I've Been Sick...

One of the things I really don't like doing is sitting and doing nothing. And, this term, I've been forced to do more of that than I would like. For some time I've been having issues with my insides - not to go into too much detail but I've had issues with bowel movements and all that fun stuff. Topping off that I have been having the occasional feelings of dizziness and nausea. I basically haven't been feeling my jovial, quirky, bouncy self.

After finally realising (and being told off by numerous people) that I wasn't actually getting any better I finally made an appointment to see the doctor. For those of you who know me I absolutely hate going to the doctor. I have nothing against doctors nor nurses but having 18 surgeries before you're 18 can make you want to avoid the medical world for a long time. I also had one doctor who blamed everything on my weight. If I had a migraine it was because of my weight. If I had an infection it was because of my weight. If I needed stitches it was because of my weight...

To give a little history on that I've never been what you could call thin. At my heaviest I got up to about 125kgs (275lbs for those non kg people.) But, with a lot of determination and a few silly mistakes I got down to 78/80 kgs (174lbs). I run, I dance, I workout and I eat very healthy. So I am a lot more happy in my body that I have ever been in my whole life. Though I am determined to get down to about 65kgs. For me, I feel that is a good weight. But this will take time and I've always told myself that I didn't get to the heaviest weight in the space of a year so it will take time to get to my goal weight. (I even hate the term goal weight.)

So, I went to the doctor and went through a series of tests. There were traces of blood in my urine on three separate occasions and my iron levels were too high so I have to go back for tests about that. The only thing that came of this is that the doctor is pretty sure that I have IBS. Now, I knew next to nothing about this so I did my own research and I'm still not sure if I am convinced but I have started to change my diet again by reducing a lot of sugars and fructose etc. I'm slowly trying things to see if I have a reaction to them. I'm also on anti spasmodic medication to help with my stomach upsets. So far this has made me feel a little bit more in control of my stomach but time will tell.

Then, yesterday, I woke up sounding worse than Alpha from Up. I have a cough and a runny nose but don't feel sick. Still...




So - I was asked (told) not to come into school to work today. Thus, I'm writing all this down in a way to vent some of my frustrations. I've never liked being sick but I tend to keep going until my immune system tells me off. I realise that I am no good to my students if I keep getting worse because I don't allow myself to get better. However, I don't like not being able to work as I constantly feel the need to be moving. Somewhere along the line I got it into my head that being sick is being lazy...but this only applies to me. Or, maybe I'm just scared that people will judge me and accuse me of faking or being lazy or just not being the best that I can be...and in my rational mind I know this is just me being silly but - well, yeah.

Anyway, this is probably one of the more honest posts that I have done...meaning that I don't like talking to much about myself but maybe this may help me in some way. Now, I'm going to curl up on the couch with my Harry Potter snuggie, a cup of tea and either some Doctor Who  or Batman Arkham City. 

Peace and Pancakes
xxJaime

Weekend Round Up #21 - the SDCC Edition

San Diego Comic Con...ah, the nerds, the geeks, the cosplay, the lines...I missed it this year and my feelings on this are mixed. You see, the year I turned thirty I bought myself tickets to go there as a present to myself. And last year I went again (all four days this time). However, this year I had conflicting schedules. First, my school break did not line up. And, more importantly, I have senior classes and this term is the busiest academic wise. So, I made an important decision to forego SDCC this year but next year - San Diego I will be in you... (fingers crossed.)

So, since I couldn't be there I was following tweets, tumbles, Facebook pages and more just to keep up to date with all the new stuff in the world of nerds, geeks and general awesome people. Since there is so much stuff I'm just going to pop up some of the first things that I saw.

The new cast line up for Game of Thrones.



The GoT panels are always great to get into and the free stuff is always good. And, the videos as well. I love how they are introduce themselves and talk about how excited they are (though some just look scared). Kesha Castle Hughes is also a kiwi so, yay New Zealand.

Then there was the first reveal of Gal Godot as Wonder Woman for the new Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. Still not sure how I feel about that title and, also, not sure about the costume but at least it's a step in the right direction.

Great time at #SDCC this year! #WonderWoman #DCTrinity http://t.co/iPhukjD0F3 pic.twitter.com/JobeSzwfH4
— ZackSnyder (@ZackSnyder) July 26, 2014

Another great thing about SDCC is the off site stuff for those who couldn't get badges or those who need a break from the crowds. Nerd HQ, which is run by Zachary Levi, always has a site set up where they raise money for Operation Smile. (Since I was born with a cleft lip and palate I support this group!)

The lovely people over at The Mary Sue  have a series of links and embedded clips from there if you want to see some click on the link above.

Oh the Horns trailer dropped:

Get More: 

Movie Trailers, Celebrity News

Other news included Maisie Williams possibly being cast as Ellie for The Last of Us film.

I love the game and I love her as an actress but I'm not sure whether the game needs to be made into a film. Though, if I'm honest, I'm still going to see it.

There was so much more that shown and dropped and I think there is still one day left. (Bloody confusing these time zone things.) I did hear that the TMNT clips did not go down well. At first I still thought I would go and see it but, from the images I've seen...plus, I'm sorry but Megan Fox is not April O'Neil. Just no.

