This Day's Amazing Quotes

I want to start with a quote from Neil Gaiman, which may be the best holiday blessing/wish I've ever heard:

May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.

Secondly, this quote is taken from Dustin Rowles, who owns and operates Pajiba.com, as well as writes on Uproxx. It is one of the most eloquent, beautiful things ever to make me split my sides:

I’ve always been ambiguous about the existence of God. I’m more agnostic than I am atheist: It’s difficult for me to deny the existence of some almighty spiritual being once I witnessed the birth of a child, or if I take a moment to consider the complexities of man, of the animal world, of Earth, and the Universe. Even if you believe in the Big Bang Theory, there still remains nagging questions about what set the Big Bang in motion. How do the Chaos Theory and Evolution co-exist without a God? If you consider the trillions and trillions of things have to be coincide at the right moment, at the right time, and in the right place for life to exist, it’s difficult to completely rule out the idea of a grand deity, a maker, someone to pull the trigger on existence. If you believe in Occam’s Razor — the idea that the most reasonable explanation is the simplest one — God, in a way, almost feels like the simplest way to explain the miracle of existence.

But now, even those doubts have been called into question. The idea that a God would allow war, famine, disease and Snooki to exist is not unfathomable: It’s the universe’s karmic balance, the yin to the yang of peace, prosperity, and good health. There’s a give and take to existence: Death cancels out life, starvation in Africa cancels out obesity in America, and “Two and a Half Men” cancels out “Community.” But the scales have tipped too far, calling my entire tenuous belief system into question.

I’ve seen Adam Sandler’s Jack and Jill.

Hospital Survival Kit

How cute is this? What a great baby shower gift, or a just-cuz-you're-about-to-release-a-human gift! Check out this Hospital Survival Kit ideal for mommies - though it could work for anyone who is/will be in the hospital for a few days.

Based on things I've read about pregnancy and birth, I would suggest possibly adding some combination of these:

~*~ magazines

~*~ toilet paper (apparently hospital grade is no good on your sensitive areas)

~*~ eye mask (I'm super light sensitive, esp when I'm in pain)

~*~ cozy socks (just me?)

And don't forget about daddy's needs:

~*~ Gift cards for fast food (babies come at all hours)

~*~ Snacks

~*~ travel mouthwash and/or deodorant

What would you add?

UPDATE: Wow, there are lots of fun survival kits online! Check out two more!

Milan Maternity

Reaves, Party of Four

A quick note on the Reaves kit: as I understand it, the active ingredient in Tylenol PM is a no-no during pregnancy. I *SWEAR* by Unisom (different active ingredient), so I'd use that instead. :)

Birthday Wish List

My head is full of fluff today, and as a result time is creepy-crawling. In order to keep myself awake, I'm going to make a birthday wish list. I know, I know, you all really care what I want for my birthday.

~*~ Tote bag / diaper bag from Retrofied on Etsy - I could use it for a purse for now then switch it to a diaper bag. Her bags are seriously awesome (and pricey). This one is my hands-down favorite.
~*~ Pregnancy massage - desperately need one of these as my back hurts every night and some days.
~*~ A Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - I've never read this book, which seems to be a nerd sin.
~*~ Doctor Who - just about anything DW would please me, but I'd love to have some seasons on DVD (preferably series 2-4)
~*~ Doctor Who t-shirt - This thing is truly spectacular
~*~ Wild Target - excellent movie with an excellent cast
~*~ Shawn of the Dead - somehow I don't own this classic.
~*~ LUSH gift card - or maybe just a few "So White" bath bombs...
~*~ Maternity leggings - I'd need to pick these out, but I think I will really need them coming soon.
~*~ Harry Potter DVDs - Warner Bros. is putting them in the vault next year (all of them) and I only own 3-5.
~*~ Tutti Frutti gift card - hey, I'm easy to please and I only just discovered how MAGICAL it is there!
~*~ Manicure / pedicure - like I said, I'm easy to please...
~*~ Digital camera - can you believe we no longer own a functioning camera? We are a shame to our generation. There's one on our baby registry, so who knows...
~*~ Fingerless gloves - I freakin' love handmade, knitted gloves with no fingers. There are tons on Etsy that I would love.
~*~ Restaurant gift cards - I know it is cliche, but I'm always up for a free meal ;-)

As I think of more I will add to the list. I know you're on the edge of your seat.

Favorite Things Party

I found the cutest Girls Night Out/In idea over on Pizzarie this morning! When I saw the title "A Favorite Things Party", I immediately thought of Oprah, which left me wondering just how budget friendly this is. Each guest commits about $30 for the gifting, and the party would be best with food and/or wine, so it isn't the cheapest night out. It would, however, make a great "Secret Santa" replacement for a group of girl friends and, by that measurement, would be cheaper. Let's take a look!

Each woman picks out five of her favorite can't-live-without-it items (ideally for $6 or less each) to share with the guests. then, through a system of name drawing, they explain each item and what makes it so wonderful, and then they give it to the winner! Check out the link and have a look; it sounds really fun!

Product Review: LUSH Bath Bombs

I felt inspired to write this based on some recent experiences. Enjoy!

