Life is far too important to talk about seriously.

So last year I threw the list out the window in May 'cause I thought I had just upended my life. Turns out things weren't so bad. I should have picked them back up but I didn't. Anyway, like last year, I am trying again. If you saw my last year's list you will notice that a lot of those items are on here. Plus, I have brought back some others from past years. And threw in a couple of new ones. Nothing Earth shattering on this list, but I am being pretty God damn ambitious :D

01. 24 Movies: seen in theaters.

02. 12 Books: in whatever medium I choose.

03. 365 Selfies: I hate having my picture taken, and it shows, there are so few pics of me. I don't plan on sharing them all, but at the end of the year I want to have 365 images of me that I can mash into one of those year end vids.

04. 240 Photographs: I tried for 365 last year and fell miserably shot. So I am decreasing the number and trying again.

05. Social Media Guru: Wouldn't be a great job to get paid to play on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, etc., etc.? I want to be a Social Media guru, not cause I want a million followers, but because I want to help someone else get a million followers.

06. Online Dating: Why the hell not? My "stop looking and it will find you" approach hasn't worked...ever...so lets give it a go.

07. Lose Weight: 'Cause I might break things if I have to buy up another size.

08. YouTube Channel: Again, I don't want followers necessarily, I just want to create some cool videos

09. My College Design Dream: I am not going to lay out my 12 point plan here, but I have had this dream since college and it has to do with producing a graphic design product.

10. Quotes on Do I Need A Reason: Maybe not 1000, but lets try to triple the number of quotes on here + lets double check attribution on everything.

11. Publish Recipe Book: Every time I get into my mom's recipe drawer I cringe. This will be the year I can feel it.

12. Start a Retirement Fund: I am too old to have not started thinking about retirement. Extra funds should go here this year.

13. Renew Passport: Um yeah...I want to go to Canada this year.

14. Apply for Out-of-State jobs: 'Cause I need to grow

15. Apply for Out-of-Country jobs: It might be fun to be a foreigner.

16. Start an eCommerce website: I just have to decide what it is I want to sell online.

17. Get into Tumblr: Maybe I am trying to be young again, but Tumblr is where my social media is lacking the most I think.

18. Train Titan: We've got the basics down, and a couple of fun ones, but I think we could teach him so much more.

19. Write (and Self Publish) a Story: Magic, Mystery, Murder, and Saving the world...it will be good

20. Learn a Bit of Code: I could get so many more jobs if I knew a bit more about code.

###

Oh! You meant 'spectacularly ignorant' in a nice way.

It's that time again, when I feel reflective on the experiences of the last 365 days or so. I went back a looked at some of entries I wrote/posted over 2014 and what I can say with absolute certainty is: this was a transformative year for me.

I started the year miserable. 2013 didn't end well for me, but I had held out hope that the turning of the year would change things. Unfortunately it didn't and the beginning of 2014 was full of disappointment, broken promises and hardship.

I did go to Portland in February. It was a much needed and well deserved vacation. Carla and I had a great adventure. I loved it, there were some hard times, but I think that is part of what made it great. As soon as I got back though things fell right back into misery.

I told myself for months, "this will be the week I change it", "next week will be the week I give notice", etc. I kept holding on to this broken thing thinking if I could just hold out a little longer it would get better; if I just wait it out I will get the tools to fix it. I did this until...well...until I hit my wall. That is when I did something rather rash and unlike me.

I quit. It was the first week in May. I walked into work and started my day like any other. There was a meeting in the morning and emails just after that. That's when it hit me square in the face; this was my moment. I wasn't going to move my line again. I got an email and it pushed me past my limit. It wasn't a big thing, it wasn't something worth quitting over in and of it self, and it affected no one else. There had been plenty of moments in the previous weeks that were more worthy of this action. Yet, I turned to my manager told him I was taking lunch and I left the office to breathe, and when I came back I said my goodbyes to the people I wanted to, sent an email to the owner, picked up the last few things off my desk and I left...and that is when my year began.

It was hard to linger in the fear of not having a job because I felt like the weight of a thousands worlds had been swept off my back. I was happy. I was smiling. I was laughing again. Why had I not done this earlier? Why did I torture myself for so long?

It was amazing the people who stood up to help me. It was astonishing the confidence I gained because of that. So I decided to take a chance, instead of finding a full-time job with someone else I decided to start working for myself. From there things have only gotten better.

I love working from home. I am glad to be available during the day to help out with things. I have been able to travel - I made it to Idaho and Florida since I left my job. I am still learning things and meeting new people.

I don't regret my time at OPSGEAR. I learned so much and had the opportunity to meet some absolutely amazing people. But if I hadn't left I wouldn't be on this amazing adventure now.

2014, in the end, had more good days than bad; more good adventures than bad; more good stories than bad. That is how I know 2015 can only be good, because my adventure is still going on.

There's always money in the Banana Stand

So I was thinking of starting a Kickstarter campaign. Actually I am leaning more to Indiegogo, but that is just splitting hairs I think. Anyway I have this project that has been burning inside of me since my senior year of college. I don't want to go into too much detail (for obvious reasons), but it is design related and mostly typographic. After doing a little research and listening to some professionals I find myself more than a little discouraged.

Do you know what every pro told me was the key to their success on Kickstarter, having a large "fan" base before launching a Kickstarter. I find this discouraging because if you already have the followers why do you need Kickstarter, just pre-sale your product or service to your already established following.

And if that wasn't a big enough blow, then I came to this realization: Kickstarter is just another product driven shopping site. The word crowdfunding is deceptive. It leads you to believe that this is a place to find funding for your project, when really it is a place for people to buy things, knowing that they are not available for immediate consumption because money is needed to produce the product. This actually came out of one of the professionals mouths, "Your project should be 90% done before you even think of starting a Kickstarter campaign."

Wait..what?
I thought I was looking for funding to make my project happen. Not just money to get it fabricated.

Maybe I am so discouraged because what I want to produce isn't a single item to be purchased or perhaps not something to be purchased at all (which maybe doesn't make sense without more information about my project).

Anyway...I just wanted to rant... 

She's broken because she believed

I find myself reacting to every situation like he is the cause of it, the head of it, and the push behind it. I hope that one day soon I am not longer broken by it.

Always remember, it’s simply not an adventure worth telling if there aren’t any dragons.

So a couple of weeks ago I did a very bold thing (for me) and quite inadvertently set out on an adventure.

In a very short period of time this adventure has taught me a thing or two. Mostly, that you never really know the situation you are in until you step back, step out or step away.

Looking back I see now that I should have fought more battles. I should have tried harder to be heard whether or not I was to be understood. And I shouldn't have been afraid to burn a bridge that was in such disrepair.

Compromise turned into complacency and submissiveness somewhere along the way and it took stepping off the path to see it.

Ultimately, the lesson I am still trying to learn is...don't be afraid to fail.

Get a girl's hair wet and they never let it go.

Goals are officially on hiatus.

My life has taken a radical (self imposed) veer off track. And though some of my goals may be helpful to get me on a new track, I need to focus my efforts are some targeted points. So I am not going to make my list a high priority. If some of them get touched as I work through this upheaval, then bonus. But otherwise I am hitting the pause button. April was worse than March for getting anything done so I am not even going to bother listing them.

Hopefully it won't take too long to get back on track.

On The Hunt 365 - Photo Challenge

At the first of the year I gave myself a challenge. That challenge was to post 365 photos in 365 days (a picture a day). In an attempt to make this easier for me, I turned it into a scavenger hunt and created a list of 365 "things" to photograph. In the beginning this was really helpful, and yet challenging. It meant I always had something to photograph, but it also meant I had to really think about who, what and how I was photographing it.

