Playing Favorites: Boob Tube Edition

When I first saw this prompt for Jenn's Tuesday Topics, I thought I'd have to pass it up because I didn't think I really watch that much TV. I realized as I was compiling this list however, that I do, it's just that the way series are aired now has changed. A lot of the shows I watch are on Netflix or Hulu, and they drop a whole season in one fell swoop. (Mostly) gone are the days where we wait anxiously for a week until the next episode airs. Anther drastic change is the mini-series format. Instead of a season being several months long, a lot of them can be as short as 7 episodes (looking at you, GoT). And just because I didn't want to neglect shows of days passed, those are below as well.

Big Little Lies- I read the book, I loved the casting, and I loved how it was produced. I'm skeptical of there being another season though. The story was finished- now what?

The Handmaid's Tale- Another one that I waited until I read the book before starting the show, and another one that totally deserved the 5 Emmy awards it won. I also loved seeing Samira Wiley back on my screen.

Grey's Anatomy- An old standby. I'll admit the first episode I ever saw was the one where [SPOILER ALERT] McDreamy died, and even that was because someone else wanted to catch up and I happened to be there, so I didn't particularly care. So I went back and started watching it from the beginning, and now I'm hooked. I do miss Cristina Yang/Sandra Oh though; she was my favorite.

Game of Thrones- I love and hate this one at the same time. Between delayed start dates the shortened "seasons," and the ridiculous amount of time between the "seasons" (SERIOUSLY POSSIBLY 2019?!), it's hard to keep up and I need a refresher before the next season starts. Not to mention actually having to research family trees just to figure out what's truly going on.

This is Us- I'm just so emotionally invested in all of these characters. I love them, I love seeing Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia back, and I love their relationships. No spoilers please- I haven't seen this season's premiere yet!

Orange is the New Black- Breaking barriers and stereotypes for all. I love the complexity of all of these characters. I love the issues it shines a light on.

The Walking Dead- I didn't think i'd like this show because I don't like blood or zombies (ha.ha.). So I didn't watch it until again I was somewhere and the people around me were watching it, so I had to go back to the beginning. I still get a little squeamish at times, but I really enjoy how the characters evolve. I'm still not really on board with one relationship in particular though, and I really REALLY want Gabriel to die. Also, I hate that Negan is so repulsively evil yet so damn attractive.

Stranger Things- This one took me a few episodes to get into it, but I was so intrigued that I kept watching. I also think Millie Bobby Brown is a great actress.

Westworld- Another one that took me a little while to get into, mostly because I was so confused. But wow! what an interesting and thorught-provoking storyline. It's like nothing I've seen before, which is why I enjoy it so much. I still laugh every time Teddy dies, and Maeve is my favorite because she's sassy and brave. I'm excited to see where it goes in Season 2.

Honorable Mentions:  Travelers, The OA, Nashville, Big Bang Theory, Catfish

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Cancelled/Used to Love:

Lost- I freakin loved this show. I actually watched this with a group, and a bigger group of us had an email chain about the episode the following day that last for days with after thoughts and theories. That may have been my favorite part.

Friday Night Lights- I never saw this when it aired live, but I binged on Netflix and LOVED IT. I even dressed up as Tami Taylor for Halloween 2 years ago, giant glass of white wine and all.

True Blood- Alcide. Lafayette. Hell, even Jason. I could've done with less Sookie and Bill though. They were SO annoying. I'll admit that the last season or two were pretty terrible too.

Gilmore Girls- I've watched this entire series at least twice, and then of course the revivals. I even wanted to go to the GG Festival in CT, but it was waaay too expensive. Anyway, side characters seem to be my thing. This Sookie, and Lane, were excellent. And I loved Emily and Paris in the revival.

Sex and The City- a classic. I think i started watching it at friends' houses at first because I didn't have HBO, but eventually I watched them all. My favorite boyfriend was and will always be Aiden. Sidenote: I hated the movies.

Dawson's Creek- the show of my teenage years. Dawson and Joey 4eva. I tried to watch it again when it was on Netflix, but it just didn't feel the same.

Friends- another classic, though I've probably seen every episode 5 times. This is what I put on for background noise now, as I watch it more for the sake of nostalgia than actually making me laugh.

The L Word- another one that I binged after it had already been cancelled. It was like an intro into the Lesbian/bi- world and I loved all of it, especially the complexity of the relationships and characters. And I'm so happy they're bringing it back!

