Rants and Musings of BeatlesDiva the Geek Girl

Connie and Carla

2011-11-25T20:21:00.004-07:00

Connie and Carla
Rated PG-13
Nicole's Rating - B+
8 out of 10 stars

Once a year my girlfriends and I get together just to have Connie and Carla night. It's a fun show with a great story.

Connie and Carla have been best friends for the longest time and have dreamed of living a life doing Broadway only to end up living their dream singing that the airport lounge. One night after one of their shows they see the murder of their boss and have to run from gangsters. Trying their best to hide their identities, they find themselves in Los Angeles performing as drag queens.

The gals are put into some funny situations, there's some great songs that you'll want to sing along too and wonderful costumes. I can tell that most men would probably are cringing about a movie like this, but I think that if your women are bugging you to watch a chick flick, this is one that you'll both enjoy.

Give this movie a go!
....especially if you want some good laughs

Anonymous

2011-11-23T20:38:00.003-07:00

Anonymous

Rated PG-13

130 mins.

Nicole's Rating - A

8.5 out of 10 stars

This has only been released in 500 theaters worldwide and that's sad because this is a story that could get people talking. Who was the true author of William Shakespeare's work?

This movie has tons of history and dramatic suspense, but I'm one that loves stories about the Elizabethan era. The costume and set designs were beyond amazing! I highly recommend any Shakespeare fan or if you enjoy conspiracy theories to go out and see this. You'll come out rethinking what you thought you knew about the playwright master.

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 16

2010-12-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

Day 16: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes

Funny, I just spoke about this on the podcast not long ago. Here's my short list.

#1 - Jim Carrey

I always get laughed at when I mention him as my #1,
but look at him...he's very handsome + funny!

#2 - Johnny Depp

#3 - Shia LeBeouf

#4 - Liam Neeson

#5 - Will Smith

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 15

2010-12-11T21:50:00.003-07:00

Day 15: A letter to someone you wish you could meet

A letter to Paul McCartney

Dear Paul,

I've never met you (yet), but you actually changed my life this summer. I know that may come out sounding like I'm some crazy fan (and maybe I am) but this statement it true. For the past 10 years I've been suffering from drepression, with very few times that I was actually on a high part of life. It wasn't until I went to your concert this summer that I finally snapped out it this. You're music has always been a way to cheer me up and get me out of a rut, but it was once I saw you live that the black cloud lifted. I know this sound very strange, but there was an energy about the stadium. An enery I much needed.

Thanks for the years of entertainment and thanks for the therapy that no doctor could ever give me.

One of you biggest fans and clients ;-)

Nicole aka BeatlesDiva

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 14

2010-12-10T22:41:00.001-07:00

Day 14: A song from your childhood

Oh so many songs come to mind! I've always had a love for music, but I remember having the neighborhood girls all get together and do performances of this song. Oh the good times!

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 13

2010-12-09T22:30:00.004-07:00

Day 13: Whatever tickles your fancy

Wow! This is a tough one. I could write of post anything I want. Hummm...I guess I'll just post a little something about me then.

I am a person that loves to help and comfort others in need. As much as I love to do this, it's mostly for a selfish reason. I do it because it gives me a chance to put aside my issues with life and forget about it for a few moments. I'm one that will keep my deepest feelings and thoughts hidden. Sure I'll bitch and moan about things in life (if you know me, you know of my complaining), but it's the BIG things that I keep buried. I've had many experiences in life and I'm willing to give my advice to others who may have questions or may be going through the same thing. I love to see that I can lift people spirts up and giving them a smile. That smile and sense of comfort gives me a glimmer of hope that I can change the things in my life.

I know this isn't the happiest of blogs I've put up, but it is something I needed to say. Thanks for listening!

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 12

2010-12-08T22:16:00.002-07:00

Day 12: Self portrait

Tis the season for Holiday pics!

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 11

2010-12-07T22:08:00.002-07:00

Day 11: Share your favorite recipe

I love food and I love cooking so this is a tough one for me, so I'll do the recipe that I just did a couple of days ago.

Avocado and Lime Salsa
1 Packet Italian salad dressing mix (made according to package directions)
2 Avocados, peeled and diced
4 to 5 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 can white corn, drained
1 can black-eyed peas, drained
1/2 bunch cilantro, washed and chopped
2 to 3 limes, squeezed
7 green onions

Mix salad dressing in a large bowl. Place all remaining ingredients in salad dressing and toss. Serve with whole-grain tortilla chips.

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 10

2010-12-06T21:56:00.005-07:00

Day 10: A letter to a person who has caused you pain

Dear ____,

I leave your name out because I don't care to let people know who you are, but they should know the story of us. I loved you more than I loved anyone else, in the end it was all a lie that you were playing. I was willing to give up everything for you, I was even at the point of packing up my things and moving for you. I was only but short putting my boxes in my car and headed out, until you called me and told me the truth. The truth that you just got married that week, leaving me and yet another girl broken hearted. How is it you can play not only me but three women at the same time?!?

You were good with your games and tales, making yourself out to be the perfect man and in my eyes you were. You were everything I wanted in a man and in the end, it was all a mirage. It's been a few years since I've even heard from you, but I find it hard still to forgive you. I did learn many lessons from our experience together, but unfortunately it's also given me a hard head in trust any other men that come into my life.

I hope you're happy with the decisions you've made in life and I pray that you're wife knows the true you so she won't end up broken like myself.

You're Ex

Nicole

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 9

2010-12-05T21:48:00.001-07:00

Day 9: List some of your favorite blogs
I mostly follow personal blogs of family and friend, but sinceI don't think people would like if I posted their personal blogs on here, but here are some wonderful blogs of various subjects I love to follow.

The Journal of a Black Mormon Girl
Blind Squirrel Props
Cake Wrecks
Phantoms and Monsters
The Nerdsphere Network
(I help with this one)

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 8

2010-12-04T21:41:00.002-07:00

Day 8: A Photo of you taken recently

Here's a few that I've pulled off my Facebook profile.

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 7

2010-12-03T22:00:00.001-07:00

Day 7: A YouTube video you find funny
Oh, I can't just put up one video. Here's a short list of ones I can always go back to for laughs!

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 6

2010-11-30T21:43:00.002-07:00

Day 6: A list of what you ate today

* Mountain Dew & Cheetos (there's the breakfast of champions)
* Hot ham and cheese
* Danish
* Chicken and penne-pasta stir-fry
* Milk and a gingerbread cookie
* A piece of white chocolate and a after dinner mint

I honestly don't eat that much in a day, it's mostly junk that I can find at work where most of my snacking is done. Once I get home, it's mostly water, milk and some meat for dinner.

Kick-Ass

2010-11-30T02:03:00.003-07:00

Kick-Ass
Rated R
117 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: A-

Finally, a movie that Nicholas Cage doesn’t totally annoy me in! I have to admit, this was one action movie that I wasn’t really wanting to see. When people told me the storyline, it sounded like nerdy children in costumes, who cussed a lot and were needing attention. Boy was I wrong! Yes, it had the nerd gets the girl storyline, but it also had a fairly in-depth superhero tale. Yeah, yeah there were some fairly predictable parts and you’ll see it coming if you’ve seen more than two comic book hero movies, but there were a couple of areas I was not expecting.

The casting was nearly perfect and overall the chemistry of the players was spot on, despite some cheesy lines with googly teenagers. The one issue I had with the movie was some of the unfinished CGI effects at the end of the movie. That could have used a little tweaking or better yet, maybe a different plot device.

In the end, I had a lot of fun watching this show and it’s one that I can imagine watching a few times over and not get bored.

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 5

2010-11-29T01:00:00.003-07:00

Day 5: A letter to your crush

I honestly don't have a crush on anyone at this moment in life. I've made myself 'unavailable' at the moment until I can't get some of my personal stuff in order first. But, I'll write a letter about a guy that I fell hard for a few years ago.

Dear ______,

When we first met I knew there was something extra special about you and it was only a matter of time before I fell in love with you. We grew so close, even to the point that my father was asking me about you on a daily basis. Unfortunately my feelings for you were not mutual as I walked in with you and your ex-girlfriend cuddling up on the couch. I was heart-broken like no other, but in time I was able to cut those strings of romance for you and was able to still share my friendship with you. I know we are not extremely close these days, since you have a family and a very busy career, but in the end I’m very happy to still can you a friend. Thanks for the great times!
Loves & hugs,
~ Nic

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 4

2010-11-28T20:25:00.002-07:00

Day 4: A photo of you taken over 10 years ago
As most of you know I'm a sucker for photos, so I'll give you a few of me growing up.

Christmas 1977
(just turned one)

My sister and I at Thermopolis Hot Springs
7 years old

Homecoming 1991
My sister was a Senior, I was a Freshman

First time in Hawaii
1998

Christmas 2001
(I used to to be skinny and sweet looking)

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 3

2010-11-26T20:31:00.012-07:00

Day 3: Your favorite movie
The Fall
official movie site

I've done extensive reviews about my favorite movie and I can go on and on talking about it. I've said it before, this movie is nearly perfect in my eyes. The only fault is it's rating. It has been given a -R- rating which is sad, because it's does not deserve that rating. I spent days trying to find out why it was given a rated -R- because there's only one or two curse words, slight violence and no sexual content whatsoever. Not even kissing!

Come to find out it's because the main character takes a handful of pain killers in front of a minor. Because this is considered drug abuse in front of someone under 17, it gets this rating. Please by no means skip this movie because of it's rating. If you like 'Princess Bride', you'll find joy in this film.

Tarsem does a great job picking out the most beautiful, most colorful locations and not one pixel of CGI was used in this film. All the landscapes are natural and all the special effects were on set. Check out the trailer, then go and watch the film. I'd love to here what you think about it.

Here are the link to my previous reviews:
Blog Review
YouTube Part 1
YouTube Part 2

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 2

2010-11-24T16:20:00.009-07:00

Day 2: A bulleted list of everything that happened in your day

4:00AM - First alarm goes off and the snooze war begins.
4:15AM - Second alarm goes off that the snooze war is still in progress.
4:30AM - Finally get off of bed and into the shower
5:00AM - Left extra early for work due to the snow storm.
6:00AM - Clocked into work and the data entry entry begins
6:05AM - Listening to WTF@TFW podcast
9:00AM - Listened to Nightside Project podcast
10:00AM - Lunch time with the gals
12:30PM - Listen to some tunes
2:30 PM - Clocked out of work
2:35 PM - Hung around outside chatting it up with friends
3:00 PM - Made business phone calls
3:30 PM - Played with the dogs
4:00 PM - Skyped call with my UK friends

5:15 PM - Chatted with the family

6:00 PM - Dinner

7:00PM - Downloaded new audiobook

7:30PM - Here typing this blog.

I live a boring day to day life, but exciting things do happen now and then.

All About Me, in 50 Days or More - Day 1

2010-11-23T09:54:00.007-07:00

My friend Bobbie put this up on her blog and I'm loving getting to know her in this special way. I hope that many others will follow the trend along with me. Sometimes life gets crazy and we forget to stay in touch with all the wonderful people we know. So here's a great way to view your friends in a whole new light.

Wish me luck! I’ll do my best to post daily, here’s what you can look forward to:

Day 1: Introduce yourself
Day 2: A bulleted list of everything that happened in your day
Day 3: Your favorite movie
Day 4: A photo of you taken over 10 years ago
Day 5: A letter to your crush
Day 6: A list of what you ate today
Day 7: A YouTube video you find funny
Day 8: A photo of you taken recently
Day 9: List some of your favorite blogs
Day 10: A letter to a person who has caused you pain
Day 11: Share your favorite recipe(s)
Day 12: Self portrait
Day 13: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 14: A song from your childhood
Day 15: A letter to someone you wish you could meet
Day 16: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes
Day 17: A photo that makes you sad
Day 18: Set or share a goal
Day 19: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 20: A letter to someone that changed your life
Day 21: Your favorite television program
Day 22: A photo that makes you happy
Day 23: Share one of your favorite tunes
Day 24: Time to face morph
Day 25: Someone you judged by their first impression
Day 26: Favorite books
Day 27: A talent of yours
Day 28: Favorite places to shop
Day 29: Your favorite color
Day 30: The friendliest person you knew for only 1 day
Day 31: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 32: A photo you took
Day 33: What you’re craving right now
Day 34: Your favorite quote
Day 35: A letter to an ex
Day 36: Some hobbies of yours
Day 37: A song that you like to dance to
Day 38: A photo of your parents
Day 39: Zodiac sign and do you think it fits your personality
Day 40: A deceased person you wish you could talk to
Day 41: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 42: A bad habit you have
Day 43: A picture of your favorite place in the world
Day 44: Something that fascinates you and why
Day 45: A letter to yourself a year ago
Day 46: Photos of personal things in your life (pets, family, house, etc)
Day 47: Birthday wish list
Day 48: A photo of you right now
Day 49: Hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days
Day 50: A letter to your reflection in the mirror

Day 1: Introduce yourself

I was born Nicole Dawn Hale on December 14, 1976 to two wonderful parents, Ron and Eve. Along with this package of parents was included an older sister, Tiffany, who some days didn't want a baby around. Over time my sister and I have grown to love and care for each other. Just last month she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Cassidy Lynn Marshall-Hale, making me an aunt for the first time and I couldn’t be happier for her and her partner Natalie!

I'm a very social person and have a love for meeting new people. Some know me from forums by either BeatlesDiva or Hailstorm. I have no problems talking to strangers, I actually find it quite inviting. Everyone has a story and I’m one to listen to it.I’m a person who hasn’t really stepped out of the stage of childhood when it comes to my interests. I still love cartoons, Lucky Charms, staying up at all hours of the night talking to friends, taking funny pictures with the camera and of course I still love to play dress up. I love any excuse to put on a costume and do funky hair and make-up.

I have a love of music! If you have known me for more than 30 minutes, you know I have a somewhat unhealthy obsession with The Beatles. I love the music from the 60's and 70's mostly but I love any genre. I even have to admit and I have recently put some Country on my iPod. I’m going to give it another shot. I studied music while in college and actually got a scholarship for it. I changed my degree around so many times I have classes in just about every area of study, but the first thing I studied was Opera. That’s right Opera! Then I came to realize there’s not much demand for Opera singers these days.

After attending college I went onto a trade school where I studied to be a travel agent. There is nothing I love move to do than to travel, so this was the best career for me. I loved being a travel agent, but 9-11 came along and changed everything.

I’ve done several jobs…SEVERAL, but I have stayed at my current job for nearly six years now working for the Postal Service. It’s a job that does drive me up the wall, but the pay is better than most and it’s a job I don’t have to worry about once I leave for home.

I’m a very open and honest person, most say (especially my mother) that I’m TOO open and honest. I’m sorry, but I just tell it like it is.

Well, there’s the start of getting to know me. Hope you enjoyed it and look for more to come along!

PREDATORS

2010-11-21T21:53:00.004-07:00

Predators

Rated R

107 minutes

Nicole's Rating: C+

This is one movie I really wanted to see on the big screen and I wish I had. The scenery and cinematography was the best thing this movie had going for it and would have been fun to see at a larger scale. But of course you can never go wrong when filming in Hawaii.