I am now just over a quarter of the way done, I am on day 95. There have been a couple of days I had to double up cause I missed but still there are 94 images in the Instagram account and today I will post 95.

I am finding though, that my list is becoming troublesome. Okay not troublesome, just not as fun as I anticipated. After a 95 days I think I have found my niche...or at least the things I have the most fun photographing. So I am debating, do I throw the list out the window and just take photographs? Or is that considered quitting? Do I need to keep up the list for the integrity of the project? Does it matter if I am just doing it of me?

I don't know what to do, but I sure do like photographing the little ones :)

Don't look so stricken. The first shot will kill you.

Struggling across the board it seems. Unfortunately my heart just isn't in it right now.

01. 12 Books
Still only the one book.

02. 24 Movies
Lets see, Divergent and Noah were the movies I saw in March.

03. $3000 Vacation/Fun Fund
I am on track here, but the way things are looking I am going to have to dip into this fun here shortly.

04. 365 Photos (posted to Instagram)
Um, I am on track with this one. I did miss a day, but I made it up. And I am now officially 1/4 the way done. These are being posted to a special Instagram account (onthehunt365) http://instagram.com/onthehunt365. There is also a separate blog for them, On The Hunt 365, http://onthehunt365.blogspot.com/.

 05. AYou Tube Channel with at least 6 original content videos
No progress.

06. Apply for a job in the UK
No progress.

07. Apply For a job in Toronto
No progress.

08. Renew Passport
No progress.

09. Find an additional source of income
I really don't want to freelance, but that is what I am working on right now.

10. Keep in touch with people
No progress.

11. Lose Weight (a lot of weight)
No progress

12. Recipe Book
No progress

13. 1000 Quotes for "Do I Need A Reason"
No progress

14. Countdown Website

No progress

###

Sentiment is a chemical defect found in the losing side

Maybe I should be doing this weekly instead of monthly. It might make me more motivated to work on all of them a little. No fun pics or vids this month either. I just don't have it in me right now, and if I don't get this done it might not happen this month.

01. 12 Books
I have one under my belt so far, Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Book Store by Robin Sloan. It was pretty good. I enjoyed it, but it was kind of in my wheel house so to speak.

02. 24 Movies
I am up to four here. The movies for February were That Awkward Moment, The Monuments Men and Winter's Tale

03. $3000 Vacation/Fun Fund
This one is on track.

04. 365 Photos (posted to Instagram)
This one is still on track. I just posted my 64th photo. These are being posted to a special Instagram account (onthehunt365) http://instagram.com/onthehunt365. There is also a separate blog for them, On The Hunt 365, http://onthehunt365.blogspot.com/.

 05. AYou Tube Channel with at least 6 original content videos
No progress.

06. Apply for a job in the UK
No progress.

07. Apply For a job in Toronto
No progress.

08. Renew Passport
No progress.

09. Find an additional source of income
No progress

10. Keep in touch with people
Ah...no "quantifiable" progress

11. Lose Weight (a lot of weight)
No progress

12. Recipe Book
No progress

13. 1000 Quotes for "Do I Need A Reason"
No progress

14. Countdown Website

No progress

To wrap up let me talk some movie nonsense. I am excited that they cast Ben Affleck as Batman, most of my comic book friends disagree with my enthusiasm to the idea. So the clip below is for all of them. And on a related note, I am a little disappointed about Eisenburg being cast as Lex Luther, but we'll see how it goes.

###

You are not a puzzle solver; you never have been. You're a drama queen.

Yes, I am on a Sherlock kick. And yes, I am fan of Benedict Cumberbatch. If you feel the need to call me a not very nice name because of this...so be it.

So I did a quick post listing my goals for 2014. It was last minute and it was short because I wanted to get them up before January ended. I figured I would take a little time now to go over them.

01. 12 Books
This one is pretty self explanatory, 12 books in one year. I haven't started this one yet, and I probably won't until March, but keep your eye on the side bar. You will see my book list there.

02. 24 Movies
Another one that is self explanatory, 24 movies (in the theater) in one year. So far I have only seen one since first of the year, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. I am not going to be keep track of these on "Stuck In Story Mode" this year. I am just going to show off my ticket stubs and keep the side bar updated.

03. $3000 Vacation/Fun Fund
Last year the goal was $2500. It took all year, but I made it. I decided to push it a little further so I am going for 3K this year (I don't know if it will be a vacation fund, but I will have fun with it). So far I am on track.

04. 365 Photos (posted to Instagram)
So I didn't give myself much breathing room on this one, 365 pictures in 365 days. The ideal plan is a picture a day, but if the Instagram account has 365 photos at the end of the year, I am not going too feel bad if each one doesn't have a unique date. These are being posted to a special Instagram account (onthehunt365) http://instagram.com/onthehunt365. There is also a separate blog for them, On The Hunt 365, http://onthehunt365.blogspot.com/. I am on track with this one too (32 pics posted so far).

 05. AYou Tube Channel with at least 6 original content videos
Basically, this is a goal to produce an original content video every other month. Two months should be plenty of time to produce a 1-5 min. video. I don't really want it to be an "eclectic" "anything goes" kind of thing. I would like to create a channel with a theme, but we'll see how it pans out. I am kind of leaning toward either vlog style videos or how-tos. I haven't done anything for this one yet.

06. Apply for a job in the UK
This really isn't much of a goal. I mean it shouldn't be much of a push to apply for a job. It's the UK part that makes it a bit interesting. Why the UK? 'Cause I think it would be AMAZING to work on the Top Gear set. No forward movement on this yet.

07. Apply For a job in Toronto
Some people might think this is because of Apprentice A, but I have felt a draw to Toronto for a couple of years now. I originally blamed the film festival but at this point on don't know. I really think I want to try for a job here just to see if maybe fate is trying to tell me something. Haven't worked on it yet though.

08. Renew Passport
This one really shouldn't be a goal either, but I have tried for years now and I have put it off so long I really just have to start completely over with the process. But if I am going to job hunt internationally I better be able to travel internationally. I should probably do this one before 6 or 7 get done...just sayin.

09. Find an additional source of income
Adsense, freelance, YouTube income, something. I really want to pay my debt down and the alternative to increasing income is to decrease spending and that just doesn't sound like fun :), but I haven't worked on it yet (do you see a theme arising)

10. Keep in touch with people
There are a few people I have fallen out of touch with. There are some people I "talk" to, but not nearly as much as I should. So I want to try to re-connect and keep in touch with those people this year. This means I might actually talk on the phone. The plan was to start this one this month (Feb) so we'll have to see how it goes.

11. Lose Weight (a lot of weight)
I have danced around this one for years now, calling it getting healthy or what not. This year I am just calling what it is, I want to get skinny. Haven't worked on it at all yet.

12. Recipe Book
This might be the year. The recipe drawer is getting out of control. Forget gifts, forget sharing it with others, for organization purposes I need to get this recipe book done this year. But I haven't started it yet.

13. 1000 Quotes for "Do I Need A Reason"
I haven't touched this site in months, but I would love to get a 1000 quotes on it, but tracking them down and giving the right attribution take some time. Maybe I will do a little re-skin too.

14. Countdown Website

'Cause this list wouldn't be complete without a website goal. I want to create a website that is just a list of countdowns to things I like and/or am excited about. Of course this would have been great to do the end of last year instead of trying to get it done now. I haven't touched this one other.

To wrap up let me talk some movie nonsense. I am excited that they cast Ben Affleck as Batman, most of my comic book friends disagree with my enthusiasm to the idea. So the clip below is for all of them. And on a related note, I am a little disappointed about Eisenburg being cast as Lex Luther, but we'll see how it goes.

