Things I Do When I'm Sick...

It's the last Saturday of the holidays and, since yesterday, I've been sick. Just a stupid cold with a wicked cough but I've been laid up in bed for nearly two days. So, to make myself feel better I thought I'd make a list of things that I do to make myself feel not so useless and feel a little more human...

First - I draw. I love to do arts and crafts but I'm normally so busy with school work that I don't really get a chance to indulge myself in my true passions.

These are a couple that I've done just to make me feel a little better. (I hate being sick...I'm constantly on the move so being forced to stay still irks me...I'm also stubborn...)

Another thing I do is catch up on my own personal reading. In this case I'm re-reading this series:

The Belgariad was one of my first ventures into epic fantasy. It has a special place in my heart though I'm really not sure why I have double ups of many of the books. (Queen of Sorcery is sitting on my bed...two books nearly finished in two days...a bonus of being sick.)

Then there is staying hydrated. Along with water and orange juice, Bungaberg Ginger Beer is a staple for when I'm sick. (Thanks flatmate for buying the liquid goodness) Plus fruit - feijoas, bananas, oranges...

Trying to stay healthy though I did have a bag of crispy M&Ms this morning...there is something to be said for comfort food...

Then, when I'm not coughing some video games always work as a great distraction. 

These are my go to games. Yes - I'm replaying The Last of Us for the third or fourth time...this time I'm done with normal - bring on the hard level...don't know if I'm brave enough to do Survivor...

Then there is sleeping. I had myself a 'nana' nap this afternoon...more from the fact that I had spent half the night coughing but still...

A hot bath is also great but, after about ten minutes, I start to feel lazy. 

Finally - I bought myself a gift. Say hi to Albert...look at that attitude...

Anyway, these are some of the things that I do to keep myself occupied while sick. I also, apparently, take bad photography. That's next on my hobby list...learn how to take semi decent, arty photos...

I'm going to fix myself some dinner now...peace all. 

Weekend Round Up #9

The cons of being a teaching include many little things. In my case, germs. I love my students but they have given me a lovely cold that had my head spinning for the last three days. And not in the fun head spinning way. More along the lines of the Exorcist pea green soup kinda way.

And, with that introduction I'm diving into the list. Be warned, I was a little delusional when I was watching some of these...

First up is something I saw a long time ago but stumbled across it again recently.

This beautiful film is a thesis by Kristen Kempler. The story is beautiful and you could argue that it puts Disney to shame. Everything about this little film makes me smile.

Next is two pieces combined into one story in my mind.

We have news that Sam Raimi might be directing The Last of Us film and Naughty Dog released a Behind the Scene Documentary about the game.

The documentary is actually very interesting and I have had the music from the game stuck in my head for a long time. It was neat to see the composer and how he managed to make some of the music for the game. If you haven't played it seriously get out there and enjoy it.

And in more gaming news the Batman Arkham Knight trailer dropped the other day. I'm excited...

I loved the first two and tolerated Origins but this looks awesome.

Then there was this. There is a trailer but I just wanted to briefly mention it because nine years...nine years... (Image from NerdApproved.com)

And, finally, although I don't have children of my own this is what I'd definitely want if or when I do.

In fact, this entire website is amazing. I love stumbling onto new sites that enhance my love of all things geeky. Check it out EPBOT

This is all for today. I'm going to hit the juice and try and flush out the last of this grossness. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Jaime.

Plants Vs Zombies ...

I love my family. They are hilarious, crazy, kooky (almost like the Addams family with less Lurch and more dark humour). That being said, introducing my mother to the game Plants vs Zombies 2 may have been a bad idea. Especially when she is not doing well in a level. The words that I've heard come out of that mouth. (Mum, if you're reading this, love ya!) In fact, it has become a point of amusement to watch her stare intently at the screen and tap furiously while trying to keep the zombie horde at bay.

I love the game. It's quirky enough to keep me interested when I'm waiting in an airport or even when I can't sleep at night. I can tune out the goings on around me and focus on keeping those zombies at bay. The graphics are fun, the game play is simple (and addictive) plus look at these characters:

You can't deny that they hearken back to the cartoons from the late 80s to early 90s. They've got that roundness to them and each plant has it's own little identity. That first guy is called Bonk Choy. (I'm an English teacher who loves puns...go figure...)

Anyway, PopCap, the game creators, have made it a fun and easy game to get addicted to. The aim is to stop the zombies eating your brains. You start with a limited amount of plants and you need to collect sun in order to plant said plants. Each plant has different strengths and weaknesses so you have to learn which ones will benefit you while playing the game. Simple, right!

There are three main levels - Ancient Egypt, Pirate Seas and Ye Olde West. (I like writing it that way...) Each has it's own challenges and new plants are made available as you play along. I originally played this last year and it has since upgraded and changed only slightly but is still fun. As I said, I use it to pass the time while standing in line at places such as an airport or San Diego Comic Con. (Nothing better at two in the morning while your fellow nerds either sleep or are in search of caffeine.)

In each level you have specifically designed zombies that can be frustrating as heck*. Some with steal sun or make graves grow. One of the more annoying ones can be found in the Western level. He has a pot on his head and this makes him harder to kill. Plus, the chicken guy in that level annoys the heck out of me but I still find it an enjoyable game to play.

There are also reoccurring jokes surrounding Crazy Dave and his quest for his taco and his time travelling winnebago (is that even the right word? We don't have those things in NZ - well they aren't common that's for sure. I learned the word from the ever awesome film Spaceballs and now I'm rambling...) There are also mini boss levels or brute levels in this case. All of it adds to the fun.

The pros of this game include the fact that it is free to download on iOS and Android. It is easy to play (as proved by my mother) and has fun sound effects and a line of plush toys and collectibles that compliment the game. The animation is great, there are no lags that I've experienced and you don't need to be connected to wifi to play it, which is great.

Cons include the in app purchases (not that you really need them because I haven't used them.) Also the layout of the screen can be a little frustrating, especially when you are trying to collect sun and you accidentally hit the fast forward button or the almanac or purchase stuff buttons. (Those are the technical terms...well...)

For a mini game review I give this game a 8/10. It's free so I'd definitely recommend people give it a go.

Check out PopCap's official site click me! For more news.

*For some strange reason I have this word stuck in my head. I think it's because I am going back to school soon and am trying to rid myself of the bad habits I regress to during the summer holidays.