Wednesday, March 7, 2012

I Shouldn’t Be Fat…


I Shouldn’t Be Fat……but I am. It’s something I might as well get used to. For the past seven years I’ve been bouncing around from doctor to doctor onto specialists, health gurus, naturalists, fitness trainers and many other experts. Each one of them couldn’t figure out what has been wrong with me only to pass me off to another person to try to take care of me or accused me of cheating and lying. Needless to say the people who accuse me of cheating and lying never got any more money from me. Thousands and thousands of dollars later, I’m at the same place I was those many years ago – still fat and depressed just more in debt.

DIGGING UP THE PAST
Seven years ago I was fit, healthy and loving life, but the something went wrong with my body. Within three months I had gained over 80 pounds. I was like watching a balloon slowly inflate. Then to top it off I gained another 20 pounds from depression. Yes, your math is correct. I gained 100+ pounds within a matter of a few weeks, less than 3 months to be exact…and people snark at me when I tell them I’m depressed.

Between all the doctors and specialists I was told the best way I could lose weight was to get gastric bypass surgery. I’m sorry, but I care for surgery if I honestly don’t need it and I know I can lose weight, I’ve done it before. Personally I don’t like doctor who sell surgery as a diet option either.

JUMPING TO 2012
So the beginning of this year, I made a resolution that this would be the year of me, the year I look after myself. So the search for another expert started again. I found a clinic that sounds like it may be what I need. With several tests I’ve found out I have liver damage and a failed adrenal gland. What’s that mean? It means my body cannot process sugar as it’s supposed to. I’m processing more sugar than I’m even in-taking, hence why my body will not shed the weight. My new doctors say that it can be up to six to eight months of a strict diet that they put me on until I start to see my weight come off. Well, I’ve made it over five weeks now on a diet that basically is fruit, veggies and fish. No breads, pasta, pork, beef, grains, excess sodium…you know, all the yummy stuff. I’ve only lost four pounds since I began; most people would have dropped 20 – 30 pounds with this program but not me. It’s just so frustrating and I’ll admit it’s brought me to tears many times.

I know this is something I have to make it through. If I ever want to have children of my own (and I very much do) I have to pass this hurdle, because this is one of the reasons why I’ve been diagnosis with PCOS and other lovely womanly issues.

I’m hoping that I will be down to my weight on my driver’s license before the year end, before I have to renew it. Here’s to praying and much motivation to get me through this!

Monday, March 5, 2012

Unicorn City

Rated PG
100 minutes
Nicole’s Rating – A

Being a geek myself, this movie spoke to me. OK, maybe not just spoke to me, but related to me on a whole new level of geek. I’m a table top gamer (somewhat) myself so this movie was made for my kind. One of the best things about the movie experience is that the theater was filled with role players such as myself and everyone in there had a great time!

This is an independent movie that was made here in Utah and right now it does have a limited release for the state, but I KNOW this movie can make it big. It’s great fun for the whole family, even if you don’t know squat about D&D or L.A.R.Ping, you’ll have an enjoyable time with the characters. Most of the story is centered around Voss trying to get into a leadership position with both is gaming guild and for a job. Then there’s Marsha who tries to get Voss to fall in love with her, but getting their characters to fall for each other. There’s every type of mystical realm characters (elves, dwarves, bards, succubus, knights…etc) but the winner take all of the show was Clint Vanderlinden who played a role playing centaur. Every time he was on the screen you knew there was going to be something good coming.

The costumes were great! They were made a bit better than if your average role playing person would do, but the creativity on each costume was enjoyable. Again, a wagon carrying centaur…you can’t beat that!

The only thing I found wrong about the movie is very minor. The D&D game play was a bit too clean. I know every guild I’ve played with gets a bit more heated, but I understand that the company wants to make this a family film.

I know many people are reading this review and a probably gagging at the words “Independent Film”, “Family Film” and “Utah”, do not let these words make you think for one second that it’s too cutesy for you. I can’t remember the last time I’ve laughed so hard during a movie. Go and see it while you can and bring as many family and friends as possible. Then who knows…you may start your own guild.


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Artist

The Artist
Rated PG-13
100 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: A-


I’ve been wanting to see this show since I saw the trailer to it months ago. Finally after it won for ‘Best Picture’ at this year’s Academy Awards, I had to get out and see it. And I must say for a silent movie, it’s got more going for it than most action packed films out today!

Each performer did a remarkable job. Jean Dujardin, who played the lead of George and Bérénice Bejo who played the main female lead, have made their ways into Hollywood. Even thought it was a small role, John Goodman made a great presence on the screen. It’s good to see him back! But I have to give big loves to Uggie, a dog who played just as much as an important role as the human actors. This little guy just jumps into your heart from the first moment you see him!

The music…oh the music was great! It was the true voice of the show. I made me want to go back to the 1920’s a see a real silent film with a live orchestra.

I can see why it was nominated for best picture. Personally, I don’t think it should have won because this is the type of movie that will not appeal to a larger audience. Even right now for a domestic gross, it’s only brought in $32 million. I’m sure many more will go out and see it now that there’s big hype around it and I do hope that is the case.

This film is a true work of art with its wonderful storyline, great cinema-photography angle, lighting and shading and just over all direction. I’m sure this movie will be the next ‘Citizen Cain’ for students who are going into film because of all the excellent elements. Overall, if you a fan of old movies this is must see, but if you’re one that has to live in the now, I’m sure you’ll have a pleasant nap.


Friday, November 25, 2011

Connie and Carla

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

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Anonymous

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.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

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

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



Saturday, December 11, 2010

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

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

Friday, December 10, 2010

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

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!


Thursday, December 9, 2010

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

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!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

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

Day 12: Self portrait
Tis the season for Holiday pics!


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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

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.

Monday, December 6, 2010

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

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

Sunday, December 5, 2010

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

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)

Saturday, December 4, 2010

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

Day 8: A Photo of you taken recently
Here's a few that I've pulled off my Facebook profile.



Friday, December 3, 2010

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

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!