###

2014 Goals

For better or for worse here are my goals for 2014.
01. 12 Books
02. 24 Movies
03. $3000 Vacation/Fun Fund
04. 365 Photos (posted to Instagram)
05. AYou Tube Channel with at least 6 original content videos (probably vlogs or how-tos)
06. Apply For a job in the UK
07. Apply For a job in Toronto
08. Renew Passport
09. Find an additional source of income
10. Keep in touch with people
11. Lose Weight (a lot of weight)
12. Recipe Book
13. 1000 Quotes for "Do I Need A Reason"
14. Countdown Website

###

What life? I've been away...

I feel a little bad complaining about 2013. There are a lot of people who would have loved to have my year, and yet I was happy to see it end, because honestly, 2013 was a shitty year. About mid-summer things just started to fall apart and I was miserable. By December I was just holding my breath and waiting for that magical January 1st 2014 to roll around.

The sad part is I am not lying. I really thought if I could just make it through December things would get better. But as you can see by the fact that my 2013 recap is coming to you practically a whole month late, that is not been the case. The suck just rolled right on over with the turning of the calendar.

I am not even going to bother recapping my goals from last year. I accomplished 2 out 12. That is a whopping 17% completion for the things I wanted to get done in 2013. For crying out loud, my attempt rate was only 42%. I didn't even attempt to complete half the things I wanted to get done in 2013.

I am giving serious consideration to not even laying out goals this year. I don't think I can handle gracefully another year of failure (not that I have handled last year's failures all that gracefully). This year, 2014, is already 8% (or 1/12) over. And what do I have to show for it? Twenty-nine pictures, twenty-six email campaigns, one movie seen, one new camera bought, and three new episodes of Sherlock (probably the only thing keeping me from crawling under a rock).

If I don't have my goals up by February 1st I am not doing it this year :P

You ripping my clothes off in a darkened swimming pool. People might talk.

"I'm glad no one saw that."
"Mm?"
"You ripping my clothes off in a darkened swimming pool. People might talk."
"People do little else."
I do love Sherlock from the BBC. That one was from "The Great Game"

I don't know what happened. Well that's not true, September has been awful, but this isn't a September post. This is suppose to be about what happened in August and as you can tell I am WAY behind so I'm going to try to keep this one short and sweet. Note: I think ApprenticeEh is going to fill the Wheezy News gap in my life...but again that's a September thing.

--
1. 18 Books in a Year:

I got Ghost Story and Cold Days done, just barely before the no earphones policy was re-implemented. So they are the only books I got done in August. As always you can catch my reviews on Stuck In Story Mode (www.stuckinstorymode.com). My book reviews are even caught up (as short as they are) this month. 

2. 40 Movies in a Year:
August was a good movie month. I saw 2 Guns, Percy Jackson Sea Of Monsters, The Lone Ranger, Elysium and The Mortal Instruments City Of Bones. I am still behind, but I got a few more under my belt. That takes my total up to 21 and puts me over my half way point. Check out the reviews at Stuck In Story Mode (www.stuckinstorymode.com).  

3. Revive thatsmyfavorite.com:
:P

4. Get Healthy:
:P

5. Keep a Paper Journal:
Status quo on this one...again

6. Write a Novel and/or NaNoWriMo:
:P

7. Save $2500 for a BIG 2014 Vacation:
Still looking good, but I am starting to think this goal is going to end up being for something other than a vacation.

8. I Got It! Do I Need A Reason - 500 Quotes By Year's End:
Yeah, I got a few on there. I am up to 149, but that mean I am really far behind on getting 500 by the end of the year, www.doineedareason.com

9. Family Cook Book:
:P

10. Design Habits:
:P

11. Self Improvement:
:P

12. Get to Work On Time:
For reasons that I'm not discussing here, this goal is dead.
--
Corey Vidal is a pretty cute Canadian :)
###

I know it was just a dream, but I am still mad at you.

I had a very disturbing dream last night. I don't know if it qualifies as a nightmare or a night terror, but I can't remember the last time I had a dream that evoked such an emotional response. When this dream woke me this morning I was scared and I left sick, stomach turning, head spinning, sick. So sick in fact, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to go to work. The feeling subsided after a few minutes, but I was still in shock. You would expect a dream with this much emotional impact to be vivid, but it wasn't. I knew it was a dream and all the imagery was slightly fuzzy, though the sounds were pretty intense. Without going into too much detail, here's the dream:

I was with a group of guys I know. We were inside a building with aisles and closets. The guys I were with were rough housing. I was just watching. One of the younger guys got in the way and tripped over one of the older guys, ruining some sort of plan the older guy had. The older guy jumped up and flipped out. He grabbed the younger guy around the neck with both hands, pushed him against wall, strangling him while he yelled, "I'm gonna kill you" over and over. This set all the other guys into a panic. It took like 4 of them to pull the older guy off the younger guy. The older guy was still yelling calling the younger one all sorts of names. The younger couldn't talk, he could barely breathe. But when he got enough air in him he finally yelled...a not very nice thing...at the top of his lungs.

Thats when I startled awake.

Like I said before, I knew this was a dream, but the emotional response I had, felt very, VERY real. I was sick and scared and paralyzed by this event that took place in my head. But it brought a glaring fact front and center in my brain. I believe I know people who have the capacity to kill other human beings. There is something un-nerving about that. Now logically I see the problem with what I just stated there, because we all have that capacity whether we want to admit it or not. But there are people in the world who have more of a proclivity for it and I know some of them.

I guess it boils down to this: I am worried about what this dream means and what my brain is trying to tell me.

New money settles problems with lawyers. Old money settles problems with cocktails.

July kind of, pretty much sucked. Nothing, and I mean nothing, seemed to go right. I am not going to sit here and bitch about it (anymore). But I need to actively do something in August to make life better, or I may have a coronary (literally or metaphorically - I haven't decided yet). I have been on the fence about a puppy for a while now. When Chance passed I thought I would need some time. But then I start to look at puppies and think, I need one. It would make me happy, but then reality sets in a little and I am like, do you have time are you ready for the limits and responsibility again. So I don't do it. But I have been more sad since Chance left and a new little guy would help. So maybe it's time. We'll see. But to end (or start) on a high note, take a look at this video of Wil Wheaton at an event in Calgary earlier this year. The visual isn't the best, but close your eyes and listen to the words. This is why he is an awesome guy, and it gives my hope that my nerd-dom is awesome too.

--
1. 18 Books in a Year:

I dialed it down in July because this goal is technically done. I read Changes - Dresden Files Book 12 and Side Jobs - Stories From The Dresden Files, both by Jim Butcher. I also started Wool by Hugh Howey, but put it down to take back up the Dresden Books. I know I was trying to throttle myself to one Butcher book a month, but I am so close to being done. I have two left, Ghost Story (which I started in July, but will finish in August) and Cold Day. I think I am going to just power through. As always you can catch my reviews on Stuck In Story Mode (www.stuckinstorymode.com). My book reviews are even caught up (as short as they are) this month. 

2. 40 Movies in a Year:
I put forth a definite effort in July for this goal. I saw 5 movies this month. I saw, White House Down, The Wolverine, Pacific Rim, RED 2, and World War Z. Unfortunately I'm still behind. There are only 21 weeks left in the year and I still have 24 movies to see. And if that isn't bad enough Stuck In Story Mode (www.stuckinstorymode.com) is behind on movie reviews. I hoping to get reviews for the 4 missing movies done this weekend, but we'll see. I am still a little worried about this goal. In the mean time here is a quick (line one line quick) review of my July movies. White House Down: exciting, but lacking imagination. The Wolverine: better than the last two but not as good as the original. Pacific Rim: ROCKED, it knocked my socks off - I loved it. RED 2: Entertaining, funny, but not as good as the first. World War Z: Blah - you aren't missing much if you don't see it.  

