Friday, May 24, 2013

We've moved!

Hello every one!

We've moved!

And by "we" I mean all my blogs into one at this new web address: 

http://everyroadisanoption.wordpress.com/

See you there!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

I Don't Run

“I don’t run.”

If you know me, that’s all you’ve heard for years despite my natural prowess when it comes to sports. And I don’t, or at least I didn’t until now. Today, I took my first run. This may not be a big deal for most people, but it’s a huge step for me. Being big busted I always made the joke that I didn’t run because I might take an eye out (if you don’t get it, watch some Dead or Alive Beach Volleyball). In reality, I’ve always been embarrassed by doing anything extremely physical with other people around since if it wasn’t a sport (specifically curling, tennis, or softball) I felt uncoordinated. I suppose this could be blamed on how often people picked on me when it came to physical activities, but in the end, despite how others have treated me or how it came about it, it’s my lacking confidence and severe shyness that have always limited me.

 So, I’ve tried over the last few years to get comfortable with myself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Most people have seen my confidence in my myself and my actions grow dramatically. Most have seen my general happiness grow as well. I’ve set yearly mottos, the first one being, “The Year of Facing Fears” and the current being, “The Year of No Excuses”, and I’ve constantly been pushing forward in hopes to become the person I’ve always wanted to be. My biggest outward changes have been lately. I’m learning to speak my mind, enjoy the company of others more, and to ignore my vanity of how I look to others.

I like to think that this big change has come about partly due to the fact that I’ve been focusing on my health lately. Cutting down on caffeine and junk food, watching my portions, and even taking online courses (such as Sleeping Hacking) to figure out what I can change to be healthier has really changed my outlook on my body and myself. Physically I’ve not only felt purer, but my energy level has grown incredibly. Even just the little adjustment of working on my posture has helped my self image grow.

 Admittedly, I didn’t think I’d take the running step yet, but I did. And I pushed forward by the sheer inspiration of the runners from Monday April 15th. I want to be able to say I have the endurance to keep moving forward despite adversity, especially in the pursuit to help others, like many of the Marathon runners did Monday when they continued running so that they could donate blood at the nearest hospital. They didn’t cower in a corner despite what fear they probably felt, instead they saw what they needed to do and did it.

I want that endurance. I need that endurance. I deserve that endurance and I will earn that endurance. If we learn nothing else, if we find no other silver-lining to the horrors of the past week, this should be this: Endure.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

So... It's March, right?

Here it is! March already and all of my blogging for February is... Almost non-existent. Admittedly, it's been a busy month or so, but that shouldn't be an excuse. It is, after all, the Year of No Excuses and it seems like I'm full of them lately.

The deal is that I'm working on seeing if another server is better for this blog and the Tentative Cooker blog. I am taking this seriously, but I think that Blogspot is a bit too low traffic in blogging circles and meant for more personal blogs. It's great and user friendly, but no traffic. That's my only issue  and since I want to make ERIAO a more active group of bloggers, artists, and any one else who wants their work out their, having a blog that can't thrive isn't helpful. Beyond that, I do want to turn this into a multi-function website as well. Essentially, I've been researching for something more permanent and long term (aren't we all?).

On top of that I've been looking into legitimatizing my crafting/art business which means so much more ground work. I'm tired of just one show a year and no Etsy page.  I'm also tired of just knitting and not using any of my other talents. Plus, I've been getting money together which means I've been selling things I don't need on Ebay and looking for jobs. Lastly, I've been helping Johnny get stuff together for Akron while his family has been going topsy-turvy with his brother and brother's fiancee moving. So, it's been busy and I haven't mentioned half of what's going on.

I do start my seasonal work next week, so it'll be even busier. However, I'll be catching as much as I can. We'll see you soon! And check the Facebook page for photo updates and wallpapers! 

Sunday, February 3, 2013

"Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" (Movie Review)

Image from IMDb.com
Despite this being “Children’s Films” month, I think that Brief Interviews with Hideous Men deserves it’s own shout out. The film it’s self is adapted from David Foster Wallace’s book with the same name and John Krasinski, best known from The Office, not only directs and acts in this film, but adapted Wallace’s works. That alone should be a lure into this film: a serious indie film adapted, directed, and acted in by the guy who’s put multiple office items in jello.

Besides that, we have an all star cast. You’ll recognize every one from something be it from a comedy to a crime drama to a sketch show. Some actors are going out of their bubble, like Christopher Meloni from Law and Order: SVU, and others, like Will Arnett, are with in their normal smooth talking roles. At the very least, it’s a blast watching and waiting for the next actor we know to come on the screen.

