A lot of people don't understand my love for The Office, and that's okay. Yes, I know it's a television show and that the characters are not real. Nevertheless, they are my friends.
I started watching The Office at the beginning of season 2 and never stopped. I've seen the first five seasons at least six or seven times by now. When I started watching, Michael was just painful. Pam was still engaged to Roy. Jim hid out at his desk with no goals. Now they all have families and goals that I never could have imagined.
I know it's scripted that way, but the mockumentary style makes you feel like you're in the moment. There has never been a fourth wall to separate us. Jim looked into the camera and told us about his feelings for Pam before anyone else knew. Michael told us his deepest secrets. We knew about Dwight and Angela's relationship before anyone else. It felt like the audience was part of the family, because we were.
I watched with baited breath as Jim finally confessed his feelings to Pam at the end of season two, only for her to turn him down. Now they have two children.
I watched their lives unfold just as mine did. I took them to high school and then undergrad and then to graduate school. There was one particular time in my life that I didn't want to share with other people. I felt so alone and unsure about everything. I spent most of that time in my room with the door closed. I figure everyone thought I was sleeping, but I never slept. I watched The Office over and over. (Thank God for Netflix) Sometimes, you just need to forget about what's going on in reality and just laugh. The Office gave that to me. How many times can one person watch "Stress Relief"? I might hold the record. It's impossible to think about your own problems with all that nonsense happening. Since that time, I use The Office to get over all of my bad days.
If The Office has taught me anything, it's patience. You think Jim and Pam took forever? I've been a Dwangela fan since that barbecue in season two, and it's taken them up until last week to finally make it work. These people are in their 30s and 40s, and some of them are still unsure about what they're doing. Even Dwight Schrute gets everything in the end, including his dream job.
The Office proves that some families aren't tied together by blood. They all have this strong connection to one another, just because of where they work. Michael considered all of them to be family. I think the series even ends on a wedding. It's more than just a workplace comedy. It's a coming of age story and a family drama, too.
It's just everything. Not only to me. To a lot of people.
The Office taught me how to wait, how to love, how to follow my dreams, how to prank people, and how to spot budding romances with hardly any clues.
This show has meant a lot to me over the years, and I can't wait to see how it ends. I'm thankful for the incredible time I've had along the way. What a long, strange trip it's been.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
The Office Rewatch - Season 8
Let me go ahead and get my rant out of the way: Andy should never ever ever ever ever have been named Regional Manager. He's no Michael Scott, and the writers had pretty much destroyed the character by that point. Dwight has always been the choice for that job.
This season was terrible for the most part. There were a few high points, but it was obvious they were trying to figure out what to do without Steve. I like James Spader in theory, but Robert California was terrible.
Angela and Pam have babies, which is cool. Who is Angela's baby daddy? Only time will tell.
The best moment of the season is when David Wallace buys the company back. Maybe this time of insanity is over.
Episodes to Watch:
"The List"
"The Incentive"
"Christmas Wishes"
"Trivia"
"Jury Duty"
"Angry Andy"
"Free Family Portrait Studio"
This season was terrible for the most part. There were a few high points, but it was obvious they were trying to figure out what to do without Steve. I like James Spader in theory, but Robert California was terrible.
Angela and Pam have babies, which is cool. Who is Angela's baby daddy? Only time will tell.
The best moment of the season is when David Wallace buys the company back. Maybe this time of insanity is over.
Episodes to Watch:
"The List"
"The Incentive"
"Christmas Wishes"
"Trivia"
"Jury Duty"
"Angry Andy"
"Free Family Portrait Studio"
The Office Rewatch - Season 7
Michael's last season. I could go into more detail, but there's no need. Still feeling the void two years later, so, yeah.
Because it was his last season, they brought a lot of people back. Michael gets a cold sore and thinks he should contact all the women he slept with over the years. This gets us Jan, Helene, Carol, Donna, and Holly. His conversation with Holly leads to Michael confronting his feelings about their relationship that had been cut short. "Classy Christmas" brought Holly back to Scranton, even though she was still dating AJ. How did I become so invested in Michael's love life?
She eventually gets her life together and realizes that Michael is the guy for her. "Garage Sale" is just the best. It's the ultimate ending for Michael. He has (we have) waited so long for this to happen, and it finally did. He finally found the woman of his dreams and can finally start the family he's wanted since he was a child on Fundle Bundle. So I finally understand, Steve. I never understand how you could leave, but I guess there was nothing left to say. I would love a cameo appearance in the final episode, though. (Tears everywhere)
"Threat Level Midnight" brought back a lot of people from the past to say goodbye, in a way. I'm so glad they brought the screenplay back from season 2. It was hilarious then, and it's even more hilarious when it's acted out.
"Michael's Last Dundies" = just tears everywhere.
"Goodbye Michael" is everything. Michael says goodbye to everyone in his own way and it's perfect. His goodbyes to Jim and Pam are two of my top moments of the whole show. Jim says what we're all thinking and Pam chases him down to say goodbye at the airport. It's the best ending for him. (More tears all over the place)
I feel bad for Will Ferrell's role this season, because it was a no win situation. No amount of guest stars could ever make up for losing Michael Scott. He was everything. I'm a Will Ferrell fan, but DeAngelo was terrible. I feel bad the writers were put in the predicament to try and fix the void. They tried, I think, but it was awful. Do yourself a favor and watch "Goodbye Michael" and then skip to season 9.
Also, how hot was Mindy Kaling this season? (She's basically my idol.)
Episodes to watch:
"Nepotism"
"Sex Ed"
"Classy Christmas"
"Ultimatum"
"The Search"
"Threat Level Midnight"
"Garage Sale"
"Michael's Last Dundies"
"Goodbye Michael"
**"Counseling" is pretty hilarious.
Because it was his last season, they brought a lot of people back. Michael gets a cold sore and thinks he should contact all the women he slept with over the years. This gets us Jan, Helene, Carol, Donna, and Holly. His conversation with Holly leads to Michael confronting his feelings about their relationship that had been cut short. "Classy Christmas" brought Holly back to Scranton, even though she was still dating AJ. How did I become so invested in Michael's love life?
She eventually gets her life together and realizes that Michael is the guy for her. "Garage Sale" is just the best. It's the ultimate ending for Michael. He has (we have) waited so long for this to happen, and it finally did. He finally found the woman of his dreams and can finally start the family he's wanted since he was a child on Fundle Bundle. So I finally understand, Steve. I never understand how you could leave, but I guess there was nothing left to say. I would love a cameo appearance in the final episode, though. (Tears everywhere)
"Threat Level Midnight" brought back a lot of people from the past to say goodbye, in a way. I'm so glad they brought the screenplay back from season 2. It was hilarious then, and it's even more hilarious when it's acted out.
"Michael's Last Dundies" = just tears everywhere.
"Goodbye Michael" is everything. Michael says goodbye to everyone in his own way and it's perfect. His goodbyes to Jim and Pam are two of my top moments of the whole show. Jim says what we're all thinking and Pam chases him down to say goodbye at the airport. It's the best ending for him. (More tears all over the place)
I feel bad for Will Ferrell's role this season, because it was a no win situation. No amount of guest stars could ever make up for losing Michael Scott. He was everything. I'm a Will Ferrell fan, but DeAngelo was terrible. I feel bad the writers were put in the predicament to try and fix the void. They tried, I think, but it was awful. Do yourself a favor and watch "Goodbye Michael" and then skip to season 9.
Also, how hot was Mindy Kaling this season? (She's basically my idol.)
Episodes to watch:
"Nepotism"
"Sex Ed"
"Classy Christmas"
"Ultimatum"
"The Search"
"Threat Level Midnight"
"Garage Sale"
"Michael's Last Dundies"
"Goodbye Michael"
**"Counseling" is pretty hilarious.
The Office Rewatch - Season 6
Time to jump the shark.
I know a lot of people disagree on where the problems started, but this is it.
There are some really funny episodes this season, but less than in the previous seasons. "Niagara" is certainly the high point for me. Jim and Pam get married and the Dunder Mifflin crew acts just as you would expect them to. There are certainly tears, or you're a heartless person. It took them six years, but they finally got to this place.
"The Delivery" cannot be ignored. CeCe Halpert finally comes into our lives, and almost does so in the breakroom. Jim, Pam, and Michael (of course) go through all the emotions that I imagine most new parents go through. Michael walks into the delivery room, so I suppose he and Pam are even. It's so great that we got to watch Jim and Pam go through all the stages of their lives. More tears.
