Computer Clean-up

I have this really bad habit of saving things onto my computer and forgetting I have them. Maybe I decided against posting them immediately or maybe my A.D.D. kicks in and I start doing something else in the 10 seconds after I’ve saved the file. Today I decided to do a sweep of my computer and delete out a few things that I didn’t need in here. These are the things I found:

Superman & Batman discussing villains and weaknesses. 

A small speech about the greatness of being a geek:

A  story with a Game of Thrones reference that made me laugh:

A diagram that summed up my sense of humor in dark times:

 A comic about those door-to-door religions:

Barney, making a brilliant point about meeting someone in our technologically advanced world:

...and a fairy tale for the cynical optimists:

Social Network Etiquette

Is there a social networking etiquette class somewhere I can send people to? There should be. I don't even know where I picked-up on what I consider to be proper etiquette for social networking, but I’m starting a list. Maybe we can help some people.

1. Do NOT like your own status. Clearly you like it or you wouldn't have posted it. This makes you look as though you're dying for the attention. It's really kind of sad. No, it’s not cute or funny, just sad.

2. Your profile picture should be of you.

A. This does not mean a picture of your new baby. Your friends and family that want to see the baby can look in a folder on your page that says "New baby!"

B. Unless your car is going to go all Transformer on us and turn into you, don't set your profile pic to be of your car, okay Optimus?

C. This also goes for pics of Super-heroes, movie stars, cartoons, comics, etc.. Unless you're out fighting crime in a mask with your underwear over your pants, we don't want it as your profile pic. If you are though, please post videos… that could be entertaining.

3. Stop with the sermons and religious banter constantly! It's not called Preachbook. I don't need a daily bible verse or to hear you tell me how I should live my life. I don't mind that everyone has different beliefs; just don't fill my wall with it. I'm sure if Jesus was around still he wouldn't be trying to save me via Facebook. Liking this status about Jesus isn’t going to keep me out of Heaven or get me into it. It’s not saving you either.

4. Do not hold a conversation through comments on someone’s status. Facebook has a chat feature at the bottom. So use it, instead of having a conversation in a wall post for everyone to see.

5. PLEASE at least attempt to spell words correctly. If you can't, fine, but at least have the dignity to attempt it. Also, please use some punctuation. This is a legit status by someone on my Facebook: "I just want to b happy damn why cant ppl just mind there own bussiness i desrve to b happy to only tryn to make something out of myself quit hatin bc were gona b together thru every and anything..." I can seriously point out 20 mistakes off the top of my head in that status. It's sad to see. (Disclaimer: I removed that person from my friends list. It was unbearable to keep seeing.)

6. Post things in the appropriate place. The other day I had a Facebook status talking about a football game. My friend commented on it and we were talking about how the game was going then suddenly his aunt pops in and says “I love your profile pic! Your baby is getting so big! She looks just like you!” That’s a nice sentiment that I’m sure you couldn’t wait to share, but learn to post these things on that persons wall or in a message. Seriously, nobody else cares to see it.

7. There is such a thing as too old for Facebook. If you don’t understand the difference between a message, a comment, and a status, maybe social networking isn’t for you. It may not be your age that makes you too old, just your mentality towards modern technology. I had a family member a while back freaking out because of the things that were being posted “On her Facebook” because she didn’t want her co-workers to “see that stuff.” I told her to delete it, and she said she couldn’t. It turned out that it was just her newsfeed. She thought anything she saw in her newsfeed could be seen by anyone who visited her page.

That's the only things to come to mind, but if you have more feel free to comment. I’d love to add to it. Also, why the hell has Facebook not given us a dislike button yet? Seriously, it’s been YEARS. We’ve had a billion changes we never thought about or asked for, yet you can’t give us the one thing we have all been vocal about for the last five years? Get your shit together Zuckerberg!