Big actors came into play and most of them did a good job, but then most of the well known actors came in and played the type of roles they are known for. The biggest annoyance though was Adrian Brodey's voice. What was he trying to do? Trying to pull off a Christian Bale Batman type thingy?!? I personally like the minor characters; Oleg Taktarov as Nikolai and Louis Ozawa Changchien as Hanzo. My favorite fight scenes of the movie where performed by these two characters.

I wish they would have put more of the Predator vs. Predator storyline in and told us more of the difference of the two races and I did enjoy the new looks and new weapons of the creatures.

Overall the movie felt a bit rushed at the end and left me with a few questions, but overall it kept me entertained.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T19:54:00.006-06:00

As most of you know, I'm a HUGE fan of Halloween and this year is no exception. I took it to the extreme with the celebrating as I made every excuse to dress up in different costumes. But my creme-de-la-creme was Goldilocks after she ran into the three bears. It's an idea I've had for a couple of years and decided, this was the year to do it.

I hope everyone else had a wonderful and fun Halloween just as I did.

The Random Fandom - Episode 4: It's a Killer!

2010-10-19T16:41:00.004-06:00

The latest of my podcasts are up and ready for listening. Slick and Nic have a great time chatting about movie monster of their childhood as well as bring you the news of entertainment. Hope you enjoy!

Cassidy Lynn Marshall-Hale

2010-10-12T19:36:00.005-06:00

Cassidy Lynn Marshall-Hale
Born October 6, 2010
3:49 PM
3 lbs. and 13 oz.
16 inches long

I'm an aunt for the first time and I'm loving it. I've never seen or held Cassie yet, but I have so much love her. Even though this lil' girl is small she has a very strong spirt and will not give up on getting out of the NICU. All the nurses says she's very fissty, kinda like her mom Tiffany.

The Random Fandom - Episode 3

2010-10-06T20:08:00.000-06:00

2010-09-28T10:57:00.003-06:00

Our first official episode. I think we may get this down before episode 10.

Check us out at these locations:

Podomatic

The Nerdsphere

The Autobot City Forum

2010-09-28T10:56:00.002-06:00

My friend and I thought we'd give podcasting a try. Here's to our pilot episode.

Check us out at these locations:

Podomatic

The Nerdsphere

The Autobot City Forum

Paul McCartney Concert Aftermath

2010-07-14T15:02:00.002-06:00

Rejection after Rejection…My Mental Therapy Blog

2010-07-05T17:23:00.017-06:00

* WARNING *
The following blog will be long and quite personal from me. I’m sorry if it sounds like a lot of bitching and moaning, but this is what I need right now. Any advice is welcomed, but please leave the harsh criticism out. I honestly can't handle that right now.

Many of you follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter and most of you know that lately I’ve been in a bitter mood, but most do not know why. The reason why is that if I start talking about stuff I’ll start crying and I don’t want to put that kind of emotion strain on others. I have some people in my life that I call my “Emotional Vampires”; these people are ones that take up so much time and effort because they need so much attention that it is emotionally draining to one’s soul. After dealing with such folks, you honestly don’t want to be around anyone else or even think of your own issues. Because I deal with so many of these vampires, I keep many of my feelings locked up because I do not want anyone else to have to deal with this exhausting process. But here and now on this blog, I’m taking the time to get it all out in the open.

Rejection #1 - My Job

Rejected by Employer for Career Status

This is the one thing I have no problem gripping about as most of you know. I just wish that more people knew how frustrating that place is. Some of you work there or have worked there and do know what hell it truly is. First all I’ve been there for over five years now and I’m still classified as a temporary employee. How so? Well every 6-9 months my work fires us then rehires us five days later. This is so they don’t have to give us T.E. (transitional employees) any benefits. There are people there who are considered Career employees. These people do the EXACT same job as me, but they don’t have to worry about any disciplinary actions or even working to get their stats up, because they’re home free, meaning it’s hard to get them fired. Oh these people that do the exact same job as me, get paid twice as much, have benefits and vacation. Yeah, that’s fair isn’t it?!? Good ol’ government work. Like I said before, the more I work for the government the less confidence I have in it. Plus, I’ve been having issues with my paycheck and I can’t get anyone to help me because I’m not a Career employee. H.R. is impossible to get to because they are literally blocked off from the rest of the building. Yet again, that does not make any sense to me?!? I’ve asked several people in the building how I can become a Career employee and each time not one person, not even the big wigs, can give me a straight answer.

Rejected because I can’t get a straight answer or help from work.

Rejection #2 -My Weight and My Health

Rejected by My Own Body

This is probably my biggest reason for my depression and has been for years now. About five years ago I was diagnosed with P.C.O.S. (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). It seems this is becoming more and more a problem with women these days, but that doesn’t mean that doctors know anymore than they did a few years ago. I was diagnosed with this when I went to the doctor because I was gaining extreme weight in hardly any time. Truth be told, I gained 60 pounds in less than seven weeks. Then because of this I gained another 15-20 due to the depression over it. Yep, I gained nearly 80 pounds in less than three months time. Since that time, I’ve been to several weight loss clinics, tired just about every over the counter weight loss drug and diet plan, had a personal trainer and dietitians and many doctors who put me on clinical drugs. I’ve even tried the expensive HCG diet that many of my friends are finding successful. As of today, I’ve cut my caloric intake to 800 calories or less, and go to the gym at least an hour a day. My success rate in the past four years: a whole whopping 10 pounds and several thousands of dollars in debt.

Along with the weight gain with P.C.O.S. comes the lovely girly issues…*WARNING AGAIN* OB/GYN stuff is being mentioned. Oh good ol’ hormones! I wish many days I was a man so I would have to deal with such crap! I have had major girly issues since I was 13. You’d think after 20 years that at least one doctor could figure out how to fix me. Well, in April I finally got to go to an expert and it only took me 10 months to get in to see her, even she said she’s never seen a case like mine. Two months later, with many, many, many uncomfortable tests (not to mention the cost) they came to the conclusion that I’m all sorts of messed up. One physician even said “Huh, you have an interesting set up here”. Yeah, just what every woman wants to hear while on your back in stir-ups! Apparently I have extra parts to my system, hence why I’ve been so messed up since I was young. In the end my main doctor told I just have to have my body works things out for itself, while being on hormone therapy, get a hysterectomy or try several experimental surgeries.

This is the main thing that sends me crying to sleep each night. There has never been such horrible news given to me in my life than the words “You most likely will never be able to have children”. The only thing I have ever know about my life is that I wanted to have children and to know that I may never have that experience sends me into the biggest spiral of depression. The doctor has given me some options, but they are not guaranteed. Even though it’s not likely, I have taken up these options. There’s no way that I’m giving up the chance to have children! Hence, many surgeries are in my future.

Rejected for child bearing because I have messed up innards.

Rejection #3 - Insurance

Rejected by a Company I Pay A Lot of Money To

This goes kind of with the last category. Well, with my health issues many surgeries are in the planning and one of them is Gastric Bypass. This is not a surgery I ever thought I’d have, but with my extensive tests and three doctors opinions, each told me that the only way that I can or will ever lose the weight most likely through this surgery. This is because my body is holding onto hormones in my stomach that rarely get released. So my body is holding onto the fat and other hormones as if I was in starvation mode. To get my body to lose weight, the doctors have to cut that portion of my stomach out. That’s basically why I have to get Gastric Bypass. But, even with three doctors with drawn out letters, tests and recommendations, my insurance still is giving me the run around and told me it’ll be at least 12 weeks for the decision and even then I may get rejected for the surgery.

Guess I just have to get used to being a fat pig the rest of my life.

Rejected because it’s insurance. Insurance companies always screw you over!

Rejection #3 - Dating Relationships
Rejected by the Opposite Sex

No surprise here about this issue, hence the “single” status. There’s nothing as enjoyable as being a 30+ year old single woman living in Utah (hope you picked up on that sarcasm there). I did give up on dating for a few years, because of my extensive track record with such winners (as I call them) “The Rapist”, “The Con-Artist”, “The Secret Agent”, “The Preacher” and “The Druggy”. Yep, this is a small list of such winners I’ve ended up with and they were as lovely as they sounded. The last true relationship I was in was with the man I was unofficially engaged to (no ring, hence unofficial in Utah standards). He ended our relationship by telling me he just got home from his Honeymoon. Yep, he was engaged to me and not just one, but two other women. So when people tell me “You’re just picky, you need to lower your dating standards”, I just look at them and wonder; “How much lower can I get”? I guess I can date the homeless or check under the rugs.

I know this may come to some as a shocker, but I do go out on dates now and then and each time I come home and either cry or just stare up at the ceiling in shock and awe about these men. Most of these men have extreme baggage, but hey, I’m not one to judge too much, I’m willing to give anyone a chance. I’ve come to the conclusion that these men only want sex or a woman around so they don’t have to pay for day care, nothing of a true romantic relationship. I’ve told many people out there most men don’t want a woman like me. I’m kind of like the “Clearance Model”. Either I’m too old, too fat (this is #1 I’m positive), too childish or the guy doesn’t want to have any more children. That’s my biggest deal breaker. I’m not going through all these tests and surgeries for nothing, but with most men my age, they’re done having children or they’re old enough to know that they never want kids. Guess I’ll get back into dating when I’m 50.

Rejected because I’ve passed my prime dating period.

Rejection #5 - School and Continuing Education

Rejected by Government Grants and Loan Companies

I never heard of anyone getting rejected for a student loan, that was until 3 weeks ago that I got a letter saying I didn’t qualify for a loan. Then two days later, yet another rejection notice came my way. These rejections came after I gave up on applying for government grants. One grant I applied for was actually through the school. The lady there told me I have a 96% chance of getting this grant. She’s never seen anyone turned away from this grant that was over 30. Well, I fit into that 4% category. I was denied because I am single with no children and have too much disposable income, which comes off as ironic to me since according to my taxes records from last year, I’m on the poverty line. I understand not getting grants because of my “lifestyle”, but why am I being denied loans? I have a great credit score and good history on paying my bills. I even have my car as collateral. My friend told me that it’s because the economy is down and private companies and being finicky with loans. That once it picks back up, my chances are a lot greater. I guess that’s good news, but I don’t see the economy picking up anytime soon. Do you?

What really hurt my self esteem was at the beginning of the year when I applied for a Helicopter school, so that I can become a Life Flight pilot. This is what I would love to do for a career, but again…rejected. Why? Because of my weight. Again this damn weight is ruining my chance for something great. Helicopter pilots need a weight limit and I’m way over that limit. So until I can get into that range, this dream job is put on hold.

Rejected because of my lifestyle.

Rejection #6 - Jobs and Career Advancements

Rejected by Employers and Companies

Because I honestly can’t stand my job anymore, I’ve been job hunting. If there is anything I hate the most in life it’s the frustrations with job hunting. I rather be someplace I hate than job hunting, but that place of work is so exasperating right now, I rather job hunt. I’ve probably applied for about 100+ jobs in the past 2 months and haven’t even heard from a ¼ of them. What ones I do hear from, they just send a generic letter saying I didn’t get the job. One place did respond back to me saying they were looking for someone fresh out of the school that has the potential of staying with the company for a long period of time. Sounds like an age discrimination thing, but I don’t have the energy or care to fight it. Most of rejections are because I don’t have the advanced degree or schooling for it, even though I have the experience most want that piece of paper aka diploma saying I can handle it.

Rejected because of Schooling

I really do try to stay optimistic about life, but lately it’s easier said than done. A person can only take so much negativity in their life before the little black clouds becomes a thunderstorm. It hit me the other day (literally) when I got an email from one of my “emotional vampires” and that was what throw me over the edge as I took a chair and threw it across the room. My frustration at the end of the days usually ends with me hitting myself, screaming into a pillow or crying myself to sleep. I hate this person I’ve become. I’m violent, hateful, filled with rage and jealousy of others. I don’t blame people for not wanting to be around me. I know I wouldn’t want to. I truly feel sorry for my co-workers and family who have to be around me. I’m sure they try to avoid me at every chance, that is until I can shake this gloomy feeling. I just want something to go right with life, just a little glimmer of hope that there is something good coming my way. I feel like I’m stuck in a corner with life and walls are starting to cave in. Damn this depression!

I honestly think I’m bi-polar or suffer from manic depression because I do have highs during the day, but they don’t compare to lows I experience. One reason why I have been avoiding people is because I honestly can take their good news. When someone tells me that they’re getting married, having a baby, got a job promotion or even got a fun little item I truly am happy for them at first, but within a few minutes envy and jealousy streams through my system and I find myself hating that it couldn’t be me. "Why can’t I have this? Why can I never share good news"? I feel like I’m trying so hard to make a better life for me, but I’m going nowhere. Maybe this is where I am supposed to be for now. If that’s the case, I think I’m going to need more chocolate.

Real World Iacon...That's My Voice!

2010-06-26T20:47:00.004-06:00

As most people know, I'm about a geeky as they come. Needless to say, I'm proud of it too! As part of my geekiness, I'm a pretty involved member of the Transformers community (go on ahead a laugh, but again I love it). Well about three months ago a fairly well know voice actor asked me to help with this year's BotCon video for amatuers. Jon is such a talented man, I'm surprised he asked me to help him. I was very happy he asked me, but very surprised too. I wasn't able to go to this year's BotCon celebration, but in the end, we won the competition and Jon was able to take in the big moment there in front of thousands.

The video is about Well known Transformers living in a "Real World" situation. Even if you're not a fan of Transformers, it's a great laugh!

YouTube Linkage
Jon Bailey: The Man of a 1000 Voices.

Twitter Sucker

2010-06-18T21:00:00.003-06:00

Yes, I've finally joined the rest of the sheep and signed up for a Twitter account. Not sure how to use it or why yet, but it's where some good gossip comes about. Me being so social, I have to be part of the "in crowd". So follow me and my 160 character messages.

www.twitter.com/beatlesdiva

England Bound...Again

2010-06-10T21:28:00.007-06:00

So as of last night it is official...I'm headed off to England again! Last year I hardly had any time there. I spent just about as much time travelling to get there as the time I spent there. I loved my short vacation but this August it's going to be better. I'm actually going to spend some time with friends in their hometown in Newcastle where (if I can do some sweet convincing) I'll get to go see where the castle that they use for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter film. I'm so excited to meet up with my buddies again. A year is a long time to see people you've grown so close with! But I'm also very excited that I actually get to see more of the British ways. I just hope they can handle a home-spun American gal like myself.

Who Say’s I Can’t Claim the Title of “Mom”?!

2010-05-11T22:01:00.002-06:00

Mothers Day’s just passed and I hope all mommies everywhere got to celebrate their special day. Looking back just on the past week alone, I realize I can claim the title of Mom. I may have not given birth or official adopted some individuals, but I treat and help raise these adults as would any mom would.

There as a few people in my life, who are fairly close to my age that I claim as my kids (or should). I pick them up to and from work and activities, I go to support their performances and games, check on where they will be for the rest of the day, handed out allowances, I’ve even packed a few lunches, then if I have time I go and visited a friend in the hospital. I’ve actually been to see them more than their real family, all of this in a week’s time.