3. Revive thatsmyfavorite.com:
Can I change to domain on this goal? I don't understand what my problem is here, but I just can't get anything going on thatsmyfavorite.com. I didn't touch it in July.

4. Get Healthy:
So now I am taking my vitamins, eating more veggies, and drinking more water. It's all about baby steps here. Of course I should still be doing more, but I am making a conscience effort to try. Unfortunately, I feel that the stress at work is counteracting all it.

5. Keep a Paper Journal:
Status quo on this one. I am maintaining my average of twice a month since I started (in March), so I am not very far, whatever this means. It's not like I set a goals for pages by the end of the year (but that might be a good idea for next year). This goal is still alive and that is all that matters.

6. Write a Novel and/or NaNoWriMo:
I have been completely Harry Dresden-fied. I have started an outline for a contemporary magic story. We'll have to see how it goes.

7. Save $2500 for a BIG 2014 Vacation:
Back on track. I am right where I am suppose to be. Yay!

8. I Got It! Do I Need A Reason - 500 Quotes By Year's End:
Didn't do a thing with www.doineedareason.com in July, but I am already making up for in August.

9. Family Cook Book:
I am just going to hang my head in shame for this one.

10. Design Habits:
Dammit, nothing here.

11. Self Improvement:
If I had any forward momentum built up on this goal, it is gone. July pretty much sucked all the happiness, confidence and self-control out of me.

12. Get to Work On Time:
I have decided that "on time" is too relative. I also think I spend enough "extra" time to compensate for not being there on the strictest of schedules. So now this goal means to work before 8:30 and that means that July was 100%.
--

Side note: as with most things I do I tend to start projects really broadly and then realize they need to be narrowed to be successful. I Am not changing "Do I Need A Reason" I love it and that is enough, but I going to use the same script and see if I can't create something a little more narrow or maybe targeted is the right word to see if I can't get traffic up a bit and maybe get some advertising. We'll see.

###

The friction's so palpable I'm almost glad I can't see it.

Wow, I have no intro for June. It just kinda happened...It was super hot at work (I am talking 90s in the office) up until last week. I got a website done (can you believe it), but that's about it. Oh and the above video restores my faith in humanity :)

--
1. 18 Books in a Year:

Ha-Ha. This one is done. Anything at this point is gravy. I have 3 more books put away. They are: Turn Coat (Dresden Book 11) By Jim Butcher, Revenge Wears Prada By Lauren Weisberger and Big Red Tequila by Rick Riordan. That puts me at 19.  Stuck In Story Mode (www.stuckinstorymode.com) is struggling a little though. I haven't posted my last 2 movies or my last 2 books. So I have a bit of work to do there.

2. 40 Movies in a Year:
I only saw 2 movies in June. If you recall my math from last month's posts that means I am behind...seriously behind. My count is now up to twelve (I saw a movie on the 4th...it technically a July movie). So in June I saw: Now You See Me and Man of Steel. As I mentioned above, Stuck In Story Mode (www.stuckinstorymode.com) is behind, sorry. Let's do an update on the math. There are about 25 weeks left in the year. I have 28 movies I have to see just to make the goal. That means I will have to see a movie every week until the end of the year with 3 of those weeks having 2 movies. We'll have to see...I am a little worried about this goal.  

3. Revive thatsmyfavorite.com:
Damn...I forgot this was even a goal...

4. Get Healthy:
Hmmmm...I am eating my veggie and drinking more water, but I should be working harder on this one.

5. Keep a Paper Journal:
This is only happening twice a month. At least it is something, but the stupid book is right next to my bed, why do I not pick it up and jot a few things down...I just don't know

6. Write a Novel and/or NaNoWriMo:
Nope, did other things in June.

7. Save $2500 for a BIG 2014 Vacation:
Ugh...I like to spend money...I am about $150 behind to make this goal by the end of the year I may end up having to raid another fund to make up the difference and get back on track.

8. I Got It! Do I Need A Reason:
So I changed the location for www.doineedareason.com. It now goes to random quote site I set up. I can't exactly call the website the goal. Since I got the structure done before ever setting the goal.  So technically the goal will be getting this site populated with quotes. I am currently at 120. I want to have 500 by the end of the year.

9. Family Cook Book:
Oh God, if I could just get my ass in gear on this one I could have it done for Christmas, but alas I can't seem to make myself do it.

10. Design Habits:
Concept phase...I think I am going to relaunch my design blog (dead since 2010) with a top level domain name (again re-purposed from another project).

11. Self Improvement:
Does moving to a new office and realize a pseudo-crush is an asshole count?

12. Get to Work On Time:
This one wasn't so good in June. It has been really hot, making it really hard to want to go to work. I'll call it 60%, but that might be a little high.
--

###

I've Done It Again

Just a little update for the few of you that check out this blog. I have changed the domain again. It use to be doineedareason.com but I have commandeered that for another project. So now my blog can be found at pretendthereisaplan.com. Maybe I will get around to restyling the blog to match the new domain...eventually.

And as always you can still get to my blog via elusiveblue.blogspot.com

We solve crimes. I blog about it, and he forgets his pants. I wouldn't hold out too much hope.

The above video from Sci Show couldn't have come at a better time. I was planning to tell you about my drinking endeavors this weekend and look, Hank has decided to tell us about hangovers. Friday, I got home from work and decided to have a beer. There is nothing wrong with that. As soon as I finished my first one, I had a second. Still not horrible, but that's more than I usually drink in a weekend, let alone a night. The night trudged on I went to bed at a about 1 am. I woke up, later than I should really admit, but at noon with a monster headache. And I thought to myself, "Where the hell did this come from?" I took a deep breath to make sure I wasn't stuffed up, I doubled checked the time to sure I had really gotten as much sleep as I thought. Then it hit me, between 6 pm yesterday evening and 12 pm the next afternoon the only thing I had to drink were two beers...dehydration headache, aka hangover, oh goodie. So what did I do yesterday afternoon, polished off 3/4 of a bottle of wine all by myself. I don't know where all this alcohol drinking is coming from, but so far today I am alcohol free. We'll have to see how it goes.

1. 18 Books in a Year:

I have 3 more books under my belt. May can count Small Favor - Dresden Files Book 10 by Jim Butcher, Inferno by Dan Brown, and Divergent by Veronica Roth in its ranks. That brings the total count up to 16. Two more books and my goal is meant. I have 5 more Dresden books before I am caught up with the series. I am going to blow this one out of the water. The the new policy at work was rescinded, so I can again listen to books at work. As always the reviews for the books I read this month are online at www.stuckinstorymode.com. Divergent isn't up yet, but I am hoping that by the end of the day it will be there. 

2. 40 Movies in a Year:
Oh boy, the math here is going to be scary. May gave me 2 movies (but one of them I did see twice), Star Trek Into Darkness (the one I saw twice) and Iron Man 3. That takes my count to 9. Star Trek rocked! Best movie of the year, I am calling it :) The reviews can be found online at www.stuckinstorymode.com. Now for the math. Today is the last day of week 22 and there are 52 weeks in a year. That leaves me 30 weeks to see 31 movies. Now realistically I doubt I am seeing a movie today which means I have 29 weeks to see 31 movies. Were going to have to see how this goes, because that is a super tall order.  