Maybe it’s not my weekend… (New Years post)

That’s right; I’m hopping in on the trend. I’m blogging about the New Year. Anyhow, it’s 2013! The world didn’t explode or implode or burn up or whatever it was supposed to do in 2012 and now we’re all still here. So naturally we all went out and celebrated our non-extinction on December 31^st. My mom & step dad’s side of the family has this tradition every year called the Yulee Ball. They put on a party in their small little town of Yulee, Florida and they make their own ball to do a midnight ball drop. There is lots of food and alcohol and music and all the things you expect from a New Year’s Eve party. I missed it back in 2010, instead opting for a solo excursion in Orlando, but more on that later. This year, the Yulee Ball got cancelled. This left me in a bind, as it happened sort of last minute and I had already invited someone out to join me. The beginning of the night involved a lot of driving around and looking for something fun to do at the last minute without spending a ton of money. We took a stroll through Downtown Fernandina, followed by a walk on the beach watching people light off fireworks earlier in the night. Then we opted to drive back into Jacksonville, where we caught the monorail to the Jacksonville Landing and put ourselves in with a massive crowd.

The crowd at the Jacksonville Landing NYE .

We caught dinner, which held us on the balcony level long enough to catch the 4^th quarter of the Cotton Bowl, and to watch the Fireworks at midnight. Afterwards we joined the club scene at Maverick’s (a popular night club inside the Jacksonville Landing) and I was able to showcase my complete lack of dancing ability. Me trying to find rhythm on a dance floor is like Ray Charles with a Where’s Waldo book. We still spent over an hour and a half on the dance floor despite that painful fact, which is all the more impressive considering I didn’t drink a drop all night. We did spend a small amount of time in the VIP area upstairs, which I was surprised to see had stripper poles and curtained off areas with lounge chairs and sofas. I had been to this place a couple of times before and never knew the area existed. After last call, everyone left and the music stopped. We exited back out into the courtyard to head home and I got to witness this:

I think my favorite part is the guy who dances into frame at the 0:58 mark with a ton of enthusiasm, high fives another guy, and skips back out of the video. The large train of people toward the end is pretty entertaining too though. Drunk people on New Year’s day are just so fun and sociable.

I mentioned earlier that I spent my 2010 New Year in Orlando, and as some of you may know, I had a blog in the past prior to this one. This is my blog post from 2010:

New Years Eve was outstanding. Warm weather, bikini tops, palm trees, music playing everywhere you walk. Universal on New Year’s Eve day is reminiscent of a stereotypical spring break in an American Pie style movie. Mellow attitude today, I forgo the roller coasters and decide to catch some of the live shows that have never interested me enough to wait in line for. The long wait in line seems shortened by the spontaneous conversation I’m having with complete strangers about temporary stairs and bent back paper clips. Off for lunch with the new acquaintances. Margaritaville is the perfect fit for the aforementioned mellowness. Cheeseburger in paradise and hurricane made by a very friendly bartender named Jerry. In this fabricated environment it's hard to remember that I’m not REALLY at a beach right now. Hotel. Quick nap. Shower. Now I’m ready for the nighttime portion of this show. Roller coasters are more fun at nighttime. Live music inside of Universal Studios is being played. Didn't catch the name of the band, cover songs are all that is played. Inside the exclusive New Years Eve party I’m greeted with beads and champagne. The strip outside the clubs here is much like Mardi Gras, women trying to earn beads anyway that they can included. Time to eat again and we're informed that Emeril Lagasse himself is responsible for a few of the entrees. One bite and BAM! I understand the hype. Live music in each individual bar, and I can't seem to tear myself away from the Piano bar at Pat O'Briens'. Several of the bars and clubs have their own charm, but it's the Red Coconut where I meet Amanda. Black dress and minimal make-up, Amanda is cute in a Leighton Meester meets Rachel Bilson kinda way. I can't dance, but I ask anyway, liquid courage. Luckily for me, the next song played is a slow one, this I can do. Song ends, older lady approaches. This is Amanda's mom, nice to meet you Carol, and your date. Carol is a lush, Amanda is embarrassed. Witty banter with Carol's date about my intentions with Amanda is made a lot funnier after discovering that he is in fact not Carol's date, but a random guy she met that has no clue that Carol is married. Amanda's embarrassment seems more warranted. Ten minutes until midnight, I’m asked not to move. Amanda escapes momentarily and returns with two glasses of champagne. "For the midnight toast". Midnight strikes, confetti fills the sky, everyone clinks glasses and the couples begin to kiss. I go for it. Midnight kiss: check. 2009 is in the books, box it up and file it under "history".

