Aug 21, 2013

Cheese With My Whine: Health Care In The USA

Firstly, how about you watch this:


That was John Green. He's an excellent writer, advocate against world suck, and a reminder to me to never forget to be awesome. I saw this video and I very clearly felt happy and upset at the same time. Too often do I hear United States Sheep Citizens play along with the political pandering of the Health Care "Debate".

"Making me have free health care is unconstitutional."
Buddy, we do lots of things we don't really have any say in. Following road laws, paying taxes, and even submitting to surveillance. This isn't the thing to complain about.
"Free health care means lower quality health care!"
Not sure if you heard, but we're 33rd in life expectancy. I'd also like to point out who has free (Universal) health care. Japan, who is number one on the list.
"We'll have higher taxes with free health care!"
It's documented (you know, fact) that we pay more in taxes than those with Universal Health Care, and receive nothing close to free health care in return. If the government decided to raise taxes, well then we know it's their choice, not a necessity.

"Free health care is socialist!"
Oh, I'm sorry. I thought we were having an adult conversation. My bad.

I'm sick (health care joke!) and tired of this terrible "debate". I don't care who you are, where you're from, or what you did (N' Sync joke now), if you are telling me that you are against a system that is proven to work in major counties around the world, that could improve the life of your fellow citizens, your friends, your family, and yourself, then you are either a political sheep or intentionally an A-Hole.

Are there flaws with Universal Health Care. Yes. Is the system the United States has now a gleaming bald eagle of amazing? Far from it. I'd at least prefer to have a health care system that consistently out performs our own. What is your view on the issue. Very interested in what you have to say, positive or not. Comments are always welcome!

Oh, and I hope you caught him mentioning the next season of Sherlock. He understands my physical need for the new season.

Aug 20, 2013

Get In My Belly: Pepperoni Pizza Cauliflower Casserole

Welcome to Get In My Belly! Today I want to share a recipe I found on Pinterest that was kind of a surprise for me because it doesn't involve bread, sugar, or frying. Shocker.

Doesn't that just make you go mmmmmm?
It's a Pepperoni Pizza Cauliflower Casserole, and it's probably something I'm going to make on a regular basis when I have my house. The ingredients aren't in any way hard to come by, the bake time is about 20 minutes, and makes 4 servings. Also, you can dress it up with other things besides pepperoni, just use the puree recipe as a base and go from there.

This would be a great quick dinner to make ahead of time, then just pop in the oven when you get home, or for those potluck events everyone makes potato salad for. I'm sure we could all do with eating more veggies, and this is a sneaky way to get yourself and your family a nice dose without feeling like a starved hippie. There is cheese!

Does this sound like something you'd like to eat? Are you more of a carnivore or herbivore  Would you try to make this yourself? Comments are always welcome!

Aug 19, 2013

Motley Mondays: 34 Days Until Florida

It's pretty insane to me that there are so time left before my husband and I move to Florida. I think I'll dedicate today's post about things in Florida I look forward to most:

5. Year round ice cream weather. You know what rocks more than summer? 8 months of it.

4. Central air. Goes well with those 8 months of summer.

3. Going to tourist attractions casually. Universal Studios? SeaWorld? Disney World? Major beaches? Oh yeah, you mean those things we do on weekends.

2. Lower cost of living. In Chicago, I can find a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment (without central air, without washer and dryer in unit, without parking included) for $1,500. In Florida, I used to live in a 4 bedroom 3 bath apartment (with central air, with washer and dryer in unit, with parking included) for less than $900. Yeah, that's just an example of the savings, not including the exorbitant taxes paid here in Chicago.

1. Friends and Family. Yes, I am moving away from my parents. I am indeed sad about this. Also, I just spent 20 years with them. My sister, her kids, my husbands family, and both our friends are in Florida, and we will live no more than 30 minutes away. That's pretty amazing.

That's why we put on sunscreen, Katniss.
Florida, I'll see you soon.

