

I know that there are alot of people that don't care for westerns (seriously y'all, what's wrong with you?!), but this is one of those shows that make you like it even if you don't give two hoots about the "framing."

Besides, it has actors like Jeff Daniels, Sam Waterson, Merritt Wever, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Michelle Dockery, and Jack O'Connell (whom I name last only because he's the newest to me), so you really can't go wrong.

I don't think that I've ever watched Thomas Brodie-Sangster in anything (apparently he's of Game of Thrones fame? and I only watched the first couple of seasons of that), but his way of portraying Whitey Winn made me an instant fan.

And I've been a fan of Jack O'Connell ever since I watched the movie Unbroken and quickly fell in love with the true story that he brought to life. The man is impressive to say the least. The very least, that is, because he is incredible.*

Episode One: An Incident at Creede

Official Synopsis: "Roy Goode disrupts a payroll robbery by Frank Griffin's gang, provoking them to lynch all the citizens of Creede. Wounded, Goode flees to La Belle- a town inhabited principally by women after a mining disaster. He takes refuge at Alice Fletcher's ranch."

My thoughts: I love that one of the first things that you see in this show is Roy Goode being shot in the neck by Alice Fletcher and falling off of his horse, because "I told you I was gonna shoot you." And watching Sam Waterston ride up on the town of Creede and looking at everything that Frank Griffin and his gang have done is truly devastating. But what really drives it home for me is how closely Alice watches Roy and sees that there's more to his story (outlaw tuned hero). Not to mention, horse whisperer party of one. Alice's mother-in-law seems to be enjoying this whole "healing Roy with fire" thing a little too much. What kind of name is Truckee? Oh, who cares, that kid is adorable and watching him learn how to read is mesmerizing. HO. LY. SHIT. Did y'all see Roy shoot that coiled up rattlesnake? Y'all can think what you want, but he totally just saved that baby's life. Excuse me for a minute..... what up, Sheriff?! Is that poop in his eyes? No seriously y'all, that doesn't look like mud. So, what I'm gathering so far is: Mary-Agnes is amazing but people think she's too manly since becoming a widow, Frank Griffin is insane and had to have his arm amputated, his gang is a crowd of lunatics, Alice Fletcher was married off when she was seventeen and a "flood" killed her first husband, Roy Goode is the kind of man westerns were made for, and Frank and his gang are "gunning" for Roy, because he "betrayed" them.

Episode Two: The Ladies of La Belle

Official Synopsis: "The women of La Belle agree to deal with a mining company to restart the mine. Bill seeks a dangerous way to prove himself. Frank shares a story with a captive audience as he relentlessly pursues Goode."

My thoughts: Clearly this is going to be one of those shows that build up until the final episode and everything is just going to go down then. Everything is going to be dealt with then.... if it's not dealt with before. What I'm seeing with this mining company coming in on the ladies of La Belle is that Tig Ed Logan is the kind of smarmy gent that you feel terribly uncomfortable around. AND THAT'S THE POINT. Mary-Agnes is clearly trying to have the ladies best interests at heart and take care of them, but those women are TERRIFIED that they don't have men anymore and are practically throwing themselves into this shady ass deal. Sorry Mary-Agnes, you tried. It's moments like these that really drive home for you that there was a time, not so long ago, that women couldn't even fathom how to go on without a man. They were 100% dependent on them and see no other way to go on. It's sad, really. I kind of wish Frank would have killed that newspaper guy, because I'm not on #TeamFrank, but I REALLY don't like that dude. And here we meet Whitey Winn.... the hilarious, good-hearted Deputy that has his Sheriff's back and is fast on the gun (and sarcasm). I love it. How is it that Roy can see that Sheriff Bill is losing his sight and isn't a coward he just legitimately can't see, and all of these townsfolk can't? Like, he's trying his best and all these bitches are just throwing stuff at him. Granted, he's a bit of a dick when he finds out his sister is a lesbian, but I really want to believe it's not coming from a hateful place, but a concerned one. Frank is a sociopath and rapist.... yeah, totally didn't see that coming. But no worries, Sheriff Bill is headed out to track down Frank and he finds a guy that sells him glasses. HE'S BACK, Y'ALL.

My favorite part of the episode? Alice holding Whitey Winn at gunpoint so she can take Roy Goode home with her. Alice: "I wanna take him home with me." Whitey: "Yeah, you and every other woman in town." Roy: "..........." And the she breaks him out, puts Whitey in, and Roy rides behind her back to the ranch. He agrees to help her break her horses if she teaches him to read and I am here for it, people.