So - what did you see that was interesting? Any cosplayers stand out?

Peace and pancakes,
(Speaking of pancakes, I've just finished baking Apple and Cinnamon Muffins...yum.)
Jaime

Always With The Excuses - and why video games are a great resource!

Insert any excuse that you'd like me to have right here for not updating for ages.

I can honestly say that this last term was crazy. I don't want to make this into a blog about teaching because, as much as I love teaching, I want to have this outlet that is something more than teaching. I hope that makes sense because sometimes words get super excited in my head and they get jumbled. Anyway, that is neither here nor there.

But, at the recent Myth & Magic NZATE Conference (New Zealand Association For/Of Teachers of English) I actually presented a workshop on using video games in the classroom. Basically, I spent an hour talking about BioShock, The Last of Us, Portal, Mass Effect and so on. And, more excitedly, there were actual people who were in there to listen to me. Actual teachers and fellow game nerds. As well as people who were just curious. (I kept telling myself "baby steps" because there is still a stigma surrounding video games.)

My PPT  This is the Keynote that I had with it. It lost some of the formatting when I had to move it into the google drive shared folder but hopefully it gives you a view of what I talked about.

So, I spoke about my passion for video games and not just the idea of playing the games but the richness of the worlds that are being created and how we can reach some students through this new medium. I explained that by watching cut scenes from games you can delve into creative writing, film techniques, computer science, social media, social commentary, gender studies and much more.

I hope that people took away some positive ideas from my presentation and I left my email address on there incase they wanted to contact me regarding my thoughts.

Anyway, I have time on my hands again and I want to get back into my weekend round ups. (Baby steps).

I also have to admit that I learned a lot about my ability to handle stress during the conference. I normally run on a high amount of stress and sugar and a butt load of coffee. But during the conference I pushed myself too far and, hopefully, I have learned from this mistake and will endeavour to take more time out for myself.

Enough of that though - I have a couple of questions:

1. What game do you think is worthy of study in a high school class?
2. Would you have liked to learn about video games in school?
3. What would you like to see in my blog?

I will leave you with this lovely ditty from the ever awesome Weird Al. I hate the original with a passion but I can handle (just) this parody. Might even use it in my class...



Peace and pancakes,
Jaime

Weekly Round Up #13

The countdown is on for the school holidays. Then I might have some time...aside from marking 180+ assessments.

Anyway, on with the show.

Number one -

This website: Bring Down The King

It's a advertising stunt going on in Square in Auckland. Basically, they have a statue of King Joffrey with a rope around him. Every tweet of #bringdowntheking helps tighten the rope. As far as stunts go I'm actually impressed with this one. Plus, it's from my home country so way to go, New Zealand!

Image from stuff.co.nz

Then there is the trailer to the film Lucy. 

It looks interesting. I think there may be a lot of plot holes but it grabbed my attention. Plus, Morgan Freeman...

For those of you who are fitness fanatics or for those who want to get into fitness check out this website: http://neilarey.com

I know you're wondering what this has to do with anything nerdy or geeky but just look at the following.

There are tones more on Neila Ray's website and I am pretty sure that I'm going to give them a go. I mean, anything to motivate you into moving, right? 

Then there was this...

Just going to leave that there...

And, finally, another music video. This time a parody of Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty" (which I haven't actually heard) called "Talk Nerdy". 

Now, I have to get back to marking some assessments. 

Peace and pancakes

Jaime

Weekend Round Up #12

Another week and another load of trailers and new stuff to hit the interwebs. (My students get so frustrated when I say interwebs. In their brain it makes no sense, I, however, laugh at it so...)

First up is the TMNT trailer that dropped earlier this week. I'm not a fan of Michael Bay, especially after sitting through the second Transformers film. I couldn't watch the third. Now, there have been many rumours around this film and many of them have not made the fans happy. Watch the trailer and let me know what you think...



I still can't see Megan Fox as April O'Neil. I tried but I just can't. As for the design of the turtles themselves...I need to see more in order to fully make up my mind. I'm going to see it, regardless, but I'll hold further judgement until I see more from a trailer.

Next, check out this amazing deviantART gallery. Tohad has done some, slightly disturbing, BadAss art reimagining of some of our favourite cartoons.

I'd seriously love to have prints of these adorning the walls of my geeky house. They'd look perfect next to my TARDIS.

Then there was this beautiful, beautiful music from Carnegie Hall.



Honestly, this is so beautiful and fun! And, I don't care what anyone else says, I love the graphics.

This next video is from a TedTalk back in January but I just watched it the other day and thought it was brilliant. Maysoon Zayid is just hilarious...



And, finally, some more nerdy art from the talented people on DeviantART. This time an artist who goes by the name. MyCKs (MyCks Sato)

It's just so cute. Check out the rest of the gallery and then the etsy page.

I hope this weeks post has bought some enjoyment to your day. I need to get back to marking - only a couple of essays left to go. Then some planning...

Have a lovely weekend folks.

Jaime.

On technological idols and my thoughts on stuff...