The first thing that grabs my attention about that post is the writing style. I’m still not sure if I love or hate it. What really grabs my attention is the difference in my life then and my life now. I used to be more carefree, less concerned with tomorrow and more concerned with now. I miss that. I find it interesting that I up and drove to Orlando to spend New Year alone, and I remember the whole trip being so great. 2012 Christopher stressed a lot more, all year. He also wasn’t looking to spend New Year’s Eve alone, but he also wasn’t running away from anything. All of these are stories for another time. The point I am making is that it’s a new year. 2012 saw a lot of traditions broken and I’m determined that in 2013 I’m going to start new traditions.

Edit: if you're wondering why the post is titled "Maybe it's not my weekend..." when the post suggests I had a pretty decent weekend really, you should know that my favorite football teams both ended the season in crappy fashion. Also, I didn't drink a drop on New Year's Eve, and there was no midnight kiss for me this year. But most importantly, the post title is a lyric from an All Time Low song called Weightless. "Maybe it's not my weekend, but it's gonna be my year."

Movie Review: The Guilt Trip

The Movie:

Guilt Trip starring Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand.

Directed by Anne Fletcher

Release Date: December 19th.

Official Movie Synopsis: 

As inventor Andy Brewster is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, a quick stop at his mom's house turns into an unexpected cross-country voyage with her along for the ride.

What to expect:

If you’ve seen any comedy movie starring Seth Rogen, or caught Barbra Streisand in Meet the Fockers, then you know that they both deliver big laughs with nonchalant dialogue. This movie is filled with quick one liners, sarcasm, wit. The movie plays out like most road trip movies do, minus the copious amounts of sex, it is a mother/son trip after all, though there is a strip club scene.

Negatives:

The movie gets off to a slow start as they slowly build a bit of background behind the characters and lead up to explain why this road trip is taking place. The first twenty minutes will have you anxiously wondering if the movie is going to get funnier or remain stale.

Positives:

The Guilt Trip delivers a few breaks from the comedy to develop emotional connections with the characters, allowing you to wind down from a stretch of comedy and invest in the characters before jumping back in to the laughs. The movie has it’s “feel good” moments, peppered with serious moments and filled with laughter.

My Thoughts:

If you like the comedy genre (and really, who doesn’t?) and don’t only get your kicks from shock comedy and crudeness, then this movie should keep you entertained. It’s suitable for all ages, and could easily be a good date movie, or something you can bring your parents to and not have to explain every pop culture reference that’s made. It’s worth seeing in theaters, but it wouldn’t make a bad watch at home movie either.

On a mostly unrelated note:

Before the movie my friend and I discussed Barbra Streisand, who one of us (still unsure who it was) mistakenly called Bette Midler. This got us to start trying to differentiate which was which.

“Streisand was in Hocus Pocus”

“No that was Midler”

“Who was Ben Stiller’s mom in the Focker movies?”

“That was Streisand”

“Then what does Bette Midler look like?!”

To some people this may seem ludicrous, but I think it’s a legit mistake...

Today

I’m not going to write about yesterday’s tragic shooting in Newtown. Nobody needs another article, blog, or random person’s insight to know what happened yesterday was a horrific event. Nothing I can say will ease anyone’s minds. Nothing I can say will give those families their children back. I am but another person, miles away, whose heart breaks for those affected, and whose thoughts are with them during this nightmare. I might share my opinions on how people have reacted to this tragedy; some disappointing, others inspiring, but I won’t share them today. Today I can only hope that the worst is over for those who lost a loved one, and that they can be left un-harassed by the media to grieve. Today the rest of us start returning to our normal lives. We’ll play football games, shop for the holidays, party with our friends, watch movies, laugh at funny things on the internet, spend time with our families, and hopefully we’ll appreciate it all a lot more. We get to wake up and resume our normal lives today; there are a lot of people out there who won’t have that luxury. Tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone. Take a step back and look at what you have to be thankful for, and appreciate it.