3. Revive thatsmyfavorite.com:
:(

4. Get Healthy:
:( One step forward two steps back

5. Keep a Paper Journal:
This one is going okay, not every week, but it is happening. Slow and sure.

6. Write a Novel and/or NaNoWriMo:
Brain crack - To understand what I mean click here (NSFW - and you can stop watching @ 1:13 if vulgar language bothers you).

7. Save $2500 for a BIG 2014 Vacation:
Have I mentioned how much I hate money? I am back on track for this one, but a 2014 vacation is looking less and less likely.

8. ????? The Mystery Goal:
:(

9. Family Cook Book:
I feel that getting my mom the right tools for this is a step on this one...small as it may be :)

10. Design Habits:
:(

11. Self Improvement:
Oh bite me!

12. Get to Work On Time:
I did surprising well on this one in May. There were only two days that I got to work at 8:30. All the other were before 8:30 and I am calling that getting to work on time.
--
Dan makes a really good point in this video so I am including it my goal post as well:

###

I won't have the entire world upstage my big death scene.

April was an interesting month. Things went well for the most part, there at the end there was some drama that I am still processing. The video above is from Michael Aranda. I feel weird watching it. I kind feel like I am reading his private diary, but still I think it is beautifully done.

1. 18 Books in a Year:

5 more books down for the count: Dresden Files Book 8, Dresden Files Book 9, An Abundance of Katherines, Will Grayson Will Grayson, and Paper Towns. That means I have finished all the John Green books, wahoo! That brings the total count up to 13. I am awfully close to that goal of 18, but the the new policy at work means I won't be listening to books quite as diligently as before. As always the reviews for the books I read this month are online at www.stuckinstorymode.com. Actually, that is not true I am behind in my reviews, but I hope to have them up in the next week or so. 

2. 40 Movies in a Year:
This is not the year of the movie for me. I only saw one movie in April, GI Joe Retaliation. That takes my movie count up to 8 :( the review can be found online at www.stuckinstorymode.com

3. Revive thatsmyfavorite.com:
Nope, but I've been working on a couple of other sites.

4. Get Healthy:
Still working on this. I am taking my vitamin, not eating as much...still not a lot of exercise though.

5. Keep a Paper Journal:
Not a lot of writing this month, but still being maintained

6. Write a Novel and/or NaNoWriMo:
Nada

7. Save $2500 for a BIG 2014 Vacation:
This one has had a little set back. I've had a couple of expenses roll in that I wasn't counting on.

8. ????? The Mystery Goal:
Nada

9. Family Cook Book:
Nada

10. Design Habits:
Nada

11. Self Improvement:
I didn't really implement anything from my "first self help book" because I have had some personal stuff come up, but it is still simmering on the back burner.

12. Get to Work On Time:
1 day in April I made it to work on time. But some stuff has changed at work making it more likely that this goal will be reached.

###

You were wasted by a teenage mutant ninja angel?

March was marginally better than February, marginally. I am still in a really foul mood, but I felt like doing more, and you can see from my goals that I got a little more done.

1. 18 Books in a Year:

I got another 3 out of the way: Dresden Files Book 7, 4 Hour Work Week and I'm Feeling Lucky. That brings the total count up to 8. All 3 were great. Dresden #7 was about zombies and lacked a strong love story which actually made it pretty good. 4 Hour Work Week makes some really good points about upping efficiency. And I'm Feeling Lucky gives an enticing inside look at Google. The reviews are online at www.stuckinstorymode.com

2. 40 Movies in a Year:
I got 3 movies squared away in March, but that still puts me behind. I saw Beautiful Creatures, Oz, the Great and Powerful and Olympus Has Fallen. None were overly spectacular, but all were still enjoyable. The reviews are online at www.stuckinstorymode.com

3. Revive thatsmyfavorite.com:
I have been working on it the last couple of days, but I have nothing to show for it.

4. Get Healthy:
I have started taking green coffee bean extract and I think it is helping a little.

5. Keep a Paper Journal:
YES! I have finally started writing in my journal, not consistently, but I have started.

6. Write a Novel and/or NaNoWriMo:
Nada

7. Save $2500 for a BIG 2014 Vacation:
Still on track here, I did buy the mattress, but the laptop is still limping along and I am still trying to get out of town. So we'll see what happens.

8. ????? The Mystery Goal:
Nada

9. Family Cook Book:
Nada

10. Design Habits:
Nada

11. Self Improvement:
Working on it. I finished my "self-help" book. It was the 4 Hour Work Week. Like I mentioned before, some of it is down right laughable, but there are some really valid points too. I am going to try to implement some of them in April.

12. Get to Work On Time:
I can't even begin to tell you how big a joke this is.

###

...with episode 100...

I am what you would call a "middle-of-the-road" Jane Austen fan. I LOVE Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion was pretty good, couldn't ever really enjoy Sense and Sensibility. So when Felicia Day was kind enough to introduce me The Lizzie Bennett Diaries I was super excited.

This production team has done an amazing job modernizing and conveying the story of Pride and Prejudice. The casting/acting is stellar. The production value is top notch.

From very early on in the series I wondered if they were just going to follow the book and end it when Pride and Prejudice ends,or if they were going to try to continue on the story past the traditional ending. Well, I found my answer online this week. The series will be ending this month, with episode 100.

I will be sad to see it end, but it has been a very good telling of the story. I would recommend it to anyone who like Austen.

Below is the link to the playlist. I think it should update as new episodes get added.

Do I Need A Reason

Okay, so I had to do quick post about this. My blog has a new domain. You can still get to it with the blogspot address. But now you can also get to my blog at www.doineedareason.com, yup thats "do i need a reason dot com"

Time And Relative Dimension In Space

So for Christmas last year I was super excited to get the River Song Tardis Journal. I wanted to start keeping a paper journal again, and it is always fun to get new paper. When it got here though, I have to say, I was a little disappointed. Instead of actually being textured it was just printed. And then to boot, the spine was broken.

Those were both good enough excuses for me to not start keeping a paper journal. But last week I decided to get off my butt and do something about it. So I made myself and Tardis Journal.

I will admit, it is far from a replica. But I am so thrilled with how it turned out. It has all the great distressing and the texture (raised instead of lowered). And of course it is my favorite color, but I am thinking it would look cool in red too. I am wondering about doing a whole "door" series of these in different colors (and maybe sell them if I get off my butt and build an Etsy Store). We'll have to see.

Failed Attempt

So, I don't know what happened this year. Time started to get scarse. Ideas seemed to dry up and die on the vine. After 14 days I gave up. Maybe it is because I started out thinking TAD this year was going to be different for me, but the deeper into it I got the more I realized it wasn't. As a matter of fact it ended up be less-than for me.

So the plan is this, if I can get out of this funk I am in, I will pick another month and do my own little private TAD. I will do my best to keep you apprised.

Hope is just another way to say we're back to square one.

There is no way to say this tactfully, February pretty much sucked! I don't even know where to begin in relaying the suckery. I don't know why I am even bothering with a goals post for February because I got jack done. I gave up on TAD about half way through because it was getting hard to find the time, and I was tired of trying to make something for the sake of making something...I wanted it to be meaningful. I haven't worked on any of my "freelance" projects. And all this perceived inability to accomplish anything has got feeling really unhappy...down right depressed. I don't like anything I am doing or creating, and I am starting wonder if I am doing right. Let just hope that March is better (maybe a vacation would help).

1. 18 Books in a Year:

I got three more read: Dresden Files Books 5 & 6 and Engines of Change. Sadly for as much as I loved these books I didn't get the reviews written for the last two until today. They are now online at www.stuckinstorymode.com I do want to take a second and say Engines of Change was an excellent book. If you have ever thought a car would, could, or has changed your life you need to read this book. 