I don't have a MacBook Pro, though I would kinda like one. Why? I'm not entirely sure. Maybe it's the smooth and clever marketing that has slowly warped my brain. Maybe it's due to their rumoured reliability. Or it could just be due to friends recommendations. I do, however, own an iPod - his name is Fred. Fred has been a reliable companion to me through many flights, fights, tears, fears and cleaning spurts in the middle of the night.

So, as you all probably know by now, Steve Jobs died today. Now, I know that people die every day. I know that there are people out there whose good deeds, strength and character go unnoticed. I know that there are people out there who lay down their lives for others. I know that there are people battling cancer every single day. Still, I found myself feeling sad that he had died.

Mr. Jobs worked hard. He worked wisely. And he profited from it. In a business minded sense he was one smart man.* And, whether you like him or not, you have to admire what he has done for technology. (Yes, I know he is the figurehead yadda yadda yadda but without him would we really have all the technology that we do? I mean, think of the hipsters...) Anyway, my thoughts are with his family...in fact, my thoughts are with anyone grieving the loss of anyone.

After that rather morbid beginning I feel somewhat drained. I do, however, want to end on a happier note. I am sending a big thank you to everyone who has been leaving me words of encouragement regarding my attempts at teaching. You may not know it but your words cheer me up immensely. We may never have met but I feel...I want to say blessed but that sounds a wee bit presumptuous so I will say I feel lucky to have people say such lovely things to me.

Well, I will attempt a better update in the next few days. Take care all and may the force be with you.**


*Let it be known that I actually have a very shallow understanding of anything business related. I often
struggle trying to fill in tax forms so understanding marketing and that is somewhat foreign to me.
** Sorry, needed to geek up the post a little bit...also, I'm watching Thor ... and I'm really rather enjoying it.***
***Is anyone still reading these? ::*::waves::*:: hi

Pretending to be crafty...

This is what I have been up to this morning.

I don't know how clear they are but they are all, individual, hand-made invitations for my friends Hen's Night. I've added another photo below.

I don't know what came over me this morning but I was suddenly inspired and rushed into town to collect the required ingredients. Then I spent two-three hours cutting, gluing and writing. This means that the floor is a mess, my fingers are sticky and covered with felt marks but that I am happy. I feel as if I have actually accomplished something. My friend has yet to see them so I hope that she likes them.

It is also interesting to note that yet, my home does have purple carpet. Sadly enough, it also has pink wallpaper. There are times when I feel as if I am living in Barbie's dream house or the set of a 70s porn movie. Either way, it makes things interesting and I am never lacking for conversational starters.(On a side note: It's a real bitch to clean so if any future porn directors out there are considering purple carpet...don't. Just don't.)

Anyway, to counter the inside shots I thought I would leave you with a shots of the outdoors. Just to give you a glimpse of my crazy little world.

It's not the best quality but that was from a few weeks ago and, yes, that is the moon over the horizon. I thought a nice little picture like this would bring a little calm to some.

(And, if I put just a little more in the way of writing it may look like I having tried to do a sneaky, lazy, photo blog instead of a writing one...)

Peace and pancakes, y'all.

P.S. Go the All Blacks.
P.P.S. I don't really care for rugby but apparently it's the World Cup and I have to support someone.

When things go a little wonky...

Teaching is stressful. It is emotionally draining. It is tiring. And, just sometimes, it is not a good place to be. That is the reason that I did not post on Monday.

Instead, today I decided to focus on me and the things that really make me feel more like me.

I've mentioned before that I am quirky and I have some rather...um...odd idiosyncrasies but, the main thing is, that I enjoy those little things that make up for me. So I have decided to write a small list of things that make me, well, me!

1. I sometimes love to wear my hair in pigtails or plaits. I don't care that I am 29 and it may make me look 12. I do it because it makes me smile. I do it because I like the feeling of whimsy.
2. I like to dance around to showtunes and songs from the 80s. I don't care if I look like someone in the midst of a fit or someone standing on an electric fence.
3. Following on from the last point - I love to sing showtunes and Disney songs. Especially when I'm driving and I don't care if people look at me strange because it's my choice to want to do a rendition of Wicked while driving.*
4. I like to paint my toenails in winter, even though no one will see them.
5. I like My Little Ponies AND Transformers. (Though I liked Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors more!)
6. I love Penelope Garcia's style from Criminal Minds just as much as I love her personality. She likes to surround herself with things that bring her joy and I need to do more of that. Plus, she doesn't conform to those around her. Why should she?
7. I love to collect badges. Especially if they are quirky and make me giggle because I'm allowed to smile, damn it. I'm allow to be happy or amused! Adding to this, I also like to buy books because I know I'll read them more than once! Or, if I don't, I'll give them to a good home!
8. I love using large words that trickle from my tongue. I love to manipulate language until I have said the same thing three different ways. I love the sounds that words make and how they can change a scene from seriousness to comedic in a split second. (Or by the removal of key grammar points! Remember that grammar can save lives!)
9. I love making other people smile or laugh because I can. I don't care if I look like an idiotic. If I can make you feel better about being you why wouldn't I?
10. And, finally, I love expressing myself in my own way. I don't want to be a sheep. I don't care if my shoes are so '2008'. Like I give a frak. I was never put here to appease anyone but myself! If you don't like me that's your problem because, for today, I'm feeling pretty darn awesome.

