Saturday, May 30, 2009

It's My Birthday and I'll Blog if I Want To!

So today, I turned 35. Yeah, that's right. I'll admit to my real age. Most people are shocked to find out my age, thinking I'm younger (yay), but I've lived those years, so I might as well own them!

It's been a really nice birthday, too. I slept in late - one of my favorite things to do, because sleep for me can be fleeting. I got all girly and put on a dress with sexy red pumps - hubby approved. Then we set off to see what we could get into...

We ended up seeing the new Disney/Pixar movie Up. Having seen mostly action/adventure movies lately, I was in the mood for something different. I wasn't prepared for the emotional journey this little film took me on! It was sad, touching, funny, exciting - I loved it! I spent the first 20 minutes bawling my eyes out. It was worth it, and I highly recommend you see it!

Then we went to Ruby Tuesday's and had a great steak dinner. It was a bit of a splurge, but we had a coupon! (lol!)

After my belly was full, the hubby took me to one of my favorite places - Half Price Books! This place is like a candy store to me, and I bought a load of stuff - 3 Katie Macallister books, a Cheyenne McCray novel , a Mary-Janice Davidson anthology, and a book by Amber Benson. The good old TBR pile just grew immensely!

(I also got a build your own TARDIS kit with David Tennant on the front. Excuse me while I squee like the fangirl I am!)

And now, I'm home, in front of the laptop, sharing my day with all my online friends! All the birthday wishes just make me smile so much!

I plan on curling up with the hubby this evening and watching the Primeval finale. My sister is also supposed to call (she's in Texas). Then perhaps the hubby will help me with a little novel "research". (hint, hint. nudge, nudge. know what I mean?)

So, here's to me, my friends, my family, and the hope of more great years to come!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Confessions of a TV-a-holic

I didn't know what I was going to write about today, but then I read Buffy's blog. So, I decided to give the perspective at the other end of the spectrum. Because my name is Christle, and I am a TV-aholic.

I don't know why it is so easy for me to get sucked into television shows. In the back of my mind, I know there's better things I could be doing, but there I sit, staring eagerly at the screen anyway.

There are too many series shows that I watch or TIVO to watch. Heroes, CSI Miami, Castle, Fringe, CSI New York, CSI, Dollhouse, True Blood, Bones, House. And then there's British shows like Primeval, Ashes to Ashes, Torchwood, and Doctor Who. It's a compulsion at times, for the thought of missing an episode of a show makes me cranky.

And that doesn't even count the "reality" shows that suck me in entirely too often.

But it's not like I spend every free moment in front of the telly. I also read alot - specifically on my lunch breaks at work. I write, I blog, I play video games on my Nintendo DS. But if I stopped and added up the hours I dedicate to television shows, I'd more than likely be apalled.

So I'm not even going to do that.

Instead, I will take a deep breath and relax in the knowledge that the summer hiatus is on, and I won't feel so compelled to waste time in front of the TV screen.

Until the fall, that is.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Idol Time

Once again, America is on the verge of electing their next great icon. A figure that will forever be a part of history itself.

Tonight, we crown this year's American Idol.

I've been a fan of the show since it began. I drive my husband crazy with my obsession with the show - the talent, the train wrecks, the self-deluded. Every year I make the announcement that I probably won't watch, and then I get entirely sucked in, like I've been brain washed or something.

Perhaps I have.

Regardless, I do believe that the show has found some great talent over the years, and not just through the "winners". More than a few Idol contestants grace my music shelves - David Cook, Clay Aiken, Elliot Yamin, Blake Lewis, Taylor Hicks, Daughtry. And even though I don't particularly enjoy country music, I even kind of like Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler.

Obviously, I HAVE been brainwashed.

It's down to the final two, and all of America will be on the edge of their seats as the new Idol is announced tonight. Will it be Adam? Or will it be Kris? I actually enjoy both guys for different reasons, and am very excited to see who America selects. Either way, I'm sure I'll end up with both of their cds on my shelf next year.

Adam is so dramatic, and his voice unlike anyone else I've ever heard. Kris has a cool, Jason Mraz vibe to me. I'd listen to him to chill out and relax. I think they both did an awesome job with their performances, despite that god-awful song that Kara co-wrote and the producers made the guys sing.

After tonight, my Tuesdays and Wednesdays will feel empty. Kind of like those few days after Christmas. All the excitement and buildup, then it's over in a snap.

Oh well, then I'll just have to start the countdown until January next year...

So America, who is YOUR Idol?

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Brain Block

As you can see, it's my day to blog. Trouble is, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to come up with anything interesting to say. Usually, inspiration will hit me Tuesday night when I'm trying to sleep.

Not this week.

I'm just too exhausted. My day job has been very busy. (I'm an art framer, btw.) The Department Manager was on vacation last week, so alot of stuff fell to me to take care of. I've also been training someone new because one of our framers left. And our corporate offices just handed down a new training protcol last month that we have to follow.

My brain's a mess, buzzing with price guides, color theory, order deadlines - etc. There's little room left for blogging inspiration, let alone writing inspiration. I'm one of those writers that does not work well when tired or pressed for time.

And so, I sit here and stare at the screen of my laptop, which mocks me with its emptiness. Forcing the issue doesn't help either. The stuff that comes out when I make myself write under duress is pretty much crap.

What to do? I think I'll zone out for a few. Maybe read a book. Listen to music. Refresh and reset the noggin.

Then I'll try again later.

More relaxed me = better writing.

Have a good one!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Vamp It Up

I am slightly obsessed with vampires.

When I say slightly, I actually mean completely.

When I say completely, I actually mean eternally.

It started when I was in high school. I was sort of a shy loner myself, so I was drawn to the lonely tortured souls that live in darkness. And brooding. Vamps got to have a major brood on. I devoured books with vampires in them, and have aquired quite the collection over the years. And movies and television - I will always give at least one go of something if there's a vampire involved.

Can you say - obsessed?

Anyway, I thought I'd share some of my fave vamps from over the years. It's time to vamp it up, baby!























Angel. A vampire with a soul. He can never be with the woman he truly loves, for it will end the gypsy curse and make him the evil Angelis. Could he be more tortured and sexy?






Aahhh...Spike. The bad boy you just can't help but like - even if he's a cold blooded killer. But wait...he, too, was redeemed. And there's always that punk rocker edge to him...








Mick St. John from Moonlight. The woman he loved made him a vamp against his will - dooming his soul. He strove to live amongst humans in peace and solitude...but then, he fell in love with one...






























Bill Compton from True Blood. Nostalgic charm with vampire charisma make Bill a very interesting vampire. His quiet intensity is mesmerizing. And though he works to live a quiet life in harmony with humans - he will do whatever it takes to protect what or who he loves - even kill.




What can you say about Edward Cullen? He was made a vampire to save his life, and has waited for true love patiently. So what if he constantly thinks about draining her of her blood when he meets her? He chooses not to, just like he chooses to only drink animal blood to survive.


These are just a few of my favorite vamps - the tip of the fang, you could say. Each one sexy, brooding, intense, and likeable - with just a dash of danger. What's not exciting about a hunk that has the power to rip your throat out?

Hey. A girl's gotta have a hobby...