Episode Three: Wisdom of the Horse

Official Synopsis: "Bill envisions Roy's fateful stand. A reluctant Truckee learns to ride a horse. Whitey tries his hand at making music, and John spreads the word."

My thoughts: Sheriff Bill reenacting how Roy Goode held off the entire Griffin Gang in that canyon is the kind of thing that you want from a good western. Sure, we want to see the things happen, but we also want our characters to be able to "see it happen" so to say. Sheriff Bill sees how Roy pulled off his "miracle." He shot his horse in the head (out of mercy), leaps behind said horse, uses it as a shield and takes down "seven men in the time it takes to spit.... all dead before they hit the ground." And then, knowing that wounding the leader will force the entire gang to leave, he shoots Frank instead of just killing him. Smart move, Roy. Is it just me or do y'all think that this Native American guy following Sheriff Bill around is a ghost that he conjured up to "get his shadow back" after his wife died in childbirth? While Roy is breaking the horses, the ladies of La Belle come riding up on Alice and want him back. (#dontblameyall) Alice cuts them a hell of a deal and Mary-Agnes takes her up on it.... outdrawing Whitey in the process. Oh, a little follow up with the family that the Griffin Gang tormented.... that lady is all about spilling the beans and wants them dead. You go, girl! Mary-Agnes goes to Whitey later to bring him some food and make sure that he didn't let her outdraw him.... and you get the feeling he kind of did even though she's damn good. Speaking of Whitey, he goes out to the old fort where the black Buffalo Soldiers reside to take violin lessons from a young lady.... but really, he's just there to flirt, because these two are adorable together. Roy accidentally (accidentally?) puts on Alice's dead husband's clothes and his mother is PISSED and starts whooping up on him.... and he totally just takes it. And then teaches Truckee how to ride a horse and conquer his fear, because Roy is amazing, that's why. Sure, they run into smarmy Tig Ed Logan and take a little shit, because Roy is unarmed, but he is teaching this kid valuable life lessons. Can Tig Ed Logan just decide to be the law? Is that how it works? JEFF DANIELS JUST SHOT SAM WATERSTON IN THE FACE.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

When you start getting gray hair at twenty-seven.

The other day (Sunday maybe?) Aunt Poot looked at the top of my head and informed me that my roots have grown out.... I was forced to tell her that I don't have any dye or anything else in my hair and haven't in a very long time (like, years), so everything that's showing in my hair is in fact just natural.

She took another look and said, "oh my, Katie you're getting gray hair." I think she thought I was going to freak out or be mad, but since I'm very aware that I have some gray hair (and have had it coming in for a long while), I was good with it.

You see, I used to do all kinds of things with my hair. I'm talking dye, bleach, cut, pull, yank, twist.... in fact, it's kind of a miracle that I have any hair left (and that I'm lucky enough that it's healthy).

I never dyed my hair, because I was embarrassed by it. I used to do all kinds of things to it, because it was fun and I was curious to see what I would look like with something different. You know, kind of how some people get piercings or tattoos.... except I wanted to do something that wasn't quite so permanent. So, I went crazy with my hair.

Momma was never one to get all looney-tunes about me changing my hair and I started messing with it when I was around twelve. With dying my hair from twelve until I was in my early twenties, I hadn't seen my natural color in YEARS and kind of forgot what it actually was. (I had no recollection of having kind of strawberry blonde hair, but apparently it was always there underneath the dark dye).

But now my hair won't hold color anymore (it's probably damn tired of trying to keep up) and honestly, I'm pretty much over dying it. I say leave it be and let the chips fall where they may. Alot of the women in my family have started to get gray hair young, most of them in their twenties just like me and I'm good with it. Besides, women are rocking that shit these days.

Aside from getting it cut (did I mention how much I love having my medium/kind of short hair again?), I think my "hair experimenting" days are over.

Side note: I had to have the most ridiculous argument with my cousin over her hair, because I asked her who did hers and she tried to tell me the color that was on her head was all her natural color.... and I had to tell her she was full of shit, because NOBODY is born with burgundy hair. 

*insert exasperated emoji here*

Monday, November 20, 2017

The first day that I've listened to Christmas music on the radio (in 2017).

This morning when I got to work and turned on the radio the station that was set (old school rap channel.... because sometimes you just need a little Biggie and Eminem to get you through the day) it started playing Christmas music. I wasn't necessarily happy about it, because it still doesn't feel like it should be here yet (I swear me and Uncle D just took down Christmas 2016 decorations). However, I left it on, because Dani LOVES Christmas music. She's definitely one of "those" people.

