Holidays

I'm already in the holiday spirit and I guess that has a lot with my general frame of mind. In the past years I spent so much time crying in my wine about what I didn't have, so that I could not appreciate what I did. Well no more of that! I've lined up my indie holiday music, I have my candy recipes poised and ready, and I've even bought a gingerbread house to assemble! Day after Thanksgiving, my decorations go up and I'm breaking out the peppermint hot chocolate!

Today I bought my mom a purple Christmas tree. Yes, you read that right, PURPLE. See, mom is a purple fanatic and last year she mentioned she would like to have one.......so waaalaaaaaaaa.........early Christmas present for Mom! Last year she was Ms. Scrooge, so I'm hoping this puts her in the holiday cheer. My son wants to buy a neon green one for us and if he wants to buy it............I'll find a way to decorate it. I only agreed to this, by blackmailing him into decorating with me this year. He's managed to skirt this event for the past few years, but he's agreed, so I may soon have a day glo tree to blind the neighborhood. I will take pictures and post them, if this comes to fruition.

I actually do love the holidays, the food.......eating and cooking, the fellowship, the decorations, the music and the TV specials. This year I will watch all the old favorites, such as It's Christmas Charlie Brown, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, while wearing my Bumble Abominable Snowman slippers and and sipping a hot beverage. I'll count my blessings and enjoy the goodwill people toss my way. If you carol at my house, I might even give you a treat. Hang on guys.......the holiday season is on it's way and I for one can't wait this year! Mock me in my elf hat if you will, but this year I'm grabbing all the holiday cheer with both hands!*Stands patiently under the mistletoe, hoping to be kissed*

Terriers:The Best New Show, You Aren't Watching

Terriers is a new FX show, airing Wednesday at 10 pm cst, and I am mad about it! It's probably my favorite new show of the season, followed closely in second by HBO'S Boardwalk Empire. According to the ratings, not many of you have jumped on the Terriers bandwagon. That's why I'm here, to drum up some support. Logue and James has taken t0 the road, touring college campuses, to get he word out and I'm gonna do my part to do the same.



The show stars Donal Logue as rascally Hank Dolworth, an ex alcoholic, ex cop, with a very broken soul. You get the feeling that Hank has a tenuous hold on the difference between good and bad. He's not a bad man really, he genuinely cares about people, it's just that somewhere along the way, his 'do the right thing' barometer got smashed. This causes all kinds of fall out for those around him.

Michael Raymond-James (True Blood's sexy, but psycho Renee) co-stars as Hank's best friend and partner, Brit. Even though Brit has a criminal past, his lines between good and bad are clearer than Hank's. Unlike Hank, Brit maintains a great relationship with his live in, Katie. He is aware that his partner constantly steps into that gray area of decision making, and sometimes he is okay with it, but others you can see fears that one day Hank may take it too far and drag Brit down with him.

The premises of the show is these two 'losers' run an unlicensed PI business, in which they spend their time taking unconventional cases, skirting the law (and Hank's ex cop partner), out crooking the crooks, all while fighting to keep their damaged lives from falling apart. But the show is more than that. This show is a great character study about what happens when a good man hits rock bottom and his constant fight to regain some semblance of the life he lost. Hank really does want to be that good man again, but most often he fails miserably.



I have been a fan of Donal Logue since I first became aware of him as the dumpy, yet sexy Dex in The Tao of Steve. Since then, I have closely followed his career. I adored his TV show Grounded for Life, which I still watch in syndication. I kinda liked The Knights of Prosperity, but really loved him as Capt Tidwell in Life. Unfortunately, both of those shows were cancelled. The later, far too soon, in my opinion. Life was a great show and should have had a long viewing life, but as I've lamented before, America has no taste.