Have a frakking wicked (no pun intended) day guys!

*Singing "Popular" from Wicked is so much fun.

The power of delete...

There is a magic button on most computers* and this magic button has a simple name. The delete button. This button has an almost godlike power that we should be in awe of. (And possibly a little scared of.) This button has been a wonderful friend and a feared enemy in my time writing, proof reading and editing. Sometimes it does a real good job of eliminating the crap that occasionally shows up in my writing and other times it makes me drop to my knees screaming 'Khan' at the top of my lungs.

This magic button also appears on Facebook - where I have been wielding it like a young padawan with their first light saber.** Though, hopefully I do it with a little more finesse. Yes, I've been doing that dreaded deleting friends thing. And the reason I am writing about it is because it makes me feel tremendously guilty and paranoid - as if those people, who I haven't spoken too in at the least six months and the most a year, are going to start sending me violent emails. Or worse.

So, Facebook and the delete button have me feeling like a quivering mass of jelly (which I hate) while, at the same time, giving me a god like power over who I deem worthy enough to stay on my friends list. This results in me delving ever deeper into my random neuroses. It also gets me wondering what it would be like to have a delete button for everyday events.

For example - you know that tattoo you got when you were just 18 - the really crap one that you thought was awesome at the time. Delete.
Or how about that massive piece of chocolate cake that you just ate and regret. Delete.
Better yet - you know that annoying neighbour who likes to pretend they're having wild sex when they're really only hitting the wall and groaning - delete.

But I can see the trouble that it would get the world in so I will continue to use my delete button on things that really do need to be deleted - like the first five attempts at writing this post and for those people you don't even know who somehow managed to get on your friends list.

And for those people, sorry, but in the words of Cee Lo Green (the clean version anyway) "forget you..."

*I say most because I know that buttons break so there are bound to be some computers out there that don't have a functioning delete button.
**Did anyone else think it was called a light saver when they were younger? Didn't really make a lot of sense to my young brain.

In which I am like Garfield and detest Monday mornings...

Like that famous orange cat that we love so much I sometimes have issues with Mondays and I find myself wondering whether this is something that is psychologically programmed into us from a young age. Almost everything starts on a Monday. Work starts back, if you happen to be in one of those 9-5 Monday to Friday gigs. I was in one of those once. Loved the fact that I had the weekend off then realised that I liked having days off in the middle of the week cause I could go see a movie by myself and not be surrounded by people.*

People go back to school on a Monday and I hated school. Let me rephrase that, I abhorred High School. If there was a hell on earth it would be High School. Who was the genius who decided that it would be a great idea to have teens all localised in one place? They must have known that the hormones oozing out of the very pores of these kids was a recipe for disaster, right? I mean, I can't think of anything worse than being put back into high school unless I had the knowledge I have now.** My memories of high school, which I have tried very hard to repress, always began on a Monday, which meant there were five long days for me to have gum thrown in my hair, have my uniform cut or drawn on and other lovely things that kids do to each other.

And we all know the song by the Boomtown Rats, right? I Don't Like Mondays. And we know the story behind it? Click Me

Anyway, I woke this morning in one of those moods that you can attribute to it being Monday and all I could think of was Garfield being all tucked up in his, outrageously small, cat bed peering out and saying how much he hates Monday.

So, to get me out of this funk I have been playing this song on endless repeat just to make me move and feel less like a sloth and more like the energiser bunny. I hope it brings you a little joy on this Monday morning (or whatever time it is for you at the moment you read this.)

Have a great Monday, y'all. 



*I'm not ashamed to admit that I go to the movies by myself. Sometimes I prefer it because I choose the film, I choose where to sit and I don't have to worry about getting hurt while watching a film. Trust me, it has happened.

**Actually I can think of quite a few worse things - one being stuck in a movie theatre filled with clowns...I just shuddered at the thought.

Top Five Fantasy Themed Films from my Childhood.

So, I heard the funniest thing...well I found it funny. I overheard someone referring to Easter Sunday as Happy Zombie Jesus Day and I had a quiet chuckle to myself because; A) It was funny and B) it was kinda true if you happen to believe in that. So, I was wondering, that makes Jesus the original Zombie? I can see the books now. And a feature film.

EDIT: I just did a search on the almighty google and found this website. Chuckles. 

Somehow this should lead me onto my top five of the day which happens to be films from my childhood that are fantasy themed. This, unfortunately, rules out any recent films so no LotR* or Pan's Labyrinth.

The NeverEnding Story
This film was one of my favourites when I was young. I watched it so many times and I even went and saw both sequels at the movies. (Yep, both of them, and they were both terrible.)** But the first one was brilliant. I had a huge crush on Atreyu and I am not ashamed to admit that I cried (and still do) when Artex died. I've known men to cry at that scene. Heck, I have the theme tune on my iPod. Oh memories are grand.