Dunder Mifflin goes under and gets purchased by Sabre. Every episode about Sabre is pretty boring, honestly. There are some funny moments, but it just feels so out of place and awkward. I know the writers wanted to shake things up, but it ended up alienating the audience instead.
I can barely watch "Scott's Tots" because it's so amazingly repulsive. This episode reminded me of season 1 Michael, and it's hard to believe he's the same person. Those poor kids! It was just so awkward that I wanted to fast forward through the whole thing. That feeling is what The Office does best.
Episodes to watch:
"Gossip"
"Niagara"
"The Lover"
"Double Date"
"Murder"
"Scott's Tots"
"Sabre"
"The Delivery"
"The Whistleblower" - not that great of a finale, but you need the final two minutes.
**"Happy Hour" - because Michael is so crazy.
The Office Rewatch - Season 5
Things get weird this season, especially for Michael. He tries to help Jan with her baby situation. He falls for Holly and she gets transferred to Nashua. Toby returns. Michael goes on a lecture tour. He gets a new boss and quits Dunder Mifflin to start his own paper company. Dunder Mifflin buys him out, so he returns to his old job. He sees Holly again at the company picnic and doesn't tell her how he feels. This is a lot for one person in one year. One job change would be a lot. It's not unbelievable, really, but it does put a lot of pressure on him.
Pam finally goes to art school, with Jim's full support (Jim > Roy). Jim proposes in the most perfect way. It's so realistic and romantic without being overkill. Pam fails a class and ends up leaving art school to be with Jim. (Now I see the foreshadowing.) They go through the normal growing pains of any relationship and end up with BIG news in the season finale (tears).
Dwight/Angela/Andy finally blows up. Angela might be a rule follower, but she has no trouble stringing these two idiots along (Andy being the biggest idiot). Angela and Dwight love each other. I feel sorry for Andy, especially since he had no idea. Sprinkles just ruined everything. "The Duel" makes all of the drama and misery worth it. Who else would actually duel over another human being? It feels so organic coming from Dwight and Andy. Maybe it's a little silly, but they're a little silly. They're fighting over Angela, for crying out loud.
This whole season is a little silly. Most of the personal drama had been taken care of, so the characters could act a fool at will. "Stress Relief" is one of my favorite episodes ever, because it's so ridiculously hilarious. The comedy this season is just spot on, if you like this kind of comedy. It's such a specific little area in the whole comedy sphere. You either think it's funny, or you don't. This season really dives in and commits to this specific brand of comedy. Some people don't like seeing a man being chased by a Prius or a cat being tossed through ceiling tiles. Some people can't get enough (me, obviously).
Episodes to watch:
"Weight Loss"
"Baby Shower"
"Employee Transfer"
"Frame Toby"
"The Duel"
"Stress Relief"
"Lecture Circuit" (both parts)
"New Boss"
"Dream Team"
"Broke"
"Company Picnic"
(There were 28 episodes this season. Watch them all.)
Pam finally goes to art school, with Jim's full support (Jim > Roy). Jim proposes in the most perfect way. It's so realistic and romantic without being overkill. Pam fails a class and ends up leaving art school to be with Jim. (Now I see the foreshadowing.) They go through the normal growing pains of any relationship and end up with BIG news in the season finale (tears).
Dwight/Angela/Andy finally blows up. Angela might be a rule follower, but she has no trouble stringing these two idiots along (Andy being the biggest idiot). Angela and Dwight love each other. I feel sorry for Andy, especially since he had no idea. Sprinkles just ruined everything. "The Duel" makes all of the drama and misery worth it. Who else would actually duel over another human being? It feels so organic coming from Dwight and Andy. Maybe it's a little silly, but they're a little silly. They're fighting over Angela, for crying out loud.
This whole season is a little silly. Most of the personal drama had been taken care of, so the characters could act a fool at will. "Stress Relief" is one of my favorite episodes ever, because it's so ridiculously hilarious. The comedy this season is just spot on, if you like this kind of comedy. It's such a specific little area in the whole comedy sphere. You either think it's funny, or you don't. This season really dives in and commits to this specific brand of comedy. Some people don't like seeing a man being chased by a Prius or a cat being tossed through ceiling tiles. Some people can't get enough (me, obviously).
Episodes to watch:
"Weight Loss"
"Baby Shower"
"Employee Transfer"
"Frame Toby"
"The Duel"
"Stress Relief"
"Lecture Circuit" (both parts)
"New Boss"
"Dream Team"
"Broke"
"Company Picnic"
(There were 28 episodes this season. Watch them all.)
The Office Rewatch - Season 4
Another great season! "Fun Run" throws all the crazy right in your face, two minutes into the season. All of this nonsense is going on, but all anyone wants to know about is Jim and Pam! It's truly maddening. I love that Kevin joins forces with the audience to analyze Jim and Pam's every move to figure out what's going on with them. I won't even get into Meredith or Dwight and Angela. It's just so crazy, yet believable.
Once Jim and Pam are together, what comes next? We get the most wonderful love triangle-- Dwight, Angela, and Andy. I have been a Dwangela fan from the beginning, but Andy really woos her. Dwight really screwed up. What do you do? Dwight's heartbreak is truly my heartbreak. How did that happen?
If you thought Michael and Jan were as crazy as they could possibly get, you were so wrong. "The Deposition" and "Dinner Party" show some of the craziest things I've ever seen. We're talking straight from the psych ward crazy. They have such great chemistry and play off of each other so naturally. Almost everything they do makes you cringe. I saw a list that ranked the best episodes of The Office, and "Dinner Party" was number one. So pay attention.
"Goodbye Toby" is a gamechanger for everyone. Toby decides to leave Dunder Mifflin, so Michael throws a huge party to celebrate. Pam signs up for art school and Jim wants to propose, but then Andy swoops in and proposes to Angela, who says yes and then hooks up with Dwight. Toby's replacement, Holly, turns out to be the female Michael. Jan gets pregnant by a sperm donor. Ryan gets arrested. This all happens in one hour. It leads you to believe that season 5 is going to be crazy dramatic.
Episodes to watch:
"Fun Run"
"Money"
"The Deposition"
"Dinner Party"
"Night Out"
"Did I Stutter"
"Goodbye Toby"
**"Branch Wars"-- Jim comes face to face with Karen and Joss Whedon directs. Watch it.
Once Jim and Pam are together, what comes next? We get the most wonderful love triangle-- Dwight, Angela, and Andy. I have been a Dwangela fan from the beginning, but Andy really woos her. Dwight really screwed up. What do you do? Dwight's heartbreak is truly my heartbreak. How did that happen?
If you thought Michael and Jan were as crazy as they could possibly get, you were so wrong. "The Deposition" and "Dinner Party" show some of the craziest things I've ever seen. We're talking straight from the psych ward crazy. They have such great chemistry and play off of each other so naturally. Almost everything they do makes you cringe. I saw a list that ranked the best episodes of The Office, and "Dinner Party" was number one. So pay attention.
"Goodbye Toby" is a gamechanger for everyone. Toby decides to leave Dunder Mifflin, so Michael throws a huge party to celebrate. Pam signs up for art school and Jim wants to propose, but then Andy swoops in and proposes to Angela, who says yes and then hooks up with Dwight. Toby's replacement, Holly, turns out to be the female Michael. Jan gets pregnant by a sperm donor. Ryan gets arrested. This all happens in one hour. It leads you to believe that season 5 is going to be crazy dramatic.
Episodes to watch:
"Fun Run"
"Money"
"The Deposition"
"Dinner Party"
"Night Out"
"Did I Stutter"
"Goodbye Toby"
**"Branch Wars"-- Jim comes face to face with Karen and Joss Whedon directs. Watch it.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
The Office Rewatch - Season 3
This season is so good. So good. Choosing a favorite season would be difficult for me, but this one is up there.
They left us wondering WHAT THE FREAK happened with Jim and Pam at "Casino Night" and we finally get our answer. More waiting! Pam did break up with Roy, even if she waited too long. I hate that Jim went to Stamford, but it worked out to be hilarious.
This season had a lot of personal twists and turns. A lot. I'm not going to spend multiple paragraphs going into details, but we got to see more from the more minor parts of the ensemble.