Then of course there are my puppies, who I do claim as my children, and I beg to differ to anyone that they are not kids. I have to disipline them, bath them, entertain them, make sure they get to bed the same time every night, I take them to the doctors and make sure they have a happy life. Plus, I'm sure I spend more money and time with them than some other mothers do with their own kids.

As much as I love helping others, this week I felt the stress of motherhood like no other, as my muscles are so tense that I can barely move my head back and forth. To all my friends who claim the title of “Motherhood” I salute you!

2010-05-09T21:44:00.002-06:00

It's been a long time since I've written, but I could let the day pass without telling all the mommies and adopted mothers a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! It's your day and I hope y'all get spoiled.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T20:58:00.008-06:00

Most people know that I love holidays, especially the ones where I get to dress up. Today being St. Patty's Day, I can't help be go all out in green, green and more green. I even did two variations on my looks. So fun!

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday celebration and may the luck of the Irish be with you!

Happy New Year...Again

2010-02-16T19:03:00.006-07:00

Man! I remember those good ol' days when I used to blog almost every other day and now I’m lucky if I do it once a month. I wish I could say that my months are filled with fun and excitement, but mostly my life is boring and full of routines. But that’s all going to change…hopefully.

Yes, it’s New Year’s again! With that statement you probably think I’ve lost it, but oh contraire…it’s the start of the Chinese New Year and the time of year when I make my resolutions. It gives me a few more weeks of preping myself. I’m doing the same thing as most and starting a diet/health plan that my doctor has put me on. I hope this one finally works. I need to look somewhat good when I head to San Diego in May. My other resolution is to get on a decent sleep schedule. Right now my body is so wacked out from sleep deprivation; I honestly think that one reason why I’m overweight and depressed a lot. NO MORE! It starts tonight, at least I hope so.

And I could leave y’all with the mention of Chinese New Year and not give you what this year means, me being the Astrology geek that I am.

February 14 marks the start of the Chinese New Year, the year of the metal. What significance does the tiger have for the fate of the New Year? Headstrong, dangerous, and at times rash, the tiger endows a year with uncertainty and danger, according to the Chinese zodiac.

Consisting of 12 animal signs (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig), and five elements (metal, water, wood, fire and earth), each combination occurs every 60 years. The last year of the metal tiger, February 1950 to February 1951, was tumultuous. The Korean War began, Senator Joseph McCarthy started his “witch-hunt” for communists, and US president Truman ordered the construction of the hydrogen bomb. According to Chinese mythology, metal does not go well with the tiger. In other words, 2010 will not be a quiet or peaceful year.

Due to the tumultuous nature of tiger years, success is said to only be obtainable if you act quickly and are proactive in life. Throughout the history, tiger years are associated with turmoil, political and social instability. That is why 2010 is expected to be a challenging year. Another reason for this is a metal element, which is not a very compatible element for the tiger, say Chinese astrologists. Tiger prefers wood and fire. This year is expected to be a tough year and parents who believe in Chinese astrology should observe caution.The Year of the Metal Tiger is expected to be relatively more unsettled and challenging compared with 2009.

The country (USA) will also experience a relatively modest economic growth compared with the Earth Ox in 2009 where it recorded a negative economic growth. Year 2010 is a Metal Tiger or Metal over Wood and since metal attacks wood it indicates it is a turbulent or unsettled year for our country and the world at large. In particular, there will be an increase in social unrest, more political uncertainties and turbulence, and natural disasters.

Overall, sectors or industries represented by the elements of Metal and Wood will experience healthier growth than other industries. Industries represented by Fire and Earth will experience a modest growth while those related to the Water element are likely to experience slower or below average GDP growth for the Metal Tiger Year compared with last year.On the local stock market front, it will be range-bound but on an upward bias, particularly in the first half of the year, with a tendency to consolidate in the second half of 2010.

Although predictions for 2010, based on the Chinese horoscopes, vary, the underlying message of Chinese New Year is one of peace and happiness for everyone.

art by szitakoto on deviantart.com

It’s a New Year

2010-01-04T19:56:00.007-07:00

I know I’ve really been out of the loop with a majority of my friends and I’m truly sorry, but for some reason I just don’t have the energy these days to be social. I know me…not being social!?! But I finally have a day off and I get to look back on 2009. Yeah it had its major down times, but it was bombarded with some great times that kick the bad times in the butt!

2009 started off with me going down to Las Vegas a few times to see my sister in the hospital which was probably the worst thing that happened to me personally in the year. I hated to see her is so much pain and discomfort, it just broke my heart, but seeing Tiff at Thanksgiving, she looks like she’s taking a slow but good recovery. I also quit my job with a boss I truly adore.

I still miss everyone I worked with at the Document Group, but I quit so I could go on a once in a lifetime trip to Australia and New Zealand. I got to go see the Opera House in Sydney and play with the local wildlife and the people were just amazing.

Once I got back home about a month later, I started to plan my next trip which was to England. I had too much fun in Birmingham playing with my fellow geeks and nerds. Next time I need to spend more than 4 days there!

But the day before I left for England I got the best things that happened to me this year. I got my beautiful Westie twins Nuke and Tazer. These two light up my life everyday!

Once back from England I got to plan yet another trip, this one to Las Vegas, but not for another hospital stay. I got to play with a couple of my girlfriends April and Ashley. I haven’t seen Ashley in years so it was great catching up with her. The best thing was when Ash was being harassed by the Coca-Cola bear. So funny!

Then onto Halloween. I love this holiday. I can honestly say it’s the only holiday I truly look forward to. I elaborate on my rotting corpse which made it “extra special” one can say.

After Halloween, not much happened, mostly due to the overtime at work. As much as I complain about that place, I’m very grateful that I have it. I know so many others that for their Christmas presents from work, they got laid off.

This year I’ve learned to stay in touch with friends old and new, tell your loved ones you love them each time you see or talk with them and don’t let life get in the way of finding new places to venture to, even if they’re all in your imagination.

Here’s to making 2010 the best yet!

Get Your Stamp Cancellations from the North Pole

2009-12-03T23:08:00.004-07:00

Did you know that you can obtain the North Pole Postmark on a letter from Santa or on a greeting card? Here’s how to do it.

A letter from Santa
Write a letter to your child and sign it “from Santa”. Place the letter into an envelope addressed to your child with the return address from Santa, North Pole. Please make sure you have a First-Class stamp affixed to the envelope. Place that envelope into a larger envelope, with the appropriate postage and address the larger envelope with this address:

On Greeting Cards
Write your greeting cards like you normally would. Place the cards into their envelopes, addressed and stamped as normal. Either have the return address from the NORTH POLE or from you and your address. Then place the greeting cards into a larger envelope or box, with the appropriate postage and address it to:

North Pole Holiday Cancellation
Postmaster
4141 Postmark Dr.
Anchorage, AK 99530-9998

All mail needs to be received in Anchorage, AK before December 15, 2009. After that date, they should be sent via Express Mail.

~*~ This is a new address this year ~*~

Creating a Corpse

2009-11-02T08:55:00.001-07:00

Here's a video of what I went through to get ready for Halloween. I miss Halloween already :-(

Sunny Fun Sunday

2009-11-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Nothing Major Update

2009-10-20T20:57:00.004-06:00

It’s been a long time since I’ve updated my blog about what’s going on with my life. I wish I could say there’s been so much excitement that I just haven’t had the time, but that’s not it. The only major thing that has happened that I haven’t written about was the day before I left for my trip to England I got twin Westies; Nuke and Tazer. I couldn’t be more grateful having these little bits of sunshine in my life, especially lately. I’ve been so down and my depression has gone into overtime and it’s all because I’ve let what others have said get to me. Usually I don’t care, but it’s the little things that are said here and there that make me take a look back to see where I went wrong. I’m hoping with the holiday season coming ahead that I’ll be getting lots of overtime at work and I can feel better. I’m always at my best when I’m working. I feel that when I’m working I’m being productive and not slacking off with life. So there’s a little update about me. I know it’s not the most pleasant of updates, but I’m hoping the next blog will be. I mean I can always write about my puppies! How can puppies not make anyone happy?!?

Whiteout

2009-09-16T14:28:00.005-06:00

Whiteout
Rated R
96 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: D+

A law marshal who is stationed out in Antarctica, called out on an investigation of a dead body that’s several hundred miles away in the middle of the cold desert. This happens only days before she retires from law. This dead body leads to a murder investigation and brings out a serial killer in the icy tundra. Yeah my description is bland, but trust me …it was better than the show.

Characters
Carrie played by Kate Beckinsale
She’s the only main character in this film and honestly, any unknown actress could have played it better. Carrie is supposed to be this super tough cop that going through many hard times with her previous jobs in Miami. She rarely broke out of her monotone drone of a character except for the first time the killer is after her. I somewhat believed she was scared. Then when she found out who the bad guy was, she barely flinched in surprise. Well, I guess I can’t blame her, because I figured out who the bad guy was from the beginning. Dear Kate, give up on the action films and just stick with the cheesy chick flicks you were born to play in.

Production
The setting: Antarctica just before winter, the coldest and darkest place on Earth at this time. I think the film makers forgot about these two aspects. Yes it was dark some of the time, but it seemed like it was too convenient at some points when they needed day light it was there.

Costumes
The costumes were great for the most part, except if you’re in -65 degree weather, wouldn’t you want to cover up your face? Yeah, here are characters are bundled to the 9’s in the thermal and fur, but most of their faces are not covered besides goggles. The only smart one of the 200 scientists and researchers down in the cold was the serial killer covering every part of his flesh.

CGI and Special Effects
I’ve seen better effects and green screen work from my local weatherman. The graphics were so poorly done it made it feel cartoonish at times.

Hi-Low

+ The ending credits
Not because I was grateful that the show was over but the best landscaping and scenery shots were done here. The views of the sun on the ice and colors were great. They really needed more of this in the movie.

- The typical story line
The story about a busted cop, with trials from previous jobs runs away to someplace small and within only a few days of retiring finds the biggest job of their career. I’ve seen this plot too many times.

+ Soundtrack
The best player in the film was the music. I think it was the main reason this movie kept me somewhat interested in it.

- Long dragged out scenes
This movie is only 96 minutes long and it could have been done with 50 or 60. There are scenes that just take too long to get to the point. For example, Carrie is taking a shower, but don’t get to excited boys nothing is shown. Nothing but 3 minutes of her washing her hair and a steamed up bathroom.

This movie was far from original. There is no plot line I haven’t seen that was in this movie before. I think it was rated “R” for being RIDICULOUS. If it wasn’t for the two senior citizen men sitting behind me making funny comments, kind of like the Muppets Statler & Waldorf, throughout the film, I think I might have fallen asleep. Catch this movie when it comes on Lifetime, because Lifetime likes this kind of crap of a distressed woman with a man out to kill her.

9

2009-09-09T18:12:00.006-06:00

9
Rated PG-13
79 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: B

It’s the end of the world. The war was between man and machine and the machines have won. The last man alive has created life or somewhat transposed it into his nine creations within his last moments on Earth. Now it’s their turn to save what is left of the world ruled by machines.

First off, yes this is an animated film and yes it is rated PG-13 for a reason. Do not take you little kids to see this, I guarantee they’ll have nightmares. I’m sure I’ll be having some after seeing this. I actually think one creature was a part of my nightmares not long ago.

Characters
#1 played by Christopher Plummer
#2 played by Martin Landau
#3 and #4 (the twins) had no voice acting
#5 played by John C. Reilly
#6 played by Crispin Glover
#7 played by Jennifer Connelly
#8 played by Fred Tatasciore
#9 played by Elijah Wood

I’m not going to go through all these characters individually because they need to be grouped together. Each number had their role such as #1 being the overzealous ruler of the group, #2 the old man, #3 and #4 the twins were the researchers, #5 the unlucky hero, #6 the nervous, out of place wall flower, #7 the ultimate heroine, #8 the brawny body guard and #9 the new guy with all the answers. Each character was written well, but I honestly can’t say too much for the voice work. Yes, these big names help bring the crowd into the theater, but just because they’re good “actors” doesn’t mean they are good “voice actors”. There needed to be a little more dramatics and fluctuations in the vocal range. It just seemed to monotone for an animated film.

Production
This movie was beautifully animated! At times it felt so real and lifelike. You can stare at the stitches in the dolls and think to yourself “that has to be real”. But then there were some animation errors that to me, the director and producers should have noticed before releasing. Most of the animation errors come from the light bulb that they used throughout the movie. Next, the animation did felt rush at the end. This seems to be common with Tim Burton films. Everything looks great and in place at the beginning, but the end feels like the production company was getting sick and tired for dealing with these 9 little men. Just like I said, at the beginning it felt so lifelike and real, but at the end you notice that you’re watching animation.

Hi-Low
+ The details in the backgrounds and foregrounds. Again animation was greatly lifelike.

- The timeline
I honestly couldn’t comprehend what time this was supposed to be. It was suppose to the apocalyptic era, but at the beginning they’re showing the scientist working as an old man during WWII. Now I can pretend it’s another parallel universe, but they didn’t specify that either.

+ The way that #8 gets an euphoric high if very creative, along with how all of them use everyday objects to go into battle against raging machines.

- Background story
If felt the story was missing something and that was the background story of the individual ragmen. We get the story of #9 but I honestly would like to hear how the others came to be and how they learned.

I can tell this film is going to be a cult classic, but like most cult classics they were never made for the big screen. I did enjoy this film and it gave me a few chills, even made me jump a couple of times, but this is something a group of people should watch a raining night at home, but not with the kiddies.

(500) Days of Summer

2009-09-06T16:49:00.007-06:00

(500) Days of Summer
Rated PG-13
95 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: A

A story about a love, but this is no love story. It says this at the start of the film and it hold true. Summer is a woman who doesn’t believe in love, but Tom falls in love with her. This is a story that tells about their relationship. How they met, the ups and downs, the humorous funs times and even the tragic times. The film is set up in a non-chronological order of these 500 days and opens up at day 488 which shows our couple sitting on a bench holding hands and the first thing you notice is Summer’s engagement ring. They look so happy! Then the movie rewinds back to day one, when they met.

Characters
Tom Hansen played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Tom is your typical mid-20’s man. He’s been to school and studied an area that he had passion for, architecture, but just like life he isn’t using his talent in his field but working for a greeting card company, this is where he meets and falls for Summer. Tom’s character does go through a lot of emotions, but if you’re a guy that’s ever dated a girl, you know these feelings. The feelings of love at first sight, to loving her even to the point where he wants to just slap her for some of the odd and obscure “girly stuff” that Summer does to him. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays this part to a “T”, a complete 160 from his role as Cobra Commander.

Summer Finn played by Zooey Deschanel
If you seen Zooey in other roles you know she has an unforgettable look about her, but she does play the same type of character. A laid-back but yet quirky girl that doesn’t feel quite right in her own skin. This part isn’t much different, but it was the part needed to play Summer. Summer loves to play the “fishing game” with Tom. What do I mean by fishing game? She makes him get closer and closer to him and then she throws him back into the water, just to do it again. A character that you have a love/hate relationship with.