2. 40 Movies in a Year:
I didn't see a movie THE ENTIRE MONTH OF FEBRUARY! What is wrong with me? There were a couple of movies that I wanted to see. There were a couple of movies that I needed to "catch up" on. But nope, I could not make myself go to the theater to save my life. 

3. Revive thatsmyfavorite.com:
Nada

4. Get Healthy:
Nada

5. Keep a Paper Journal:
Nada, but I have bought a journal (I already had one, but the binding is broke) now I just need to make it pretty...excuses, excuses...I know

6. Write a Novel and/or NaNoWriMo:
Nada

7. Save $2500 for a BIG 2014 Vacation:
Well I got my tax return in and I have been able to put away the $100 a check as planned, but I really need a new mattress, I think my laptop is about to die, and I really, REALLY need to get out of SLC/UT for a few days. I really just need a reboot and the "same ole, same ole" isn't cutting it. All of these things will cut into this goal significantly.

8. Etsy Store?:
Nada - I mentioned in my last goals post that #8 might be changing again. The Etsy Store isn't going to happen...so as soon as I figure out what this goal will be I will let you know.

9. Family Cook Book:
Nada

10. Design Habits:
Nada

11. Self Improvement:
I am half way through my first "self-help" book. It is pretty much a joke, I shouldn't have started with it. I should have picked something more substantial. I will write about it when I finish it.

12. Get to Work On Time:
It's like setting this goal has made the whole thing worse (well that, and not wanting to be at work).

###

Day # 14 I Heart Matt

A little Illustrator play. I heart Matt. He's such a cutie.

Day # 13 Mini Cupcakes

What can I say, these are classic Valentine's day treat that I know everyone at work will love tomorrow.

Day # 12 Another Commute Video

Filmed my commute again, from a different angle this time. Then I opened Premiere AND After Effects when I got home. Still nothing overly fancy, but I did a little (very little) editing this time. Basically, I’m slowly blowing the cobwebs out of the video part of my brain.

Day # 11 Commute (video)

I really can’t complain about my commute. It’s like 10 mins. I know I have it good, but I thought I would compress it down just to see what it would be like if my commute was 90 seconds. It’s sad that it takes so much to produce so little when it comes to video, and the big feat here is that I have owned Premiere for a year now and this is the first time I’ve opened it…I had some codec issues to over come before I even got started, so even though it does seem like much, it was big for me.

Day #10 Chocolate Pasta

I have to share the successes with the failures and unfortunately this one was a failure. I was trying to make chocolate pasta. I had problems from the get go. The dough was too dry when I followed the recipe, so I had to tweak it. When I got ready to roll it out it had become to sticky so I had to add flour. I couldn’t get it rolled out thin enough, and since I am being honest I didn’t have a pasta roller/cutter so I was doing it by hand. In the end this is what I got. I will try again at some point, but I think I am going to invest in the proper tools before I do. Sorry, not posting the recipe for this one because it didn’t turn out.

Day #9 Duct Tape Wallet

So earlier this week I helped my cousin make a duct tape wallet for school. It was a little more difficult than I thought. Anyway, I thought it was enough of a challenge that I would make my own for TAD. I don’t know what I am going to do with it now that it is done, but it is made.

Day # 8 Valentine Sugar Wafers

Cookie decorating tonight! Sugar wafers dipped in chocolate and covered in sprinkles. Pretty cute idea for a Valentine’s Day treat!

Day # 7 Magic Wand

So today I came up with something that wasn’t “cooking”. I made myself a magic wand. It took a lot longer than I anticipated. As a matter of fact it is still drying right now, but it looks pretty cool. I am happy with it. I might even have to take it to work and show it off.

What Was I Thinking...It is kinda not a good idea..

Ah...I am a little late getting this up. I'm going to blame TAD for that. Also, I am changing a couple of these because, well honestly there a couple that are just not good ideas. And there are a couple I want to add.

1. 18 Books in a Year:

I've got two down already: Ex-Heroes and Little, Big. You can read my reviews of these books at www.stuckinstorymode.com

2. 40 Movies in a Year:
I've got three down on this one: Promised Land, Zero Dark Thirty and Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters. Again you can read the reviews (and watch the trailers) at www.stuckinstorymode.com

3. Revive thatsmyfavorite.com:
I still want to do this, but I am not even going to attempt it until February and TAD is over because I just won't have time.

4. Get Healthy:
Fits and spurts here. I have started a couple of things, but have really followed through. BP is the big piece of this for me and I haven't even checked it in a 3 weeks.

5. Keep a Paper Journal:
I haven't even thought about this since put it on the list, but I am going to keep it on the roster because I really need to do it!

6. Write a Novel and/or NaNoWriMo:
My brain has been spinning over this one. I've got this great idea floating around. I just need to write it down dammit!

7. Start and Maintain a YouTube Channel: Save $2500 for a BIG 2014 Vacation:
This one is going away. It is still a project I want to do...badly, but I am afraid that it is going to take a lot of work and will be slow going the first year. So it is not one I will be updating monthly.

So I am going to change # 7 to a money goal. $2500 by the end of the year and I can go on a great vacation in 2014.

8. Monthly Trip to Idaho: Etsy Store?:
What was I thinking? Though it would be fun, it isn't practical or goal worthy...not to mention I already blew it cause I didn't go in January

So instead I think #8 is going to be an Etsy store (another goal from last year), but we'll see. Maybe I will change this one again.

9. Family Cook Book:
No work on this yet.

10. Design Habits:
No work on this yet either. I think it would be a good blog project though.

11. Self Improvement:
OMG, if there was only one goal that I should complete it is this one (even more than the get healthy one). I haven't really worked on it yet, other than being a little more organized at work.

12. Get to Work On Time:
Between snow days and bad sleeping habit this one that I have tried everyday and failed miserably at everyday of January...and for the record February isn't going so hot either.

###

Day # 6 Lemon Thyme Bruschetta

Okay, I know Isaid I wasn’t going to do another recipe, but family dinner out kinda got in the way of project plans today. So I am pulled out this quick and easy recipe. Lemon Thyme Bruschetta, it looks really good, but it only tasted okay. I didn’t have fresh thyme, which I am sure would make a difference. And I think honey makes it. Without that it wouldn’t be worth eating. I have also found out that I don’t really like Ricotta. Here’s the recipe:

http://www.thekitchn.com/last-minute-thanksgiving-appet-132838

Day # 5 Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

Yummy treats! These Oreo Cheesecake cookies turned out to be pretty darn good. I wish they would have had a little more body or fluff. I think I would make them again though. I’ll try to steer away from the cooking for the next couple of days. Here’s a link to the recipe:

http://www.tablefortwoblog.com/2012/08/15/oreo-cheesecake-cookies/

Day # 4 Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Making this was really kinda gross, and they don’t really look the best either. And if I am being completely truthful they don’t taste magnificent. They’re good, don’t get me wrong, but definitely not worth the work. If you want to give them a try here’s the recipe:

http://freerecipenetwork.com/buffalo-chicken-meatballs/

Day # 3 Game Day Treat

This is quick and easy lil smokie recipe that I found on Pinterest. Prep took a few minutes but they look as good as they taste. I thought they would make a great Super Bowl treat. Below is the recipe I used, and beware it is by no means healthy in the slightest.

http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/bacon-wrapped-smokies-with-brown-sugar-and-butter/

Day #2 Flask Customization

Today’s thing was a little flask customization. I got this plain black flask at Christmas time and I wanted to “snaz” it up a little. So I found a little verbage that I liked, fired up the vinyl cutter, and added some coppery gold lettering for the of it.