So my dear friends Grags convinced me a while back to try a LUSH Bath Bomb, specifically one called Dragon's Egg. She said it was like have beautifully painted fireworks in your bath water. That intrigued me (and slightly confused me) so I gave it a try. She was not kidding! I put it in the water before I got in just to see this impressive show of color, and no lie the surface of the water looked like those fun "marbling" projects you make as a kid! Orange and pink shimmering swirls covered the water's surface, and the room filled with aromas of citrus. I would highly recommend this product, though it is invigorating, so it isn't ideal for hot-bath-before-bed. It makes a great Saturday mid-morning soak before a long, fun day.

Recently I went back to find another one. I take at least one soaking, relaxing bath a week now thanks to sore muscles from pregnancy. I found one called So White that caught my eye/nose because it had bergamot (that wonderful citrus smell in Earl Grey tea) in it. The combined smells leave an apple scent on the nose, and I knew it was for me. It lasts a long time in the bath, giving the water a soft, almost milky feeling and leaving the most tantalizing, inviting smell on your skin for hours. My husband couldn't go five minutes without commenting on how wonderful I smelled! I cannot recommend this one enough. Seriously, I wish I had a big basket of them at home (I suspect it is seasonal, so I may have to stock up)!

I went back a week later to get another So White and the saleswoman convinced me to also purchase a Cinders bomb, based on the idea that using it with the So White would leave me and the room smelling like apple cider, which I love. Once I got home, though, I decided to use them separately, so I could get two baths out of them (more bang for the buck). I used the Cinders alone last night, and I have to say it was a big disappointment. The ball disappears almost instantly, left behind almost no aroma and didn't make my skin feel different/better. The only neat thing about it, and it's small, is that it includes fizzing candy (imagine Pop Rocks) so the water kind of crackles a bit. It is supposed to remind you of a roaring fire, but the effect is pretty small. Perhaps if you used two or three of them in one bath it would be lots of fun, but I'd rather save the money and buy one I know I love.

The moral of this story: go buy me So White bath bombs. Run, don't walk. ;-)

Praying for Miracles

I often feel conflicted about how we are supposed to pray. If we ask God for something, all the while expecting not to get it, that shows a lack of faith. But if we ask for something and expect - even know - that it will happen, that feels like putting God in a box, like some genie in a bottle we can command.

Last night I fell on my knees and prayed for a miracle; a true miracle. My friend Sunday had a brain aneurysm on Sunday and was life-flighted to Baylor Univ Medical Center. By the time I heard about it on Monday he had no brain activity and they were waiting on his family to arrive in order to take him off of life support. The nurses said they had never seen anyone come back from that much damage.

And so Facebook exploded with prayers begging for a miracle.

I begged God to heal Sunday, and I found myself trying to convince Him why it was best for him. Oh, human arrogance... I was so sure it would work because a miracle this big could not be denied - think of the power of that message! It would practically be a modern day Lazarus, and with Sunday's popularity the story would have spread across the world quickly.

A few hours later I found out that Sunday had passed. I was determined to have faith in the miracle I requested, but also to accept any outcome as God's will. Praying for a miracle often feels helpless, and prayer should never feel hopeless.

One miracle I can say I witnessed: I have never seen so many heartfelt prayers and messages in my Facebook feed, and it warmed my aching heart. We don't always get the miracle we asked for, but we usually get one if we open our eyes to see it.

Week 15

I'm almost done with 15 weeks of being preggo. I have to say, so far the second trimester is my favorite. I still don't feel great all of the time, but it is more headache/dizziness and less... tumultuous tummy.

By the way, my mother-in-law has informed me that "men have bellies, mommies have tummies". I thought that was really cute, but if I'm honest, I'll cal it whatever-I-damn-well-please-thank-you-very-much. *^_^*

I'm only just starting to feel like I have a "bump", and it isn't obvious unless I'm wearing something fitted or if my tummy is bare. Every night when I get into pajamas I just kind of stand in front of the mirror, hold my tummy and just stare for a bit. Brad loves it.

My I just take a moment, by the way, to brag about my incredible husband? I don't know that I've ever known a more *thoughtful* man. I am truly blessed to have him and to be his.

I'm taking half a day of work off today to go shopping with the MIL and with Vicki (who still doesn't know because we have had trouble getting a hold of her). We'll lunch and then shop in Pearland; I never really spend time down there, but that main intersection at Mccard has so much STUFF, I'm sure we will keep plenty occupied. ; )

This week at work has been very stressful, and I imagine next week will be as well, though with (hopefully) less late hours. Fingers crossed, prayers said.

That's it for week 15! Next week we have our next 4-week appointment, and then in October we find out the sex! Truly random sidebar: I really prefer to say gender for a numbe rof reasons, but *technically* what we're finding out is the sex. Gender apparently has more to do with the developed understanding of self... or something. I'm still going to call the upcoming shindig a Gender Reveal Party, because inviting your folks to a Sex Party just sounds wrong.

::shudder::

Updates on Life

Wow, I really haven't updated in a while. And what an interesting last post date. Let me try and catch you up.

July 9th we were in Alvin with Brad's family for his uncle's memorial service. This was Alan's sister's husband, whom I had never met and who had been sick a long time. It was a sad event, but tempered by relief at his peace. However, while we were all together, we found out that Alan's brother, Rick, died in New Orleans. It was rather shocking (to most of us), and put an odd air over the day. Thankfully, at least we were all there together to comfort one another.