Production
Because this is a movie house film not much was done with CGI, special effects, wardrobe or make up. At time I think this is what actors will wear and look like in real life. But the thing that was great about this show was the filming itself. There are artistic angles and creative transitions from scene to scene, even a few times of split screens. It reminded me a lot of the style used in Citizen Kane and Ed Wood. This filming style is what makes you feel like you’re a part of the movie, not as a main character but as a fly on the wall watching some of the most personal parts of people’s lives.

Hi – Low
+ Ringo Starr Reference
Throughout the movie there is a reference to Ringo. At one point in the film Tom dresses up similar to the Beatles mop-top days with the suit, skinny tie and boots. Me being a Beatles fan loves this!

- The Paceing
For a summer film the pacing of this movie was a bit slow, but not enough that it makes you want to look at your watch. Even though it was slow at times, you still were entertained by what was going on on the screen.

+ The Day Title
Each sceen starts off with a title screen of what day it is in their relationship and you can see what kind of day it’s going to be by the art of the screen. It all is set up to look like summer day outside, but we all know that summer days can be bright, foggy, rainy or just plain miserable.

- Secondary Characters
I love Tom’s friends and I wish they would have used them more as well as seeing any of Summer’s friends. I know the story isn’t about their friends, but they all seem to have an interesting back story as well.

I encourage anyone that has been in a relationship for longer than 3 months to go this movie. You will find a similar situation that Tom is going through and be dragged into the emotion of this film. This isn’t your typical summer blockbuster film, with loud explosions and a plot that may not go anywhere, there is a true meaning to this film, one I can’t tell you or it’ll ruin the revelation. Men, this is a romance film made for you, the women will enjoy this film but I think that men will enjoy it more.

To see a video review of this movie go to my YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/beatlesdiva

District 9

2009-09-04T10:35:00.005-06:00

District 9
Rated R
118 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: A-

An extraterrestrial race has gotten stranded in Johannesburg, South Africa. Due to lack of resources they cannot leave. It’s been 28 years and they are still here, but put into a small area to take refuge. The area set aside for the “Prawns” (the alien race named because they look like prawns) has become over populated and slum ridden. The South Africans want them out so the Prawns are being evicted and forced to more to area with smaller living areas and looks more like concentration camp. Wikus Van De Merwe is one of these agents that has to go out, have the aliens sign their eviction notice and give feedback on any that are storing weapons, technology or seem hostile. During the raid Wikus becomes contaminated from a fluid. Because of what happened to him afterwards, he finds himself in conflict with which side he should fight for…Alien or Human?

Characters

Wikus Van De Merwe played by Sharlto Copley
This character was very complex, having to go through every emotion and reaction. Hard to believe that the actor has never played in a motion picture before this. Through the entire film you despise him, love him and feel sorry for him…even end up rooting for him. Sharlto is one actor to look forward to seeing in many movies in the future, at least I hope so.

Christopher Anderson
With the name Christopher Anderson, you wouldn’t expect it to be one of the Aliens. Who knew that a being so insect like could bring out emotions and expressions. You also come to know that Christopher is highly intelligent and have been working under ground for years to get back home. You’ll come to enjoy seeing his face on the screen.

Production

First off kudos to Weta Workshop and their great animatronics! The robotic aliens had great movements which included eye expression, torso breathing and believable mandible work.

As for the alien work in CGI and graphic work, for a production of $30 million dollars the graphics were as good as production with twice the budget. The graphics were at times over pixilated, but were hidden well with the biographical shooting style of the film

Shaky cam…again with shaky cam! Yes it annoys me but with this film it worked, it had a purpose. Because of the shooting style of the film it didn’t feel out of place. Plus it was so shaky, that it got distracting. I think there were only two times that I had a hard time picking out details of the scene. The use of the waist camera angle was a great way to get away from the shaky cam but keep it real to the biographical style of the film.

Makeup style was remarkable! Especially at the end where there’s a major transformation of Wikus. They were not overdone and very believable.

Hi-Lo

+ Baby Prawn
I dare you to come out of this movie without loving this little guy. He did a great supporting role for the adult aliens.

- Cell Phone Charge
At one point in the movie Wikus needs to make a call to his wife but is on the run, so he steals a phone from a person on the street. This phone keeps a charge for days even though he uses it a lot. I really want to know what phone he used.

+ Mechs
Robots controlled by biological entities. I so want one of these!

- Trailer…teasing a bit
The trailer that most people have seen has certain scenes that were not included in the final cut of the film. I understand that this happens but there was one part in the trailer I was so excited to see, but it was never shown. Boo!

I honestly can’t find much fault with this movie. It has a great storyline, a main character in conflict that does a 160, and it brings out emotions that you thought you couldn’t have an alien race. Yes, the story has a hidden and underline meaning of today’s society, but everyone could use a good message. I guess the one thing I can find fault with it, is that I got too emotionally involved with the story myself. I’m a person that honestly cannot take another life. Heck, I catch and release the spiders in my house and too see intelligent beings being sacrificed during the film, pulled at my heart strings a lot. I should mention the violence. Before going to this film I thought it was going to be a gore fest, but the violence was minimal to what I was expecting. Yes there was blood and vomit, but wasn’t near as graphic as some slasher flicks.

I truly enjoyed this show and I can’t wait to see the special features on the DVD. I think the way this movie was produced will be as good as the movie itself.

To see a video review of this go to my YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/beatlesdiva

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra

2009-09-02T18:44:00.017-06:00

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra
Rated: PG-13
118 Minutes
Nicole's Rating: B-

The U.S. Army is in charge of transporting an elite weapon to another location. During the transportation, they are attacked by several men of Cobra. During this battle, the two sides are interrupted by the secret ops, G.I. Joe. The Joes being the heroes end up winning this fight and recruiting a couple more soldiers to their team, those members come to known as Duke and Ripcord. Well, Cobra isn't happy that their scheme was foiled by G.I. Joe and the battle begins.

*~* SPOILERS AHEAD *~*

Characters

Duke - played by Channing Tatum
Duke is the cover boy for G.I. Joe, when you see cartoons or play with toys; you're going to see Duke's face, so his role is a very important one. Unfortunately Mr. Tatum couldn't pull off the complete character. What do I mean by complete? He did a great job during the military scenes for the most part, but when there was suppose to be true drama, romance or comedy, he was dull and uncharacteristic.

Baroness - played by Sienna Miller
This is the character that made me view this film. Growing up Baroness was cold-hearted and ruthless, the type of character that you like to see on film. Overall Baroness was true to her 1980's until the end where she remembers her romantic past with Duke. Then she because like the rest of the Joes...fully of unrememberable personality.

Ripcord - played by Marlon Wayans
Out of all the G.I. Joes, Ripcord was the only one that I can say had a rememberable role. In all honestly, Marlon Wayans did a great job. Ripcord was filled with puns and jokes and yet can play the hero as well.

The Doctor/Cobra Commander - played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt
OK, when I first heard that the scrawny boy from 3rd Rock from the Sun was playing the evil Cobra Commander, I literally laughed out loud. This kid is nothing like what I knew Cobra Commander to be like! And frankly, it's the main reason why I did not want to go see this show. Boy was I wrong! He did this part wonderfully and in my opinion the best character in the movie. Yeah, he overacted in many of the parts, but if you think about it, that's what the Commander, was like in the cartoons and comic...over dramatic. Plus, the poor guy did 90% of the role with most of his faced covered up, so he had to use dramatics so you can see all the emotion coming at you with only one eye.

Production
I first want to start off with the score. The score was just as a major part as any of the characters in the movie and it stayed true. Great sound enough to get you into the action but also not to distract what was going on.

If there is one thing I'd like to change about this movie is the costumes. Well, mostly on the G.I. Joes. I would have rather seen more traditional uniforms that the latex, super suits that everyone was sporting. As for the makeup department, they could have spent just a few more minutes getting the texture, locations of the prosthetics and the shading more accurate. During the movie you can see Dukes scar beneath his eye change color, shape and size, as well as Storm Shadow's open wounds at the end, they were a bit too bright and "fleshy". And the one thing that probably most people didn't notice was Scarlett's hair roots. Sometimes it takes more than one dye job during the production of a film. Blonde roots came through a few times.

The CGI aspect...I have a love/hate relationship with the CGI in this film. For a $160 million dollar production the CGI was just ok, it looked to fake at times. But then again, the fakeness worked at times. It made me feel like I was back watching the 80's cartoon and comics, so in a way it really didn't break the film.

But what could hurt the film was the shaky cam. One more aspect that Hollywood should get over. I don't mind the hand held shaky cam once in awhile, but when someone is talking and I'm looking at a knee or chest, it doesn't sit well with me. Especially if it's not the body part of the person talking.

Hi - Low
+ The flashbacks

I enjoyed seeing the back stories of the characters, I just wish there was more of an extended story of the Ninjas.

- Matrix Moves
ARghh...Hollywood, please stop with this! Especially when it has no true meaning to the part of the film. Such as lining up and walking slowly so you can see the handy-dandy suits. No more Matrix Slow Mo!

+ Red/Blue fighting
When the first Joe/Cobra encounter happens in the forest, firepower is exchanged and the good guys are hitting with "red power" and the bad guys "blue power", just like the old cartoons. I just thought this was a great homage to the good ol' days.

- Eye Kills
If you want to survive this movie just cover your eyes. It seems like the way to die, was getting stuck in the eye.

+ Ninjas and Robotic Fish
I don't need to explain this, those are just cool.

- Blatant advertising
Norton Anti-Virus, Hummer, CNN and Cisco Systems were the major supporters of this film and it’s not hard to pick them out. Honestly, don't you think that a super-duper ultra secret military operation uses Norton?! I'm sure they have their own security system. As for Hummer, ughhh again. These vehicles are great, don't get me wrong, but they are not indestructible and I'm pretty sure they get their paint scratched, but not according to this movie. You can should bullet holes and blow it up and it'll still look pretty.

+ Use of Color
The colors used for this film made if feel like you just stepped into the pages of a comic book. Bright and bold during the action scenes and the right shade of darkness for Team Cobra.

- The Love Story
Don't get me wrong, I love a good love story, if it fits. This love story didn't though. I felt like it was pushed in the plot just to get a few things across. Plus, I honestly didn't feel a true attraction between Duke and the Baroness.

+ Cobra Burns
When The Doctor makes up his army of Neo-Vipers he injects them with Nanomites right behind the ear. If you look carefully, you'll notice they're in the shape of the Cobra emblem. A very nice touch.

- The Biggest Negative
NO LADY JAYE! My favorite character growing up, the character I wanted to be was left out of the film. So sad, but maybe in the sequel...and yes you know, there will be a sequel, this is Hollywood after all.

Overall I enjoyed this movie; I thought it was filled with "dumb fun". I went into this film thinking I was going to hate every moment of it, I rarely heard a good thing about it. Maybe it was this low expectation going into the film that made me coming out feeling satisfied. I think most people can enjoy this flick if they go in thinking of what the old shows were like.

I'm a Tubber!

2009-09-01T21:43:00.003-06:00

Well...I did it! I caved in to peer pressure and I'm starting to do movie and book reviews on YouTube. I may even use my channel to do blogs/vlogs. It's been so long since I've wrote about myself and my run-abouts, I hope that the YouTube hobby will help me with it. Any help, constructive criticisms and suggestions are welcomed on what to do with my page. Thanks!

So, here is my introduction to the YouTube Community.
http://www.youtube.com/BeatlesDiva

A Little Update

2009-07-09T19:18:00.003-06:00

Man it's been a long time since I've posted a blog so I thought I give a quick fill-in.

I got back from my awesome trip and I've been working only one job (USPS). Well I thought this was going to be a good idea because I can get insurance through here, but unfortunately the post office is very, very, very slow lately, meaning I'm getting around 20 hours a week working here. With this being said, I'm taking up any shift that I can so my schedule is a bit hectic. I can be at work at 5:00 in the morning or head out for a full shift at 11:00 at night.

There's been a few family (immediate and extended) issues, which I shall not share here, but everything is fine, nothing to traumatic, just crazy-busy stuff I suppose.

If anything major or exciting happens I'll be more likely to blog about it now. I also have a few movie reviews that I need to post up. Thank goodness for movie matinees...they've become my get away from reality mini-vacations!

Changes - Not In The Cards

2009-06-03T15:55:00.003-06:00

As I sit here writing this blog, I just get more and more down about life. I just found out the puppy that I have being trying to adopt has gotten a home somewhere else. I'm just heart broken about this. I honestly thought at this time next week I'd be training a new member of my family. I swear to adopt this little gal, I had to go through just about as much as adopting a child. I had to fill out applications, do interviews and have references, but I guess in the end she wasn't meant to be with me, but I'm sure she has found a great home.

Another thing I've been trying to do is get back to work at my old job with eBay. I honestly don't know what I need to do to get someone to call me back. I've left several messages, sent out emails and have even sent my resume in several times just so that someone would call me back. Guess that's not going to happen either. I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to be stuck at the Post Office for a long time, but of course not as a full time employee, just as a temporary employee like I have been for 4 1/2 years. ARGGHHH!

I swear I look back on my life and I had it so much better when I was 23 years old. I had everything going for me. I look at myself now and I'm not improving I'm reverting back to the days of high school where I had a crap job and trying to figure out what to do at school. Most people my age in life have something to wake up to, either a great career, family or something that requires them to be there each day. Oh well maybe next year I'll have something that requires me to wake up to, until then, I'll just go to the post office and review movies.

New Adventure = New Blog

2009-05-29T16:16:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone!

My father has set off on another work adventure to the dark continent of Africa and just like last time I've set up a blog so you can join in what it's like to be there. My father doesn't have access to phones, so everything is done through email and Skype.

To follow check out this site:

http://ronhaleinzambia.blogspot.com/

17 Again

2009-05-22T13:01:00.004-06:00

17 Again
Rated PG-13
102 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: B+
(non-spoiler)

I had to get the horrible images from that last movie out of my mind, so I headed to the theater not knowing what to watch. Lo and behold there was a teen comedy and I thought what the heck, I'll give it a shot and I'm very happy I did.

Mike O'Donnell is stuck in a mid-life crisis; going through a divorce, not getting promoted at a job that he's been at for 15 years and his kids are not speaking to him. He meets up with his spirit guide to give him a 2nd chance on life turning him back into a teenager.

The overall story was your typical story of body switching and somewhat predictable to the overall storyline, but there were so many fun scenes you forgot that you watched the same scenario back in the 1980's.

The cast was excellent! Matthew Perry does play his stereo-typical Chandler role, but Zac Efron stole the show. Not only by his great looks, but he did a wonderful job portraying an adult and a great job getting Mattew Perry's actions down. Another great performance was Thomas Lennon who plays the lovable, nerdy sidekick that helps Mike through this transition. If you have ever seen Reno 911 you know this man is a comedy genius and he brings it out for this role as well. You can't help but love this character, because deep down inside we all have a bit of nerd in us that he is more than willing to display.