Aug 17, 2013

Creative Writing: An Ode To Laziness

Welcome to Creative Writing! I'm posting this late, because I flaked on you all and was too tired to write.  So today's creative writing post will be about how lazy I am. Enjoy!

Ode To Laziness
Written by: Adela M.

Laziness, it is an art.
You might have noticed,
but where to start?
Your Netflix queue on which you're focused.
Only doing what is closest.
The fridge you raid after bathroom breaks.
The many mico-naps you take.
Avoiding phone calls on home or cell.
Don't shower because no one can tell.
Contemplate but never do.
I love my laziness, it's true.


Everyone gets lazy, right?

Aug 16, 2013

Geek Out: Orange Is The New Black

Welcome to Geek Out! Let's talk about the Netflix Original Series, Orange Is The New Black. This series premiered on Netflix July 11th, 2013. Yesterday I saw the first episode out of late night curiosity. I went in with pretty high expectations, as the other Netflix Original Series I had watched was Hemlock Grove. Hemlock Grove was an eerie, slow burn, science-fiction tragedy that I enjoyed immensely. The episode was one hour long and I found myself completely content with my decision to watch this series from start to finish.

So, what is Orange Is The New Black about? According to IMDBThe story of Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling/Argo), a woman in her thirties who is sentenced to 15 months in prison after she is convicted of a decade old crime of transporting money for her drug dealing girlfriend (Laura Prepon/That 70's Show). Now, I'm only 1 episode in, but there are a lot of interesting characters, which are always referred to in prison by their last name or nickname. The big twist at the end of the first episode (It's a spoiler but come on it came out almost 2 months ago) is that the drug dealing girlfriend is in the same prison as Piper. Shocker!

Why is this Geek Out worthy? I have this thing, where if I'm not wholeheartedly into a series, book, movie, or game, then I'm simply not going to waste my time. So anything I do watch, read, listen to, or play is something I'm a huge fan of. I'm apart of its fandom. So if I'm telling you about this, it's geeky to me. Plus the cast reads a ton of books, so they must be geeky.


Well put. Good lesson for all of us. Have you watched Orange Is The New Black? Did you like it? Why or why not? Comments are always welcome!

Aug 15, 2013

Thanks A Million: Fanfiction Community

Welcome to Thanks A Million! Today we're gonna talk about what I'm grateful for this week, and that comes in the form of the fan fiction community. 
Yes, that is the dance I do.
You'll find this lovely bunch embedded within any given fandom. Let's break it down into little chunks for those who may not be as insane as myself. A fandom (think "fans" and "kingdom") is a fan base focused on a particular interest. This group is interested on a very detailed level and will invest tons of time into it. So take that and apply it to fan fiction  which is literally fiction written by fans of a book, TV Show, movie, game, etc that want to write a story that deviates from the source material. So, why am I grateful for the fan fiction community?
  • Let's take a property like Harry Potter. There are no more books or movies, and yet I still have a need for more creative and wonderfully whimsical stories from that realm. With fan fiction I can get cool side stories, interesting new romances, and alternate reality scenarios. What's not to love?
  • Let's take a property like Sherlock (BBC). You know secretly John is gay, and I need stories written about the steamy romance he should be having with Sherlock.
  • Let's take a property like Thor or The Avengers. Do you have a favorite character you want to have a million stories to read about them? You can find as many Loki fan fiction stories as you could ever read, even gender swapped.
  • The fan fiction community likes to write, share, and is pretty open minded. Have a super crazy couple you ship to the moon and back. They are on board.  Want to cross two unlikely properties together? They've done it at least once.
  • Have an idea for a fan fiction. Write it and ask them what they think. They won't be as harsh on you as your college English professor was, I'm sure.
  • They are just oodles of fun to geek out with. They like what you like for Kirk/Spock sake! ...Personally I want more Khan/Spock stories...
Oh yes you are, fan fiction community.
Are there good and bad people in the fan fiction community? Yes. Are there good and bad stories in the fan fiction community? You betcha. Is it worth getting into? Yes. Are you a fan fiction reader or writer? If not, why is that? Do you believe fan fiction helps or hurts the fandom? Comments are always welcome!