July 10th Rick's granddaughter was born to Eddie, Rick's son that runs a restaurant outside NOLA.

July 10th is also when we found out I was pregnant.

Weird. Weekend.

So now there's a person growing in my uterus. I'm in the middle of week 13, if I have finally figured out the correct way to measure that stuff. Honestly, it confuses me more than is logical.

Lots of prayer requests on my mind lately, as well.
**My uncle Dennis (dad's brother) was diagnosed with prostate cancer. They caught it really early, and it isn't a "bad case", so most are really optimistic, though frightened.
**My friend Celynda is having thyroid surgery in the next few weeks. She's kinda bummed and kinda scared, so I hope she reaches some peace.
**GRAGS IS ENGAGED!!! She is getting married in March, I believe, which breaks my selfish heart because that's when I'm due so I can't gallivant to Dallas. She wasn't able to make it my wedding, either, so I'm super sad, as is Brad. But life goes on, and that day isn't really about us anyway...

That should be a pretty efficient, though brief, catch up. Wish me luck (AND PRAY FOR US) as baby (and mommy) grows. Yea, panel pants!

Wish List: More Nerd Shirts

I can't think of the last time I wanted a t-shirt so badly!
"No Power in the Verse Can Stop Me"


This one is also adorable. "Wash"


Another excellent choice. "I'm a Keeper"

Harry Potter is a'coming

Only 8 days until I get to watch the next and final Harry Potter film. How sad and amazing and wonderful! I've had this delightful earworm stuck in my head for two days now - lucky me. ;)

And just a few days after the movie I'm competing in a Harry Potter themed quiz called the Geeky Cauldron. I'm rallying my friends David and Erin to help me to victory (because they're awesome, and because Joanna and Grags don't live here). When we win we will get a cash prize of anywhere between $200 and $500, depending on how many people show up.

I'm rereading Deathly Hallows now, plus going through Harry: A History again. Then I'm going to read Tales of Beedle the Bard once more; I read it once a long time ago, so I need a refresher course. I've been to these GeeksWhoDrink quizzes- they don't mess around. These questions will be obscure and difficult. Bring it on!

Crafting: A Fine Line

I spend a lot of time reading craft/DIY blogs, especially (lately) party-planning idea sites. It is so fun to dream up these elaborate parties; see, in my dreams it is all paid for by someone else... le sigh. I find the most fascinating ideas for reusing and upcycling all kinds of around-the-house (and Dollar Store) items. I've started cleaning and collecting all jars we use (mostly pickles and marinara) and saving them for any number of uses. I also have a small stack in my cubicle of instant coffee tins, which I can use as favor boxes, tiny flower 'vases', or short centerpieces.

And this experience has got me thinking: where is the line between upcycling and hoarding?

Jars are easy enough to use: leftovers, serving drinks, hold flowers, bake pies - a plethora of options. I listed several possibilities for the tins, though I wonder how likely it is I will do any of that. Then there's the drawer in my "craft room" (slash library slash bar slash throw-crap-in-there room) no longer entirely full of empty toilet paper/paper towel rolls.

Yeah.

I threw away quite a few of them eventually, though I keep some in case I ever actually get around to this project or one like it. There are lots of options for this craft, but again, will I ever actually frakking do it?

I'm not even a serious crafter; not even slightly close. What must it look like at craft bloggers houses, in the dark recesses of their I-might-use-this-someday treasure troves? I'm all for reusing what we already have and utilizing the mundane for beauty and creativity, btu at what point does it just become an inability to throw out the trash?

Moonlight

I love the feeling of trying a new-to-you TV show, when you can't tell if it is horrible or amazing and you love it either way.

Oh, you don't ever feel that? I feel it all the time. Buffy the Vampire Slayer's comes to mind. It has such a strange vibe, but you listen to hundreds of people laud it so you push through. Suddenly that strange vibe is why you fall in love.

I was Netflix meandering this week, starting with Veronica Mars. Hmm, I wonder what else Jason Dohring ever did. Not much, it seems, but he worked on a show called Moonlight. It is about vampires - surprise - though specifically one who is a private investigator. Oh and he drinks blood from a vial and/or shoots it up like heroin: no people drinking. It isn't available on Instant so I ordered the disc, and last night I watched 2 episodes. It stars Sophia "I used to bang David Tennant" Myles. The story follows Mick St John (horrible name) played by Alex O'Loughlin whose IMDb history is a bit sad considering the *pretty*. And his best/oldest friend, 400-yr old Josef, is played by a blood-drinking version of Logan Echolls.

And I love it. Unashamedly.

There is only one season, so there is no danger of me wasting too much time on it, but I absolutely love it. The plots are predictable, the effects moderate, the use of music somewhat laughable-- but who cares? I wonder how cheap I could find it on Amazon...

Homemade Taquitos - Do It

Yesterday was a rough day. While I sat eating my lunch sandwich with mom, dad called to say their house was broken into. Again. Ugh. So we tell our respective managers and head home. They didn't take much stuff, but they took all of mom's jewelry (except for a bolo tie that was her father's - I love that thing). So it was very emotional for her.

I went home, changed into jammies and got back to work. Putting on your pjs at 2pm is basically admitting defeat for productivity (at least to me), so I skipped the gym. And for dinner I wanted nothing more than a small roll of sushi. Nothing to cook or heat up, just lift chopsticks to mouth. I already had the ingredients for dinner, though, and I couldn't waste them.