If you're looking for a good laugh and fun-filled movie, I high recommend this one. And if you're not looking for laughter, go and see this for the eye candy then.

Terminator Salvation

2009-05-21T03:04:00.006-06:00

Terminator Salvation
Rated PG-13
114 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: D+
(spoiler alert)

This was one movie that I had to see this summer, I even made it to the midnight showing so that no one could spoil it for me. I wish I would have been spoiled, maybe whoever was telling me the story could have made it more interesting than the P.O.S. displayed on the screen.

The movie begins in the year 2018 when the war with the machines is full fledged and humanity is losing the war and everything depends on our hero John Connor. Just like all the previous Terminator movies we're introduced to YET another bigger, badder, more advanced Terminator who is out to destroy John because he is 21st century Jesus apparently. I wish there was more plot to give, but that's basically it. Machines vs. Humans and everything being blown up.

As for the casting, Christan Bale plays our main man John Connor, but most of the time I forgot since he still thinks he was playing Batman. And yes he uses the groggily, gurglely Batman voice. Christan, it didn't work for Batman and it doesn't work for this film! Most characters are forgettable, even John's wife. Why they even put this character in the movie I have no idea?! The only character that was remotely enjoyable was the part of Star. The best part about this character, she doesn't say one word in the entire film.

The cinematography was beyond horrible. If you didn't like the shaky cam look of Cloverfield or Blair Witch Project, you'll hate this. It's basically the whole look of the movie, along with extreme close ups of the actors, so you basically have to sit there and guess what in the world is going on around them. Next the make-up was too unbelievable. Our heroine has been battling for hours against the machines, has been blown up and has fallen from towers, but yet she still had her shiny lip gloss on.

If there was a cheese factor scale of 5, this movie was a 6. There were soooooo many bad cliches and one liners from the previous films it just added onto the gag factor. Yes it worked for Star Trek, but here it was just plain pathetic.

Warning MAJOR spoiler: There was only one part of this movie that didn't make me give it a lower rating than "D+" and that was a small 3 minute cameo of the Govenator himself Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I was utterly bored through most of this film! The only way I would recommend it is if it came on late at night on TNT when there's nothing else on but infomercials.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

2009-05-19T07:44:00.003-06:00

X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Rated PG-13
107 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: B-
(non-spoiler)

A superhero movie about one of the most beloved characters in the comic book world with A-list actors sounds like the perfect combination for a great summer movie…wrong. This movie had such great potential but ended short on the enthrallment meter.

If you have ever read a Marvel comic book, 98% chance you’ve come across Wolverine and his story and his journey living an immortal life. The best part of his story in this movie comes at the very beginning while the opening credits are running, so if you go to the show, make sure you get there for the very start. Then comes the part where Logan tries to live a normal life and things go a bit downhill from there. They could have cut back on this portion of his story and given us some better action sequences instead. While living this life of simplicity in Canada, his life gets turned around again as he has to face battling demons of the past and finally the film picks up.

Hugh Jackman does a great job playing Logan/Wolverine and looks great doing it! You do come out feeling that Mr. Jackman is the only one that could give this part everything needed to convince you that he truly is Wolverine. The main reason why I saw this film is because they finally introduce my favorite X-men Gambit. This came to be a disappointment for me. When you’re first introduced to Gambit, the character was almost spot-on with the Cajun accent, special abilities and attitude but his character looses almost everything Gambit is known for within the remainder of the film. Maybe if they do an Origins movie about him, they’ll get it correct. Another surprise for me was the choice to cast Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. I believe Mr. Reynolds gave the best performance he could, but I would have liked to have seen an unknown actor play this part instead.

The biggest disappointment in this film was the graphics. I’ve seen better graphic 30 years ago! Wolverine’s claws and explosions looked so fake so many times of the film it made me wonder if the entire budget went into donut fund. The production company should have cut out a bunch of the B.S. parts of the film and put more into the graphic arts department.

Honestly, this movie isn’t as bad as I’m making it out to be, but it truly isn’t worth seeing in the theater. Save you money and wait to rent it on DVD. Hugh Jackman’s performance is worth seeing it.

Star Trek

2009-05-19T07:02:00.005-06:00

Star Trek
Rated PG-13
126 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: A
(non-spoiler)

What a way to start off the summer movie season! Action, humor, emotional conflicts and a bit of romance this movie has what the average movie go-er wants.

The movie takes us back to the time when Captain Kirk and Spock we’re young men learning the ways of the Federation, so your typical prequel. If you are a Star Trek, (you most likely have seen this film already) you’ll realize that the story line of Kirk’s father and past has changed a bit, but it works out perfectly for the film.

When I first heard about who was play Kirk and Spock, I was very skeptical of the choices, but after seeing the film every bad though I had changed. The casting of this movie was almost perfect. And by saying almost I only had an issue with one character that that was Amanda Grayson (Kirk’s mother) played by Winona Ryder. She acted liked like she just got the script that day and she looked like she was reading queue-cards off to the side. Thank goodness she has a very minor part. I don’t think I could take too much of her poor performance.

The only other major issue I had is the same one I have with most movies that rely on CGI and that is the continuity of size. At one point in the movie, the space pod from the Enterprise was the same size of the Enterprise, but I’m sure most people will not notice it, because of the intense moments at that time. One more thing that I thought could have been added to the movie is the deleted scenes I read about. Yes, it would have made the movie longer, but many questions would have been answered, such as why the Romuln ship looked the way it did.

Even if you’re not a Star Trek fan, I highly recommend this movie. It’s one that I know I could see over again in the theater and have just as good of time as I did the first time around.

Reality...I Don't Like It...Or Maybe I Do

2009-05-14T08:24:00.003-06:00

Well it's been a week since my vacation ended and I'm still trying to get used to being back in reality and I'm not liking it. I want to be back in the laid back life of "Down Under". I'm still adjusting to driving (I know it's crazy).

However I'm glad to be back to good American food. I can't believe how much I missed ketchup and ranch dressing. Plus, I can start my favorite time of year for movies. I love summer movies! Love, love, love them! So be on the look out for many movie reviews from me. Another good thing is I'm going to start working out again. My vacation did me wonders for getting me wanting to get back to the gym. I got plenty of exercise while on holiday and even lost seven pounds! Now I just need to keep it going.

Even though my vacation is over, I can honestly say that it was one of the best things to happen to me. So big loves and hugs to my parents who gave me this opportunity!

Vacation Blog

2009-04-13T23:07:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone!I've set up a blog just for this vacation. I know it seems like that's all I talk about and I'm making a big deal of this, but it is to me. If you care to watch my day to day adventure Down Under, follow my blog!
http://thehalefamilyvisitsthelanddownunder.blogspot.com/

I'll see you in a month!
Enjoy!
Luvs & Hugs,~ Nicole

Life Changes = Head Spinning

2009-04-10T12:31:00.004-06:00

Well today is my last day at The Document Group and I honestly don’t think it has hit me until now that I most likely will not be coming back here. I gave up working here so that I can go on a vacation with the folks and sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice or not.

So many people are without jobs right now and I voluntarily left mine. What am I thinking?!? But again, this is a chance to start anew, something I think I desperately need. Honestly this vacation couldn’t come at a better time with all the drama that has surround me lately, but I’ll have to come back to eventually.

I will miss this place. I love the people I work with and I couldn’t ask for a better boss. I guess it’s time to step down and give someone else a chance of working, in the meantime…I’m getting ready for a trip of a lifetime!

Postcards From Down Under

2009-03-30T11:21:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone!

If you didn't know yet, in two weeks I'll be headed on a plane for my first trip in over five years (sorry I don't count Vegas anymore as vacation). If anyone would like a postcard from Australia, New Zealand or both, send me an email with your full name and mailing address.

BeatlesDiva@aol.com

Vampire Wars

2009-03-30T11:17:00.002-06:00

There’s a reason why I no longer have any game consoles and that’s because I used to be a game addicted. I missed college classes, any type of socializing and not to mention many hours of sleep. While I’m at work and when there are some down times I like to play some games to pass the time. Well, I have found the game “Vampire Wars” on Facebook and it’s starting to come to the point of the console days of college. Yesterday I actually had some time to myself. I spent the whole time playing this dumb game along with going to bed two hours later than usual. Bejeweled is bad enough, but now I have this to drain my brain with. ARGHHH! Why do I have to be so competitive?!

BTW – if you are on Facebook come and join my clan :-P

Sleepless in Las Vegas

2009-03-20T10:18:00.005-06:00

If you’re on Facebook you’ll know that I’ve spent the last 6 days in Las Vegas. Unfortunately it wasn’t for fun. The closest I got to any casino was driving past the strip going from one hospital to another. My sister, Tiffany was in the hospital in major pain. She has been sick for a long time and it was her boss that made her go into the hospital.

I got the call Saturday afternoon, right after my shift at work that she was in the hospital and not doing well. So I got packed up and headed towards Vegas. When I got the hospital I saw Tiff lying there in major pain and it broke my heart.

To make a long week short here is the low down:

~ Tiff has pinched nerves and collapsed discs, basically causing her to have a slow and very painful way that could eventually lead to paralysis. Because she can still feel pain and her legs still spasm, the doctors feel that it wasn’t a cause for an emergency surgery, even though she needs surgery big time.

~ Because of the way the doctors have put in her I.V. and left it in she has an infection (cellulitious) that she’s now fighting off.

~ There was only one hospital in the area that surgeons do back surgery at, and it wasn’t the one that she was at and because insurance is a joke, they wouldn’t pay for the transfer, so we got her discharged and had to transfer her ourselves to another hospital out in Henderson. Here is where we sat for hours in the E.R. with a bunch of sickos. Listening to other’s issues, seeing other’s infections and the smell and sounds of others vomiting…who knows what we might of caught ourselves.

~ So now we wait for 10 days when Tiff can actually go in a see the specialists about surgery.

In the time that I was there, I got very little sleep and what sleep I did get was in the hospital chair and I got to shower only twice. Gross I know, but comfort was not a top priority while there. I did get to meet a couple of Tiff’s friends who are nurses so they’ll be able to look after her until her appointment time, so that’s a great comfort.

I know it sounds like I’m rambling, because most likely I am. Lack of sleep will do that. I just ask that everyone keep Tiff in your thoughts and prayers as she goes through this difficult time.

The view outside the hospital window that we came to know well. If you look if the very far off distance you can see the strip.

A Rant or Two or Three or...

2009-03-05T09:47:00.015-07:00

Man I've been one cranky woman these days and since I've been anti-social lately I'm letting it all out here. Beware, a lot of complaining is to come.

I guess I'm getting to that stage in my life where the more people I know and the more I know about others...I just don't care. I guess it's not that I don't care, it's because I'm getting worn out. The older I get the more "issues" I have to deal with. Which is fine if they were just my issues, but I'm a sucker for helping out anyone in need and I think some people a.k.a. "leeches" can smell that. I know a few people, who unlike myself, haven't worked for months...literally months. One person I know hasn't worked since 2007. How they have a nice apartment, new electronics, brand name clothes, etc I don't know. But maybe I do. It's because of people like me...the big hearted suckers wanting to be mankind's heroes. I know that many of these "leeches" are living of the government and churches and people like me. But how are they going to improve their life if everyone keeps coddling them? I say cut them off! And I have begun to do this myself. Why should these people live life to the fullest going on vacations, eating out every day, having a nice car and gas money to fill it...basically having all the time in the world to do what they want when I struggle with working 60-80 hours a week just to make ends meet?!?

Next complaint is about myself. I'm so irritated with myself and the jealousy that I have for others. I read peoples Twitters, Blogs and Vlogs and I can't help but think "Why not me? Why can't I have what they have"? I swear I just have bad luck when it comes to figuring out what to do with my own life. I've been to school three times and each time the degree has failed me due to the industry that it's been in. Yes, I love to learn but certain degrees can only get you so far. I'd love to go back to school again, but I'm afraid of failing once more. I feel like everytime I try to improve myself, something throws me back farther than when I started. I honestly think that my way of life was so much better right after the first round school. I had a career that I used my degree for, I had a good savings, enjoyed my time off, I even had a prospect of starting a family. These days I dread having any spare time to myself because it gives me too much time to think.

Next I hate to complain about this, but I'm going to anyway. I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS, Mormons) and even though I love my church and what it teaches, I'm so sick of having to stand up for it. I know what I believe but I'm sick of wasting my breath trying to defend it others who are not members. Most of the time I know I'm not going to change their minds so why should I sit there and debate with them. They see how I live, what I do and how I treat others, that's my part for my church...no more debates! I just think it's ironic that in these days people who have religion and follow the ways of religious leaders are looked at as the evil ones.

One more rant for the road...

Politicians and Actors - When did these two "industries" merge? I'm sick of how the media is portraying Barack and Michelle Obama as celebrities. Taking pictures of every step they make, show off their latest fashions, even telling the world what they had for breakfast that day. Leave them alone and let them do their jobs! I'd like to think that with the nation in the state that it is today, that the President has more on his mind then what designer tie he'll be wearing that day. As for the actors and actresses...yes it's great that you have an opinion, but so does the rest of the nation. Just because you're in the lime light most of the time, doesn't give you the right to make decisions for the rest of us. And if certain entertainers have played the part of a President or Vice President, that doesn't MAKE you a politician, it still makes you an actor.

Sorry about all the bitching and moaning lately, but sometimes I just have to get these thoughts out of my head and place them somewhere else. You're just the lucky victims that get to read it.

Have I Missed Out?

2009-02-27T11:21:00.004-07:00

People ask me a lot why I work so much. My answer…so I don’t have time to think about what I’ve missed out in life. When I’m constantly working I feel productive and useful, it’s when I actually have free time that I get down and depressed with life.

Well, it’s one of those slow, unproductive moments here at work and I have too much time to think. I’ve been thinking about just the little things that people have said to me in the past few weeks and I feel like I have missed out on some major happening in life. Here’s a few thing that were mentioned:

~ Just two days ago the lady in front of me (while in line at the store) said to the clerk that her boy better get married soon because once someone turns 28, their chances of getting married and having a family is slim to none.

~ A friend of mine said to me and a group of people that to have a kid over the age of 30 isn’t fair to the kid because older people just can’t handle the energy of children.

~ I’ve been told that I shouldn’t have any debt because I don’t have a family.

~ Someone mentioned to me that my jobs are pointless and that anyone can do them and that I should try to make an effort to do more.

Maybe that last statement is true…heck maybe all of them are. I’ve put effort in careers and school and they have landed me jobs that have been good for the time being, but LIFE happens. Unfortunately my life hasn’t been what I want it to be. I’ve had goals since I was 12 that I’ve been working on. A couple of those goals have been to be married and have children, but life hasn’t dealt me that hand. So have I missed out? According to the majority of people I know, I have. I’m only 32, how can my life be over and have no meaning? Honestly people, I’m not giving up on life just because I work. I work so I don’t give up on life.

Size Matters

2009-02-19T10:09:00.002-07:00

Wow! This just shows how tiny our little world is. It's mind boggling!