Aug 14, 2013

Cheese With My Whine: Lunch Break, Cable, Weather, and Driving

Welcome to Cheese with My Whine! It's hump day, and in the middle of the week, what else could I want to do more than vent a bit of the weeks frustrations. Let's go down the (granted small) list.

  • Guess what? When I'm on my lunch break, just because I stay at my desk, doesn't mean I want to talk about work with you. Or talk at all. If we must converse, anything but work would just be wonderful. Okay?!
  • Hey, cable company! What is the point for having HD options on my on demand shows, when half the time the cable box freaks out, turns my screen blue, and I have to exit the On Demand menu. You don't seem to have a real answer for this when I call you...
  • Chicago weather. Can we take a minute to collectively curse at Chicago weather for not making up it's freaking mind? I'm going to be blisteringly hot. Oh, just kidding, I'm going to be overcast and cold. By the way, I'm raining. Wait, not anymore. Wait...now I'm raining again. Don't worry, in three minutes I'll be hot again, AND humid.
  • Do you drive? Do you claim to be a responsible driver? Well, how about actually following the rules on a regular basis. "This is faster." "There aren't any cops or camera's." "I do this all the time." are not even close to comforting. If I have to be in a car with you, you will abide by road laws. Kill yourself on your time.
  • Oh, and by the way, if you're going to be a liar at work, inform the group. Not that I'm going to stick up for your lies, I just want to know at what moment I say something that completely busts you.
Tom Hiddleston, you know my pain.
Tell me that I am not the only one with these issues. Do you relate to any of these complaints? Have anything you want to get off your chest today? Comments are always welcome!

Aug 13, 2013

Get In My Belly: Individual Peach and Honey Crumble

Welcome to Get In My Belly! This is a post meant for a Tuesday, but yesterday I was home sick. Don't worry, you won't catch it over the internet. Today I want to share with you a recipe I saw on one of my favorite sites, Baking Bites. Do you love peaches? Do you like honey?
Then I found a winner for you.
It's an Individual Peach and Honey Crumble, and by gosh does it look yummy. The recipe doesn't have any sort of exotic hard to find ingredients, assembly is painless, the bake time is less than an hour, and it's enough for 6 servings. It doesn't say you need to share these 6 servings, however. Peaches are seasonal fruits you can find May - August (at least from what I've seen). Can you use canned peaches? I don't see why not, but if you can get them fresh, why go for the canned substitute?

This would be amazing for that end of the summer barbecue or anytime it strikes up your fancy. I know for me, summer has been a bit of a deterrent for using the oven, but that really has been the issue of not having an A/C. So help me, if I had central air, I'd be a baking fiend for this recipe. Who doesn't like little individual desserts? 

Does this sound like something you'd like to eat? Are you into baking at all? Would you try to make this yourself? Comments are always welcome!

Aug 12, 2013

Motley Mondays: Elysium, Thor, and The Avengers

Welcome to Motley Mondays! Let's talk about my Sunday at to the movies, and some other stuff I watched when I got home. First up, I went with the family to go see Elysium. On the way there I saw an advertisement that made me do a double-take, and thankfully I was able to take a picture.
For the selective zombie.
I looked it up later on in the day and figured out it was a learning center (one would assume) but it's still a pretty funny name.

So Elysium. I didn't want to go see it, so let's put that on the table now. It was overall an alright movie, but not something I needed to go see in the movie theaters. What saved the movie for me? In a word? Kruger. Played by Sharlto Copley (District 9), he is just one happy go lucky homicidal maniac with a sailors mouth to boot. Oh, and has a sort of exoskeleton suit that makes him all the more dangerous. 
Cray cray guy? Check. Buff as hell. Check. Turned on by hunting people down. Check. Boyfriend. Material.
Kruger had the right dialogue, right tone, and right actor to execute a character that is now in my pantheon of favorite characters. Matt Damon's character you ask? Eh. Matt Damon.