Since Pam is single for the majority of this season, we get to see her grow into her own person and go throw all the things newly single people go through. She started being more forthcoming with her opinions and went after what she wanted. Plus it was her turn to pine after Jim instead of the other way around.
Maybe this wrong, but I love Karen. She was so normal! I'm sorry she got in the way for Jim and Pam, but Karen brought out another side to Jim. Karen was more adventurous and driven, and I think she brought that out in Jim. He got a promotion and even went for a job at corporate. He could barely muster up the courage to apply for a transfer when he was in Scranton. If you ask me, she dug her own grave with all that serious talk in the finale.
We also gained Ed Helms. This is the Andy I like. "Traveling Salesmen" and "The Return" show how funny the man can be when he's given good material.
More Jan! She's fabulous. Crazy, but fabulous. Her crazy helps balance out Michael. He seems like the normal person in that relationship, somehow?
Some of the most hilarious moments from the whole show are in this season. Gaydar, Schrute bucks, Call of Duty, Prison Mike, Roy's freakout, etc.
I'm so happy Pam finally says her peace on "Beach Games". It had been building all season, especially after
"The Merger" and she couldn't take it anymore. It was so honest and direct. It felt like real life.
"The Job" is one of my favorite episodes for obvious reasons. The most obvious being that I waited for three seasons for that ending. Dwight gets RM and gets to interview Andy (hilarious), Michael and Jan hit their craziest level yet, and Jim and Pam get further apart in so many ways before coming back together. Pam's tears are my tears. And the callback to "Office Olympics" completely melted my heart.
I wouldn't advise missing any of the episodes this season because there's just so much goodness in all plot areas. Totally worth watching.
In case you need a list, here are some can't miss episodes:
"Gay Witch Hunt"
"The Coup"
"Branch Closing"
"The Merger"
"A Benihana Christmas"
"The Return"
"Beach Games"
"The Job"
**"Product Recall" doesn't really further the plot, but you absolutely have to watch it even if you don't watch any of the other episodes on the list.
The Office Rewatch - Season 2
Season 2 is where I really fell in love with The Office. Episode 2 ("Sexual Harassment") is the first episode I ever saw. I was so intrigued that I stuck with it and eventually went back and watched the episodes I had missed. This season pushes Michael Scott past that annoying and inappropriate boss we met in season 1. Though "The Dundies" and "Sexual Harassment" concentrate on these lesser parts of his personality, episodes like "Office Olympics" and "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" remind the audience that he's really a lovable character. He wants to be married and have a family, but he's never had the chance.
The same happens with Dwight. He's still the big weirdo from season 1, but we get to learn more about his devotion to Michael. "Dwight's Speech" proves he really has a talent for selling paper, if that exists. His relationship with Jim develops both of their characters without forcing it on the audience. They don't sit around and talk about their hopes and dreams, but their hostility towards each other has the same effect somehow.
The season also pushes the relationship between Jim and Pam. For 22 episodes they try to fight their chemistry and feelings for each other until they can't any longer. I sort of hate Pam during this season because she's having her cake and eating it too. Did she really expect to keep Roy and Jim? You can't have both. I understand her hesitation completely, though, so it's hard to be mad at her. I like that other employees start calling her out about it. Her relationship with Jim is so natural and obvious, so it's only right that other people would notice. Episodes like "Office Olympics", "Email Surveillance", and "The Secret" keep pushing them further and further past the line. Every episode makes you think it's finally going to happen and Jim is finally going to say something. IT NEVER HAPPENS. Until "Casino Night".
If you want to convince someone how great the show is, show them "Casino Night". It gives insight into all of the characters and highlights the most important storylines of the show. So maybe some people don't love John Krasinski (why are you reading this?). This episode is some of his best work. Realistically, the writers deserve most of the credit for Jim's speech at the end. How do you say no to that, Pam? Or do you? CLIFFHANGER ALERT. Enjoy thinking about that all summer. Thank God for Netflix.
This season is The Office at its best, so it's really hard to choose the best episode. If you're looking to catch up on the plot quickly, though, these are the best episodes to hit the highlights:
"The Dundies"
"Sexual Harassment"- too hilarious to skip
"The Client"
"Christmas Party" - they have the best Christmas episodes.
"Booze Cruise"
"The Secret"
"Conflict Resolution"- too hilarious to skip
"Casino Night"
**"The Injury" is also one of my favorite episodes, even if it doesn't further the plot.
Monday, May 6, 2013
The Office Rewatch - Season 1
In honor of Dunder-Mifflin closing its doors on May 16, I decided to rewatch the whole series. Most people know I've seen the whole series about four or so times, so it's not like I have forgotten anything. I really just want to get good and depressed before the finale, it seems.
Season one is super short-- six episodes-- so it didn't take very long to finish. The beauty of season one is that The Office (as a whole) didn't really know what it was yet. All the actors were still settling into their characters, and the writers were still trying to figure out how to make this specific type of humor connect with an audience.
The treasure that is Michael Scott really hits you in the face in these episodes. The writers force this character on you so that you feel like you're going through a cheese grater. It's just this nails-on-a-chalkboard sensation, which I'm sure drove away some viewers. He's just so offensive and brash and ignorant. This intensity really allows you to connect with the rest of the characters, though, because they agree. Steve Carell left no crevices for human emotion and understanding to sneak in. One amazing example that stands out to me out of eight years is Michael fake-firing Pam in the pilot. It's so awkward and makes me want to look away every time I watch it. "Diversity Day" tackles some outrageous ignorance and intense rudeness in the second episode of the show. No time to waste! There's no room for "Well, he did that because he's lonely" excuses here. We only got six episodes to build a character, so the man's just an idiot.
That hair!
The Jim faces originate here! I always wonder if he showed off his faces to the producers in his audition, because they're pure gold. Jim is this everyman character that everyone can understand. His longing for Pam is palpable from the very first episode. They have this relationship that I think everyone can understand and appreciate. They're together everyday in the midst of all these wackos, so they're bound to form a bond. When Roy comes in, my heart sinks every time. Do you choose what's safe or what's new? I know exactly what she should do in episode two, but (spoiler alert) they make me work for it.
Dwight Schrute is one of the best characters in television. Biased? Maybe. Rainn Wilson is brilliant. He provides the perfect foil for Jim and gives Michael the supportive audience he needs to keep acting like the fool he is. The first sounds we even hear from Dwight are him singing "Little Drummer Boy" at his desk. He's just so darn quirky! And hilarious! "The Alliance" gives such a good look at what we're getting ourselves into with this character. And the jello in the pilot! It's just all so good.
Dunder Mifflin Paper Company gives a great background for the characters, because I don't know one person who wants to hear more about their actual jobs. Shows like 24 and Alias could entertain with or without interesting characters, but The Office has to work at it. The documentary style makes it interesting, as well, because the characters get to narrate their own stories. We get to hear Michael's deluded self-perception straight from his mouth. The documentary crew digs deeper into the real stories we want to hear about. Not paper.
Starting season two now.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Mellie Grant: The Ultimate Betch*
SPOILERS AHEAD
If you watch Scandal (one of the best guilty pleasure shows on TV), you know Mellie.
As the wife in a Shonda Rhimes universe, Mellie gets a lot of haters. I started out as one of those haters; however, the more I watch Scandal, the more I realize the truth. Mellie is awesome. Sure, she has some flaws, but who doesn't? The flaws that most people fault her for are just ridiculous. Let's take a look at all the reasons America hates Mellie.
1. Mellie stands in the way of Olivia and Fitz. Well, duh. She's his wife. That's how wives work.
2. She loves power. Again, who doesn't? Mellie knew how to get Fitz into the White House and did what she had to do. She gained almost as much as he did from the election, but she had to deal with a lot of BS on the way. She set a goal and achieved it. Snaps for Mellie. I can't wait for her own campaigns. She'll wipe the floor with any man that tries to beat her.
3. She's ruthless. She put herself through unlimited nonsense just to be the First Lady of a successful POTUS. She sat by while he fooled around with Liv EVERYWHERE, just so he would be a happier candidate. In case everyone has forgotten, she also broke the law to ensure he got elected. She put everything on the line for Fitz to sit in the Oval Office and handle foreign policy while she worried about obesity or tea parties or whatever else First Ladies do. She does all the dirty work while JFK reincarnated drowns himself in alcohol over Olivia Pope. "I'm sitting all alone at the Resolute Desk with no mistress. Woe is me." Someone has to take charge, so it might as well be her. Our first female POTUS needs to be ruthless if she's going to survive.