She, of course, was thrilled and I just glared at her from across the room.... that is, until I got back from running some errands on my lunch break and had the office to myself and the radio played my absolute favorite.... Bing Crosby. (While I'm still not "holly jolly" Bing always help at least put me in a good mood).

Why is it not "that time of year" until I hear Bing Crosby? Well, because Bing is dreaming of a White Christmas, dammit. Not too mention that I insist on watching the movie White Christmas at least a few times around this time of year (and I also watch it year round.... and I'm not even sorry about it).


Momma and I have the tradition of watching White Christmas for the first time every holiday season on Thanksgiving night. With us staying with Aunt Poot/Uncle D until our house is ready, I'm not sure how this will work out.... but I'm sure if I asked they would probably be ok with watching it.

I mean, who doesn't like White Christmas? And if you say yourself or someone you know.... don't talk to me, we can't be friends. Seriously, I'm pretty sure we have nothing in common and I'll probably be convinced that you're evil and Satan reincarnate. Not to be dramatic or anything....

White Christmas was released in 1954, so it has existed long before I was thought of (and before Momma was thought of for that matter.... I think maybe Aunt Poot was born in 1954?).  And while I tend to be a bit of a Scrooge (I just never feel the "holly jolly holiday spirit"), there is nothing that beats this movie to me.

And a big part of that is Bing Crosby singing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" (and of course, Danny Kaye dragging Bing into some of those crazy situations while holding his arm).

So, I guess no matter how insane it is that it's already "that time of year" already, hearing this on the radio does in fact confirm it.... I reckon that means Uncle D and I will be putting up Christmas decorations this Friday (because I officially have a four day weekend coming up and I'm not sad about it). Wish us luck.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Kendall.... he was the sweetest kid that you could have ever imagined.

As most people know, I worked in a nursing home/rehabilitation facility from my senior year of highschool until I decided to move to Indiana. While there were things that made me crazy while at that job, I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

I had the pleasure of taking care of some of the most amazing people that I've ever come in contact with in my entire life. And not only that, but I also got to know some of the families of these people.... and we all became a second family to one another. Co-workers, residents, friends and family to a point.

It's amazing how close you can get with strangers when you spend hours upon hours and days upon days with them. In the end, they're not strangers anymore and you don't even really know if they were to begin with, because you just know them as someone you love dearly.

One of the lady's that I cared for the longest, became another family to me in our own way. Not only did I spend more hours than I could ever count with her, I also got to know her family very well and spend time with them. In that situation, there are families that show and put forth effort and then sadly, there are ones that do not. She happened to have a very involved family.... particularly her two daughters and grandson.

These are good people. Kind people. They're the kind of people that you think about when you think of a small town and the families that have lived there for generations.

Sure, they have their problems, and they make no excuses for those and are actually very open about them, but no matter the problem, they're the kind of people that you can count on having your back.

I know that they've certainly had mine.

With all of that being said, I must admit that when I heard of her grandson (the son of one of her daughters with whom I had spent alot of time with) passing away last month, I couldn't quite believe it. It was shocking and sad and I'm not even sure that anyone knew what to say or do. How do you comfort an inconsolable mother? Or aunt? Or family? The answer is, you don't.

There is no consoling in a moment like this. There is only you being there when they need you and love. There are also tears, screams, questions, and a plethora of other things, but mostly, there is just confusion. Confusion as to why something like this would happen to such a sweet kid, especially at the young age of nineteen. Confusion as to what you say to his family. Confusion on how there are horrible people in this world and yet, this kid isn't anymore.

What happened or why or how doesn't matter. All there is left to do in a situation like this is to try and move forward and remembering all of the things that made you love them in the first place. It's taken well over a month for me to even wrap my head around it and I'm still not completely sure that I believe it.

But to his family I say:

"I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Kendall. He was such an amazing kid and I know how much his family loved him. Some of my fondest memories are when I got to take care of his grandmother and befriend his family. And Kendall was a big part of that. My heart goes out to his family."

Thursday, November 16, 2017

My thoughts on the second season of Stranger Things (ST2). (Part III).

*The second season of Stranger Things dropped on Netflix October 19, 2017..... and wow.

And of course, I watched the first six episodes within the first weekend, but had to take an emotional break after that. Just kidding, I watched the first six episodes, but with us staying with my aunt/uncle right now, you kind of can't binge-watch like I usually do, because rude. BUT they're pretty cool, so I can moderately binge-watch and live vicariously through the fictional world.