Labyrinth
Hoggle, Sir Didymus, Ludo, Sarah, Toby, Jareth. This is one of the most magical films of all time. I remember being terrified of the Fiery things that yank their heads off; so much so that I would hide behind the sofa in the lounge. (This was something I normally reserved for episodes of Dr Who. Those daleks still have the power to terrify me...but not so much as the weeping angels.) Obviously, this is a staple film for those of us born in the eighties but it still has a hold on many now-a-days.

The Dark Crystal
Jim Hensen was a genius - that is a pure and simple fact. This film was beautifully done and I believe that it is a work of art. The story alone is beautifully woven and then you have the puppets that are beautifully designed. Amazing. The only thing wrong is that it leaves you wanting to know more.

The Princess Bride
"Whatever you wish." Wesley and Buttercup are the ultimate fantasy couple in this great comedy drama. And we cannot forget Inigo Montoya. This film has a cult status for a reason and I remember watching it every time it came on TV and it was one of the first DVD's that I ever bought.

Willow
I remember watching this at a friends house when I was young and the trolls that turn into the moat monster were so terrifying to my young mind that I recall having strange nightmares for a week. More than I'd had with the fiery creatures from Labyrinth. Still, aside from the fact that it was filmed in NZ it is and will always be one of my favourite fantasy films.

Let me know what you think of these films. Enjoy!

*Lord of the Rings in case you were wondering.
**Random tidbit - Jack Black appears in the third film as one of the bad guys.

In which I am actually too busy to do a list...

It's just past eight as I write this and I have been up for what seems like ages. I'm in a mild panic, you see, because I am going with a dear friend to another friend's Hens Day/Night/Party*. Now, I don't know about you but I've never been to a Hens Night and, with my wacky imagination, this is what I see when I hear the words Hens Party. Hen's Party... Though I imagine less pinata carnage and more cake. This isn't how they go down, mind you because I have heard stories. Yep, real stories. And some of these stories involve all sorts of, ah, interesting things. For example: Studs Afloat (I didn't even know something like this really existed until I sat down to write this post. Oh so innocent I must be...) There were worse things but I don't want to shock any of your delicate sensibilities.

So, I am currently getting all the chores out of the way so I can drive with my friend over to Rotorua (or near enough) to attend this 'do'. And I have found out that I am somewhat capable at multi-tasking until I sit down in front of this computer and then it all goes to crap. I believe that I can blame it on all the shiny shiny buttons and interesting links that I keep looking at. (This sounds somewhat more dodgy than I intended but am I going to change it...nah.)

Anyway, this is my way of saying, sorry for the lack of a list today. I promise my lists will come back tomorrow and carry on for the rest of BEdA.

Have fun and look out for hens...

*Hens Night is the female equivalent to a Stag or Bachelor Party for the Bride to Be.

EDIT: Sigh - bad spelling is my downfall. Thanks for the reader who let me know.

Five Things That Have Made my Day...

Seriously busy today so this is going to be super rushed.*So, here goes the five things that have made my day today...

One - Downloading some Harry Potter music or Wizard Rock. (Wrock) And some Hunger Games tunes. I knew about ALL CAPS, The Moaning Myrtles etc but only just found Alex Carpenter, Ministry of Magic and Muggle Relations. So I have been bopping around to some sweet new tunes and indulging in geekery.

Two - Seeing people at the craft market who have known me since I was a baby. They always go out of their way to say hi and ask how my life is going. They're like substitute aunts and uncles.

Three - Wearing my favourite pair of shoes that remind me of my family over in the States. They're my first ever pair of Converse. (I normally never buy labels cause I dont' see the point or don't have the money but these were the best buy, ever. They're my dancing shoes.)

Four - Knowing that I have Star Trek (JJ Abrams movie) waiting for me in the DVD player. I was watching it yesterday but got super busy with the fish and chips and then the writing.

Five - Jeph Jacques' amazing webcomic series Questionable Content It is pure brilliance. It's a great way to procrastinate and the evolution of the drawing is so neat to see. Plus, Faye, Hannalore, Marten and co seem like they'd be really fun in real life, if somewhat crazy.

So, leave me a comment and let me know what has made your day today cause I'd like to know. It may have been trivial but sometimes these little things make or break your day.

*Had the Ohope Craft market this morning so I was there flipping burgers and selling drinks. (Oh the life I lead.) And now I'm back at the shop sitting behind the till pretending to be hard at work.

EDIT: One thing that didn't make my day...moronic customers...sigh. Example:
Phone rings
Me: Good Afternoon, Oasis Takeaways
Phone Person: Is this Oasis Takeaways
Me: Yes. Can I help?
PP: Are you open?
Me: Uh...yeah 
PP: So you're cooking?
Me: Yes, until 7 when we close. 
PP: When do you close?
Me: Seven. 
By this point I want to yell down the phone but I just smile and nod. Now, this happened to me eight times yesterday with only slight variations on the conversation.

Top Five Cartoons from my Childhood...

Because I am feeling dreadfully lazy today as I watch Mortal Kombat and drink tea (I'm aware that this is an odd combination but that's how I roll...) I'm going to do a simple top five. These are all cartoons that I watched when I was a child. The majority of these are in the late eighties and early nineties. Maybe they'll bring back some memories for you.