One Tree Hill- this one doesn't age well, but I did love the show when it aired.

Honorable Mentions: Law and Order: SVU, Ally McBeal, Saved by the Bell, The Nanny, 90210, Melrose Place

What are some of your favorite TV shows, old or new? 

Linking up with Jenn!

The Nectar List

Have you ever heard of a Nectar List? It's a lot like a Bucket List, but instead of listing things you want to do, it's a list of things you've already done, or crossed off your bucket list. I have no idea why it's called that, but I kinda dig it. Anyway, here are a few of mine:

Traveled to 11 different countries
Attempted scuba-diving
Swam with sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles

Biked down the side of a volcano
Went sky-diving, ziplining, caving, white water rafting, tubing, rockclimbing, ocean- kayaking, jetskiing, and snorkeling

I've been on 3 cruises- Disney Big Red Boat, Carnival, and Norwegian
Seen MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA games, and the U.S. Open
Eaten somewhere featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
Been on TV
NYC Things: MET, MOMA, 10 (Cats, Rent, Lion King, Alladin, Carole King, Chicago, Cirque, Wicked, Les Miserables, Phantom) Broadway shows, Lincoln Center, Coney Island, Central Park, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Tavern on the Green and Central Park

I've swam in the Pacific, Atlantic, Carribean, and Indian Oceans, and the Gulf of Mexico
Held an alligator and a boa constrictor
Lived on my own for 7? years
Rescued a puppy
Donated my hair to Locks of Love

Spent a semester of college studying abroad
Earned a degree in something I love
Visited London: shopped at Dr. Marten and saw the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace

Been published
Rode an elephant and a camel

Learned how to operate a cotton candy machine
Jumped on stage with Matisyahu
Swam in a bioluminescent bay
Toured a tea and spice plantation

Acted in a play
Visited a castle in Europe
Fell in love
Saw my name in the credits of a movie
Went on a whiskey distillery tour (or 10) 

Got my belly button and nose pierced

Went tent camping
Took a pole dancing class
Gone to a luau in Hawaii

Gone horseback riding
Smoked a cigar
Volunteered at Habitat for Humanity

Rented a jeep and drove around Hawaii (Road to Hana)

Photographed the sunrise and sunset on the same day
Taken a ride on a glass bottom boat
Watched a meteor shower
Taken a ride on a steamboat
Attended a hot air balloon festival

I’ve watched the fireworks over the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City

Ate dim sum in Chinatown
Spent an entire day by myself

Became instant friends with complete strangers at a music festival (Global Citizens Festival)

Visited all three North American countries (Canada, Mexico, and the USA)
Voted in presidential and local elections
Got a professional massage
Got a professional manicure and pedicure

Performed in a marching band competition in (the stadium formerly known as) Giants Stadium

I’ve high-fived Nelly Furtado
I’ve very publicly taken a nap during a rave at a music festival
Visited Paris: went to the top of the Eiffel Tower and saw (and have been disappointed by) the Mona Lisa in person

I’ve watched the sunset over the ocean while riding a ferry boat
I’ve taken the perfect "jumping on the beach" photograph

I’ve been to a stereotypical frat party

Celebrateed Christmas in Spain

Hosted a game night

I’ve jumped off a cliff into a lake
I’ve taken a selfie with a giraffe/goat

I’ve been picked up by a random, but hot, Puerto Rican bouncer from Senor Frog's named Juan
I’ve learned how to ski at Mont Tremblant - and didn’t fall on my ass
I’ve been skinny dipping at 3 a.m.
I’ve attended a New York City black tie wedding
I've attended band camp

I’ve been hit in the face with a soccerball and did NOT cry
I’ve been to Mystic Pizza in Mystic, Connecticut
Started a book club
Started a business
Met online friends in real life

Tackled my debt
Saw one of the 7 wonders of the world
Gone geocashing
Threw a surprise party
Attended Pinot Palette paint night

Taken part in a talent show

I’ve competed in a canoe regatta and won
I’ve puked out the window of a moving vehicle. Not exactly proud of that, but seems like an accomplishment
I’ve chased roosters around the streets of Key West in Florida
Shot a gun

Waited in line for a movie (at midnight on opening day)- The Hobbit
Participated in a food fight
Learned and instrument and perform a jazz solo in front of an audience

Sang karaoke

Went to the movies by myself
Ate at a restaurant by myself

I’ve been stranded for three days with my best friends in a snowpocalypse
Started a blog (duh) 

Won a grape stomping competition

Attended an all-white party

Participated in a beauty pageant

Rode on an overnight train

Watched a Star Wars marathon of all 6 movies,  and a LOTR marathon with all 3 movies.