4. She keeps it classy. No one rocks pearls like Mellie Grant. She will do anything and put up with anything, as long as everyone still looks the part. "Sure, Fitz, jump in that kiddie pool of scotch. Get good and wasted. I'll be waiting in the wings with a suit and an Altoid." Mellie keeps the public happy, and again, because someone has to. You can't just screw around in the White House telecom room, Fitz. America doesn't like that.
Shower drinking-- so presidential.
5. She's a woman of her word. Why would people fault her for that? She made it very clear that she was going to tell everyone about Fitz's philandering if he didn't get his act together. Why was everyone so surprised when she did? I just don't understand the disconnect. She told Cyrus repeatedly, who told the President repeatedly. I applaud her for that. She gave him actual YEARS to get it together. She's the victim here. Not Can't-Keep-It-In-Your-Pants Fitzgerald. When Mellie warns you, you should listen.
Fitz may look good in a suit and say all the right things when it comes to seduction, but the man is as incompetent as they come. Do you really want your President having sex in the Oval Office? No. Thank goodness Mellie is around, because there's no telling what he would do if he didn't have restraints. Everyone seems to hate her for standing up for herself and her marriage. If you want someone to blame, look at Fitz. The man has to be told where he should and should not put his private parts, and he still doesn't listen. Thank God for Mellie. Otherwise, he'd be on a watchlist somewhere and that can't be good for America.
*Definitions of betch, if needed.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
My Obsession with The Good Wife
"You don't need another Sunday night show."
For six months I repeated this mantra. As I scrolled through Netflix looking for new friends to call my own, I would force my cursor past that seductive photo of Julianna Marguiles that just seemed to call to me (I love you Carol!). I had papers to write and books to read for class, so I needed to concentrate. Right? Then one fateful day, I went to a four hour late shift expecting to get some homework done, but forgot my book. Totally fate right?
It wasn't on Netflix anymore (which should have been a sign to STOP), but I managed to procure it from other sources.
I watched all 4 seasons in two weeks. Oops. I just couldn't stop.
Alicia is fabulous. She's good and honest past the point I thought was possible on television dramas. It's so refreshing to watch her struggle with her choices and to understand that there are consequences for your actions. A lot of other TV heroines just do whatever they want and everything seems to work out magically or a man saves her from the problems. Alicia's struggle can be so frustrating for me, but I think that's good writing.
Plus I basically know all of the law now. Who needs 3 years of law school when I figured it out in two weeks?
Then there's this:
Chris Noth (Peter) vs. Josh Charles (Will).
It seriously hurts me to think about choosing one over the other. I love Sex and the City and Sports Night, so their faces pretty much fueled this entire obsession. This isn't like Grey's Anatomy where you grow to love Addison, but you need Mer and Der to be together. I keep switching sides. I'll be so set in my choice and then one episode will swing it the other way. They're both so frustrating. (My real choice is my phone background, if you're curious.)
These writers know how to keep me going, too. It's close to perfect plot structure for me, especially in the fourth season. There had been no real development for one of the relationships in the first half of the season, so as I started another episode I thought, "Well maybe that's over for good." Then, at the end of that very episode, something happened. It was something so small, but because the writers let me doubt the relationship, I was shocked. Jumping-up-and-down shocked. It's so nice for shows to be unpredictable instead of going in cycles. The Good Wife is seriously some of the best writing in television. So far, season 6 of Mad Men is lagging behind in comparison.
The only problem with this TV binge is that it's been three days since the newest episode, and I'm having withdrawals. I just want to know what Will's doing, okay?
I would recommend this show for anyone who likes quality dramas. There are no zombies or ghosts, so lower those sci-fi expectations now. Imagine someone writing about situations that could actually happen and doing it well. It's mindblowing.
For six months I repeated this mantra. As I scrolled through Netflix looking for new friends to call my own, I would force my cursor past that seductive photo of Julianna Marguiles that just seemed to call to me (I love you Carol!). I had papers to write and books to read for class, so I needed to concentrate. Right? Then one fateful day, I went to a four hour late shift expecting to get some homework done, but forgot my book. Totally fate right?
It wasn't on Netflix anymore (which should have been a sign to STOP), but I managed to procure it from other sources.
I watched all 4 seasons in two weeks. Oops. I just couldn't stop.
Alicia is fabulous. She's good and honest past the point I thought was possible on television dramas. It's so refreshing to watch her struggle with her choices and to understand that there are consequences for your actions. A lot of other TV heroines just do whatever they want and everything seems to work out magically or a man saves her from the problems. Alicia's struggle can be so frustrating for me, but I think that's good writing.
Plus I basically know all of the law now. Who needs 3 years of law school when I figured it out in two weeks?
Then there's this:
Chris Noth (Peter) vs. Josh Charles (Will).
It seriously hurts me to think about choosing one over the other. I love Sex and the City and Sports Night, so their faces pretty much fueled this entire obsession. This isn't like Grey's Anatomy where you grow to love Addison, but you need Mer and Der to be together. I keep switching sides. I'll be so set in my choice and then one episode will swing it the other way. They're both so frustrating. (My real choice is my phone background, if you're curious.)
These writers know how to keep me going, too. It's close to perfect plot structure for me, especially in the fourth season. There had been no real development for one of the relationships in the first half of the season, so as I started another episode I thought, "Well maybe that's over for good." Then, at the end of that very episode, something happened. It was something so small, but because the writers let me doubt the relationship, I was shocked. Jumping-up-and-down shocked. It's so nice for shows to be unpredictable instead of going in cycles. The Good Wife is seriously some of the best writing in television. So far, season 6 of Mad Men is lagging behind in comparison.
The only problem with this TV binge is that it's been three days since the newest episode, and I'm having withdrawals. I just want to know what Will's doing, okay?
I would recommend this show for anyone who likes quality dramas. There are no zombies or ghosts, so lower those sci-fi expectations now. Imagine someone writing about situations that could actually happen and doing it well. It's mindblowing.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
90's Dreamboat Valentine
Buzzfeed is awesome. I try to check it pretty often because it lifts my spirits and provides perfect procrasination opportunities.
This quiz deserves attention.
Which 90's dreamboat is your perfect valentine?
I got Pacey and couldn't be more thrilled!
Of course we matched up because we are a perfect match. I was such a Joey back in the day.
Confession: I could identify all the mouths on the mouth question. So yeah, I pretty much picked Pacey myself. I feel no guilt.
This quiz deserves attention.
Which 90's dreamboat is your perfect valentine?
I got Pacey and couldn't be more thrilled!
Of course we matched up because we are a perfect match. I was such a Joey back in the day.
Confession: I could identify all the mouths on the mouth question. So yeah, I pretty much picked Pacey myself. I feel no guilt.
What you should be watching: Mad Men
So many people in my life are missing the greatness that is Mad Men. My first question is always, "Have you seen Jon Hamm?"
I get the drawbacks. It looks dark and potentially boring. It's based in the 1960's. AMC makes their episodes so long. There have been so many episodes already. All completely understandable. But there are so many reasons for anyone to watch this show! So I've made a list of some of my favorite reasons to keep watching:
Cultural references. Who doesn't love a history lesson while they're watching television? I can honestly say I've learned more from Mad Men than I have from a history book about the 1960s. If I had been alive during this time period, I would watch it religiously for nostalgic purposes. You get so much insight into race and gender relations, economic classes, and the apparent sex lives of my grandparents which I like to assume they had no part of.
Betty Draper. I really don't want to spoil this character for you. She fleshes out The Feminine Mystique and it's so entertaining to watch. I have had such a love-hate relationship with her since the beginning because I seriously don't know what I want from her. I want her to fight against all the housewife stereotypes and have her own ideas and be her own person, because you know I'm all about girl power. But when she steps out of those roles I usually get super pissed and tweet mean things about her. Besides my own issues, she wears the best clothes and goes into the best rages on the show.
Kiernan Shipka. This child can act. Sally is growing up in such a weird time period, and Kiernan knocks it out of the park every week, in my opinion. Her facial expressions alone are a gold mine.