Ewoks - The Animated Series
First, I loved this series as a kid. I wasn't as highly aware of the intense dislike that seemed to be given to this fluffy, over grown teddy bears so I found this show highly enjoyable. I would spend days pretending I was Princess Kneesaa running off on an adventure with Wicket and co. Heck, I can still remember the theme song and have been known to hum it on random occasions. 

Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors
For a long time I would ask people if they remembered this show but no one seemed to have any idea what I was talking about so I almost thought I'd imagined the whole thing though I knew my imagination wasn't that good. To my little kid brain Flora was so lucky and cool and powerful. For a stage I was convinced that if I tried hard enough I would have power over plants. Sadly, this never panned out.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Seriously, if you grew up in the late eighties and early nineties you have to know this series. My favourite was always Donatello. I have a thing about intelligent characters, what can I say. (This is not to say that I had a crush on an anthropomorphic turtle - just in case you were wondering or worrying...) And April O'Neil was my idol. Don't get me started on the plays that we used to perform as kids. I have a terrible memory of my parading around in high heels that were far too big for me calling for help from the turtles. Ah, childhood.

Captain N: The Game Master
This is another one that I remember watching as a young child and then seeing repeats again when I was a bit older. There was something about crossing into a different world that always appealed to me. Hence why I love Labyrinth so much and The NeverEnding Story. Heck, I haven't seen this in so long that I feel like I may have to do some shopping online.

Gargoyles
This show was so many levels of awesome. Admittedly, this was on more when I was just about to start high school so I don't know if it counts but I have to have it here. The mythology of the show alone was brilliant and then there was the whole Shakespeare element. It was a mixture of so many cultures, beliefs and ideas. This is a series that I really want to get on DVD.

Yeah, I thought this was going to be easy but there are so many shows that I want to fit into this list but I have to choose five. Here are some of the runner ups: ThunderCats, The Bots Master, Denver The Last Dinosaur, The Snorks, Teddy Ruxpin, Gummi Bears, The Racoons, Duck Tales and the list goes on.

I hope this brought back some great memories for some of you because it sure did to me.

Let me know what your favourite shows were/are by leaving a comment. Until tomorrow.

Top Five TV Characters I Admire

The 20 Thing I Like list went down quite well. It was a fun one to write about as well though it took longer than I expected, in part because I really had to think about things that I do like rather than just passing 'flavour of the month' things. So, in keeping up with things that I like I am going for TV characters that I admire.

Kara Thrace/Starbuck - Battlestar Galactica (re-imaging)
I never really saw the original though I can understand the outcry about changing Starbuck from a man into a woman but I think it was a fraking brilliant move. Starbuck, especially in the first two seasons, was extremely kick-ass and awesome on so many levels. It is great to see a woman who can drink, swear and fight with the best of them. She was real and, as you know, I love my flawed heroes because I find I can relate to them more easily. Katee Sackhoff made Starbuck an icon of science fiction.

Angela Montenegro - Bones
I love all the characters on Bones. To me, the show is more about the characters and what drives them than the actual crime aspect of the show. In my mind, each of the characters are uniquely interesting but no more so than Angela. From her fashion sense to her intelligence, which is in no way overshadowed by the rest of the characters, she is a great role model and someone who I admire in terms of characterisation. I love the fact that, although she is technically a squint, she also has an open mind to the world - though not in the same way as Hodgins.

Dr. Spencer Reid/Penelope Garcia - Criminal Minds
From the first episode I was intrigued by all the characters but these two, above all, were really interesting to me. (I know I'm cheating by choosing two but I couldn't decide). Both are completely different in personality and, well everything, but they are both amazing. Reid dealing with his mother and the possible threat of schizophrenia and, not to mention his astounding intelligence, is an interesting character and somewhat complex. Whereas Garcia brings the heart to the team. Her quirks and quick thinking mind make for many of the laughs of the show. Plus, she is another of those characters with great fashion sense. (In my ever so humble opinion.)

Dean Winchester - Supernatural
I am neither a Sam-girl nor a Dean-girl but I think, out of the two of them, Dean is actually the more complex. ::*::hides as fans go all crazy like::*:: But I admire him more than Sam. I guess you could say that it is, in part, to my being the older sibling and constantly worrying about my younger sibling. Yet there is also the way that he can act serious in a moment's notice but is just at ease with being the goof ball. He is fine at playing dumb and doesn't really care what others think about him.

Buffy Summers - Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy had to be on this list somewhere. She is strong, kooky, witty and just brilliant. She was a typical teenager, aside from the obvious...But, she actually grows and matures as the seasons go on. Plus, she is resourceful in a way that not many other characters are. She doesn't fit in with the norm and, as Joss Whedon has stated many times, she was his response to the horror stories of old where it was the blond girl running upstairs instead of out the front door. She is another kick-ass heroine who has her own challenges and problems.

So there we go. Just a quick list again. Leave me a comment if there are any characters that you admire.

20 Things I Like...

I'm doing things a little different today because I'm feeling a little 'bluesy'* and a little tired. So, in an attempt to perk myself up I thought I'd write a list of 20, count that, 20 things that I like. Feel free to tell me what things you like or what things make you feel better when you're feeling a little down.