Found Philly Jesus

What are some things you've crossed of your bucket list? 

See some other ones over at Andrea's blog!

What's In My Bag?

Today I'm linking up with Andrea and sharing what's currently in my purse. Typically on weekends I'm just using a crossbody or wristlet with the essentials- keys, phone, ATM card/cash/ID, eyeliner and a hair tie or clip. I use an H&M tote for work, so that's what I'm sharing today!

A Book- finally got this one from the library. 

Mini Happy Planner- by far my new favorite planner! I just tried it for the first time this year and I don't think I'm ever going back. I like that it's small enough to carry around without breaking my back but big enough to fit everything I want/need to write down. I have the horizontal layout, and use a PaperMate Profile pen, which has become the only pen I'll use these days. 

Lunch- I've gotten pretty good about bringing my lunch to work Monday-Thurs (Fridays I usually order delivery or go out with coworkers). It's usually either a sandwich or leftovers from the night before's dinner. I should probably get a new lunch bag, but for now I just use plastic. 

iPod- yes, I still have an old school iPod Nano 5th Generation with radio and video capabilities and I love it. I don't know what I'm going to do if something happens to it since Apple doesn't make it anymore! ::knocks wood::

A Hair Clip, Aleve, a tampon, and Sunglasses

Wallet
My wallet contains...a lot of random shit. Of course there are the basics- cash, ATM card, driver's license, my work ID and change. Then there's my commuting stuff like my train ticket and Metro cards (for when I run into NYC). I have business cards from my rep at TD Bank and for my local liquor store that delivers, a TJ Maxx and LOFT gift card, my Starbucks and Pita Pit rewards card, and my library card.

And then there's sentimental stuff, such as old train tickets from when I went to the cemetery and Long Branch with my mom, the ferry ticket from Coronado in San DiegoThe Hobbit and Ghostbusters movie tickets, Blue's old work ID, an old love note from Blue, and a prayer card. I also keep a $5 spot hidden in one of the back pockets, and since I'm all about transparency, I just found a condom from God knows when which I'm throwing out now!

I used to carry around a make up bag as well but since I hardly ever wear make up, I decided to just leave in at work in case there's an impromptu happy hour with coworkers or spontaneous date night. 

What's some weird stuff you've found in your bag? 

TBB Asks: Back to School Edition

It's time for another "the Blended Blog Asks!" I saw this going around last week, but I'm late to the party. There were originally 27 questions, but that seemed like too many, so I cut it down to the 20 I liked.

1) Did you love school or hate it? 

Loved it! I was a super nerd. 

2) Start school before or after Labor Day?
I think it started after Labor Day? It was a long time ago! 

3) Wake up: eager beaver or slow poke?
Super slow poke, which hasn't changed lol. 

4) Favorite breakfast?
I was never a big fan of breakfast, but I remember Pop-Tarts and cereal. 

5) Favorite cereal?
Cocoa Krispies, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Honey Nut Cheerios. Same as now!

6) New outfit on first day of school or no?
Of COURSE! My mom would take me shopping and for a mani and haircut every year until I could drive (and then she'd still "sponsor" my back to school shopping!). It was a bonding thing for us. I remember checking out magazines to see what was "in" and I'd have my first day outfit picked out days in advance.

7) Walk to school or take the bus?
In middle school I took the bus. In high school my mom would drive me and I'd walk home, until I could drive halfway through my junior year. 

8) Backpack, tote, or messenger bag?
Backpack (had to be Jansport!) until high school, when I moved on to a messenger bag.

9) Eat school lunch or pack lunch?
Packed lunch until high school, when it depended on what the specials were. Pizza and cheesesteak (which was more like Steak-Ums) were my favorites. 

This was called the PV: plain bagel with cream cheese and Doritos.
Still a favorite!

10) Remember the little milk cartons? White or chocolate?
Who doesn't? Chocolate all the way!

11) Favorite back to school item?
Notebooks- I preferred 5-Star 5 subject college ruled- and writing utensils.