I am so glad I cooked. Heavens To Mergatroid, these were delicious!

I found this recipe through Pink Parsley, who apparently adapted it from Pennies on a Platter, who got it from Our Best Bites. So essentially it was recipe telephone (or as I call it, Recipe Purple Monkey Dishwasher). I don't care where it comes from, it is DELISH! And extremely easy, especially if you happen to have leftover cooked chicken already.

Here is my adaptation:
Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos

3 oz cream cheese, softened (reduced fat is fine)
1/3 cup salsa verde
juice of 1/2 a lime
1 tsp chile powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
apprx 3 drops cayenne sauce
2 tsps minced garlic
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken *
1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
8-12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese with the salsa, lime juice, and all of the spices. Fold in the chicken and cheese. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Working 3 tortillas at a time, stack them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with plastic wrap. Cook 20 seconds, or until tortillas are soft and pliable.

Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of each tortilla, and roll tightly. Place seam side-down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Spray the taquitos lightly with cooking spray, sprinkle with salt. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are crisp and golden-brown. Serve with avocado and corn salsa or guacamole.


*This is how I prepare my chicken if I don't have leftover chicken to use: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spread a piece of aluminum foil across a baking sheet, and arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in the center. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and season as you wish. Fold the aluminum foil over the chicken breasts, and enclose them to form a "packet." Bake the chicken (on the baking sheet) 35-45 minutes, or until it is cooked through.


**To freeze, prepare the taquitos, but before baking, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator until the taquitos are completely cold. Wrap each taquito in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze. To bake, unwrap the taquitos and cook in a 425 degree oven for 20 minutes (no need to thaw first).

To be fair, I didn't measure any of my spices; I rarely do. And I used pre-made salsa verde, but Pink Parsley has a recipe, in case you would rather make it as well.

These are very simple and delicious, as well as very adaptable. I recommend you make them soon. I cooked double the necessray chciken, so I have some leftover in the fridge. I discovered (via snacking while cooking, a constant crime of mine) that the mixture makes a great dip as well. I forsee Friday lunch being tasty and familiar...

Wish List: "Good Cause" Edition

I hope I don't get any flack for putting good cause in quotes: I don't mean to suggest it isn't a good cause, merely that me buying myself an awesome shirt would be more selfish than altruistic.

The proceeds from these shirts, based on multiple fandoms, go towards the "FckH8" campaign to fight Proposition 8 (for those of you living under a rock, that is an anti-gay-marriage campaign). I just love them. When I scrolled over the design I got a close-up of the text, so just trust me that these are shirts.

Some Time Agents Marry Office Boys


Some Doctors Marry Big Blue Boxes


Some Doctors Marry Romans and Gingers

Troy Supercut

I found this amazing supercut of Troy from "Community" today - enjoy!

Decor Rambling

Having fun finding inspiration photos from Houzz...

I love this idea for a coffee table and additional seating. Plus that major art piece is (or at least can be) made from paper towel/toilet paper rolls! DIY

contemporary family room design by san diego architect twenty7 design

Awesome wall color. Fun and funky pom poms. West Elm daybed. WANT!

spaces design

I couldn't put anything like this in the kitchen because of the cats, but this could be SO MANY THINGS in a guest room. You could hang string lights or ornaments, you could create a faux mobile over a crib, you could hang family pics in a hallway - basically anything!

eclectic kitchen design

If you hung a ladder away from a wall in a bathroom (maybe with L-Brackets?) it would make a great towel rack with character.

contemporary bathroom design by montreal interior designer Deborah Derocher

I love that this room is very crisp but still has lots of patterns and energy.

eclectic bedroom design by other metros media and blogs Michelle Hinckley

I love this mirror and the way it compliments the softness of the room but remains bold.

spaces design by san francisco interior designer Melanie Coddington

Hope you enjoyed my wander through Decor Land.

In Which I Fail at Reading

Is anyone surprised that I've reviewed ONE book for the CBR III? I'm not. I made the smallest goal allowed (13 in a year), but this is still ridiculous. I do read occasionally, but I admit I've been brainnapped by Netflix Instant. Mostly when I read, I pick up something familiar to relax. I really want to start The Hunger Games, but the nearest library is... well... crappy. And books aren't high on the financial priority list right now. Especially because I have a stack of books I bought last year and still haven't read. And frankly right now I'm in the mood to read plays. I've discovered the BBC Radio 4 Podcast called "Play of the Week", and it is just as it sounds: every week they post a radio play. I'm not sure I've ever really listened to one, but I am officially in love!

I heard of it originally because the composer for Doctor Who (Murray Gold) had written music for something called "Kafka: The Musical" and David Tennant was playing Kafka. You have my attention. The title is somewhat misleading. The show is a play about a musical (mega meta), and there are some songs, but not until minute 51 of roughly 90. It is the sort of play that I wonder if it would be clearer or foggier if visualized.

Have you ever read a book and REALLY loved it, but you can't visualize it as a film or performance because, in doing so, it would lose some mystery or give something away? I remember watching Fight Club and wondering how the book reads (I am told it is one of the few movies better than the book). I love several of Palahniuk's books and most of them leave me with that sense that visualizing will tamper with the true spirit of the storytelling; Invisible Monsters is a good example.