My first movie review, Jack Reacher.

A couple of years ago I won tickets to an advanced screening of Iron Man 2 through a radio contest. Upon winning I had to register with this website to claim the prize and print the tickets. It was a few weeks later that I started getting e-mails from that site, offering me tickets to advanced screenings of other movies, completely free of charge. Since then I have seen several movies for free, days (sometimes weeks or even months) before they officially release. I’ve decided to start blogging occasionally about these movies offering my reviews on them. Tonight I attended yet another pre-screening and decided to follow it up with my first review. I'd love to hear any suggestions on what sort of information I should add/takeaway from the review or any other suggestions you may have. Also, no worries, my reviews are completely spoiler free.

The Movie:

Jack Reacher, starring Tom Cruise.

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie.

Release Date: December 21^st.

Official Movie Synopsis:

When a gunman takes five lives with six shots, all evidence points to the suspect in custody. On interrogation, the suspect offers up a single note: "Get Jack Reacher!" So begins an extraordinary chase for the truth, pitting Jack Reacher against an unexpected enemy, with a skill for violence and a secret to keep.

What to expect:

This movie produced by, and starring Tom Cruise, was a cut and dry action flick. Do you like car chases? Fight scenes? Lots of gun fire?  If so, this is your kind of movie. It’s reminiscent of the 80’s action movies of old, One “I don’t play by the rules” badass, searching for answers, and beating up half-wit bad guys along the way. If you’re not into that sort of thing, and suspension of disbelief doesn’t come easily for you, maybe you should pass this one by. The dialogue is spoof-worthy at points, and delivered with soap operaesque dramatic flair.

Negatives:

My biggest problem with the movie was character inconsistency. A lot of time is spent building characters and explaining their personalities and histories to make certain scenes more believable, but the second something needs to happen to help the plot, that personality trait or part of their history is no longer relevant. Aside from that, the cheesy dialogue is my biggest gripe.

Positives:

Unlike many action movies that I would compare this one too, the plot is not entirely predictable. Some avid movie goers may figure the movie out moments before it unfolds, but you don’t go into the movie expecting the exact same ending you get. Also to my surprise, the movie had a few laugh out loud funny moments, lightening the mood from the dark and serious tone it sets early on.

My Thoughts:

Unless you’re a die hard Tom Cruise fan, or a sucker for stereotypical action movies, I’d say this movie is best saved for Redbox or Netflix. 

The Liebster Award

I was surprised to see I got my first award in blogging. I was awarded the Liebster award by Sarah whose blog you can (and should) read here. Liebster is German for “Dearest” and is an award is for new bloggers who have less than 200 followers to help give them recognition and support. It's also a great way to let someone know how much you enjoy their blog. Thanks Sarah! I’m sorry I’ve been MIA, but I wouldn’t leave you hanging.

When you receive the award, you post 11 random things about yourself, answer 11 questions from the person who nominated you, nominate 11 blogs of your own, and post 11 questions for them to respond to.

11 Random facts about me.

1. Despite living in Florida, I like cold weather. I relish the day it gets cold enough to wear hoodies.

2. I have one tattoo, and despite the usual “ink fever” people experience after their first tattoo, I have had just one for seven years, despite having tattoo artists in the family as well as a while with two roommates who are tattoo artists.

3. I am a very picky eater. I don’t eat seafood, mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch, any sort of mint, or most things chocolate.

4. Surprisingly, I am an amazing cook. I even cook all the stuff I don’t like.

5. I’m a Halo nerd. I’ve been playing Halo for eleven years and go to all the midnight releases of the video games. I’ve even read the majority of the novels.

6. I give the best back massage you will ever have. It’s not a cocky statement; it’s just what I’ve been told numerously.