If you are familiar with Logue, you'll know he's known for his comic portrayal of characters. I was expecting and looking forward to more of the same in Terriers. I was stunned when I realized this is not a traditional comedy, but a very dark drama with comedy around it's edges. Logue's Hank is not a buffoon. He is very damaged, heartbroken man with a dark side a mile long. He has a lovable, roguish way about him, but there is a black hole quality surrounding him. We realize fairly early in the shows, that unless he gets a grip on himself soon, eventually he'll suck all those in orbit of him into this void with him. This feeling of foreboding is emphasized when his ex partner, Det. Gustafoson warns Britt that "You gotta know he's gonna let you down, it is not in Hank Dolworth to do anything, but self-destruct on people and when he does, everyone catches shrapnel."

Now don't think that this show is a downer, not by any means. Often times it is wickedly funny. From the quick witted banter between the two stars, to the absurd situations they find themselves in. However, the best thing about the show is how every time they get that 'prize', it never is the outcome they envisioned. Most of the time it brings new consequences or problems. You'll find yourself nodding in agreement, "Yeah, lots of time shit just doesn't pan out like you expected it."

Despite his short comings, I find myself rooting for Hank. I want him to find that light at he end of his tunnel and I'm disappointed with him, every time he stumbles. This show is fantastic and I know many of you would dig it, if you would just give it a chance. Stick with it through episode four, before you make a decision. The other three are basically build ups and at ep 4 it really takes off. Please guys, get these ratings up, so we won't lose another great show. Don't let this be another Firefly or Wonderfalls. Don't disappoint me again!!!

The Return of TV

Well we've all suffered through the summer without our favorite shows. Well, save True Blood. Starting this week, the new season of shows and the return of favorites will commence. And to that I say...........about damn time! I have truly suffered this summer. Only finding comfort and relief in the arms of old favorites.......such as Dawson's Creek, The OC, Wonderfalls, and Veronica Mars. While I very much enjoyed revisiting these and GOD I'VE MISSED LOVE (Veronica + Logan), I have yearned for my currently running shows.

This week sees the return of The Vampire Diaries, on Thursday 9, at 7pm on the CW. Finally we get to enjoy the great love triangle, between the two Elena and the yummy Salvatore brothers. (I would personally pick Damon, the sexiest bad boy you can't help, but love, since Logan Echols) If you've been following, you know that the during the season finale Katherine returned to wreck havoc on Mystic Falls. Now we get to see the repercussions of that much anticipated kiss between Damon and Elena, that ended up being Katherine pretending to be Elena. (This kinda saddens me, because Stefan is a little to brooding wimp to me, ala Edward)

Castle returns Monday Sept 20th, at 8pm. Back is the wonderful sexual tension between Rick and Beckett. Will they, won't they? Glee follows Wednesday 21st at 7pm, to be followed at 8pm, by a new show, Raising Hope, which I will have a mild interest to check out. Now Glee is the show I've been drooling over to start. This show found a must see place in my heart, last season, and I can't wait to see the rumored Rocky Horror Picture Show episode!

The boys will be back in town on Friday, Sept 24th at 8pm. Dean and Sam, Supernatural's sexy, badass, brother duo will be back to save the world........again. I'm not to keen on the new night it's showing on, but if I don't have plans, I will tune in. If I do, I'll do what I do with all my shows I miss, I'll catch em on Hulu. ;)

I can't say I am excited about many new shows this season, but I am very psyched about AMC's The Walking Dead. It's a zombie drama that's due to start on Halloween. I have great hopes for this and my only upset is that I will probably not get to see it's premier. I mean, come on! It's Halloween and I'm always gonna celebrate Halloween. I've watched the trailers and it looks awesome! The zombies are in no way comical, but very creepy. After all the vampire dramas, it's about time that a zombierama had it's day. Here's hoping it's just half as good as it looks.

So jump to it folks. Put new batteries in your remotes, change up the furniture for best viewing positions, stock up on snacks, for it's time to become that creature we all deny we are, but embrace every fall.....a couch potato.