The intertwining of reality and dreams and performance in "Kafka" is a stunning web where I was often lost. For every time I wished to see the structure there was a moment I was grateful for the necessity to imagine it.

This week's play is called "That's Mine, This is Yours" by Peter Souster, and it is a real delight. The story follows a couple mid-divorce as they divide their possessions, and while that isn't a hilarious theme the play is a soft-hearted romantic comedy. It runs at only slightly over 40 minutes and features a tight cast of only three, which leaves me thinking it would be a great UIL show (some things never leave us), so I'm suggesting it to my friends who work with high school theatre. It would also make a good piece in an evening of shorter plays. I'm going to go script hunting - wish me luck!

Gratuitous Time Wasting: Doctor Who

I found this little meme online a while back and I never started it. Now that we are SIX days away from the new season I feel I should have posted it in a more timely fashion. So, rather than actually doing "30 Days of Doctor Who" I'm going to post my favorite questions and answers.

Day 1 - Favorite Incarnation of the Doctor

Tenth: David Tennant

I love the devil-may-care qualities of Ten, as well as the intense passion for what he believes is right. The tenth Doctor has a sense of fun and silliness, but the character’s gravity and sense of loss are never truly absent. Tennant makes words like an artist sculpts. He chews them, savoring every last bit of flavor, like truly excellent gum. Plus he is pretty.

Day 2 - Favorite Companion

Donna Noble

She ranges from downtrodden and terrified to ballsy and brassy, and I love every second. When I first watched “The Runaway Bride” I did not like the character, and I was glad she didn’t stick around. By the time we got her back in Series 4 I loved her. She had grown so much already, and she had only begun to learn her own potential.

Day 4 - Favorite Character

River Song

There is so much yet to learn about River and I am pleasantly anxious for it all. The Time-Traveler’s-Wife vibe on the whole thing is delectable without feeling unoriginal. Plus, who doesn’t love Alex Kingston? As time goes on (and spoilers erupt) I’m even more excited to discover River’s identity, because I no longer think it is the obvious… My current makes-no-sense theory: (I) (A)m (T)he (D)octor’s, (R )iver (S)ong. (TARDIS)

Day 5 - Favorite Guest Star

James Corden

He is so lovable and fun! I love “The Lodger” so much. I started following him on Twitter and then looked into his IMDb resume, and now I’ve started “Gavin and Stacey”. Corden seems like an absolute blast to be around.

Day 6 - Least Favorite Character

Amy Pond

Yes, I know, I KNOW! But I find her so flip-floppy and self-interested. Is it supposed to be funny that she tries to seduce the Doctor the night before her wedding, or that she wants to “snog in the bushes” on her wedding day? Because it isn’t. It is pathetic. And I love Rory so much that I dislike Amy even more for his sake. No offense to Gillan – Lord knows I love me a hot ginger – but I find the character truly obnoxious.

Day 7 - Favorite Episode

“Smith and Jones”

This one is tough. I absolutely love “The Lodger” and “Partners in Crime”, but if I could only watch one ep (repeatedly) I would choose “Smith and Jones”. I just love the Doctor’s quirks and Martha’s reactions. He could practically do the whole episode mute using only his eyebrows to communicate. “Barefoot on the moon!”

Day 8 - Favorite Series/Season

Series Four

I have favorite episodes from every series so far, but I love the interactions between Donna and the Doctor. Adipose, Pompeii, Ood, The Library, “Midnight” (shudder) and the big reunion (and hybrid) of the finale? Yes, yes, a thousand times YES!

Day 9 - Least Favorite Episode

“Daleks in Manhattan” / “Evolution of the Daleks”

Other than the presence of Andrew Garfield, I find nothing appealing about these episodes. Too many irrelevant characters, weird self-doubt issues from the Daleks (whah) and creepy hybrids? Yawn.

Day 11 - Scene/Moment that makes you cry

Death of alien in “Vincent and the Doctor”

I can never remember the name of that alien, but I call it Chickensauraus because… well, it looks like a chicken and a dinosaur had a creepy alien baby. Anyway, that scene is gut-wrenching. I am actually tearing up just thinking about it. Blind, alone and scared? All three of them just feel such remorse when they realize it, and that poor creature… I have to stop talking about it.

Day 12 - Scene/Moment that makes you giggle

Cassandra takes over The Doctor in “New Earth”

Every time I watch this ep (read: many) I giggle when David Tennant starts slinking around discussing his own sex appeal. “And a little bit foxy” always makes me giggle like a teenager. You know he had fun doing that (ever seen his turn as Davina? YouTube it) “Oh baby, I’m beating out a samba!”

Day 16 - Fave Martha Moment

Death of the Hath, “The Doctor’s Daughter”

In a moment that ought to make me snicker at overacting, I feel Freema shines. I really believe her despair as her new friend sinks in the radioactive-mud-stuff. That moment is caked with plot-cheese, from having to fear drowning in a pit that probably comes up to her chest to the friend-of-five-minutes alien braving the trap himself and then drowning EVEN THOUGH HE IS HALF FISH! Writing about it makes me want to laugh, but watching it always gets me.