Day #1 Rough Start (Facebook Cover Page)

This is a pretty rough start for me for TAD, but at least I am getting started. This is one of my new favorite quotes from a book called “Little, Big” by John Crowley. I thought it would make a nice Facebook cover page. Gotta love Photoshop :)

The Creative Marathon Is Coming

February is right around the corner and that means Thing-A-Day. Every year I tell myself that I am gonna pass, but then it gets closer and think, "Awe, what the hell, it's fun." But I like to have a list to refer to in case I find myself wondering what I should do.

I was thinking this year I would do something a little more themed like photo a day, or pick a subject for photography. I was thinking maybe icicle shots. Or maybe I'll do a video thing a day. It might be a good way to start my YouTube channel. But just in case those don't work out, I am still going to make a list.

1. Silk Screened Poster
2. Silk Screened T-Shirt
3. Vinyl Decals
4. Antiqued Mirror (wall mirror or jar)
5. Cardboard Harry Potter Wands
6. DFTBA/Nerdfighter Poster Design
7. Scratch Off Cards
8. Oreo Cheesecake Cookies
9. Fork Bracelet
10. Soldering Glass Project
11. A Harry Potter Howler
12. No Soliciting Signs
13. Dresden Files Infographic
14. Custom Covered & Hand Bound Journal(s)
15. Sting Light Ornaments
16. Custom Bookends
17. Chunky Braided Yarn Bracelet
18. Customize Flask
19. Cajun Chick Alfredo
20. Seared Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Mayo
21. Fried Mac & Cheese
22. Resin Pendants
23. Personal Business Cards
24. Scrabble Tile Art
25. Be Nice Or Leave Sign
26. Steampunk Pendant
27. Blog Skin
28. Desktop Background
29. Glitter/Shiny Stemware
30. Wall Clock
31. Repurposed Furniture (I need a shelf nightstand)
32. Custom Light Switch Plate
33. Solar Battery  Project
34. Custom Greeting Cards
35. Science Project Engine
36. YouTube Videos
37. Photography

I think that is a pretty good list to work with :)

Take Me Along For The Ride

(Note: This video actually starts at 00:35:17)

So last week the Vlogbrothers, Hank and John Green, did An Evening of Awesome @ Carnegie Hall in NYC. This consisted of them talking and singing and letting their friends perform, they answered questions, and danced. They pretty much had a great party that they streamed live on YouTube. These gentlemen are amazing to watch. Not because their act is spectacular (though I do find them entertaining), but because of the energy they bring with them, some might call it a spirit. These guys are simply devoted to making "this" place better than they found it.

Along they way they came to create a community of like minded people. And I think that is where this ultimate feeling I have stems from. These are guys you want to work with, you want to know, you want to do "something" with because it seems that everything they touch is good, deep, meaningful. It's these guys that make me want to try vlogging, because I want to be like them, I want to do something with them.

And it comes back to An Evening of Awesome, because as I watched them embrace this opportunity, I wanted to be a part of it. They had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall and instead of making it a self indulgent night of Brothers Green they invited others; other musicians, other artists, Youtubers and shared this amazing night them. Taking it a step further, there was events all over the world and like I mentioned earlier, they streamed the whole thing live so we could all enjoy it. So thanks for taking me along for the ride.

Stuck in Story Mode

It stands to reason, if you know me at all, that a new year would bring about at least one new blog. Last year I started "Let Me Spoil It For You". The sole reason for this blog was to help me track my movie goal for last year. This blog really didn't get much traffic, but that was okay with me because that wasn't really the reason for the blog. I actually had a pretty good time posting on spoiling-it, and I like having a log of the movies for the year.

So this year my movie blog is expanding to a story blog and it is getting a new name. The new name is "Stuck In Story Mode" and the expansion taking place is a simple one. I am going to try to talk about all the stories I indulge in. This will include books, TV, movies, audio dramas, movie trailers, and any other stories that I find to enjoy.

I think I am changing the format in how I talk about movies (and by extension other stories), but all my movies from last year are included in this new blog.

So I would like to introduce you to "Stuck In Story Mode" (www.stuckinstorymode.com). It is looking a little bland right now, but it's a good place to start.

Let's make it a fun year

Okay, so here is my once again ambitious list of yearly goals. You'll see my usuals (books, movies, and web endeavor) , some repeats from last year cause I didn't get them done, some elaborations and hopefully some new stuff. But the theme this year really is "Let's make it fun!" I wasn't really happy with how 2012 turned out. It was a really depressing year, and if you watch the news 2013 hasn't been scheduled to be any better. So, lets make it fun.

1. 18 Books in a Year:
I usually don't set my book goal this high, but at the rate I am devouring the Dresden Files series I think it will be attainable. I have 10 books left in that series, 3 books still to read for the John Green collection, a gift from James, a recommend from Steph, 2 other series starters and classic car book that I think might be interesting. So this is ambitious but hopefull

2. 40 Movies in a Year:
I hope there are 40 movies next year that look worth seeing. This is a lower number than my actual count from 2012, but I worry because the blockbuster count is down for 2013

3. Revive thatsmyfavorite.com:
I have "owned" the domain thatsmyfavorite.com for awhile now. I have tried over the years to turn it into something, but despite my efforts nothing has worked out. I have  a simple plan this time around. I will elaborate on it a little later on. I wanted to get a couple of the details banged out, but I will say this. I am taking the sentiment to heart and am going to share some of my favorite things with you.

4. Get Healthy:
Okay, this isn't about weight...who am I kidding, this is about weight, but I am not setting a weight loss goal. I have had some worries about the blood pressure and heart rate lately, but I don't want to fix it with medication. So that is what I am going to work on, but I think a good side effect of lowering my BP will be losing a little weight.

5. Keep a Paper Journal:
I got an awesome journal this year for Christmas. I got the River Song Tardis journal!!! It has been so many years since I have taken the time to put pen to paper in this form, but I think it might help keep my thoughts and goals in perspective.

6. Write a Novel and/or NaNoWriMo:
I started a story last year that was suppose to be novel, but I never go very far in it. So I am going to try again. At the generic level a fictional novel averages about 100K words. I think that should be doable in a year. Here's the part I am not sure about, NaNoWriMo, that stands for National Novel Writing Month. It is a challenge in November to write a 50K word novel. It's an exciting challenge, but they don't want you to work from previous stories. The pledge is to do something completely new. So I might make a big push in November and do a personal NaNoWriMo, we'll see.

7. Start and Maintain a YouTube Channel:
So thanks to Hannah, Hank&John, Dan&Phil, Felicia, Ze and Craig I really want to try my hand at video content on YouTube, not necessarily vlogging but maybe. I think I will do mine more CGP Grey style (as in voice over) though.

8. Monthly Trip to Idaho:
This is is simply to buy lottery tickets. I know it seems like a waste, it probably is a waste, but you can't win if you don't try. And anyway, I am single, I own a great car and I haven't had many adventures in my life. Driving to the Idaho border is the least I can do.

9. Family Cook Book:
This one is from last year. Every time a pull out my mom's recipe book I cringe. It needs so much work. We are going to lose recipes if we don't start working on it. So let's try again.

10. Design Habits:
Working how and where I do I feel like I have lost some very important design habits. So I am going to take a little time, evaluate which I think I am most lacking in and which are most important and come up with 5-10 design habits to work on developing over the year.

11. Self Improvement:
Separate from get healthy, I know I have anxiety, stress, confidence, direction issues so I am going to try to take a little time to work on me, like meditation, organization etc.