Now let's talk about the Thor Movie and The Avengers Movie. I think most people will agree they were great movies. For me, more than anything, the star was Loki. However, I did love the entire ensemble in Avengers. So when I got home I watched a deleted scene from Thor, and then I watch The Avengers Bloopers. First video was funny, then terribly sad when put into context, and the second is just side splittingly funny. You be the judge.


"Now give us a kiss." **sobbing**

Coulsooooooooon!


And that was Sunday for me. Today has just been me at work. I have Wednesday off this week, so maybe I'll do something a little extra for the blog. So, did you have a chance to see Elysium yet? Verdict? Did you like the Marvel videos I posted above? Do we have Loki fans out there? Comments are always welcome!

Aug 10, 2013

Creative Writing: Loki Poem

Welcome to Creative Writing! Today I will attempt to write a poem about the God of Mischief, Loki. You've probably heard of Loki through mythology, the Marvel comics, and the Marvel movies. Loki has always been a cool character in my mind, but when the movie Thor came out, I fell in love with Loki as played by Tom Hiddleston. I'm no stranger to loving the bad boy, so he's another addition to my collection of fangirl worthy crushes.

No Lonely God
Written by: Adela M.

This God of Mischief in my sight,
His will to fight,
His passions true,
Yet no one knew.

He hides inside a forlorn face,
Feelings like lace,
I want to mend,
His pain I’ll end.

But what could a mere mortal do,
She’s hiding too,
He’s not alone,
His true self known.

Even Loki thinks my poem has all the feels.
Well there we have it. Nothing fancy or long, but it'll do the trick. All of us just want to give Loki a hug and tell him it's gonna be okay. Do you have any poetry about your fictional crush, real crush, or any other subject? Do you enjoy creative writing? Comments are always welcome!

Aug 9, 2013

Geek Out: Worbla Thermoplastic

Welcome to Geek Out! Let's talk about Worbla. For those of you who don't know, Worbla is a brand of thermoplastic sheet you can heat in several different ways for it to become pliable to fit molds or be manipulated into a shape (kind of like putty). This material hardens fast, is sandable, and is ideal if you plan on using multiple layers, seeing as how the heated Worbla will stick to other sheets. It can be primed, varnished, and painted as well.

So, what can you use Worbla for? Really, it's up to you. Now, what I've seen Worbla used most impressively for is Cosplay. In case you didn't know, Cosplay is short for "costume play" where you can wear costumes and accessories (you can buy or make yourself) to represent a character from a work of fiction (that includes things you make up). There are obviously degrees of technicality with Worbla, going from simple accessories to full on suits of armor complete with helmet and weapons.
Picture right from Worbla's website of a contestant at Blizzard's Costume Contest in 2012.
Crazy impressive right? So what do people say in general about Worbla use? I've heard people swear by it when it comes to crafting props, accessories, and outfit elements. A con for some could be the fact that because it's so easy to stretch and flex, breaking it can also be easy, but that can be said for another commonly used material, Wonderflex. The biggest compliment (and relief) I've heard about the material is even first time users can craft with it pretty simply, and can work on progressively more challenging projects as they get more comfortable.

Where can you buy the stuff? The internet knows no bounds. Cosplay Supplies carries different sized sheets for a pretty penny, but quality is never cheap my friends.

So why am I so interested in Worbla? I'm glad you asked! I'd like to believe most of you know I am head over heels for a one Mr. Laufeyson. Loki is a character I'd be proud to attempt to cosplay as. A lot of the elements of the outfit I feel would look best with the use of Worbla. I'm really determined to do a Lady Loki outfit for MegaCon 2014 in Orlando, Florida.
Way impressive Lady Loki Cosplay by Atra Cosplay.
Have you ever used Worbla before? What are your thoughts on it? What other projects would you use Worbla for? Comments are always welcome!