Day 18 - Fave Amy Moment

Fake Labor, “Amy’s Choice”

I’m not a big Amy Pond fan (as you know), but I love the moment in “Amy’s Choice” when she starts having contractions and screaming in the street in order to scare The Doctor. “This is my life now and it just turned you white as a sheet, so don't you call it dull again, ever.”

Day 23 - Something Epic

“The Family of Blood”

"He never raised his voice. That was the worst thing - the fury of the Time Lord - and then we discovered why. Why this Doctor, who had fought with gods and demons, why he had run away from us and hidden. He was being kind. He wrapped my father in unbreakable chains forged in the heart of a dwarf star. He tricked my mother into the event horizon of a collapsing galaxy to be imprisoned there, forever. He still visits my sister, once a year, every year. I wonder if one day he might forgive her, but there she is. Can you see? He trapped her inside a mirror. Every mirror. If ever you look at your reflection and see something move behind you just for a second, that’s her. That’s always her. As for me, I was suspended in time and the Doctor put me to work standing over the fields of England, as their protector. We wanted to live forever, so The Doctor made sure we did." This scene is such an epic end to an incredible story.

Words I Never Thought I'd Hear

This morning I got to church between services for sound check with the praise team. When I got there no one was starting so I sat and started to look at a song our soon-to-be-leaving worship minister had written that week. Before I got one note into it, one of the church elders came and kneeled next to me:

Elder: "Is it awful that for our next music minister, yours is the first name I thought of? Is that just out of place?"
Me: "Out of place, yes, but not awful at all."

We ended up having a fascinating (and flattering) discussion about "the rules" in our church, and which ones we feel could use a good shaping (or tossing). He truly wants to suggest my name when the topic soon arises. He and I both know that it won't work - our church is not near ready for a female worship minister - but just for the mere sake of gauging reactions, I think he really might suggest it.

And I haven't been able to stop thinking of the possibilities.

I had never even thought of something like that, not really. It is something I think I would really love, but growing up in fairly conservative churches of Christ, I knew it "wasn't meant to be". But now that he has planted this seed in my brain I cannot shake it. What if? What if? Could I really stand in front of that church and lead them in worship? Would they follow me? And if I chose to try it, would it be for God's glory or for my own personal social experiment?

We discussed God's gifts, and how we should use what we are given. I told him that I would soon get to use my gift of bluntness for the women's ministry (a sex forum). The idea of getting to use my gift of song in that huge capacity is something that, frankly, I cannot even fathom.

No part of me really expects this to go any further than an idea; not with this church, not right now. But to even hear those words from a leader of our church makes me very curious and optimistic for it's future.

Wish List: Nerd Shirt Edition

For crying out loud, people! I am finding so many sites of awesome nerd shirts for really cheap. So any and all upcoming gifting occassions are taken care of. Behold:

Back to the Island

Count the Shadows

Doctor Lost Constant (my awesome online friend JoRo has this one) Abaeterno

Wandering Thoughts: Hamlet vs Doctor Who

"There are more things in Heaven and Earth... than are dreamt of in our philosophy."

~*~Hamlet, Shakespeare

"It seems to me there's so much more to the world then the average eye is allowed to see."

~*~Vincent and the Doctor, Doctor Who S5E10

~*+*~*+*~*+*~*+*~*+*~

"Gentlemen let us go in together, and steal your fingers on your lips, I pray."

~*~Hamlet, Shakespeare

"Fingers on lips!"

~*~Fear Her, Doctor Who S2E11

Everything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt: Bible edition

In studying for the sex forum I want to lead at church (whee!) I found a wonderful verse - 1 Timothy 4:4. Thanks to a tip I once received from Grags I looked up The Message to see it from a different angle. What a difference it makes!

(1-5) The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they've lost their capacity for truth. They will tell you not to get married. They'll tell you not to eat this or that food—perfectly good food God created to be eaten heartily and with thanksgiving by believers who know better! Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God's Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy.

I have read it over and over again now, and all I can think of is politics. "These liars have lied so well and for so long that they've lost their capacity for truth." But the interesting part is that my mind didn't jump to Democrats: it jumped to Republicans. Or at least, I should say, the Conservatives I encounter so often...

There are many smart, caring, truly wonderful Christians that I love and respect whose beliefs make me want to cry. I know I haven't got it all right - these same people might feel the same 'loss' for me - but I cannot stomach any belief that makes God out to be hateful or intolerant.

I am not so naive as to believe that God is always "nice". Being a Christian isn't meant to be easy; God isn't interested in whether or not we are "happy". We should have joy and contentment, both of which can exist without happiness. He tells us things are wrong and evil in his sight, and I believe it. I also believe in his never-ending forgiveness, our unearnable salvation (grace) and his all-consuming love.

"They will tell you not to get married." I cannot read this verse without feeling true remorse for the "congregants" of Westboro. Those poor souls are so poisoned with hatred and false righteousness that they drown in it. They rejoice in people's pain and mock those who suffer, and they think they do so to God's honor. Nothing could be further from The Truth.

This verse in 1 Timothy gives me a breath of fresh hope. God should be honored in all things we do. If I get a tattoo of a Bible verse scrawled across my back, it can be in God's honor: think of the wonderful conversations it could start! Ever seen bikers for Christ? People get a certain image, often negative, when they think of motorcycle gangs, but I've seen them spouting scripture and sharing the Word in places some Christians fear to tread.