1. Finding a new singer/band or song that I really like. For example, the other day I downloaded the free tune from iTunes - Lady Luck - by Jamie Woon and I'm loving it.  
2. My dad's attempts to make the perfect jalapeno bread. We had some when we were last in California and dad had been experimenting every weekend. I don't mind being a taste tester for that. 
3. Playing my guitar. I've come to the conclusion that I'm never going to be anything other than a mediocre player but that doesn't stop me from trying. 
4. Walking around barefoot. I hate shoes and, if I don't have to, I won't wear them. This is something that is easier to do in New Zealand than it is in many other places since we don't have snakes etc.
5. Ordering books online. I love www.bookdepository.co.uk and use it regularly. I have been thinking about getting a kindle but the verdict is still out on that. In case you wanted to know I have just ordered A Game of Thrones, Sister's Red and The Knife of Never Letting Go.
6. Daydreaming. This normally has me staring out a window thinking about nothing or everything.
7. Paint my toenails. I just like doing this with either a really good movie on in the background or some great music playing. Sometimes I like to imagine I'm in one of those silly movie montages...
8. Piling the books that I am currently reading/about to read just to see how high it goes. Sometimes I make little book towers - no idea why...I just do. 
9. The way the trees in autumn become multi-coloured before the leaves fall. 
10. The first fire of the winter season. I often feel the urge to find marshmallows and roast them over the fire. (I have be known to do this over candles...)
11. Browsing www.etsy.com. Especially the geekery section and the witty badges. I collect them and some of the ones on there truly amuse me. 
12. Quirky coffee cups or mugs. I have been trying to get ones from every place I visit just as a keepsake. I know this is a bit silly because, honestly, how many cups does one need? But I keep doing it. 
13. Root Beer floats...I've only had one when I was in Las Vegas last year and it was so yummy. I don't care about the calories etc (mainly because there isn't anywhere I know that does them here.)
14. The sound of rain on the roof on a day when I know I don't have to go outside or be anywhere but at home. I love it when it rains in the middle of the night - the sound is so relaxing to me. 
15. Loving a book series so much that when I talk about it I refer to the characters as if I know them personally. 
16. Imagining what I would do if there was a zombie apocalypse. (I have a rather bit imagination...what can I say!)
17. Burger Rings or Rashuns sandwiches. Burger Rings and Rashuns are staples of the New Zealand chip (crisp or potato chip) range. Yummy. 
18. Second Hand bookstores. I have been known to spend hours wandering around looking for books that I feel deserve a new home with me. 
19. Chocolate - specifically Cadbury's dairy milk or Whittaker's dark chocolate. It is one of my true weaknesses but I have got some control...well...maybe...
20. Hanging with family and friends discussing how we can solve the world's problems over a glass of wine. 

*One of my dear friends coined this word for when she was feeling a little down and I loved it.

Oh the headache...

I was going to do a really good entry today about something amazing but I have been fighting this headache for the last couple of days so I thought I would do a brief entry if that was okay with you all. My original aim was to do a blog entry 'top five' for every day of April but my computer died and now that I finally have one back I get a headache that seems intent on disabling me for the weekend. So, this goes to show that not everything goes to plan...if anything actually does.

That is why I am posting this now in case I forget or fall asleep and miss the deadline for today.

But, because I feel somewhat guilty but not doing a top five so I will do a mini one...top five reasons headaches suck:

1. They make listening to anything almost unbearable - children's laughter becomes nails on a chalkboard or beautiful music sound like a flock of seagulls strangling cats. 
2. Your head feels as if it has doubled in size or just one section of it though when you look in the mirror it still looks normal size. 
3. You never know how long they are going to last so you think you can manage through but every so often these little bastards turn on you then you turn into a blithering idiot because you can't think straight. 
4. When they do finally go away you've lost half a day or a whole day. Nothings been accomplished and you didn't even enjoy the time off from doing nothing cause your head was in all kinds of evil places. 
5. And finally, a headache is not an excuse for everything...;o)

Until tomorrow my dear readers...

Technology hates me and my top five sci fi films...

We interrupt this broadcast with an important announcement - I finally have my computer back. This is the good news. The bad news is the fact that they had to wipe everything because the hard drive was corrupted. For those keeping score at home this is twice in the last two months that computers have deleted my life from them. Before you say anything about an external hard drive I'll have you know that I have one but it was too late in both cases.*

I can only assume that this means technology hates me. Though I have to admit, my first computer was brilliant. It was a Dell Inspiron and worked beautifully until it died. **

Anyway, let's get down to business. Today's top five is going to be my favourite Science Fiction films. I happen to love sci fi with a great passion. I'm a passable Trekkie, love Star Wars and am somewhat obsessed with Firefly. So, let's dive straight in: ***

Oh, before you ask, Star Wars won't be appearing on this list because it is more than just a science fiction. Just in case you were wondering.

Event Horizon
This film was one that really scared me the first time I watched it. There is no alien per se as everything tends to come from the mind of the crew but the whole idea of going into a hell dimension just creeps me out. Plus, Sam Neil as Weir...I still get shivers every time I watch it.