Aug 8, 2013

Thanks A Million: Her Trailer

Welcome to Thanks A Million. Today we're gonna talk about what I'm grateful for this week, and it comes in the form of a movie trailer. Give it a watch.


10 points to Slytherin if you didn't cry. Yes inner crying counts. So, why am I thankful for a trailer about this middle aged man in the not so distant future that is essentially in love with a glorified Siri? Let me break it down:
  1. This is one of the few refreshing "love story" premises I've seen in my short 20 years of life. We are in this age where technology is embedded in our lives whether we like it or not. Who's to say that, with Artificial Intelligence involved, the technology wouldn't know us better than a fellow human could know us? Could they be enamored with our traits, and inversely could we be enamored with theirs?
  2. This movie follows the healing of a human heart, but in an unconventional way. Theodore is no longer married (not exactly sure what happened) and hasn't even begun to heal until Samantha, the operating system comes in. Some people cannot do it their own, and Theodore will ultimately owe Samantha a lot for teaching him how to love and live openly again.
  3. We have some great performances going on. Joaquin Phoenix (I Walk The Line), Scarlett Johansson (The Avengers), Amy Adams (Man Of Steel), and Rooney Mara (Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) have proven more than once they can deliver strong believable characters on screen. I love when I get more than a piece of cardboard with makeup in my movies.
  4. This movie, will hopefully, have you questioning the parameters of love. Love is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties," "attraction based on sexual desire," and "affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests." Samantha, we can see, is connecting with Theodore on a level he hasn't had in a while. He expresses a desire to touch her (simmer down there, Joaquin). We get to hear him profess "I've never loved anyone the way I love you." which Samantha replies with, "Me too." This is not an untrue statement. I can bet you he literally has never loved an operating system as he loves Samantha, but also he is including people in this statement. In all technical terms, this is love. You can love a person (man, woman, other), a book, a show, and an operating system.
Do I like mindless blockbuster action films? Yes, but there is a time for them and certainly they aren't pushing the envelop or our minds. Still not convinced this movie is one you'd be interested in, I'd still recommend you give it a shot. Can't be any worse than that movie Olympus Has Fallen.

Interested in seeing the movie? Did you like the choice of actors? Does the premise seem too weird to you? Comments are always welcome!

Aug 6, 2013

When Did I Start Seeing Things?

So here I am surfing this big wave we call the internet.
This is literally me.
I stumble on a picture of a younger Hugh Dancy.
Smother me with those eyes, baby.
So naturally I'm doing one of these:


Then the "Oh Yeah!" turns into "Oh shit!"
Yes I use this gif, really it's very appropriate.
He is channeling Spike Spiegel!
Yes, THIS Spike.
The point I'm trying to make...is that Hugh Dancy is hot, scary, awkward, and cute all wrapped up into a big ball of love that needs to be in more movies, TV shows, commercials, and narrate audio books. Oh, and for a minute there totally pulled off Spike Spiegel.

It doesn't always need to be serious, people.

Am I seeing things? Do you agree? I think we can all agree that someone needs to freaking HELP WILL GRAHAM!

Aug 5, 2013

When Did I Start Speculating About Superman/Batman?

What is everyone's favorite activity when you are waiting what seems like forever to get some news about a TV show, movie, or book? Speculating. We all do it, and we enjoy the heck out of it. Today I'm coming to you with a list I saw over at The Mary Sue for the recently teased Man Of Steel + Batman movie. 

The question on everyone's mind is "Who the hell is playing Batman!?" So let's go through this baseless list and fall in love or hate accordingly.