Speaking of bikers for Christ, Bammel has a group that tours in the MS150 every year called "Traveling Light". For me personally, riding a bike for 5 minutes, let alone 150 miles, would be a very unChristian experience - I know me, I know this body and this foul mouth... But these people take an ordinary activity and do it to God's honor. This is what we are called to do!

I know I rambled a bit (gasp!), but I really wanted to get these ideas down. Everything we do should praise God, whether or not someone else thinks it can praise God. It can be accepting a neighbor as they are or riding across Texas.

Everything (Can Be) Beautiful and Nothing (Should Have To) Hurt

Responsible Adult (on occassion)

Last night was one of those nights where I take a deep breath, look in the mirror and say, "I can be a responsible adult after all. Whew!"

It is a shame how rarely I feel that way.

After work I went home to change clothes and then - gasp - went to the gym! The shock! And even more shocking was how much I LOVED it! It takes a lot to get me to a gym (I would be the mayor of LazyTown but the election was too much trouble), but once I'm there I kind of freakin' love it. My gym (Fitness19) has those cardio machines with a tiny TV, so I plug in my headphones, find something funny to distract me and set to a brisk walk on a heavy incline. Suddenly I realize I've walked a mile! Without the distraction I just stare at the timer thinking, "It has only been 5 minutes?!? Whaaaa!"

After that I hit the leg press. I don't know why, but it is almost always my favorite machine. The location seemed perfect, too (right under a fan), but if I were a man (or a lesbian) it would have been even better, because I was right behind the girls in short-shorts on the stair-climbers. Oy... I just cranked up my music and stared at the ceiling.

I closed with some free weights; triceps and obliques. Since I'm just starting out I'm staying in my comfort zone. Hopefully before long I can push myself to different exercises.

On the way home I stopped at the store for pasta and chicken. I made the simplest, YUMMIEST salad! It was kind of a "fridge cleaner", because I chopped up any and all veggies in the fridge. I used the tail end of a shallot, the remaining halves of a zucchini and squash plus some asparagus. I gave them a quick saute and tossed them with farfalle and some rotisserie chicken. Add lemon juice and olive oil (plus salt and pepper) and it was right tasty! If Brad doesn't finish it for lunch, I will probably do it for dinner again tonight. I might add roma tomatoes, but I'm not sure. Oh, and I put in a little goat cheese, but I like it better without. (I was inspired by this PW recipe.)

After dinner I organized out tax paperwork so we can go be grownups tomorrow. And then I watched the first half of Micmacs while soaking in the tub. Overall it was a truly lovely night.

Tonight I'm going back to the gym and having another delicious, low(ish) calorie meal and then painting my nails. I know, I know, it is a fast-paced and glamorous life I lead. Try not to be jealous.

Dwell with Dignity

I don't spend nearly enough (read: almost any) time working with charities and other helpful organizations. Even my activities at church are fairly limited. I would like to believe that if we had a Dwell with Dignity in Houston, I would spend some time there. At the very least I would donate some furniture to those with greater vision and stick-to-it-iveness.

(From their website)
"Dwell with Dignity is a non-profit group of Interior Designers and volunteers dedicated to creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. We provide and install home interiors for families that include furnishings and art, bedding and kitchen supplies, and food in the pantry. Our mission is to help families escape poverty and homelessness through design. One household at a time."

How cool is that? Some people might think of it as fluff, "decorating someones home to make them feel better", but they do so much more. They provide homes, not just shelter. They give people pride and a sense of worth in what they have. They create an atmosphere of safety for those who might not have had it in a long time, or possibly ever.

You can help! Of course they need people to underwrite donations for home goods, but they also need your stuff. You can contact them with descriptions and photos of any furniture and they decide whether nor not they can put it to good use. Repurposing is a large part of their process, as it teaches responsibility in ownership. Also, if you live in/near the Dallas area, they always need volunteers, "everything from refurbishing furniture and making art to putting fundraisers together and writing grants."

If nothing else, check out their projects, the amazing before and afters. They are very inspiring.

New Low: And yet I'm surprised...

Several months ago my husband came home from work and asked, "Have you heard the new Katy Perry song? Something about dreams?"

ME: No, don't think so.
HUBS: Let me show this to you.

So we find a YouTube video that shows the lyrics. And we listen, and Brad just watches me as my jaw hits the table.

ME: The hell?!? These lyrics are horrible!
HUBS: Yeah, that's what I siad.
ME: Is she seriously condoning teenagers getting drunk and having sex in hotels? What the hell?

It made me really angry. Any time it came on the radio I immediately changed the station. And I want to hate Darren Criss for making me like it during the Glee cover. How can we slide not-so-gradually into a media that ENCOURAGES illegal and unsafe behavior in children?