Pandorum
I finally managed to get a hand on this film a few weeks ago and, for the same reason that I enjoyed Event Horizon I enjoyed this film. The enemy isn't clear and it goes to show the power of your own mind. And the atmosphere of space being empty and unknown makes for a great story.

Serenity
Okay. This is a firm favourite mainly because I loved Firefly. It is the crew and the sense of family that actually make this film brilliant. Plus Whedon's witty script. All I have to say is I 'aim to misbehave'.

Alien
The ultimate sci fi. With a tag line like "In space, no one can hear you scream," you know you're in for a great ride. It is chilly, atmospheric and scary. Not to mention the fact that it brought our attention to the fact that women could be heroes. Ripley is the ultimate heroine and she kicks arse!

Aliens
I had to add this one as well because it is very different to the first film. This one ups the ante and introduces some great characters. Hudson anyone? Plus the fact that the colonial marines are no real match for the Aliens...

There are so many other films that I could add to this list so here are some of the runner ups:

Blade Runner, The Matrix, Back to the Future, The Fifth Element, 12 Monkeys, Terminator, T2 ... damn it, this list is far too long. I've mentioned it before but narrowing a list down to five is flipping difficult.

Hope you are enjoying this as much as I am. Also, if you have any requests please let me know.


*Insert sigh or swear word here.
**Add a wry chuckle here.
*** I could have made a science fiction related joke here but I held back. Are you proud?

Top Five Vampires...BEdA Day 8

Okay - quick post today because, as I type, the headache gnomes in my head have begun their evil clog dance on my brain.

Nice and easy one today with my top five vampires and there will not be a Cullen or Hale in sight.

Dracula
We start with the most revered and classic vampire to have ever graced our screens and pages. The old count himself. Played throughout the years by Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, Leslie Nielsen and Gary Oldman and many other great actors. He has been played as a victim and as a hero, as a serious character or a buffoon. You cannot have a list of top vampires without mentioning this great 'father' of vampires.

Thomas Raith (Dresden Files)
Not your typical vampire but Thomas Raith has a certain something. It could be the fact that he is part of the White Court or it could be the fact that he is Harry Dresden's half brother. Maybe it is cause he is described as incredibly good looking and was more than a little devoted to a girl who was driven insane. Oh so tragic but incredibly interesting. Closely tied with Susan from the same series but she was never turned into a full vamp...well not really...

Louis de Pointe du Lac
Most people seem to like Lestat from the Vampire Chronicles but I have always had a soft spot for those tortured souls so I have to have Louis in this list. He often did not understand his own true nature and fought against it constantly. I like him as a character and a vampire as he tried to retain some of his humanity.

Angel
The classic tortured vampire with a soul. As Angelus, however, he is one badass vampire. He tortured Drusilla, making her into the insane mess that she was in the show. Plus there was that whole in love with the Slayer business.

Spike
And you can't have Angel in the list without having Spike. Both in love the slayer in their own ways. Spike with his bleached blonder hair and two slayers under his belt he brought just enough comedy to his persona to make him truly memorable. And, well, it's Spike. What more do I need to say.

As per usual there are several other vampires who could have made it to this list but, as I am doing this off the cuff and on the day this is the list you get.

So, do you have a favourite vampire?

City of Fallen Angels/ Literary crushes...BEdA day 5

Quick overview - both of my computers are broken at the moment so I am using my sister's little netbook and the keys are tiny and my fingers keep mushing together several keys therefore I am making up new words as I go. I am still determined to finish BEdA so wish me luck.

Now onto business - Today was the release date for City of Fallen Angels by the ever wonderful Cassandra Clare. I have barely scratched the surface and I refuse to give spoilers so all I can say is so far so good! Clare's amazing wit and talent show through from page one.

This does, however, lead me onto today's list of five. My five literary crushes...which could be embarrassing but here we go:

George Cooper
There are so many great male characters in Tamora Pierce's world of Tortall but I have to admit I have had a little crush on him since I first read the Song of the Lioness quartet. Prince Jon is a close second but George and his knowing looks and his trust in Alanna. He reminds me a lot of Silk from Edding's Belgariad series as well.

Simon Lewis
Cassandra Clare has created a great many character in my own opinion and I know there are many Jace Wayland fans out there but I have to say that there is definitely something about Simon that makes me wish I was a few years younger and he was real. What can I say...I love my nerd boys.

Charlie Weasley
I don't know why I have fixated on him. He isn't really a main character and we never learn much about him but he always seemed somewhat mysterious and interesting to me. I feel as if I have to get my books out again and have a good read.

Will Stanton
I love Cooper's books. They are brilliantly written and the character of Will is one I instantly loved from the moment I first read about him.

Tobias
I loved the Animorph series when I was a kid. I still have all my copies of the series at my parents house and Tobias was my favourite. Jake was okay and Marco was the joker but it was definitely Tobias that I liked to learn more about.

There are several other characters that I could add but these were the first few that jumped into my brain. So here are some honorable mentions: Perrin and Mat from WoT, Jeremy, Nick and Adam from Women of the Otherworld series, Julian from The Forbidden Game and many more...too many to list really.

Let me know who yours are...

Peace and pancakes all...