If you want to know about the first season: How an 80s show in the new millennium blew my mind.

*When terrifying supernatural forces once again begin to affect Hawkins, they realize Will's disappearance was only the beginning. And so, the adventure continues....*

Catch up on the second season: Part I, Part II.


(Season Finale) Episode Nine (Chapter Seventeen): The Lost Brother The Gate

Official Synopsis: "Eleven makes plans to finish what she started while the survivors turn up the heat on the monstrous force that's holding Will hostage."

My thoughts: *while feeling very uncomfortable watching the Billy and Mrs. Wheeler scene*

Ok, so.... I never really understood the whole "Billy Hargrove was supposed to represent Billy Hicks (Rob Lowe's character in St. Elmo's Fire)" theory UNTIL this episode. Seriously, this guy is a total mess, but you can totally see how he's tricking all these people into thinking he's a charming guy. But seriously, go put on some legit clothes and quit flirting with the teenager, Mrs. Wheeler (but also, good for you). We're just gonna let go of the fact that you've told that little psycho where our babies are and that he's in route to go on a murderous/psychotic rampage. This is f*cking Ted's fault.

Eleven walking in LIKE A BOSS and Mike getting to see that all 353 days have not been for naught was well worth all of the shit that has happened so far. I mean, I'm still upset about losing Bob, but this helps with the pain a bit. Of course he's mad at Hopper, and rightfully tells him so, but the whole breakdown/"update" scene was just wonderful. Our little Mike has quite alot of spunk in him and we are here for it! Is it just me, or is Mike crying the same equivalent as every sad thing that you've ever seen ever? Just me then? Ok then.

Aw, the Steve and Nancy scene with Steve accepting that Nancy should be with Jonathan and pretty much telling her so (yeah Steve, we know, we all said it last year) was adorable. That's right, Steve. You may be a shitty boyfriend.... but you're one hell of a babysitter! And just like that, I love Steve Harrison.

Did we really need Will to tell us that we had to close "The Gate." Like, no offense, it was real cool and everything, but we kind of already deduced that, Willie. And of course, it's up to our girl El to close this shit. I agree with Mike, I don't like this shit. I mean, I know it has to be done, but I don't like it!!

So.... Joyce, Jonathan, and Nancy are just gonna burn the demon out of Will all old school like they're re-enacting a scene from Misery? Cool, cool. Damn Winona, you're channeling full Veronica Sawyer in this scene and I LOVE IT.

And there's dickbag Billy showing up to ruin the party. Damn Billy, Steve just got done going full "mom" and telling those little shits that they can't go off on some crazy adventure in the Upside Down tunnels that could lead to their deaths.... how you gonna come up in the Byers house like that?! You know, this sticking up for the kids is admirable and Steve puts up a hell of a fight.... but ultimately he gets his ass handed to him and it's alot less enjoyable watching it happen via Billy in season two than it was via Jonathan in season one. Like, I love Steve at this point, y'all chill. And Max saves the day!! Damn, maybe I was wrong about this girl.... I like her stabbing her brother in the neck with a drug fueled needle and threatening him with Steve's bat style!!!

With Steve pretty well in a coma and therefore out of commission, our original party, plus Max, load Steve up in Billy's car to head into the pumpkin patch and basically straight on into hell. Two questions on this.... how badass is it that they knocked Billy out, stole his car, and that 13 year old Max is driving while the other thirteen year olds give her directions? (Also, does she need a piece of f*cking cardboard to reach the pedals? Same, girl.), And, how in the hell did they get Steve into the car?

Steve waking up in the backseat of this little gruber deathtrap is too fantastic. I love that they've stuck colorful band-aids all over him and remembered to grab a bag of ice for his wounds.

Dustin: "No, don't touch it.... Hey Buddy, you put up a good fight. He kicked your ass, but you put up a good fight." *so much laughter exuding from me* In fact, you know what, this scene is just too good not to share:


Of course they're heading straight for the giant gloomy hole that they had to rescue Hopper from. These kids know what's up. I love that Steve is still all "NO.... NO.... THIS IS NOT HAPPENING" and the kids are like this is totally happening, and he finally just relents and is like fine you little shits, but I'm leading the way!