12) Homework as soon as you got home or after dinner?
ASAP. Always. 

13) Favorite after school snack?
After school I usually had sports practice, so I'd bring something fast, easy, and healthy. When I didn't have practice, I'd go to a babysitter and then the after school program at the local recreation center when that was established. So I'd eat whatever they prepared, usually healthy snacks. In high school I just went home so I'd eat whatever was around. 

tennis team

14) Favorite subject in school?
English and Social Studies/History. And gym. I'd rock those Presidential tests!

15) Least favorite school subject?
Calculus and Physics. 

16) Name of your best friend in high school?
I had two- Kristen and Tracie. I hardly speak to either of them now. 

high school musical with Kristen- senior year

with Tracie, sometime right after high school

17) High school mascot type?
Hornets.

Hornet Player of the Week

18) Favorite year in school?
Oooh, Junior year- I went on a class trip around Europe and got my license and a (used) car.

19) Class ring or no class ring?
Class ring. The center stone is my birthstone, grad year on one side and tennis racquet on the other. And my signature on the inside.

20) Attend or not attend high school reunion?
Hell no. Whoever I was friends with I just follow on FB. If I wanted a high school reunion, I could just go over a few towns to the watering hole- they're all still there! (I just ran into my old cheerleading and softball coaches recently!)

What was your favorite thing about back to school season?

What's New With Me/Currently

Reading: I Am The Messenger by Markus Zuzak

Watching:  movies for the Fall Film Challenge! So far I've watched Beauty and the Beast, The Magnificent Seven, John Wick, Passengers, Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Golden Compass, and Real Genius. Next up, I'm thinking The Jungle Book (2016). 

Listening to:  Feel It Still- Portugal. The Man. Have you ever listened to a commercial and thought I NEED to know that song? That's what got me hooked on this one! It's currently on a Vitamin Water commercial. 

The Afghan Whigs- You Want Love

And NEW Kelly Clarkson! Love So Soft-

Eating: BBQ. Lots of it! 

1 lb. pulled pork, 1 lb. of brisket, a full rack of baby back ribs,
a bunch of chicken wings, 4 sides and 4 pcs. cornbread

Celebrating: my friend who recently got a divorce and is finally moving out. 

Welcoming: fall weather. Just kidding- I'm not ready! World Market and Christmas Tree Shops AndThat! stores are opening in my area though, so I'm pretty excited for that. I love the stuff at World Market but never wanted to pay for shipping. 

Preparing: for our annual Halloween party! We already decided on a theme and have parts of our costumes, and we'll be sending out Save the Dates this weekend!

Can you guess our costumes?

Buying: fall staples. My boots fell apart at the end of last year and I need more cardigans. I used to get them at Old Navy, but I can't find them there anymore. Help!

Photographing: what I've been up to lately. Last Thursday Blue and I headed to the NY Jets vs. Philadelphia Eagles pre-season game. It was awesome because we got seats 10 rows from the end zone for $25, but terrible because all the players were second (or third) string and it was a shitty game. The last time we went to an NFL game we weren't even together yet, it was Giants vs. Eagles, and it was FREEZING cold. I loved that it was actually warm out but just like last time, my Eagles lost :( 

So close!

On Friday we decided to clean house on Blue's liquor shelves. Kidding, kind of. Each of those bottles only had about 2 shots in them. 

whiskey gingers

Saturday we met up with some friends to go check out Defiant Brewing Co. and Smokehouse in Pearl River, NY. The food (pictured above) was delicious, the beers were cold, and the company was awesome. After that, we did some bar hopping in the area. I actually don't remember the last time I went bar hopping, and I paid for it dearly the next day! 

Pre- meat sweats

I've lost my pool shark chops. 

Sunday was a straight up recovery day. We watched a lot of movies, ate a lot of pasta, and rehydrated. On Monday, we headed over to Blue's sister's house. She was super excited for beefsteak. I've actually never had it before, and OMG. Thinly sliced, perfectly grilled steak on fresh French bread with warmed butter drizzled on top. HOW HAVE I NEVER HAD THIS?! I ate it all so fast I didn't get a picture. Maybe next time. We also got assaulted loved on by her dogs. Bella Marie thinks she's a lap dog. 

Where is your favorite place to purchase cardigans? 

What's currently going on with you? 

Linking up with Anne, Lowanda, Kristen, and Gretch!