Just Say No to Travelocity

2009-02-18T09:59:00.007-07:00

For the past four days I’ve been trying to rebook my trip for Australia and New Zealand because there was a cancellation with the company that my father is training for down there. All I want to do is change if from travel in February to traveling in April. I know my exact flights I want to change to, I’m know about the all the change fees and all of the regulations and I'm willing to pay all of that, I just need someone to make that change. Doesn’t sound that hard does it? WRONG! I’ve had more fun at the dentist than trying to deal with Travelocity to make these changes. I have spent at least nine hours on the phone with this company! That’s more than a regular day’s work! I’ve been hung up on seven times (twice by the same agent and twice by managers) and then when I finally got someone on the phone they said there is nothing we can do to help you. WTF?!? If you have ever seen a Travelocity advertisement they say “Satisfaction Guaranteed! We'll make sure everything is right.” and that “We’re #1 with customer service”. This is the biggest pile of crap!

I don’t like to throw out numbers around but I want everyone to know how big this trip is. The cost of airline tickets, hotels and cars is over $12,000 and they turn around and tell us that there is nothing they can do for us. By the way, we have used Travelocity so much in the past we’re Gold V.I.P. members and this is how we get treated. I can't imagine how they'd treat first time users.

I’ve had enough of the run around so I’m out to boycott this company until they do something for us to get this changed. So I just want everyone out there that is booking travel online, NOT to use Travelocity. There are plenty of other sites out there that I’m sure will be more willing to help then Travelocity.

Revenge of the Fallen - New Trailer

2009-02-16T11:20:00.003-07:00

Yep...the Transformer geek girl strikes again with a new trailer for the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. If you haven't noticed yet, I'm totally getting giddy for this movie.

Emotional Roller Coaster

2009-02-13T12:12:00.008-07:00

My life lately has been filled with so many ups and downs, twists and turns, I’m literally making myself sick. After my last blog talking about how I’m making some decisions and changing my life, with into two days everything I decided on hit me like flaming bag of poop thrown at my face.

I thought I FINALLY had everything worked out: my vacations, my work situations, my decisions on school, etc. After booking my flights, cars and hotel rooms for my trip to Australia and New Zealand I had to give my boss two weeks notice that I was leaving to go on this trip for 4+ weeks. It was 48 hours later that I got notified that the trip has been cancelled because the job there was cancelled. The job is only for 2 weeks, but I planned on another two weeks vacation there. So needless to say I’m out money no matter if I don’t go or if I reschedule everything. Plus, I quit my job for this trip!

After a few days of mopping around I did find out the trip was rescheduled for the end of April. Yeah, I get to go on a trip. I still need to rebook everything because I honestly don’t want to spend the money on the exchanges yet. Unfortunately after speaking to a neighbor that’s from Queensland, she said well that’s usually when it floods there. ARGGH! Oh well…If I do end up finally going I’m going to enjoy it even if I’m walking waist high in water. But if I do stay as long as I planned, that means I have to cancel my trip to California to go to BotCon. So far my “Year of Travel” isn’t working out too well.

So I’ve been very nervous about what I’m going to do when my job ends in two weeks, I won’t have that income and I’d have way too much time off (I can’t sit around too long, I need work). Well, my boss goes to the same LDS ward (church) as my family and my mother and my boss’ wife got talking. Well, it wasn’t long that it got back to my boss and he told me I could stay as long as I needed to. I wouldn’t be surprised if he offered me my job back once I returned home, but that’s another decision I don’t want to think about.

I’m more confused on what to do with my pathetic life as ever. Hopefully once this first trip comes around and I actually get to go, I’ll get to relax and think things over. Sorry for the rambling, but my mind feels like it’s in the spin cycle.

Quirky Quote: Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained. ~Arthur Somers Roche

It's Here Finally - Transformers 2 Trailer

2009-02-01T20:40:00.004-07:00

I'm the biggers Transfomers Fangirl out there, so I HAVE to share this teaser trailer that was shown tonight during the Super Bowl. I'll be seeing you in the theaters June 26th!

Moving On - A Tough Road

2009-01-29T10:23:00.010-07:00

My last post and this post have a lot in common. It’s the beginning of the Chinese New Year. Oddly this usual is when I make my resolutions for the new year. It gives me a few weeks to step into the changes that I need to make.

This year is going to be the year I take care of myself. It’s all about me in 2009! I know that sounds so selfish, but I need to work more on making myself happy and not putting myself last. I believe this is why I have been very unsocial lately. My depression taking a major toll on me and I just don’t have much time away from work so I just don’t care to be around many people these days. If you’re just read that, don’t be offended, it’s just I rather lay on the couch or my bed in the few hours I have then have to talk or face anyone, included the closest people in my life.

Late last week was the start of this new making of myself. I made the decision to cash in what I have in my Camaro fund and booked my trip to Australia and New Zealand. I’m so happy that I get this opportunity to do this. Almost 4 weeks away from any work and I get to be by the ocean every day, better yet…the Great Barrier Reef! I’ll start saving for the Camaro again later on this year.

Unfortunately this decision for this once in a lifetime trip came with the heart-breaking decision to leave one of my jobs. I knew I couldn’t take that much time off of work, so I put my notice in yesterday that I’ll only be with the company for 3 more weeks. Why does this break my heart to leave…because I love my co-workers and my boss is probably the most enjoyable boss to be around. He makes coming into work fun! I guess I’ll have to wait until after my trip to decide if I want to make my part-time job my full-time job or look for another job. Gotta start saving again for that Camaro!

So many twist and turns are starting to happen; I just hope it all just doesn’t come to smack me in the face!

Quirky Quote: Although every man believes that his decisions and resolutions involve the most multifarious factors, in reality they are mere oscillation between flight and longing. ~Herman Broch

Gung Hay Fat Choy! - Happy Chinese New Year

2009-01-29T10:05:00.005-07:00

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

If you messed up your New Year's resolutions, here your 2nd chance to start over again.

Just for thought, here is what is being said to look for in the year to come:

The first day of the year of Earth Ox is with the solar eclipse, January 26, 2009, indicating a decisive ending and new start in the world. The Chinese astrological conditions on that day and hour show that the element Metal rules the year and that Metal is extremely weak. The chart style, called Proper Authority, points to questions of authority. Weak Metal means weak boundaries, weak resistance. People, nations, institutions and businesses in trouble, or under siege, will have a bad time holding up. World health is poor. War brings starvation. Tyrannical and criminal elements are rampant. The element of Authority is also very strong. Confrontations between forces in opposition are likely. Danger in the world lies in the destructive use of power. Corruption in governments and businesses are going to be exposed. Arrogant people in positions of authority will be attacked. Plenty of rules and regulations are coming down. There will be important reforms made. The year favors those in civil service, government and legal fields. Proper Authority can turn its attention to the problems of feeding the world and to education. Humanitarian and environmental areas are stressed. Authority is best expressed when giving positive attention to earth and common life. Benign characters in positions of authority may see their luck increasing. Western powers are weak. In the US, the western states are weak. There will be fires and floods. On a more positive note, we can anticipate new discoveries and breakthroughs in medical and scientific fields.

Earth Ox is 25th in the 60 year cycle of Chinese years. In the I Ching the astrological signs for the new year give us the 4th line of the hexagram of Opposition. It says, "Isolated through opposition, one meets a like-minded man with whom one can associate in good faith. Despite the danger, no blame." The hexagram shows key elements opposing not cooperating with one another. It suggests group split in two by dispute. There is nothing more to do but pay attention to details and not enter the fight. In time productive alliances will be made.

Picture by Imaginism on devianART

Fairy Tale Origins - Not for the Faint of Heart

2009-01-08T12:51:00.003-07:00

Everyone likes a story and we all grew up with fairy tales where the Princess and Price always live happily ever after. I found a site where fairy tales show how they were originally written, mostly for adults and to scare children. The Top 10 most gruesome tales mostly involved rape and murder.

Find the list here and a brief synopsis of each. Those Grimm brothers really had a crazy mind!

Cake Wrecks

2008-12-31T11:24:00.008-07:00

My co-worker introduced me to this blog and it's a must see. Cake of all kinds: The astounding, the WTF and the "holy hell who thought of doing that" as a cake. Check it out.

Click here to go to Cake Wrecks

Here's a small peek of what you'll see:

The Astounding:

The WTF?!?

And the holy "hell who thought of doing that" as a cake

2008…Good Riddance!

2008-12-31T08:53:00.004-07:00

I must say I’m not too sad to see this year go away. What a bummer of a year! It seems like anything that I set out to do, never happen. There were many upsets and mostly boredom that surround this year. Yes I did have some good times, but there were just too few.

For everyone that is celebrating tonight, have fun and enjoy yourself. Just be safe and please, please, please DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! Here’s to 2009, may this year be a year of good changes and wonderful experiences!

Quirky Quote: An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. ~Bill Vaughan

Merry CHRISTmas!

2008-12-24T08:21:00.007-07:00

I just want to tell everyone Merry Christmas…and I do mean Christmas not X-mas. This is something that has bothered me for years. I can’t stand it when people write X-mas! The whole purpose of Christmas is to celebrate Christ and to take him out of the word, to me means that Christmas means something else, something more worldly. I’ve even seen campaigns out there to take Christ out of the holiday because this is a holiday for all. Excuse me? Ah…do you even get the jest of why Christmas even started?!?

I think that’s what I have the hardest time with. I think of myself as a religious person and to see others cut me down because I want to celebrate my religion as well as others strikes a nerve. So to all Christians everywhere, MERRY CHRISTMAS…and let’s keep Christ in Christmas!

Quirky Quote: He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith

Another Reason to Hate the Holidays

2008-12-22T10:07:00.006-07:00

If you didn’t realize it yet, it’s Christmas time…again. I’m such a Scrooge this time of year because I don’t feel the Christmas spirit like everyone else and I haven’t for years. I remember having such wonderful and elaborate Christmases when I was younger and I couldn’t wait for it to come around again. Ever since I worked retail, I haven’t looked forward to it. Well after working retail for six years I quit so I could possibly enjoy the holidays season, then I started to work at the Post Office…another hellish place to work for the holidays.

This year, I was going to make it a happy Christmas! I wasn’t going to let anything get me down and it was going great until this past weekend. When I got my work schedule earlier in the week I was delighted to see that I got Christmas day off. The first time in four years, I don’t have to work Christmas day! Yeah for me! While at work I told people how happy I was. Well one co-worker, one that many of us try to avoid, told me “That’s not fair! You should have to work Christmas because you don’t have children”. This may have been a simple statement to most, but it cut me to the core. First of all, thanks for reminding me that my dream of being a mom hasn’t come true and may never come true at that. Second, I still have a family; a family, that unlike many people I know, I WANT to spend time with.

Needless to say, I’ve spent the past few days in a major depression, caused from guilt of not working the holiday, while someone else could be spending time with their family and from the despair of not having a family of my own. I keep on thinking of myself as Ebenezer Scrooge, not caring about this time of year and having the great possibility of dying alone. Yeah it sounds like I’ve taken it a bit far, but when you work a 12 hour shift at a place where you can’t talk, the mind tends to wander. I’ll be so happy once the new year begins…at least that’s what I’m hoping for.

Quirky Quote: There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. ~Erma Bombeck

Guilt…I Haz It

2008-12-10T09:25:00.004-07:00

I’m so sick of feeling guilty for anything I do for myself. I feel like I’m constantly putting off making myself happy if someone else is suffering. Now I’ve only had two days off this year (and one of them was for a funeral) and we get a total of 10 vacation days and 5 sick days. If we don’t use them we lose them. Just today I put in a vacation request at work for three days off next week and my boss came up to me and said “It’s kind of short notice don’t you think”?

Oh great! Now I’m feeling guilty…AGAIN! If people are so dependent on me, why am I bored most of the time?!?

Quirky Quote: Emotion turning back on itself, and not leading on to thought or action, is the element of madness. ~John Sterling

The Great Office War

2008-12-05T12:59:00.002-07:00

This is for anyone that works on office job that is waiting for Friday to end.

'Tis the Season – The Annual Meltdown

2008-12-03T14:03:00.007-07:00

Most of you have notice that I haven't posted many blogs up, nor been out socializing, or have returned phone calls and this is all because of my Love/Hate relationship with this time of year.

It seems that once Thanksgiving is done and I start my drive back home from a wonderful time with our small family get together in Wyoming, the dark cloud of depression, over worked and just plain stress sinks in. I love the fact that this is the perfect time to give, give, give because that is something I truly enjoy! I love spending time and money on others, but then where does one stop… or should it?

Each time I pass by a Salvation Army bucket, I have to contribute; every time a charity calls up I donate; every homeless person I see I give them any spare change and cash I have on me; angel trees are the worse as I want to take all the names I see on there. I feel it’s because I’m a very fortunate person. Even though I may work many hours a week, I honestly don’t make much, but that doesn’t matter because I STILL have more than I need. Because of the wonderful blessing of being able to say that I have more than I need, I feel that I have to help and give to each and every person that comes my way. It literally hurts me to think that there is someone out there that is need of help and I may not be able to give that help to them. How do you choose who to help and how do you turn down others?!? This is my agonizing dilemma.

Then there is my birthday that’s thrown into the holiday season. Each year I try to forget that I’m another year old and basically haven’t done much with my life yet. Last year, I DID forget that it was my birthday until I got emails and text messages from everyone. Why don’t I enjoy my birthday? The main reason (and this is going to sound sappy)…Christmas cards. Each year I get hundreds of Christmas cards (yes hundreds) and most of them are filled with newsletters of what wonderful things happened to them and their families through the year and each year I have no major news to share and no family photos to take. And this year, I don’t even have my dog to take a picture with.

Even though I can say that I have too much, I still want more from life. The Love/Hate battle is one that I’m afraid is a never ending one.

Quirky Quote: Isn't it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for - I don't know what exactly, but it's something that you don't mind so much not having at other times. ~Kate L. Bosher

The Season of Giving

2008-11-25T11:24:00.007-07:00

Most of you know that I have a deep love for animals and I donate monthly to the American Humane, which not only helps animals in need but children as well. If you find it in your hearts this season to give to a charity, here is one I highly suggest. Here is one of the many stories that shows where you're donations go to.

Left to Die in a Ditch
A man in Tennessee was heading back to his car after a day of fishing when he heard whimpers coming from a muddy ditch in the woods. A small, terrified beagle was trapped. She had been brutally shot and was desperately trying to pull herself up the steep wall of the ditch, her back legs dragging uselessly behind her.

The fisherman took pity on the little dog and brought her home. She spent three days living beneath the man’s parked car, clinging to life. When he realized the beagle wasn’t going to recuperate on her own, the man contacted a local animal rescue group. One of the group’s workers arrived and was amazed when the traumatized dog emerged -- in terrible pain, but so grateful for help she covered the worker with “kisses” as only a dog can.

Was Emma a ‘Lost Cause’?
The brave little beagle, named Emma by the shelter workers, still had a long way to go. Two gunshots had left both of her hind legs paralyzed. She had also lost control of her bladder and bowels. How would the shelter afford Emma’s vet bills and scooter -- a special dog wheelchair designed to help her get around with ease -- on its shoestring budget?