"The Suitcase". One of the best television episodes I've ever seen. I was so absorbed in the episode that I didn't realize I was crying until it was over. Don and Peggy's relationship is so complicated, yet easy, and it was executed perfectly. I think one reason it's so great is that the elements for its success aren't on paper. Don't get me wrong, the writing and dialogue are outstanding, but a lot of the beauty in this episode comes from the acting and directing. Somehow the characters say so much by saying so little, and it was a refreshing change from other shows that pack their punch with wordy dialogue. Some people may not agree, but I loved it.
Roger Sterling. "You don't know how to drink. Your whole generation, you drink for the wrong reasons. My generation, we drink because it's good, because it feels better than unbuttoning your collar, because we deserve it. We drink because it's what men do." This pretty much sums him up. Roger exudes pure masculinity and does whatever he wants whenever he wants. He has no filter. I see how he gets all the women.
Dialogue. Mad Men has some of the best writing on television. The plot turns are often genius and surprising, but the attention paid to word choice and musicality cannot go unnoticed. To me, the beauty is in the directness. I've always thought of the 60s as a sort of awakening from repression, but my parents were born in this decade so what do I know really? But the dialogue cements my connections to the characters and the world of SCDP. Some examples of my favorites:
Don: "What you call 'love' was invented by guys like me. To sell Nylons."
Peggy: "You need three ingredients for a cocktail. Vodka and Mountain Dew is an emergency."
Peggy: "I have a boyfriend."
Joyce: "He doesn’t own your vagina."
Peggy: "No, but he’s renting it."
Pete Campbell. To sum up Pete Campbell in one word, he is the worst. He's that guy at your office or in your class that sucks up to get ahead and thinks he has everyone fooled. I never want him to leave SCDP, though, because I love to hate him. He's just a sad individual and a joy to watch every week.
Intense Smoking and Drinking. It's like watching a trainwreck. Not only do they drink with their clients, but they drink alone in their offices in the middle of the day. Can't figure out a pitch? Just get blackout and take a nap on the couch. Quick fix! Watching this go down and knowing that Americans base their purchases on the campaigns these frat boys come up with is entertainment at its finest.
"The Other Woman". Another episode with Don and Peggy that made me cry. I'm sensing a pattern. This episode really made me question the direction of the show and long to see the next episode. And Joan? Oh I can't even deal. I liked her fine, but she really grew on me in season 5. This episode just broke my heart for completely necesssary reasons. Understanding the characters' decisions makes it worse for me.
Jon Hamm/ Don Draper. I could have made a list with just this entry on it and it would be reason enough to watch the show. Don Draper is a clear cut example of an antihero. He makes the worst life decisions, but I still love him. When he does something terrible to other characters on the show, somehow I wind up mad at the victims instead of Don. How does that happen? Jon Hamm. Besides the fact that he's a human Ken doll, the man can act. I loved him on 30 Rock, I wish he would be on SNL every week, and yet he still makes me cry on this show. I've seen him in blackface for crying out loud, but when he makes that tortured face, it's over and he knows it. I can't help but love him. The last episode in season 5 left a cliffhanger that really questions the essence of his character, so I'm dying for April to get here. Plus I need to see his face again.
Vulture provided a schedule to get through all the episodes before the premiere on April 7. By all means go at your own pace, but this could be helpful.
Fair warning: It's starts out slowly. I've never heard anyone say any different. Stick with it! It wins awards for a reason. Plus, Jon Hamm is smokin if I haven't mentioned it.
I get the drawbacks. It looks dark and potentially boring. It's based in the 1960's. AMC makes their episodes so long. There have been so many episodes already. All completely understandable. But there are so many reasons for anyone to watch this show! So I've made a list of some of my favorite reasons to keep watching:
Cultural references. Who doesn't love a history lesson while they're watching television? I can honestly say I've learned more from Mad Men than I have from a history book about the 1960s. If I had been alive during this time period, I would watch it religiously for nostalgic purposes. You get so much insight into race and gender relations, economic classes, and the apparent sex lives of my grandparents which I like to assume they had no part of.
Betty Draper. I really don't want to spoil this character for you. She fleshes out The Feminine Mystique and it's so entertaining to watch. I have had such a love-hate relationship with her since the beginning because I seriously don't know what I want from her. I want her to fight against all the housewife stereotypes and have her own ideas and be her own person, because you know I'm all about girl power. But when she steps out of those roles I usually get super pissed and tweet mean things about her. Besides my own issues, she wears the best clothes and goes into the best rages on the show.
Kiernan Shipka. This child can act. Sally is growing up in such a weird time period, and Kiernan knocks it out of the park every week, in my opinion. Her facial expressions alone are a gold mine.
"The Suitcase". One of the best television episodes I've ever seen. I was so absorbed in the episode that I didn't realize I was crying until it was over. Don and Peggy's relationship is so complicated, yet easy, and it was executed perfectly. I think one reason it's so great is that the elements for its success aren't on paper. Don't get me wrong, the writing and dialogue are outstanding, but a lot of the beauty in this episode comes from the acting and directing. Somehow the characters say so much by saying so little, and it was a refreshing change from other shows that pack their punch with wordy dialogue. Some people may not agree, but I loved it.
Roger Sterling. "You don't know how to drink. Your whole generation, you drink for the wrong reasons. My generation, we drink because it's good, because it feels better than unbuttoning your collar, because we deserve it. We drink because it's what men do." This pretty much sums him up. Roger exudes pure masculinity and does whatever he wants whenever he wants. He has no filter. I see how he gets all the women.
Dialogue. Mad Men has some of the best writing on television. The plot turns are often genius and surprising, but the attention paid to word choice and musicality cannot go unnoticed. To me, the beauty is in the directness. I've always thought of the 60s as a sort of awakening from repression, but my parents were born in this decade so what do I know really? But the dialogue cements my connections to the characters and the world of SCDP. Some examples of my favorites:
Don: "What you call 'love' was invented by guys like me. To sell Nylons."
Peggy: "You need three ingredients for a cocktail. Vodka and Mountain Dew is an emergency."
Peggy: "I have a boyfriend."
Joyce: "He doesn’t own your vagina."
Peggy: "No, but he’s renting it."
Pete Campbell. To sum up Pete Campbell in one word, he is the worst. He's that guy at your office or in your class that sucks up to get ahead and thinks he has everyone fooled. I never want him to leave SCDP, though, because I love to hate him. He's just a sad individual and a joy to watch every week.
Intense Smoking and Drinking. It's like watching a trainwreck. Not only do they drink with their clients, but they drink alone in their offices in the middle of the day. Can't figure out a pitch? Just get blackout and take a nap on the couch. Quick fix! Watching this go down and knowing that Americans base their purchases on the campaigns these frat boys come up with is entertainment at its finest.
"The Other Woman". Another episode with Don and Peggy that made me cry. I'm sensing a pattern. This episode really made me question the direction of the show and long to see the next episode. And Joan? Oh I can't even deal. I liked her fine, but she really grew on me in season 5. This episode just broke my heart for completely necesssary reasons. Understanding the characters' decisions makes it worse for me.
Jon Hamm/ Don Draper. I could have made a list with just this entry on it and it would be reason enough to watch the show. Don Draper is a clear cut example of an antihero. He makes the worst life decisions, but I still love him. When he does something terrible to other characters on the show, somehow I wind up mad at the victims instead of Don. How does that happen? Jon Hamm. Besides the fact that he's a human Ken doll, the man can act. I loved him on 30 Rock, I wish he would be on SNL every week, and yet he still makes me cry on this show. I've seen him in blackface for crying out loud, but when he makes that tortured face, it's over and he knows it. I can't help but love him. The last episode in season 5 left a cliffhanger that really questions the essence of his character, so I'm dying for April to get here. Plus I need to see his face again.
Vulture provided a schedule to get through all the episodes before the premiere on April 7. By all means go at your own pace, but this could be helpful.
Fair warning: It's starts out slowly. I've never heard anyone say any different. Stick with it! It wins awards for a reason. Plus, Jon Hamm is smokin if I haven't mentioned it.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Maybe throw some tears at it?
This week on The Bachelor, Sean and the remaining ladies jetted out to St. Croix for some beach time after their wintertime adventures in Montana. I was really excited for this episode because Sean is down to the tough decisions since there are only six girls left: Desiree, Lesley, Catherine, AshLee, Lindsay, and Tierrable Tierra.