When Things Go Awray, it's Time for Plan B

So you worked your butt off doing massive overtime, put in for a week of vacation and plan the first real vacation you've had in over 6 years??? What could possibly happen??? Well, if you are me EVERYTHING. I won't go into boring detail, but let's just say most of the money had to be re-allocated to a good cause and that left me with only a little to enjoy during my time off. This wasn't as unexpected as you'd think, I have a history of things I plan not working out, for whatever reason. What was different this time? My reaction, that's what.

In the past, I would have blown a gasket, thrown a fit and cried about how my life sucks, because nothing every goes as I plan. I would have brooded about it all the week I was off and self fulfilled a prophesy that my life does indeed suck. But, in this last year I have been going with the flow. I recognized that life doesn't always happen the way we plan it, so you might as well enjoy the side trips it places you on. I've been to Hot Springs twice this week with two different people. It was a blast both times, enjoying the company of my bestie yesterday and a new friend this past weekend. I love Hot Springs. Even though I have not lived there for over 20 yrs, I still can find my way around fairly easily and soak up the easy atmosphere that is there. I mean........how can you not relax on Bathhouse row?? The shops are cool, the people very friendly and the food is so awesome. The sushi I had at Fuji was phenomenal!!!!

In between trips I have read a lot, reorganized my house, and watched a ton of movies I've been meaning to get to. I will end my vacation by camping in the Ozarks this weekend, where I'll visit a winery and see the beginnings of a 13th century castle. Again, I'll be in good company. I'm a Taurus and we are nature girls. I have to get back to the earth every now and then to feel centered. This trip will be exactly what I have been needing.

All in all, plan B has been rather enjoyable and probably not as hectic as the trip I had planned to Chicago and WI. I still plan to do that trip someday, but maybe this was the type of vacation I needed at this time in my life. I'm slowly, but surely becoming a very flexible person. This helps me to to enjoy all the little detours life is known to take. Who knew that letting go and stop trying to control everything could be so freeing? I'm not saying you can't plan in life, I very much think there is a place for that, but I'm saying sometimes it's great to just fly by the seat of your pants and see where it leads you. Sometimes it's someplace very good. Very good indeed. Namaste

Craig Ferguson Is My Imaginary Boyfriend

I'm gonna just come out and admit it, I have a HUGE crush on late night host Craig Ferguson. It causes me problems sometimes. Often times I will stay up late to watch his show, which is inadvisable if your alarm is set to go off at 4am. I have to make sure my TV is turned off by 10pm, or I'm like a junkie and I'm unable not to watch him. If I fall a sleep before the show comes on, I will come to a full stage of wakefulness the minute I hear "It's a Great Day For America, everybody!" My crush has become a joke among my friends. Me:Yawn. Them: You stayed up late watching Craig again, didn't you. Me: (sigh) Yes. Them: You know you are daft right? That he's married and you'll never, ever meet him? Me: Yes. And that's the beauty of it. He'll never let me down because it's all in my head and that makes him perfect for me. Them: (Shaking head) Meds might help that yanno?

Okay, let's get this straight from the get go. I don't think for one moment that this could ever be 'real'. I'm not going to stalk him, break into his house, put on his clothes and crawl into his bed. I am not a delusional fan that thinks "If only we could meet, he'd know we belong together." In fact, I'm pretty sure that if we ever met in real life, that it would be a huge let down. Not because he'd be a jerk or anything, because I'm pretty sure he's great, but because there is no way he could compare to IMAGINARY CRAIG. The boyfriend in my head that is damn near perfect.