That’s when American Humane stepped in. Thanks to American Humane through donors, they have provided vital support through the Second Chance Fund to help cover Emma’s medical expenses and ready her for adoption.

Incredibly, Emma found a new home with a “forever mom” named Sheila, whose sweet disposition matched Emma’s. Sheila consulted with a canine rehabilitation center, brought Emma to physical therapy twice a week and even converted her own pool to a water therapy center for Emma. This spirited, fun-loving little dog -- expected to never get around without her scooter again -- is now able to walk a mile every day on her own!

Please give what you can to bring hope and success to other children and animals looking for a second chance, who still have tremendous love to share with new families.

click here to find out more and to donate

8 Things

2008-11-12T09:36:00.008-07:00

I was tagged by Celeste with this one.

8 Favorite T.V. Shows

(I'll put them alphabetically)

~ American Idol
~ Biggest Loser
~ Dancing with the Stars
~ Fringe
~ The Colbert Report
~ The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
~ The Simpsons
~ Transformers Animated

8 Favorite Restaurants

~ Café Rio
~ Iggy’s
~ Johnny Carino’s
~ Market Street Grill
~ Mimi’s Café
~ Red Lobster
~ Thaifoon
~Wok-King

8 things that happened yesterday

I don't live that exciting of a life but here's what I can think of

~ Went to work

~ Played MSN games while at work

~ Replaced car tires

~ Watched Dancing with the Stars

~ Paid doctor bills

~ Had dinner with the folks

~ Bought some DVDs

~ Did some research on colleges/universities

8 Things to Look Forward to

~ A day off from all jobs
~ Any time spent with friends
~ Becoming debt free
~ Getting back into a shape other than round
~ Getting my helicopter pilot’s license
~ My trip to Australia
~ My trip to England
~ Purchasing my Camaro

8 Things I Love About Fall

~ Cooling temperatures
~ Halloween
~ Las Vegas is almost the perfect time to go.
~ New season of Dancing with the Stars
~ Possibly starting school myself
~ Seeing kids get excited about going back to school
~ The color of the leaves
~ The crispness in the air

8 Things On My Wish List

~ 2010 Camaro
~ Conquer depression
~ Get married
~ Go scuba diving with great white sharks
~ Have a degree that I can actually use
~ Have children
~ Own my own home
~ Take my dream vacation to Bora Bora

8 People that I tag

Here are some people I'd like to see do a tagged game

~ Adam Murray
~ Bobbie Mauss
~ Brandi Miller
~ Gabrini Mayhew
~ James Hofheins
~ Jennifer Lake
~ Lori Compton
~ Rob Church

The Flat and The Inflated

2008-11-10T08:19:00.007-07:00

Yesterday I thought was going to be a good day, everything started out right. I got some good sleep the night before and I got to go home from work early. Well, going home early turned out to be not that great. I was driving down the road, almost to the freeway as someone decided not to strap down their stuff correctly, so I got a undercarriage full of junk and ended up with one tire totally destroyed and two more needed to be replaced. Thank goodness I know how to change a tire because I wasn't going to get help from anyone that passed me and this included two police vehicles. I have yet to meet up with anyone that gets more flats than me. Big-O Tires know me very well and I'll be meeting up with them again today.

Saturday was overall a great day. After doing my shift at work I went home got onto the computer and saw that a couple of my buddies from the UK were on. As I started to chat with them they invited to guest host with them on their Transformers Podcast. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous at first but I had a great time doing it. Thank you to David, Andy and Paul for letting me play with them. So needless to say I got my ego a bit inflated with the opportunity give give the views a fangirl in subject that's mostly filled with boys and men. Moonbase 2 is the world's 2nd largest Transformers podcast so who knows who heard me out there, but if you'd like to check it out and hear me in all my Transformer geekiness you can download it on iTunes or download it from this link. Let me know what y'all think.

iTunes Link (episode 30)
Direct Download

Quirky Quote: It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks in life and those of opportunity. ~Frederick Phillips

Miller-Hays Wedding

2008-11-10T08:12:00.004-07:00

This past Saturday I got to attend the reception of my friend Brandi. I love weddings, I think it's a great way to celebrate with family and friends and this reception did just that. I got to meet up with some old friends that I haven't seen in so long and it was great catching up with y'all. Brandi, you looked amazing and you were just gleaming with happiness. Congratulations Brandi and Jason on your marriage! I'm so very happy for you :-D

2008-11-07T08:47:00.003-07:00

The House Bunny
Rated PG-13
94 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: B

Another girl’s night dollar show that was well worth it! This movie was one of those we went to because it was the only one we haven’t seen and we ended up having a good time.

A Playboy Bunny, Shelly, has been kicked out of the Playboy mansion the day after her 27th birthday, because she’ getting old and someone younger will be replacing her. This is leaving her homeless and has her trying to start over with life. She finds a sorority that needs a house mother and the good times start. Shelly turns the dorky, socially awkward girls into the hottest things on campus.

This movie really did surprise me. Yes it sounds like your typical nerd to beauty queen show, but this one actually sent out some good messages. I thought that Shelly would be your typical dumb blonde that doesn’t know much about the real world, but she ends up showing us that she just has a different way of thinking, very caring and is actually very motivated to help others.

Watching this movie, I can tell the sexes will watch it for different reasons. The men will get a load of eye-candy as Playboy centerfolds make appearances and women will love the storyline for a chick flick. I’d suggest this mostly for a girls night as most women will relate to at least one of girls depicted in the show and the witty one-liners will keep you laughing.

Dr. Phobos and Radio Free Xangaka

2008-11-06T11:11:00.009-07:00

Hey everybody! I just want to give a quick promotion to my friend Michael who does some DJing on an Internet radio station. Mike goes by Dr. Phobos on Radio Free Xangaka, which basically plays anything and everything from Pop, Rap, Classical, Jazz even Comedy bits. So while you're at your computer check it out.

Plus if you're interested in trying out DJing they're hiring!

Dr. Phobos

Thursdays 10am-1pm

Saturdays 8am-11am

Radio Free Xangaka

Obama Wins!

2008-11-05T12:29:00.006-07:00

Well election day is over with and we have a new President-Elect. Congratulations to Barack Obama on his win, now go out and show us the changes you've campaigned about.

As most of you know, I honestly didn't care who won, but I'm very grateful to be able to take part in this historical event. Now that the election is over I stand by the choice of the people and will fully support the new Commander-In-Chief and I hope that the rest of the nation, as well as the rest of the world, will do so as well.

Things I've Done

2008-11-05T11:44:00.007-07:00

This is mostly for myself. I found the list on Bob and Lindy's blog and I had to give it a shot, just so I know that back in the day I did have some interesting stuff happen in my life.

(Just copy and paste this to your blog and bold the ones that you HAVE done.)

1. Started your own blog (hum...that's where this list is at)

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band (well, High School and College Band)

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity (yep, I'm a sucker)

7. Been to Disneyland (when I was four. I can hardly remember it)

8. Climbed a mountain (living in Wyoming and Utah it comes easy)

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables (does trying count?!?)

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill (I call them mental health days)

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo's David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt (living in Wyoming helps)

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (one of my favorite experiences)

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud (I love playing in the mud)

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (I was seller of the year one time)

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (I can't unfortunately)

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (I still have all my My Little Ponies)

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt (not very well though)

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone's life

90. Sat on a jury (I'm weird, but I really want to though)

91. Met someone famous (several celebrities when I volunteered for the 2002 Olympics, Stephen Speilberg and Jon Bon Jovi being one of my favorites.)

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake (I live in the Salt Lake City area, so that helps)

97. Been involved in a law suit (a few)

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

Vote For None?

2008-11-03T09:47:00.007-07:00

This weekend while at work, I was listening to a podcast called Common Sense with Dan Carlin and he said some things that struck me, as if he was talking just to me. I've already voted for this year's election, but I struggled to make my decision on the Presidential and V.P. choice. So when it came down to it I literally flipped a coin. McCain was heads and Obama was tails. I will not reveal the outcome though. In this podcast, he mentioned that we put another choice on the ballot. The choice "None of the Above".

Listen to the first half of the podcast (about 20 minutes) where he speaks of this new idea. It's very informative.

Click here to listen:
http://cdn2.libsyn.com/dancarlin/cswdcb37.mp3?nvb=20081103161619&nva=20081104161619&t=0092110001297f1a69c43

PS - it may take a minute or two to load.

Halloween Downer

2008-11-02T09:18:00.002-07:00

So just to recap my Halloween, it was a major downer. I knew I was going to spend most of the day at work and I knew this year was going to be the 2nd year where I didn't get to dress up, so I was ready for that. What I wasn't ready for was having to hear that one of our employees here at The Document Group was going to be terminated. I loved having her around, especially with being the only two women in an office full of men. So J.J. if you're reading this, I wish you the best and hope to see you soon at the Post Office.

After working some overtime, I headed home as fast I as could to get ready for the Trick-or-Treaters. I honestly looked forward to this. I love seeing kids in the costumes and even adults with how creative they are with theirs. Well, there was a group of girls (I'd say 10 years old) who came running to the door and they were out of breath. I said "Wow! You must be in a hurry to get to as many houses as possible". They said "No, there's some boys in clown masks chasing us". Argghhh...why do people has to spoil a good time?!? So I found the boys (easily at least High School age), went out to talk to them and they took off. I hope they didn't go harassing any more people. Around 9:30pm I went to bed so I could get up at 3:30am to start off another work day. So to say, it wasn't the most enjoyable Halloween ever. Maybe next year I'll make up for it :-D

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T10:12:00.006-06:00

Most people know I love, love, love this holiday! I spend months in advance trying to decide on a costume and maybe plan a party. This year it's not going to happen unfortunately because of work, but I'm not going to let that get me down. I may not be able to use my costume this year, but hey...I'll be already for next year :-D

I just want to wish all of you a happy and safe holiday and I can't wait to see all the pictures! To get into the holiday spirit, I'm leaving you with some pumpkin carvings that I found online. Hope you enjoy them!

Tagged - 60 Truths

2008-10-29T08:43:00.003-06:00

I was tagged from a friend on deviantART, do I thought I'd post it hear.

1. Name → Nicole
2. Nickname(s) → Nic, Nicole-it-all, Bear (my dad's nickname for me)
3. Status → Bored at work

4. Zodiac sign → Western: Sagittarius (Sun Sign), Gemini (Moon Sign), Capricorn (Rising Sign)
Chinese: Dragon
Aztec: Lizard
Celtic: Fig Tree
Egyptian: Osiris
Native American: Owl
South African: The Harvest in the Granary
Indonesian Day Sign: PonThe Salasa

5. Male or female → Female the last time I checked.
6. Elementary → Kemmerer Elementary
7. Middle School → Kemmerer Jr. High
8. High School → Kemmerer High School
9. Smart? → I'm a know-it-all, or I try to pass it off like I do
10. Hair color → Dark Brown
11. Long or short → short now
12. Loud or Quiet → Me? Quiet?!?! Yeah right!
13. Sweats or Jeans → Jeans
14. Phone or Camera → camera, I spend too much time on the phone
15. Health freak → No, but I'd like to be back to my health nut phase
16. Drink or Smoke? → Nope.
17. Do you have a crush on someone? → Nope
18. Eating or Drinking → Eating
19. Piercings → 11 in the ears
20. Tattoos → Nope, because I'd get sick of it after 2 weeks

FIRSTS:
23. First piercing → 6 years old
24. First best friend → Kristin who lived two houses away from me
25. First award → Cookie seller of the year from Girl Scouts
26. First crush → Ricky Bettis in kindergarten
27. First pet → Buttons a apricot french poodle
28. First big vacation → I was four when the family went to Mazatlan, Mexico
29. First big birthday → 16, I got my first car!

CURRENTLY:
30. Eating → Apple Cinnamon low fat muffin
31. Drinking → Coldbuster Jamba Juice
32. I'm about to → Go insane from boredom
33. Listening to → 101.9 The End, the Chung Show
34. Plans for today → Work and catch the dollar movie with Heather

YOUR FUTURE:
35. Want kids? → Very much so!
36. Want to get married? → yes
37. Careers in mind → Life Flight Pilot

WHICH IS BETTER WITH GIRL/BOY?
38. Lips or eyes → Eyes
39. Shorter or taller? → Tall.
40. Romantic or spontaneous → spontaneous
41. Nice stomach or nice arms → Stomach
42. Sensitive or loud → Loud like me!
43. Hook-up or relationship → Hum...considering I've had both and they all failed, I'm going with relationship.
44. Trouble maker or hesitant → Trouble maker! They're more fun.

HAVE YOU EVER:
45. Lost glasses/contacts → don't wear either. My eyes are the only think that work on my body.
46. Ran away from home → Nope, I had the hook up with my parents....ah, still do ;-P
47. Broken someone's heart → yes
48. Been arrested → Yes, but never convicted, so my record is still clean.
49. Cried when someone died → many times, too many times.

DO YOU BELIEVE:
50. Yourself → I have a problem with self confidence
51. Miracles → I do.
52. Love at first sight → Sorry, I don't
53. Heaven → Very much so
54. Santa Claus → There is a spirit of Santa Claus out there
55. Sex on the first date → No way
56. Kiss on the first date → Kissing...yes

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
57. Is there one person you want to be with right now → no one in particular
58. Are you seriously happy with where you are in life → Hell no! I'm about as pathetic as one can get these days
59. Do you believe in God → Yes!
60. Who do you tag to post as 60 truths → Whoever feels like it.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

2008-10-27T09:01:00.004-06:00

Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Rated PG
91 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: B

I know what you’re thinking when you see the title of this, “Why would you spend your money on this?” I even thought that when I bought the tickets to see it, but man was I wrong about this flick. I needed a good pick me up film and this one score big time!

*~* Warning: May Contain Spoilers *~*

A rich Beverly Hills business woman (Jamie Lee Curtis) is been called away for trip that will separate her and her most precious possession for a couple of weeks. That precious possession is Chloe her spoiled Chihuahua. She leaves Chloe in the hands of her niece, who then goes on a vacation to Mexico where she fails her duty to take care of Chloe when she is then dog-napped and put into a dog fighting ring. Escaping this near tragedy, that’s when all the adventure starts.

There was many talented voice actors that came into play in this movie: Drew Barrymore, Andy Garcia, George Lopez, Cheech Marin and Placido Domingo just to name a few. And I was very surprised about the lip-syncing for the animals, it was very well done. The story was a very cute one, I’m sure there’s something that everyone can relate to, through the eyes of a dog. Plus, there were some very well humane messages for the older audience.

This movie is great for a laugh, great for families and great for anyone that is an animal lover. Don’t pass this one over; I’m sure you’ll find it as enjoyable as I did. I give it two paws up!

Eagle Eye

2008-10-24T08:35:00.001-06:00

Eagle Eye
Rated PG-13
118 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: A-

When I say non-stop action, I can honestly mean it for this movie. There is hardly a time when you’re not trying to figure out what may happen next or if this is the scene that will end the movie.