AshLee got the first one on one date and Sean took her on a catamaran to an island for some alone time. He asked her flat out about Tierra and AshLee ended up telling him a few watered down details about Tierra's bad behavior. (I don't think AshLee knew Tierra had just been making fun of her to the cameras this morning for being a 32 year old cougar and not being married yet.) I go back and forth about Sean and AshLee. I can tell they really like each other a lot, but I wouldn't pick her. I know she's been through more than I could understand, and I genuinely feel for her, but she honestly seems like an airhead. Maybe it's just the editing but I can't imagine having a real conversation with her. For instance, she wanted to tell Sean she loved him so she stared at him awkwardly and then yelled "I LOVE SEAN!!!" as loud as she could to the deserted island. That's just so immature to me. I would never do that. But I also don't know that I could tell someone that on national television either, so props to her for being more open with her feelings than I am. Oh, she also revealed she got married as a junior in high school and I think I speak for most people when I say, who cares?
Tierrable Tierra's one on one was next and she and Sean shopped around a marketplace and danced in the streets with some kind of parade. Her outfit was almost as tierrable as she is. I am a firm believer that shorts need seams. Tierra was putting on the biggest show I've ever seen. Sign this girl to a pilot, now. She was running and dancing through the streets with Sean in tow. She was laughing, but not in an evil way, which confused me. Then at dinner, she cried and told Sean she could sense a distance between them and that she was falling in love with him. Clearly she wanted to guilt a rose out of him.
The next two dates were pretty boring. First was the group date with Lindsay, Desiree, and Catherine. They watched the sun come up on the eastern shore of the island and took a road trip to the western shore to watch the sun set. In between they did a lot of jungly and islandy things. Sean really has a connection with all of these girls, so it was mostly just awkward for everyone to share him. One major theme of this date was all the crying. Desiree cried because she loves her family so much and Catherine cried because of her relationship with her father (I felt so bad she was talking about it on camera because I wouldn't have been able to). The date was so fun and carefree and then the one-on-one times turned into therapy sessions. Props to Sean for comforting all of them. Props to them for being comforted by Sean. Biggest props of all goes to Lindsay for stepping out of the limo in a wedding dress and getting the first rose into the final four. This girl is a champ regardless of what happens next.
Lesley's one-on-one was a boring date, plain and simple. They wandered around a garden. I mean that's cool except that it's nothing compared to the other girls' dates. I've said Lesley is my favorite from the beginning, and I realized it's because she handles it how I would. I wouldn't be able to drone on and on about my feelings when I watch him date other girls in front of me. Expecially not in front of cameras! I get that's the nature of the game, but I couldn't form a real connection in that situation. At least I don't think I could. I knew by the end of the date she was going home just because she wasn't forcing it.
Then all the DRAMA broke out. Tierra owes AshLee an apology and she needs to give it at the WTA. I could rehash why I was borderline infuriated with every word out of her mouth, but there's no point. The girl is immature and loves drama, bottom line. I hope she watches the show and is ashamed of how she acted. Sean came in on the fight and ended up sending Tierra home from her cot in the living room, which I thought was fitting.
Sean's sister was there to help with his Tierra problems, and I was super excited to see her! I'm such a fan of her blog. I get how nerdy that sounds, but it's true. I read it all the time.
Then comes the rose ceremony and Lesley goes home. I'm really sad about it, but I understand.
Next week: Hometowns! Desiree's brother looks like a total jerk, so I'm pumped after all her talk about their close knit family.
Later.
AshLee got the first one on one date and Sean took her on a catamaran to an island for some alone time. He asked her flat out about Tierra and AshLee ended up telling him a few watered down details about Tierra's bad behavior. (I don't think AshLee knew Tierra had just been making fun of her to the cameras this morning for being a 32 year old cougar and not being married yet.) I go back and forth about Sean and AshLee. I can tell they really like each other a lot, but I wouldn't pick her. I know she's been through more than I could understand, and I genuinely feel for her, but she honestly seems like an airhead. Maybe it's just the editing but I can't imagine having a real conversation with her. For instance, she wanted to tell Sean she loved him so she stared at him awkwardly and then yelled "I LOVE SEAN!!!" as loud as she could to the deserted island. That's just so immature to me. I would never do that. But I also don't know that I could tell someone that on national television either, so props to her for being more open with her feelings than I am. Oh, she also revealed she got married as a junior in high school and I think I speak for most people when I say, who cares?
Tierrable Tierra's one on one was next and she and Sean shopped around a marketplace and danced in the streets with some kind of parade. Her outfit was almost as tierrable as she is. I am a firm believer that shorts need seams. Tierra was putting on the biggest show I've ever seen. Sign this girl to a pilot, now. She was running and dancing through the streets with Sean in tow. She was laughing, but not in an evil way, which confused me. Then at dinner, she cried and told Sean she could sense a distance between them and that she was falling in love with him. Clearly she wanted to guilt a rose out of him.
The next two dates were pretty boring. First was the group date with Lindsay, Desiree, and Catherine. They watched the sun come up on the eastern shore of the island and took a road trip to the western shore to watch the sun set. In between they did a lot of jungly and islandy things. Sean really has a connection with all of these girls, so it was mostly just awkward for everyone to share him. One major theme of this date was all the crying. Desiree cried because she loves her family so much and Catherine cried because of her relationship with her father (I felt so bad she was talking about it on camera because I wouldn't have been able to). The date was so fun and carefree and then the one-on-one times turned into therapy sessions. Props to Sean for comforting all of them. Props to them for being comforted by Sean. Biggest props of all goes to Lindsay for stepping out of the limo in a wedding dress and getting the first rose into the final four. This girl is a champ regardless of what happens next.
Lesley's one-on-one was a boring date, plain and simple. They wandered around a garden. I mean that's cool except that it's nothing compared to the other girls' dates. I've said Lesley is my favorite from the beginning, and I realized it's because she handles it how I would. I wouldn't be able to drone on and on about my feelings when I watch him date other girls in front of me. Expecially not in front of cameras! I get that's the nature of the game, but I couldn't form a real connection in that situation. At least I don't think I could. I knew by the end of the date she was going home just because she wasn't forcing it.
Then all the DRAMA broke out. Tierra owes AshLee an apology and she needs to give it at the WTA. I could rehash why I was borderline infuriated with every word out of her mouth, but there's no point. The girl is immature and loves drama, bottom line. I hope she watches the show and is ashamed of how she acted. Sean came in on the fight and ended up sending Tierra home from her cot in the living room, which I thought was fitting.
Sean's sister was there to help with his Tierra problems, and I was super excited to see her! I'm such a fan of her blog. I get how nerdy that sounds, but it's true. I read it all the time.
Then comes the rose ceremony and Lesley goes home. I'm really sad about it, but I understand.
Next week: Hometowns! Desiree's brother looks like a total jerk, so I'm pumped after all her talk about their close knit family.
Later.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Cure for a Mopey Monday
My Monday has been fantastic, but I know that's not the case for everyone. The fact that I have a chance to post this before 8pm should show how productive I've been for the past two days. Only a handful of people know how much trouble I've been having with my screenplay, but I think I'm finally getting somewhere. For better or for worse. Say what you will about the creative process, but there is no way to force it into a box. Direction and ideas don't just flow out when I'm looking for them. They make you wait. Or at least where I'm concerned.
I'm going to embrace this progress until Thursday when I will be pulled back down to reality by my professor. That's grad school for you.
Until then, what's better for a Monday than some John K faces?
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I'm going to embrace this progress until Thursday when I will be pulled back down to reality by my professor. That's grad school for you.
Until then, what's better for a Monday than some John K faces?
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How cute is he?
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Saturday, February 9, 2013
Whoops...
Sometimes I write blog posts and forget to actually publish them. This is why you just got a post about The Bachelor from a week ago. My apologies.
First I wanted to share a recipe. I cook every single day and have found some great ones, but I always forget to share them.
Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
I saw this recipe on Pinterest and made it my own. First of all, I cut down the ingredients to only make one portion size because I only make food for myself. I also left out the cheese and mayonnaise and used the recipe for "Cream of Anything Soup" the author includes at the bottom of the first recipe. I added spinach to the recipe, as well. It was delicious. I love finding recipes on Pinterest, but I rarely make them exactly like the recipe says. I'm an experimenter. Actually, I'm cheap and I like to use what I have on hand when I get the opportunity.
I also made some stuffed peppers the other night, which are pretty self explanatory and can be made with any ingredients. They were really good, so I'm recommending you check out some Pinterest recipes.