7. I think that part of a truly great concert experience is the camping out for tickets to get the best seats available.

8. I’ve had a total of 55 stitches/staples from injuries and a total of 0 broken bones.

9. I’ve driven over 150 MPH behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper and didn’t get pulled over.

10. I drank from the fountain of youth in St. Augustine, and the water tasted like ass.

11. I wrote an essay that was used at the example essay in FCAT and GED tests.

Sarah’s 11 questions:

1. What is your one big regret in your life you wish you could change?

Moving to Tennessee. Before I made that move, I was living in a nice side of town here in Jacksonville, I had an amazing four bedroom home with a loft-style bedroom, a huge yard, A big back porch, a gazebo/fire pit, and enough furniture to fill it all up. I gave it all up and consolidated everything to a one bedroom in Chattanooga Tennessee. It seemed smart at the time, due to a potential career opportunity and the chance to get some much needed space from things I was having a hard time letting go of. The career opportunity didn’t pan out though, and the little that I did keep when I moved got damaged on the return trip to Florida. You live and you learn I guess.

2. Who was your favorite teacher, and how did they affect you?

Mr. Williams at Baldwin. I was a bit of a slacker, usually too bored with the assignments and a problem with authority. He found ways to challenge me, and to roll with my smartass attitude without being hostile or a pushover. I looked forward to his class every day.

3. How did you meet your significant other? (cute story time)

I have no significant other, so no cute stories from me, sorry.

4. What do you do for a living and are you happy with it?

I have bounced around many career fields in my life, often leaving each one for a change of pace or a raise in pay. Logistics seems to be the common field in them all, and while I’m good at it, I don’t think anyone as a kid says “I wanna be a Project manager for a logistics company!” I’d really love to write, or maybe find something in sports and/or social media. I’ll be happy when I find a way to do what I love in a practical way that pays the bills.

5. If you could be granted one wish, what would it be?

Ungodly amounts of money! Sure, it’s cliché and typical, but I DO believe money can buy happiness, or it can at least allow me to do the things that would make me happy. So if money doesn’t buy happiness it’ll be a good down payment.

6. What is something on your bucket list you are itching to cross off?

Going to Rome. I’ve always wanted to go but have never had the chance. I’m going to get there though, don’t you worry.

7. What made you start a blog?

Having too much on my mind. Blogging allows me to get things out of my head so that I can concentrate on something different. You can’t allow thoughts to get jumbled up in there for too long, you’ll go crazy.

8. What is the one thing you wish you could do?

Play guitar. I’ve tried learning and I can do little bits of songs here and there, but I’d love to be able to really play. I guess I need the right instructor.

9. What is a quote that inspires you?

“There's always a reason to smile. Find it. Life is short. We're not here for a long time; we're here for a good time.”

10. If you could witness any event, past, present, or future, what would it be?

Witnessing past events is tempting, but when you throw in future events I have to jump on it. I’d like to witness the Florida Gators 50th National Championship win 48 years from now.

11. If you could stay a certain age forever, what would it be?

Twenty-Two. Though that would require back-tracking a few years in age.

My Nominees:

1. Shannon at Awash With Wonder

2. Blair Klein at The Silver Cage

3. little at romantically challenged

4. lauren danger at There's Only One Box

5. Paige at Awkward Sex and the City

6. Rachel Emmilee at Rachel Emmilee

7. Nugs at That Ain't Kosher

8. Austin Smith at Undeniable Contingencies

9. notcaitiedavis at a caitionary tale

10. Tanya Sehgal at Coveted Dreams

11. Penny Lane at The Chronicles Of A College Girl

Questions for my award winners:

1. If you could have any ONE super power, what would it be?

2. If you had to move away from where you live, where would you like to move?

3. If you could go see any five bands in concert (past or present) who would they be?

4. You get to spend a week with a celebrity of your choice, who is it?

5. You have unlimited funding for a day, what do you do?

6. If you could have any restaurant located IN your house, what would it be?

7. Favorite Superhero?

8. What was your very first blog about?

9. Drink of choice?

10. Biggest pet peeve?

11. How many awards have you gotten? (Blogging or otherwise)

On a personal note:

I realize that some of you may have received this award already. Don’t feel obligated to dish out another 11 awards or anything.In fact, none of you should feel obligated to participate if you don't wish too, I just wanted to share the honor with those whose blogs I have been reading. Thanks for the entertainment and thought provocation. It’s much appreciated. Cheers.