So why do I crush so hard on him? Well.......he's hot, he's got an accent, a great sense of humor, and a cheeky grin. He also reminds me, somewhat, of an older brother of a childhood friend. One that I crushed on, who teased me mercilessly, and taught me how to french kiss. I don't have a clue what happened to him, I lost touch with the friend, but I remember her brother was hot, thoughtful, clever, and wickedly funny. It's a great memory to hold on to! *Give me a moment* ;)

Last night, high on pain killers, due to a horrendous tooth ache, I came up with the idea that Craig would really be my imaginary boyfriend. From now on if someone asks me if I'm involved, I will say yes. My bestfriend and I came up with all of my imaginary boyfriend's attributes. He's a keeper girls!!! We made him sensitive, but not a sissy. Manly, but not a bully. Helpful, but not a doormat. He is smart, well read, creative, side splitting funny, loves to travel and have adventures. Loves the arts, but doesn't mind getting his hands dirty. He loves his family and mine. He fixes things around the house, but let's me do the things I am capable of. He thinks I'm adorable, loves everything I cook, is also a great cook in his own right, gives great massages, especially feet massages, likes to snuggle, is good and adventurous in sex, and couldn't imagine life without me. He's...........well...............perfect!

Today I loaned him out to my bestfriend. Not to hook up or anything, because this is not Big Love and I don't share my men, not even an imaginary one. No, just to ride along with her and keep her company, and kick ass where-ever she deems necessary. He'll make her laugh, cracking jokes in that adorable Scottish accent and tell her that she is the world's second most extraordinary woman. (I'm the worlds first, of course) Then he'll be home before I get home, to have the house cleaned and another gourmet meal waiting. He's the greatest! Can't wait to get home to him and get another foot massage.........how did a girl get so lucky? ;)

True Blood Ep. 32

****Spoilers****Well, well, well. Things are certainly getting complicated on TB. Sookie is just like a battered woman, IMO. After Bill almost kills her in ep. 31, they end up have sex, after he helps defend her from the wolves. Granted, danger sex is always hot, but she needs to stand on her decision not to have Bill in her life. I know what it's like to not be able to get a man out of you system, but damn girl, how many times you almost have to die, because of him, for you to get the message he's no good for you?? I am so not a Bill fan, in case you couldn't guess, and the fact he's known what she is, knowing she has been so confused about her abilities, yet he never told her, this is a big betrayal. I can't imagine any altruistic reasoning behind keeping such a secret.

Since I have read the books, I think I spotted a few things that someone that is merely a viewer wouldn't have caught. First......new Waitress......Holly. If this goes where I think it is.....yeee haww! Witches in Bon Tempe. I also know what Hadley told Eric, about what Sookie is, so the appearance of Claudine in ep. 31 made me squeal with delight. Could this mean that Claude is not too far behind? With both Claudine and Eric warning Sookie about Bill, maybe she'll cut him loose and this will set up for what all of the book readers have been waiting for.....the Sookie/Eric storyline from "Dead To the World". I'll be honest though, as much as I've been rooting for a Sookie/Eric hook up, after seeing the chemistry between Anna and Joe as Sookie/Alcide, I wouldn't argue with that storyline being delayed a season, so we can explore this one. Hmmmm Were or Vamp........I'm so torn. ;) I like tall men, and both of them are so very tall. I also like big men and Joe Manganiello defiantly has more meat on him than, Alexander Skarsgard, but as much as I find I am attracted to the dark guys, it's always the lighter haired ones that win my heart. Maybe Sookie can be like Anita Blake and just have them both. *nods*

The chemistry between Sookie and Alcide is tangible. That scene on the porch step was steaming. Not as hot as the crazy vampire sex she had with Bill later (her hand on his throat, I found so hot), but still....I don't know if I could have turned away, like they did. If the storyline continues to loosely follow the books, then a possible Sookie/Alcide hook up is not in the cards.

I think Jesus is more than he says he is. Lafayette having some type of power.......hmmmmm, this has possibilites. I don't figure Franklin is dead, because he didn't turn all gooey. Terry turning into Renee' omg! So spooky! It was my gasp moment for this episode. Wonder if she'll make herself lose the baby, over this? Eric killing the king's consort..........after check mating him (no symbolism lost there) wonderful. Revenge enacted sublimely, but you have to know this will have all sorts of great fall out.

I guess with the introduction of Crystal, they are gearing up for Jason's big storyline in the books. I don't know if I ever even liked that part, but oh well. Can't wait until next Sunday!