*~* Warning: May Contain Spoilers *~*

Eagle Eye is a government program that has taken over “thinking” for itself and is trying to clean up how the politicians run the country. In order to do this, the program recruits ordinary people to do its deed and in the middle of this is Jerry Shaw (Shia LeBeouf) and Michelle Monaghan (Rachel Hollman) have the biggest tasks to do, if not major consequences will occur.

Overall this movie was great! It kept you going and your eyes peeled to what might happen next. The only thing I have a problem with is something that for some reason Hollywood loves to do lately, and that is extreme close up cinema-photography. I just wanted them the pull back the camera 20 feet in the chase scenes so we can get the full view of the landscape, instead of the full view the actors expressions.

I highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys a good action flick, but if you get motion sickness or don’t care for highly intense films, I’d pass this one by. Oh, and it has Shia in it, so you can't go wrong.

Voting Completed

2008-10-23T08:34:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I went in to vote early. I figured my opinions of candidates most likely won't change in the next few days, so why not do it since I have the time. I spent my free time at work reading up, making notes and double checking my choices, so I could just go in and feel confident with my decisions. No, I will not announced who I voted for because I can't not stand the bickering about the candidates. Yes, it was a difficult decision voting for President and V.P., because I honestly don't care for either of the main choices, but I did make my choice and I feel confident with it.

Quirky Quote: The problem with political jokes is they get elected. ~Henry Cate, VII

My Transformer Geekiness is Spreading World Wide

2008-10-21T10:07:00.004-06:00

Last Saturday I was online speaking with the hosts of the Moonbase 2 podcast, David and Andy. Well, they then gave me the opportunity to do a 15-20 second spot on their show and last night I finally got to hear it while at work. Man I feel sorry for anyone that has to listen to me talk. I didn’t realize that my voice was that Valley Girlish?!? Thanks to the guys for letting me play with them on their show. For those of you who don’t know, the Moonbase 2 is a Transformers fan podcast out of the U.K. that brings updated news and questions about the world of Transformers and if you’re a TF fan, I highly recommend listening to it and join in on their forums as well. These guys are gems!

To add to my geekness, I had an art commission done of my forum persona Hailstorm from an artist in India, who goes by JazylH on deviantART. He did a great job! I didn’t give him much details and he gave me a wonderful rendition of a female seeker. Definitely go and check out his work, it's amazing!

Man, I’m such a nerd, but a lovable one I hope!?!

Quirky Quote: The easiest way to save face is to keep the lower half shut. ~Author Unknown

Tagged!

2008-10-20T09:01:00.005-06:00

My dear friend Celeste tagged me this time. I love these tagged games, I learn so much about others and maybe y'all will learn a little something about me as well.

:-P

3 Joys
* Free Time

* Freedom of choice

* A good conversation

3 Fears

* Drowning - I've experienced this twice in my life and that is not the way I want to go out.

* Stair without backs - You know the ones that you find at apartment buildings

* Dying alone

3 Obsessions

* Being on time - I can't stand being late for anything

* The Beatles (there's a shocker I'm sure)

* Trying to save up money for my future dream car (This isn't easy lately with those damn doctor bills coming in)

3 Surprising Facts

* My first major in college was music with an emphasis in Opera

* I wake myself up as soon as I notice I'm dreaming. This is to combat the violent nightmares I have.

* I cry when I get very tired, not that I'm sad, but because my eyes sting.

8 Things I'm Passionate About

* Finding new places to travel to (even if it's only in my imagination)

* Keeping in touch with friends old and new.

* Helping others. I have a thing for helping out people in need (this has come to bit me in the butt a couple times lately though)

* Reading - even though I hardly have time to do this anymore, I still enjoy it when I can get a good book in.

* Music - I love listening to it, playing it and in my past even composing.

* Learning about others - I love hearing what people believe and why. Religion, politics, their passions and hobbies. I just like knowing what makes other people tick.

* Studying - Give me the time and I'll go all at it learning something new. It may be a new recipe or even some new revolution in Physics.

* Genealogy - When I have the time, I love to do research on my ancestors

8 Words or Phrases I Often Say

* Team Xerox, how can I help you (if you can't tell, that's what I've gotta say at work)

* Sweet!

* Your mom!

* What the hell?!

* I'm off to go to work. See ya whenever.

* Derby! (that's an inside joke)

* What were they thinking?

* Oy vie!

8 Things I Want to do Before I die

* Have children

* Go to my top 10 travel destinations. Bora Bora being the #1.

* Get a degree that's worth having

* Do a shark dive with great whites

* Get to my goal weight

* Go to all 7 continents

* Be totally debt free

* Save someone's life

8 Things I Pray For

* Getting over this damn depression and feeling happy for myself
* People who are injured and/or emotionally suffering

* Lately it's to help guide me with politics

* Family and Friends

* Soldiers

* Guidance in my decisions for my future

* Finding the right doctors

* To wake up refreshed so that I can deal with the day.

8 Things I've Learned

* Always say "I love you" to people you care about, when you depart or when hanging up the phone. It may be your last chance.

* Give when you can, even if it's only a small amount.

* You can go back home. Things may have changed, but it's still home.

* There's joy in the smallest of things

* Always be honest, because the truth will come out eventually.

* Trust in your religious beliefs, no matter what those beliefs maybe. If it teaches you to become a better person, you will become that better person.

* Music can calm the ravaged beast or even help with your own inner emotions

* You can find true happiness through a child's laugh.

Here are my eight tags:

hum...some people I haven't seen blog lately

~ Bob Bateman
~ Cami Richards
~ Heather Tintle
~ James Hofheins
~ Jenn Lake
~ Lori Compton
~ Rob Church
~ Tricia Hansen

Tagged Again ~ A-Z About Me

2008-10-17T10:10:00.005-06:00

I got tagged by a co-worker for this one. I doubt anyone cares to read these tagged games, but I enjoy them. They definitely help out in passing the time.

A]-Available?
Depends on who's asking

B] - Birthday?
Yes, I have one every year. BTW - it's December 14

C] Camera?
Samsung 8.5 pixel

D] - Drink you had last?
Red Bull - Currently I need this for surviving the long hours

E] - Easiest people to talk to?
My parents

F]-Favorite color?
Baby Blue

G] - Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms?
It doesn't matter the shape, gummies are just good stuff

H] - Hometown?
Kemmerer, Wyoming

I] - Favorite ice cream?
I'm not a ice cream fan, but I do get cravings for Phish Food once in awhile.

J] - Just something you and your friends always say?
Derby!

K] - Kissed someone in the past week?
Does giving little kids kisses on the check count?!?

L] - Limeade or lemonade?
Lemonade, preferable pink lemonade

M] - Money or Love?
I could use money more than love right now.

N] - Number of Siblings?
One sister

O] - Outgoing?
Maybe a bit too outgoing

P] - Person you last commented?
Jillaire - She's a co-worker that's just too cute for words.

Q] - Quitting any bad habits?
Trying to, but being successful at it is a different story.

R] - Reason you smile?
To hide the laugh lines

S] - Song you last heard?
Roxanne by The Police (it was on the radio)

T] - Time you woke up today?
6:00 AM...well, that's when the alarm went off, I was too awake for it though

U] - U doing anything today?
Working 16 hours...yeah, so fun

V] - Vegetables?
I enjoy the ones I want to enjoy :-P

W] - Worst habit?
Spacing off

X] - X-rays?
I've got a few in my life

Y] - Your favorite food?

Have you seen me or hung out with me for more than a day?!? You know I'm not picky when it comes to food.

Z] -Zodiac sign?
Sagittarius - the live wires and the most playful of the zodiac...that's me!

A Lighter Side of Politics

2008-10-17T08:31:00.004-06:00

If you missed it last night, both McCain and Obama spoke at the Al Smith Memorial Foundation Charity Dinner. These little speeches bring new views and sheds new light on the candidates. I just wish politics were more like this and not the mud slinging B.S. we've been seeing lately.

It’s The Little Things

2008-10-16T11:34:00.002-06:00

For those of you who don’t know, I live at home with my parents. I know it sounds pathetic, but it was my Mom who actually suggested it as I was going to be living all by myself in a apartment and she basically is home by herself a lot of the time because my Dad is out of town for business and is home only 6-8 days for most of the month. She thought instead of two people living alone that it’s better that we stayed together. I have no problem with that, because I do have the best parents a girl could ask for.

The other day, my Dad was at home and my Mom had to have major surgery on her teeth. My father took the time out to be by her the whole day. He isn’t home often, so he spends time catching up on things that need repair on the house and getting ready for the next trip, but he put my mother first. He even spent the whole day on the couch with her, while she slept for 12 hours. He just watched over her, hardly left her side, because the doctor said that she may come down with a fever. It’s the little things like this that make me gleam with delight and brings me happiness to be able to spend time with such caring and wonderful parents.

Quirky Quote: Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you. ~Robert Fulghum

iPod Shuffle...yes again!

2008-10-14T19:23:00.012-06:00

I found this iPod shuffle game on Lauren's blog, and I enjoy them, so I'm going to play...again. I have 34, 558 songs in my iPod so I can play this game, over and over again and laugh at the answers each time. I hope y'all will play along with me :-D

Here's what you do:
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You then write that song name down as the answer

* If someone says "Is this Okay?" You say: Freek-A-Leek by Petey Pabl0

That answer might confuse someone, including myself. Hey! I just might try it.

* How would you describe yourself?: Trust in Me from The Jungle Book
The title fits me, I'm a very trusting person, but the origin of the song makes me sound creepy.

* What do you like in a guy/girl?: Amazon Prye from the Xena Soundtrack

hum...yeah I like the warrior type :-S

* How do you feel today? I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner
Yeah, I suppose I was pretty intuitive today.

* What's your life purpose? Play The Funky Music by Wild Cherry
Life is all about the funk!!

* What do your friends think of you?: Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel
Ahhh...people love me for me. I'm blushing

* What do your parents think of you? Prodigal by OneRepublic
Well, if there was someone that might think of me in this way, it may be them

* What do you often think about? Sweet Cherry Wine by Tommy James
Wow! I sound like an alcoholic and I don't even drink?!?!

* What do you think about the person you like? Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles
Yep, I don't have a crush, I'm just a lonely gal with her music.

* What is your life's story? Staying Power by Queen
That's me! I don't quit!

* What do you want to be when you grow up? Ka 'Opihi O Kanapou by Keali'i Reichel
ah, sure. That fits me perfectly :-S

* What did you dance to at your wedding? Temptation by Bing Crosby
haha! The temptation should be over with once the wedding is over.

* What will they play at your funeral? I'm Down by The Beatles

OMG! That's just funny! Can't get any farther down than being dead right?!?

* What is your biggest fear? Beauty and the Beast from Disney's Beauty and the Beast
That's fitting. Waiting all these years to find a man for me and he turns out to be a beast. That'd scare any girl!!

* What is your biggest secret? What's Left of The Flag by Flogging Molly

I swear I did not do that to a flag...or did I???

* What do you think of your friends? All These Things That I've Done by The Killers

I honestly don't know how my friends would take being "Done"

* What is your future going to be like? Never Had A Dream by S Club 7
Not too far off. I'm not sure what it's going to be like

* What do you see in the person you like? Misty by Kitro

I'm "foggy" myself on who this person I'm suppose to like is.

* What will the song be for you and your spouse? I Wanna Know by Joe
Yes I do want to know everything about him, if I can find him that is.

Making a Difference…Maybe Not

2008-10-14T10:46:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was almost like any other. ..working, except that I had to go to the store for some office supplies. I was happy to see that when I was leaving the store I ran into an old friend I haven’t seen in three years. He used to be in one of my old single wards from church. I went up to him with a smile and a happy greeting and he just looked at me like I was crazy. I explained to him who I was and he still didn’t remember me.

This saddens me to the point of almost crying on my lunch break. I had spent so much time with him in the past I thought he wouldn’t forget me. He is physically handicapped and confined to a wheelchair and he depended on me to pick him up and taking him to several places, such as work, church and even to go on some dates. I introduced him to several people, even one girl that he ended up dating for a few weeks. Here I was thinking that I helping him getting rid of his bad attitude that people ignore him because of wheelchair and was helping him to get around instead of relying on the bus system. I thought I was making a difference in his life and yesterday comes along and it was like a stab in the gut.

There are so many people that I help with, because it’s in my nature to do so and most of the time I do enjoy it, but I can’t help to think that I don’t mean much to them, that I’m not worth remembering. I’m not looking for praise or glory, I just want to be remembered as a good person, a friend and someone that people can depend on. But some days it feels like I’m the person that people will go to for help, because 90% of the time I’ll say yes. I’m more of a convenience than a friend type of thing. Maybe this is my wake-up call to forget about others, let them defend for themselves and just work on myself.

Crane Watch 2008

2008-10-13T12:42:00.004-06:00

Yes, it’s the time of year again, where I spend any free time outside watching for the devil birds to come and eat my fish. Many of the birds are migrating and they know my pond is loaded with fish. This year is making me extra stressed because I finally bought some expensive Koi. I know it sounds funny, but I love my fish! I can’t stand to think of them being attacked by these birds. Saturday within just a half hour, there was a woodpecker (who loves waking me up in the middle of the night as well), egrets and 4 foot sandhill crane. The woodpecker and the egrets didn’t return but that damn crane just kept on circling our area. I was out there for two hours making sure it didn’t return, but anytime I turned my back he landed. ARGHHH! I haven't seen the big crane that's landed the last two years. That bird is 5 foot tall with a two foot beak and a 10 foot wing span...yeah, and I admit, it scares me. Well, thank goodness for this time of year, scarecrows are out in the store. I might just have to get a few to encircle the pond.

I’m welcome to any suggestions on how to keep these birds out of the pond. I will not hurt them, because 1st I’m not like that and 2nd two of the species are on the endangered list. But if anyone wants to bird watch for a few hours and make sure they don’t get the fish, you’re more than welcomed to come over.

Award Winning Blog!

2008-10-10T15:31:00.005-06:00

Ok, maybe it isn't as cool as the "E" for Excellence award, or the "funniest" blog award-- BUT it is an award none the less!

Bertie has passed this Brillante Weblog-Premio 2008 Award to me :)

Here are the rules: I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to seven others.

Here are the questions:

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? fantasies
3. Your hair color? mixture
4. Your mother? innovative
5. Your father? unequaled
6. Your favorite thing? tranquility
7. Your dream last night? black
8. Your dream/goal? children
9. The room you're in? office
10. Your hobby? cruising
11. Your fear? drowning
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? mommy
13. Where were you last night? USPS
14. What you're not? awake
15. One of your wish-list items? travel
16. Where you grew up? Kemmerer
17. The last thing you did? typed
18. What are you wearing? outfit
19. Your TV? LCD
20. Your pet? fish
21. Your computer? Acer
22. Your mood? fatigued
23. Missing someone? sure
24. Your car? Saturn
25. Something you're not wearing? necklace
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your summer? lackluster
28. Love someone? Nix
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? Yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday

I now pass the award onto:
Beth Ann Mayberry
Celeste Weekes
Erin McBride
Heather Farr
Heather Webster
Lauren Whitney
Tiffany Guymon

To get the award just save the image and then add it to your blog post-- it is NOW yours! :)