I finished the Virgin Diet and now I'm gluten and dairy free! The gluten part is pretty minor. I just feel better and feel like I have more energy now. When I get my hands on dairy, though, I know it pretty quickly. A few days ago the Starbucks guy called out my drink order but handed me the wrong drink (an obvious talent). I knew it was wrong as soon as I tasted it, and he righted the wrong, but that tiny sip of milk was enough to tie my stomach in knots. I feel so much better since I've been off dairy. I don't even miss cheese. How weird is that?
Y'all know I bake all the time, so that has been my biggest problem. I've been staying away from sugar as much as I can Whole Foods saved the day with their dairy-free chocolate chips, gluten free baking products, and sugar substitutes so I don't have to miss the baking! It's kind of pricey though so I have to use my brain and not my stomach for such purchases.
I just found some GF DF chocolate cake recipes, so get ready to see those soon enough.
It's Complicated is coming on tonight, so that's where I'll be if you need me. I can't pass up John and Alec together. Add Meryl and it's really the perfect storm.
FAVORITE PART!!
First I wanted to share a recipe. I cook every single day and have found some great ones, but I always forget to share them.
Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
I saw this recipe on Pinterest and made it my own. First of all, I cut down the ingredients to only make one portion size because I only make food for myself. I also left out the cheese and mayonnaise and used the recipe for "Cream of Anything Soup" the author includes at the bottom of the first recipe. I added spinach to the recipe, as well. It was delicious. I love finding recipes on Pinterest, but I rarely make them exactly like the recipe says. I'm an experimenter. Actually, I'm cheap and I like to use what I have on hand when I get the opportunity.
I also made some stuffed peppers the other night, which are pretty self explanatory and can be made with any ingredients. They were really good, so I'm recommending you check out some Pinterest recipes.
I finished the Virgin Diet and now I'm gluten and dairy free! The gluten part is pretty minor. I just feel better and feel like I have more energy now. When I get my hands on dairy, though, I know it pretty quickly. A few days ago the Starbucks guy called out my drink order but handed me the wrong drink (an obvious talent). I knew it was wrong as soon as I tasted it, and he righted the wrong, but that tiny sip of milk was enough to tie my stomach in knots. I feel so much better since I've been off dairy. I don't even miss cheese. How weird is that?
Y'all know I bake all the time, so that has been my biggest problem. I've been staying away from sugar as much as I can Whole Foods saved the day with their dairy-free chocolate chips, gluten free baking products, and sugar substitutes so I don't have to miss the baking! It's kind of pricey though so I have to use my brain and not my stomach for such purchases.
I just found some GF DF chocolate cake recipes, so get ready to see those soon enough.
It's Complicated is coming on tonight, so that's where I'll be if you need me. I can't pass up John and Alec together. Add Meryl and it's really the perfect storm.
FAVORITE PART!!
Is ABC reading this?
The Bachelor stepped its game up on the reals this week with two episodes that didn't make me go right to Twitter for entertainment.
At first I was super pissed about the Tuesday episode because not only did the episode take over my Tuesday night which I reserve for other shows, but it also started an hour later. Watching the last rose ceremony was more like listening to the last rose ceremony because I couldn't keep my old eyes open.
Let's start on Monday's episode. Sean and Lindsay's date must have been a borefest because we only got to hear her make the speech she had clearly been practicing for awhile. Who refers to their childhood as adolescence? Better yet, who uses the word twice in one sentence? No one that would be caught dead in a wedding dress on the Bachelor, I can tell you that.
The group date looked like fun to me. I think competitions bring out everyone's natural personalities instead of the one they put on camera and in front of Sean. Lesley cemented her spot as my favorite when she said, "Weak people piss me off. Losing pisses me off." Story of my life, girl.
The craziest part of the whole episode was Tierra, as usual. I thought she was just doing it for attention, but I think she's legitimately crazy. She took one of the blue team's shirts and snuck on over to the group date she wasn't invited on. Outside of The Bachelor this would be considered insane, so I think we should unpack that. You can't just go showing up on your non-exclusive boyfriend's other dates. Like you can't do that. Why didn't he feel that way? Also, Sean gives Daniella a rose because she's acting like a baby instead of Desiree who drank goat's milk straight from the utter! I would NOT stand for that.
Then at the 2 on 1, the girl that was clearly going home before the date even started (just looked up her name-- Jackie) had to spend extra time around Tierra when she should have just gone home willingly. Who knows when Tierra will snap? Jackie was brave to sit and talk to Sean about Tierra so openly when we all know the one thing that girl does better than cry on cue is creep around where she isn't wanted. Sean sends Jackie home (surprise) and Tierra acts like she won the lottery. All Tierra had to do was talk about something other than the other girls.
At the cocktail party, the girls are all talking about Tierra and all her drama, essentially creating more drama. Robyn and Lesley go up and confront her, Mean Girls style, even though they're claiming they are the nice ones in this scenario. Weird. I'm fully confident that Tierra will mess up her chances on her own, so there's no need to make more drama. Oh yes there is. This is The Bachelor.
Robyn goes home. No one is surprised. There was absolutely no chemistry there.
On Tuesday's episode, they're still in the Great White North or somewhere with a lot of snow. Sean takes Catherine on a 1 on 1 to frolic on a glacier. I know post-production made it look all sweet and cute, but I know their noses were running like faucets and they were shivering. No one plays in snow for that long. They have great chemistry, in my opinion, and I really like her for the most part. I'm saying final four at least.
On the group date, Sean pressures the girls into jumping into freezing water. Apparently people do this "Polar Bear Plunge" on purpose on the reg, but I would have to agree with Selma that it's a terrible idea. I would have a cold by the end of the night. Tierra had to use another opportunity to be crazy and pretended to have some kind of hypothermia that is magically cured by nomming on a hamburger in your robe. She seemed perfectly fine after that. But really, that's twice that we know of the girl has needed a doctor during the month she has been there. Let's compare that to the other girls. I hope you're watching this closely, Sean, and you might want to upgrade your insurance to be able to cover all her nonsense. I could type out everything I was screaming at the television, but the bottom line is Sean needs to be smart enough to see past all this drama. If not, he deserves what he gets.
Sarah gave me the heartbreak of my week. I knew she wasn't going to last, but her speech about never being good enough and never being the right choice just broke me. A lot of things on this show are fake, but everything she said was just raw honesty and I wanted to give her the ice cream I was eating. She deserved it more than I did.
Daniella left. Not shocking, although she seemed shocked. Selma was gone too since she wouldn't jump in the water.
Tune in next week for the inevitable Tierrable drama that's bound to unfold.
The craziest part of the whole episode was Tierra, as usual. I thought she was just doing it for attention, but I think she's legitimately crazy. She took one of the blue team's shirts and snuck on over to the group date she wasn't invited on. Outside of The Bachelor this would be considered insane, so I think we should unpack that. You can't just go showing up on your non-exclusive boyfriend's other dates. Like you can't do that. Why didn't he feel that way? Also, Sean gives Daniella a rose because she's acting like a baby instead of Desiree who drank goat's milk straight from the utter! I would NOT stand for that.
Then at the 2 on 1, the girl that was clearly going home before the date even started (just looked up her name-- Jackie) had to spend extra time around Tierra when she should have just gone home willingly. Who knows when Tierra will snap? Jackie was brave to sit and talk to Sean about Tierra so openly when we all know the one thing that girl does better than cry on cue is creep around where she isn't wanted. Sean sends Jackie home (surprise) and Tierra acts like she won the lottery. All Tierra had to do was talk about something other than the other girls.
At the cocktail party, the girls are all talking about Tierra and all her drama, essentially creating more drama. Robyn and Lesley go up and confront her, Mean Girls style, even though they're claiming they are the nice ones in this scenario. Weird. I'm fully confident that Tierra will mess up her chances on her own, so there's no need to make more drama. Oh yes there is. This is The Bachelor.
Robyn goes home. No one is surprised. There was absolutely no chemistry there.
On Tuesday's episode, they're still in the Great White North or somewhere with a lot of snow. Sean takes Catherine on a 1 on 1 to frolic on a glacier. I know post-production made it look all sweet and cute, but I know their noses were running like faucets and they were shivering. No one plays in snow for that long. They have great chemistry, in my opinion, and I really like her for the most part. I'm saying final four at least.