12. Get to Work On Time:
"Technically" speaking I am usually not late to work. I have been given permission to get in between 8-8:30. For a long time I was good just splitting the difference, but for the last few months though I have been drifting dangerously close to that 8:30 mark. So I am going to try making it closer to this side of 8. This week was not a good start though. Maybe I will do better next week.
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This seems like such a short list considering I have 4 or 5 more web projects I want to do, I want to do more challenges this year than just TAD (and maybe NaNoWriMo), I want to look at renting this year, maybe re-evaluate the job situation. Eleven Twelve is a good place to start though. 

I grew up and got old so I wouldn't have to deal with this shit.

Okay, so December has come and gone. This will be my last post about 2012 goals. I wanted to have to 2013 goals all ready to go, but in true Amber fashion, I am not that prepared. I have a lot of fun (hopefully) projects planned for 2013 and I have a couple of things that REALLY need be worked on even though they will end up genuinely being work. That being said I have found a new book series to love, The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. The video I am sharing is from the credits of the long since cancelled TV show, but it was all  could find on short notice.

Now lets check out the final tally for the year. This should be depressing.

1. Drink more water
Snow Cones & Ice. I have chewing ice a lot lately. I think I should worry about my iron levels. So for the year I am calling this one a win.

2. Keep Leaky Light alive
Sadly no, not this month. As far as the year goes I am afraid I made a dismal attempt and it did not work. I am not killing this blog, but I am going to let it rest for awhile I think. Focus my attention elsewhere.

3. Increase my take home income by $6000 this year
Nothing thins month, but I am calling 2/3 the way to my goal as a win all the same, especially in this economy.

4. Be the lady that would accompany that gentlemen to that party
I have nothing to say here. I don't even know what I was thinking. This was a complete loss.

5. Read 12 books in a year
I did it, 17 books this year. I added 4 Dresden Books and 2 John Green books before the end of the year. I am about 2/3 the way through Ex-Heroes which I am going to give to 2013 when I finish it. I can't believe I can 6 books under my belt in December.

6. Watch 36 movies in a year
36+8! 3 more in December. Jack Reacher, Les Miserables, and The Hobbit ended the year. 44 movies, not bad. As always you can check out what have seen so far at http://spoiling-it.blogspot.com.

7. See 100 movies in 100 days
It's official. This goal is being laid to rest in the cemetery of broken dreams. I just can't see myself getting it done right now, and I want it to be fun, I don't want to push it. So I think I am going to take the ambition of this goal and apply to the above mentioned goal. Maybe I will change the above number from 36 to 50 or something...we'll see.

8. Complete a printed family recipe book
Fail, fail, fail!!!!

9. Start a novel
Yeah I started it, in October...and I have done nothing since. But I am calling it a win because I am said was start it.

10. Start an etsy store
:X

11. Renew my passport
:X

12. "Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite"
:X

13. Learn to meditate
:X

OMG. Does that tell you how much of a failure and bad year 2012 was? I think you are going to see a number of repeats in 2013. But there you go.

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Book Crush

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know I have found a new book crush. I was going to take a minute and bitch, but instead I have decided to spread the love. Harry Copperfield Blackstone Dresden is my new book crush. He is this perfect balance of magic and mystery. And the best part, for me anyway, there are 14 books in the series and I still at the beginning. I just started book 4 today. That means this crush could go on for 6 months to a year before I have to worry about it petering out.

The truth of the matter is I have been looking for a good meaty series to get into. I needed it to be creative, intelligent, complex, and well built. I have been looking for a strong world to dive into, and that I don't have to impatiently wait for.

So, bring it on Harry. Lets see what you're made of.

It’s easier, actually, to have a better idea than that. Because that idea is awful.

November was a crazy month. Two baby showers, I had to get my Festival donation made, and just the regular day to day made this a hard month to get through. But it's done now and time to work on December and Christmas. This month's video is from My Drunk Kitchen, but it does feature Hank Green. Enjoy!

Lets get to the goals.

1. Drink more water
Snow Cones!

2. Keep Leaky Light alive
Not this last month...lets see what I can do for Oct.

3. Increase my take home income by $6000 this year
With all the spending I did last month this increase would be nice, but I think my income growth is done for the year. I got close. I think $4000 is about where I ended.

4. Be the lady that would accompany that gentlemen to that party
:X

5. Read 12 books in a year
I have a 11 done. I've added "Snow Crash" and "Perks of Being a Wallflower" to my list. I am hoping to get the first book of the Dresden Files ("Storm Front") done before the end of the year and that would mean this goal was complete. If I have time I would like to get a John Green book under my belt before the end of the year too.

6. Watch 36 movies in a year
36+5! 3 more in November. Cloud Atlas, Breaking Dawn Part II, and Skyfall. It's been a couple of weeks though since I'ev seen one. I guess I need to work on that. As always you can check out what have seen so far at http://spoiling-it.blogspot.com.

7. See 100 movies in 100 days
It's official. This goal is being laid to rest in the cemetery of broken dreams. I just can't see myself getting it done right now, and I want it to be fun, I don't want to push it. So I think I am going to take the ambition of this goal and apply to the above mentioned goal. Maybe I will change the above number from 36 to 50 or something...we'll see.

8. Complete a printed family recipe book
Oh my God. I wanted this done so badly, but I just don't see it happening. December is going to be as crazy and November was, so I don't know when I am going to have time...

9. Start a novel
NaNoWriMo would have been a great time to work on this, but I didn't. Technically, I could cross it off because I just wanted to start it and I have done that. But I would like to make a little more progress if I can.

10. Start an etsy store
:X

11. Renew my passport
:X

12. "Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite"
:X

13. Learn to meditate
:X

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I Heart ThinkGeek

So early last week I was perusing thinkgeek.com and came across a couple of really good deals that I couldn't pass up. They were delivered to me this weekend and I just had to share.

First, the only thing I was actually looking to order (no, not a sonic screwdriver - I just can't make myself do it), the ThinkGeek Bluetooth Retro Handset. I got myself the black one. I had a really hard time getting it to pair with my Samsung. The handset has only one button and a little blue light, So it is hard to tell what mode the phone is in (or even if it is on) so I just had to keep trying until it stuck. It has decent sound, and I will admit I am looking forward to that moment when I get to pull this bad boy out of my purse when my phone rings :)

Second, I couldn't pass up scanning the deals the pages and I came across this fun little box. Basically I just spent $10 on yeast and a plastic cork, but as an American I am allotted 100 gallons a year in home brew and I haven't used any yet. So I bought this DIY Juice to Alcohol Kit.  As soon as it arrived I read the instructions and ran out to get a bottle of juice. It is currently working it's magic as I type this. I should be able to have a nice glass of cranberry pomegranate spike juice with dinner tomorrow :)

Lastly, I told myself months ago the next order I placed with ThinkGeek would have to include his decal. I am a big Firefly fan and the Mustang NEEDS this Engineered By Firefly Sticker, so much in fact that I had to cancel my first order with TG because I forgot to add this sticker to my cart. As soon as I get it put on the Stang I will take pictures and post them :)

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On a side note:
I also finished the baby shower invite I have been working on. I am getting them printed tomorrow and I will post a picture after the shower. It isn't an original design, but I added my own little details to it. I think it turned out pretty cute.

I saw Cloud Atlas this weekend. It was epic and truly needs to be discussed to be fully appreciated. If anyone wants to chat movies, specifically this one, let me know.

If you haven't voted already, please remember to vote on Tuesday. You may think your vote doesn't count, but who ever you are rooting for, you have to vote for. You can't expect others to stand up and do it for you.