It's Wayyyyyyyy Tooooooooo Hot!

Okay guys, I hate heat. I mean I absolutely, positively hate it. I love Spring and Fall, don't mind Winter at all, but I despise Summer with a passion that knows no bounds. I'm not one of those people that go "Yay Summer, now we can get tans and head for the pool!" No, I dream of living in a climate, where the average temp is 73. My cuter outfits are all for cooler weather. I quit caring when the mercury starts to rise. My clothing becomes merely functional, I pile my hair on top of my head with a clippie. I quit wearing makeup, because it's basically useless. Two hours after I get ready, there is no sign of any makeup on my face, with the exception of the racoon eyes that invariably comes. You can waterproof mascara, but, I don't care what the cosmetic companies state, you cannot sweat proof mascara. I know you all claim you have that magic formula, but I've used you all and you lie. I still look like a crackwhore the morning after a hard night of drugs.

I have lived in the South most of my life and I do believe I am genetically a Northerner, trapped in a Southern climate. I don't mind cold, I can bundle up, snuggle down, drink warm beverages, you get the drift. But heat, heat I have no defense against. It is my archnemesis. We have battled long an hard and I don't see us becoming friends anytime soon.

When that temperature gage starts to raise above 80 F, I get anxious. If there is no air conditioning, I'm lethargic. You can't take off enough clothes (which is inadvisable, unless you are alone at home), you can't drink enough cold beverages, once the sweat starts to roll down your forehead, you might as well dig in for a health dose of misery.

Yesterday it was 106 F, with a heat index of 113. I don't know about you, but this is on my list of aspects to describe hell. At the very apex of the heat yesterday, I could feel it pressing through the windows in my office. Even with the air up high and my fan creating a near hurricane across my desk, I could feel the heat encroaching upon my personal space. I felt that familiar prickle of fear......"Oh my god, I'm gonna start sweating!" I HATE to sweat. I carry baby wipes for such occasion, but there is a point that even those cease to help. Once the sweat begins to pour from the top of my head, in a waterfall to dampen my entire body, like a monsoon of misery, and the only remedy is a cold shower. A cold shower that is 15 mins away, or in my case, since I ride the bus, 1 and a half hour. *shudder*

At 5:25 pm, I braced myself to stand at my bus stop for my ride home. I was armed with a frozen bottle of water, baby wipes, and the knowledge that the bus should be along in about five minutes. Those five minutes were torturous. By the time the bus arrived, I was soaked. I felt disgusting and was embarrassed to be around people, but I had no choice, I had to get home. The air conditioning on the bus hit me like an arctic blast. Due to being drenched in sweat, it caused me to shiver when I sat down. But, it was a shiver of bliss. I mopped off, as best as I could, with my wipes, took a couple of healthy swigs of my iced water, and absorbed the cool air surrounding me, like it was oxygen. Like my body needed it to continue to survive.

I think I kinda vegged for awhile, because before I knew it, I was at the downtown terminal. Thankfully my connecting bus was there and I only had to have a brief encounter with Heat Miser. My walk from the bus stop to home was another exercise in misery, however, this time I had the holy grail of the hot day awaiting me, a long, icy, bone chilling shower. It was heavenly, divine, an almost religious experience.

Today it's supposed to be 107, with a heat index of 114. I am again armed with baby wipes, bottles of water, that are presently freezing in our office freezer, and thoughts of cool, like, banana snow cones, winter days, a bed of Popsicles, it's 75 in Halifax Nova Scotia, snowball fights, wonder if I could live in Alaska, do I know anybody with a meat locker, Christmas trees, snow flakes, hot toddys, and this song in a never ending loop in my head:

"I'm Mr. White Christmas, I'm Mr. Cool. I'm Mr. Icicle, I'm Mr. 10 Below. Friends call me Snow Miser, whatever I touch, turns to snow in my clutch, I'm too much!"