Josh Brolin (46) He looks like a tough cookie. I'll consider him.
Ryan Gosling (32) I will find any excuse to get him in everything I watch ever.
Joe Manganiello (36) Introducing Muscle-Man! I like him in True Blood, so I'm thinking about it.
Richard Armitage (41) HE IS FREAKING THORIN OAKENSHIELD!
Max Martini (43) Not feeling him...also he raised a sort of shitty kid in Pacific Rim.
Matthew Goode (35) He looks like my local barista...doesn't scream vigilante to me. Does ask if I want foam.
Scrutinize these faces who might not even be selected at all to play Batman. Of course, there are other amazing options out there, maybe even some unknown actor. The point is, we have zero control. So we can either speculate/obsess or accept our doom one way or another. Either way, we can all agree that we want a batman that is the opposite of this:

Holy Lactation, Batman! Look at those nips!
Who do you want to play Batman? What is the story line you want to see in this movie? Who wins; Superman or Batman?

Aug 3, 2013

When Did I Make An Official Posting Schedule?

I played around a little, and asked for feedback, on what sort of categorized set up I'd like to do for the blog starting post 100. I got some good comments, and came up with this:
  • Motley Mondays: A round up of what I’m expecting to happen during the week and whatever else is in my head that I feel like sharing.
  • Get In My Belly: Tuesdays are about sharing the food porn. Baking or cooking, I’ll share my favorite recipes I found on the internet since last we met, and share my own successes.
  • Cheese with My Whine: It’s Wednesday, and you know what? I’ll have something to complain about.
  • Thanks A Million: Let’s even out yesterday with what I’m feeling thankful for this week. No, it won’t ALWAYS be my husband. Sorry James.
  • Geek Out: Is it tech? Is it pop culture? Does it have to do with fangirling? It's here.
  • Creative Writing: Saturday is about sitting down and doing a little anything goes writing.
  • Sunday: Day Off. Come on, I need one day to myself. Don’t worry, Motley Mondays will fill you in on anything you missed.
I'm a little apprehensive about making any of these entries video blogs. The time may come where I feel more like talking then typing, but that's going to be down the road. 

Always feel free to comment, critic, or make suggestions. Thanks for reading!

Aug 2, 2013

When Did I Watch The Sherlock S3 Teaser?

Let us watch the teaser for Sherlock (BBC) Season 3...

Alright, I'll get THIS bit out of the way so we can get down to business...

Serious face on now...

Okay, NOW serious face. The teaser is pretty direct with us, we can all agree. Mrs. Hudson, Lestrade, Mycroft, Molly, and John are about to have the shit scared out of them...well for the exception of Molly, which we are 99.99% positive she was in on the whole "Omg jumping of this building now. Laters." Now, my head-canon is so out of control, I'm already thinking John and Sherlock will eat at that fancy restaurant once the shock blows Watson's mustache clean off his face. John will be adorably "whisper shouty", they go back to Baker Street, have a hot night in bed, and all will be forgiven.

Fangirl impossibilities aside, I'm really very stoked for Sherlock to return. It's a simply smart show that gets right to the heart of you. I can see Freeman and Cumberbatch doing this for the next few years if that's what they choose to do. They've built a believable chemistry you don't find too often. Am I dying on the inside to see the first episode? Yes. Will it been worth the wait? Of course.

Aug 1, 2013

When Did I Start Being A Wreck?

Let me just walk you through how I'm feeling right now with the aid of gifs. Let's begin.


Last night before bed, I had a conversation and realized...

After which I kind of just did this until I fell asleep...

In the morning I got out of bed and not even a minute later...

On the inside, I just generally feel like this...

Although when people ask how things are going I give them the casual "Great."

  1. I hate thinking about the house buying because I have zero control at this point.
  2. Work makes me want to remove my brain with a dull spoon.
  3. I don't take being lonely well, and frankly, being without your husband 3 months fucking sucks.

Being upset is okay. Being confused is okay. Being sad is okay.
Just remember it's a hump. There is another side. We all make it.