On the group date, Sean pressures the girls into jumping into freezing water. Apparently people do this "Polar Bear Plunge" on purpose on the reg, but I would have to agree with Selma that it's a terrible idea. I would have a cold by the end of the night. Tierra had to use another opportunity to be crazy and pretended to have some kind of hypothermia that is magically cured by nomming on a hamburger in your robe. She seemed perfectly fine after that. But really, that's twice that we know of the girl has needed a doctor during the month she has been there. Let's compare that to the other girls. I hope you're watching this closely, Sean, and you might want to upgrade your insurance to be able to cover all her nonsense. I could type out everything I was screaming at the television, but the bottom line is Sean needs to be smart enough to see past all this drama. If not, he deserves what he gets.
Sarah gave me the heartbreak of my week. I knew she wasn't going to last, but her speech about never being good enough and never being the right choice just broke me. A lot of things on this show are fake, but everything she said was just raw honesty and I wanted to give her the ice cream I was eating. She deserved it more than I did.
Daniella left. Not shocking, although she seemed shocked. Selma was gone too since she wouldn't jump in the water.
Tune in next week for the inevitable Tierrable drama that's bound to unfold.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Confession Time.
I'm finally going to admit to a fetish I've had for awhile now, but is bubbling to the surface with force as of late.
I'm not usually attracted to older men. By older, I mean over the age of like 40. I don't see the Sean Connery appeal. Sorry Harrison Ford. I've never really had a thing for Clooney the way other people do. Even Daniel Craig does nothing for me.
I nod and smile when people bring up their old man crushes, but there's nothing I can say because I just don't see it. This is mainly because my old man crush is an... unusual one.
Here you probably think I'm going to say it's my grandpa or something weird because I'm from Alabama, but I'm sorry to disappoint you.
It's Bradley Whitford.
I don't understand it. I don't try to. I just sit and stare at his fluffy hair and try to contain my love while sardonic cynicism drips from his mouth. It's like I'm under a spell.
I've spent my last few weeks living in the Bartlet White House and continued this right into my old stand-by, Studio 60.
I tell you all of this, because I've realized I should just be proud of it. Maybe he's no underwear model. He's no James Bond. He's older than my parents. But his timing is impeccable.
I'm also telling you all of this so I can share this gem: http://fuckyeahbradleywhitford.tumblr.com/
I swear I didn't make it, but I fully support it.
"If you want to run, I understand, but you'd better get a good head start 'cause I'm coming for you..."
I'm not usually attracted to older men. By older, I mean over the age of like 40. I don't see the Sean Connery appeal. Sorry Harrison Ford. I've never really had a thing for Clooney the way other people do. Even Daniel Craig does nothing for me.
I nod and smile when people bring up their old man crushes, but there's nothing I can say because I just don't see it. This is mainly because my old man crush is an... unusual one.
Here you probably think I'm going to say it's my grandpa or something weird because I'm from Alabama, but I'm sorry to disappoint you.
It's Bradley Whitford.
I don't understand it. I don't try to. I just sit and stare at his fluffy hair and try to contain my love while sardonic cynicism drips from his mouth. It's like I'm under a spell.
I've spent my last few weeks living in the Bartlet White House and continued this right into my old stand-by, Studio 60.
I tell you all of this, because I've realized I should just be proud of it. Maybe he's no underwear model. He's no James Bond. He's older than my parents. But his timing is impeccable.
I'm also telling you all of this so I can share this gem: http://fuckyeahbradleywhitford.tumblr.com/
I swear I didn't make it, but I fully support it.
"If you want to run, I understand, but you'd better get a good head start 'cause I'm coming for you..."
Bored.
Most people know I've been watching the Bachelor franchise since Alex was stupid enough to pass up Trista in season 1. Most people also know that it takes some sort of act of God for me to stop watching a television show once I start. I'm a loyal fan to the point of insanity. I'm still laughing at The Office, for crying out loud.
But this season of the Bachelor is reallyyyy pushing my limits.
I could sit here and tell you what I think about all the women in the house, but they're all terrible. I've already mentioned the few I like, but the rest are just there to annoy me. I usually love watching, snarking, and then going on Possessionista's website to see where they get their clothes. The clothes aren't even good this season.
Leslie got to go on a "shopping spree" to Rodeo Drive. Anyone remember Jackie Gordon's shopping spree? Now that was big time. Leslie got to buy one dress from Badgley Mischka, and it looked just like one I tried on back when I was shopping for prom in 2007. It just wasn't entertaining, and she was annoying. Not to mention, the girl was on an episode of Happy Endings recently which is a shining example of not being there for the right reasons. She was super awkward and way too attached to Sean already.
Tierra is just overdoing it for me. Girls from other seasons did the "bad guy" routine so much better. Courtney Robertson? Vienna? Michelle Money? So much more entertaining.
This is one of my only feminine guilty pleasures. Why can't I just have it the way I want it? Are there no normal contestants left? Did the well dry up with Emily Maynard?
Lifetime gets Rob Lowe, then ABC drops the ball.
I thought I was going to have it all and that the girly girl down deep inside of me might worm her way towards the top. Sorry parents, looks like you're stuck with me.
But this season of the Bachelor is reallyyyy pushing my limits.
I could sit here and tell you what I think about all the women in the house, but they're all terrible. I've already mentioned the few I like, but the rest are just there to annoy me. I usually love watching, snarking, and then going on Possessionista's website to see where they get their clothes. The clothes aren't even good this season.
Leslie got to go on a "shopping spree" to Rodeo Drive. Anyone remember Jackie Gordon's shopping spree? Now that was big time. Leslie got to buy one dress from Badgley Mischka, and it looked just like one I tried on back when I was shopping for prom in 2007. It just wasn't entertaining, and she was annoying. Not to mention, the girl was on an episode of Happy Endings recently which is a shining example of not being there for the right reasons. She was super awkward and way too attached to Sean already.
Tierra is just overdoing it for me. Girls from other seasons did the "bad guy" routine so much better. Courtney Robertson? Vienna? Michelle Money? So much more entertaining.
This is one of my only feminine guilty pleasures. Why can't I just have it the way I want it? Are there no normal contestants left? Did the well dry up with Emily Maynard?
Lifetime gets Rob Lowe, then ABC drops the ball.
I thought I was going to have it all and that the girly girl down deep inside of me might worm her way towards the top. Sorry parents, looks like you're stuck with me.
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Art of Being Spoiled
This is sort of a ranting post, but it has to be said.
I'm always annoyed when I get on Twitter to find an upset tweeter who has had a television show or book or sporting event or the like spoiled by another tweeter.
For those of you who don't know, I watch a really insane amount of television. Yet, I hardly ever get spoiled. This becomes most difficult on Thursday nights when I have like 7 shows that all come on within the three hours of primetime. So inevitably, some people that I know are going to watch the shows before I do and know what happens. I didn't realize this was such an incredible feat until I came to know yelling tweets like "STOP SPOILING *SPECIFIC SHOW*!!!"
Let me introduce you to a little thing my family calls, "Media Blackout." It originated in the world of golf, because we would always have to go to church on Sunday night at the same time the tournaments would be ending. So, we don't get on any social networking and even turn our phones off completely if we think there's a reason we're going to get spoiled. In cases like these, not even the news is safe. No television, no social interaction, no nothing. We have never been spoiled.
I truly love all 7 shows I watch on Thursday nights, but I don't have the time to sit and watch all of that at once. The solution is to stay off social networking. I've actually become a pro at skimming Twitter if I absolutely have to check it, and I skip over anything on my timeline that might be a spoiler. Maybe that takes talent, I'm not sure. In my opinion, if you truly love a show and want to watch it organically, you'll sit down and watch the show when it comes on. However, even I have things that have to come before television, so I understand the necessity of watching a show days later. But if you don't care enough to stay off social networking for that one hour, you don't care if you get spoiled. It's on you.
Also, if you don't like what someone is tweeting, unfollow them. I'm going to tweet about television. Rarely do I ever completely spell out the ending of a show, but if you don't want to be spoiled and absolutely must (for some reason) read my tweets, unfollow me please. For one thing, asking people not to talk about an episode after they've already done so is a waste of time. For another, it's their Twitter and they can tweet what they want to.
Bottom line, please unfollow me if I have offended you. I will not be offended in the slightest. I was tweeting back when no one was on Twitter and will still be tweeting once my parents find out what it is and decide they want one.
Rant over.
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