They're just gonna pour gasoline on everything and Steve is gonna throw a lighter? That's the grand plan? You know what, sounds like a pretty effective plan, do that. Little Dustin saving them all by sweet-talking Dart with nougat is the greatest. And also, when it looks like some of them might die, but Steve saves all of them and even holds Dustin up before thinking of himself? Ok we get it, we all love you now. Mission. Accomplished.

Those monsters are headed right for our girl and our favorite small town/big mouthed sheriff. Dr. Owens is still alive? Hell yeah, you better help out if y'all make it out alive, dude! Hopper is fending off those little monsters like nobody's business. You got his, El.... wow. She closed it and it was pretty damn badass. YES.

Last thoughts: Jane Hopper? YES. ALL OF THE YESES. Just, all of them.

Watching Max get ready with her mom and her brother Billy just straight up not giving her shit is great! I love that Steve is dropping Dustin off at the dance and that Dustin has done his hair in the image of Steve. Plus, his purring and Steve being like no? Ha!! I can't believe those little shithead girls treated Dustin bad and made him cry. Where's Eleven when you need a arm broken? But damn, there comes Nancy Wheeler saving the day and making Dustin happy again! Lucas is getting the girl and Max is going for it.... good for y'all. Even little Will is getting some love. And there's little Mike sitting all alone.... until Eleven comes through that door and this is really the equivalent of an 80s dance and they're all so happy. This is the Snowball Dance that they should have gotten last year!!

AND OF COURSE WE HAVE TO END AT THE UPSIDE DOWN VERSION OF THE SNOWBALL DANCE AND WE MIGHT NOT GET THE NEXT SEASON UNTIL 2019.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

On this day one year ago.... thanks, FB.

I'm assuming that everyone knows about the app on FB that is entitled "on this day" and let's you relive the hilarity (or atrocious spelling and grammar) from years past, right?!

I find this app both helpful and hilarious for the most part, because it gives you the chance of remembering that you didn't pay close enough attention to your grammar in 2011, and the opportunity to relive some of your most hilarious moments shared with friends and family on social media.

If you're lucky like me, you have some pretty hilarious family and friends and they just kind of roll with your borderline-insane and sarcastic personality. You get each other and you watch most of the same shows/movies and read the same kinds of books and liking the same kinds of music.

And with that comes inside jokes.

The entire point of having "inside jokes" is because while you may seem insane to the rest of the world (and they may even think you're extremely weird), you can always look at that one person that the "joke" is with and they always know what you're thinking.

There just really isn't anything better (just roll with me on this one) than getting to look at someone across the room or make a little comment and only you and the other person "get it." It's both hilarious and fun.

Read the entire post here.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Just chilling here in Limbo totally not about to have a nervous breakdown.

We're still waiting to hear back about the house. While we're hopeful that this is "the one" and that it just might cure all of our current problems (fat chance, but please don't take this little ray of hope away), the fact that you have to wait on things like this is for lack of a better word.... AGONY.

Ok, maybe it's not that dramatic, but I think we can all agree that it still sucks.

When we decided on this moving thing we were hoping that it would take no more than a month to find something and not a whole lot longer to get in.... and that was about two months ago. Which granted isn't an extreme amount of time, but when you're living with someone else, feeling like you're a huge convenience, it feels alot longer.

Not to mention, I think we all have our little habits when we live by ourselves, or with certain people, and you have to be aware and change those things, because you're not in your own home anymore.

And Aunt Poot/Uncle D have made us feel nothing but welcome, but I'm assuming that they would like to have their house back to a two man team, since that's what they're used to. (Although when we move, Poot is gonna have to come down and visit a bunch).

Moving is such a pain in the ass. Once you decide to make a "big move" everything seems insane and if you don't have a great game plan, it all seems a little more stressful than it has to be. Then again, you can also think you've found something that's going to work out great and it turns out to be a shit show.

But then again, most things you do are, so you just know to roll with it at this point.

When we had our inspection last Tuesday, there were just a couple of things that he was concerned about. We knew that the garage roof needed work, and while we put that on the list to find out if the current owners will fix any part of that when we followed up with them, we kind of put it on there as a Hail Mary. With it not being directly attached to the house, it's important, but I think we can get it through the winter and maybe deal with it when things settle a little bit in the summer.

The other two things that he recommended was to have someone come in and take the furnace apart to have it checked thoroughly and to have the drainage checked (apparently the tub and sinks drain slower than he likes and it may just need to be cleaned out by pros?). When they responded to us they were getting quotes from people about the drains and furnace, and now we're just waiting to hear back on all of that.

BUT IT'S STILL STRESSFUL DAMMIT.