It makes me feel old. Which I hate, not because I'm 27 and shouldn't feel old, but because that means accepting this trash is a young mentality. ::shudder::

And then, this morning, I turn on my radio and hear Rhianna's new song, "S&M". Yeah, THAT S&M. As in sadomaschism. Let's take a look at some of the "lyrics" (I'm truly sorry):

Feels so good being bad
There’s no way I’m turnin’ back
Now the pain is my pleasure
Cause nothin’ can measure

Love is great, love is fine
Out the box, outta line
The affection nothin’ feelin
Leave me wanting more

Cause I may be bad, but
I’m perfectly good at it
Sex in the air
I don’t care I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But chains and whips excite me

S, S, S&M, M, M
S, S, S&M, M, M

Ohh
I love the feelin’ oh you bring to me
Turn me on, you turn me on
Is exactly what I’ve been yearning for
You need forgive me turn me it up
And make me be in my …, in my bodies surprise
I like it, like it

Cause I may be bad, but
I’m perfectly good at it
Sex in the air
I don’t care I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But chains and whips excite me

S-S-S&M-M-M
S-S-S&M-M-M
S-S-S&M-M-M
S-S-S&M-M-M

So... this is on the radio. Neat.

I'm gonna go cry now.

New Zealand

An earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand last night (lunchtime their time). It was the worst natural disaster seen in the region is 80 years. At last count, 65 were counted dead and several are still missing.

And do you know my first thought when I heard a quake had hit New Zealand? "I hope it wasn't in the wine region." That was the first thing that popped into my head, and I am not proud of it.

I generally remain blissfully ignorant of the world, big-picture. I won't deny that. And again, I'm not proud of that. I am such an empathetic person that, if I keep up with the news, I feel consistently depressed. But how is that an excuse?

The BBC has an article on their site detailing the damage, and they paint a horrific picture. Among the missing is a group of visiting Japanese students. Among the dead are two buses full that were crushed by buildings. People describe bodies just lying around under a layer of brick and screams issuing from the rubble.

I urge you to pray for this community. They are without power and water. They are scared and can't find their friends and family. Please pray for them. Right now. Stop what you are doing and take a knee. There is no time like the present to do what you can.

Doctor Who Valentines

I can always count on Jamila (MsChicGeek) to provide the most delicious nerdery online - her blog is a treasure trove of geekiness! Today she has up a large group of Doctor Who Valentines, which you know I couldn't resist. Go check it out, but these are my favorites:

Snorg Tees

I'm sure Snorg Tees are aimed at hipsters. I mean, come on, their ads are always next to American Apparel and on sites like TextsFromLastNight and LOLCats. But hey, that doesn't mean some aren't really great. Here are my faves:

Walking the fence between hectic and boring

I'm adjusting well to my new job functions... at least, I think I am. I feel like I'm in limbo right now at work: I'm still sitting with my old group, due to a lack of offices near the new team. This leaves me kind of "without a country". If I have questions, I have to either pick up the phone or walk to the other side of the building. I know, I know, #whitegirlproblems, but I feel strangely isolated. At any given time, my team members could be running around frantically trying to complete a task, but if no one calls me, I won't know. I will be sitting over here twiddling my thumbs in between emails.

If these past few weeks are any indication, this new job will have me walking the fence between hectic and boring at all times. My first week on the job I worked 64 hours and completed a beautiful product on deadline. Whew! Since then, I've been slugging along, hoping I'm not overlooking some huge responsibility because no one showed it to me.

It does give me the opportunity to continue helping my old team on the sly, which is nice (for them). I hated to walk away from it as it reached completion, but one has to go where one is told*. At this point I am just praying for an office to become available: that way I can be in the heart of the team, instead of feeling/looking like an outsider.

Plus, I really want to put up my Doctor Who poster, and the only way I am doing that is on the back of an office door. No shame in my game, but no need to wave my nerd flag quite so high in my corporate office...

*Ah, the drone mindset...

Between a Rock and a Hot Place

I plan to ask God, when I meet him, what was the purpose of the Phelps family and the Westboro Baptist Church. What was their goal? Because, without divine wisdom, I will never understand it.

Protesting a funeral makes no sense. End of sentence. What is to be gained, except for causing pain to the mourning? What else could be a possible goal? And even though I find it sinful and deplorable, I can almost glean their goal from protesting a homosexual or the country that (essentially) tolerates it. But an innocent nine-year old?

It makes me sick to my stomach. And, unfortunately, I think THAT has to be the goal, doesn't it? Attention has to be purpose. Making other people angry so that they behave badly, all in order to emphasize your original point that Americans are awful and God hates them. Or something.

Every time it happens, more people stand against it. And that is something we can be proud of, isn't it? Well, isn't it?

A bill is being pushed furiously across desks throughout Arizona in order to stop this kind of behavior. And I want to celebrate that. But then I read this sentence:

"The court is expected to issue a ruling soon on whether free speech can be curbed at specific locations and events."

At this point I hear myself saying things like "slippery slope". That choice of words... well, it isn't good.

And I think that perhaps I understand a tiny piece of why these vile people exist in the world: to encite discussion and discovery. But I'm still going to have to ask God.

Poster Mash-Ups

I have just found this wonderful weekly feature on Empire Online. Each week has a theme and you submit a poster mashing the given theme with some random (hopefully clever) movie. I'm going to show you my favorites, most of which are Doctor Who, plus one great Harry Potter one. Most of the Harry Potter posters were sadly lame.

Doctor's Eleven

Ood Morning Vietnam

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Doctor Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Star Trek Regenerations

Hogwarts Express

Cannonball Read III - the new blog

As I read my books for the CannonBall Read I will be posting reviews at a new blog: http://pattyogreencannonball.wordpress.com/

I signed up for a Quarter CannonBall, so I only have to read 13 books, but my goal is to surpass that expectation. Pretty soon I will put up a review for The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.