The film style it’s self can be a bit confusing especially near the end. It starts skipping about in places, sometimes having multiple story lines and conversations going on at once, over playing the scene that does not match, but my suggestion is to just sit back and enjoy the eventually rather dizzying ride. This is not what I expected from the Netflix summary. In retrospect, what it should describe the movie as is “a film adaptation of several short stories revolving around how men see and relate to woman.” Admittedly, it’s more boring than the original description, but at least it’s accurate.

If you watch this movie do yourself a few favors:

- Don’t look for a Plot
- Go with the Flow
- And maybe drink a glass of wine.


I’ll admit, I liked this film. Despite the lack of plot, Brief Interviews with Hideous Men flows well and becomes overly engrossing. I'm hoping to order Wallace’s book soon, since my encounters with him have never disappointed me before. Once I have, I’ll happily share my review of that and how these two compare. 

And you’ll read it… And happily so, daggnabbit.

Movie Available on: Netflix and Amazon Instant View.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

February Updates!

February is now upon us and that means we’ve got a new set of blogs to look forward too! The Movie Reviews this month will focus on Children’s movies and TV shows, because for some reason I find myself enthralled with a few right now. I’ll also be doing more of the dating series: Chivalry isn’t Dead, It’s Just Grown Up as well as a couple of book and story reviews.

On Tentative Cooker there will be a couple of recipes and at least one food review. As well as one or two blogs just generally about kitchen utilities and must haves. It’s about time right? TC has been on much too long of a hiatus!


See you again soon!

Monday, January 14, 2013

Chivalry Isn’t Dead, It’s Just Grown Up: Segment One

Last week on FML, this was posted:
Screen Cap From FML.com

Through out the comments rages a debate on whether or not Chivalry is dead via the format of whether guys should pay for dates or not. Let’s face it, we see this argument going on every where from feminists to just friend. Every one has an opinion on it. So it’s time to pick this a part rationally.

First off, she was being naive not bringing any money with her to begin with. This any one can agree with, because let’s face it, anything can happen when going out and one must be prepared. This is her own fault. Strike One.

Secondly,  it’s just impolite to not even offer to pay for tickets or snacks. Has her mother taught her nothing? Even if she thinks that males should pay (which brings up the question of who pays for lesbians dates. I have theories, but none of them are politer [i.e. PC]), this could be her test run date. If the guy pays, he’s a winner. If he doesn’t, he’s a sinner. We all have our criteria and if this is yours, then be prepared to make him/her pay or to not have another date.

Thirdly, here is a list of reasons the guy shouldn’t have to pay for everything on a first date:

1) It’s a first date, you guys don’t know how this will go. If only one person pays for the first date, it turns it into an investment. If it’s an investment, the guy might expect something in return in the end or at least a second date. So if you’re not willing to give a return on an investment, then don’t expect the guy to pay on the first date.

2) Not to essentially repeat myself, but the first date equals an unsure outcome. If the date is bad and only the guy paid, isn’t that cheating him a little? Maybe it’s a relief to you, but to him instead of being out 10-20 dollars, he’s out 20-40. More if the date isn’t a cheap one. Maybe you don’t mind a free meal, but then again, if you’re in it for the free meal, you’re probably not the right person for him. Think of it as hanging out with your friends, you wouldn’t expect them to pay for you, because that would be unfair. The guy doesn’t owe you just because you said “yes” to him. Remember that.

3) To show you’re a decent person. Who doesn’t respond well to being treated every once in a while?  And didn’t your mama teach you it’s just polite to at least offer?

Let’s face it, there’s nothing wrong with however you want to pay for the first date: guy pay, whoever asked pays, or going dutch, but there’s some common sense that has to be put into play here. Just remember: Bring money, be polite and offer to pay (for at least yourself), be thankful either way, and have fun. This isn’t about who owes who, it’s about getting to know each other.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Jesus Henry Christ (Another Movie Review)

The other night in my lack of sleep, I watched Jesus Henry Christ. This movie kept in tone with my other January movies: an indie comedy that looked much different from what it was. This colourful DVD cover doesn’t really tell us about the darkness of this comedy, but does tell us how 70’s it is.


Admittedly, I had been hesitant to watch it, if only because it looks like it’s trying too hard to be Indie and at times, it really does, at least in the beginning. About half way through we pass up all the “Look at me, look at me! I’m Indie! I swear!” moments (you know, that overly surreal effect that’s hard to pull off just right) and get to back to the real storyline, which while is an unusual story, it’s also a probable story. The probability in this story is what makes it so enchanting. The ending is rather un-extraordinary which just adds to the charm: this two children who are so, let’s  be nice and say, unique, are left with an “ordinary” ending.                                                               
                                                                                                                            Photo from IMBD

This movie about modern families and what craziness they put each other through is a fun watch. Be ready to suspend your belief at moments and just go along for the dizziness that might ensue. Jesus Henry Christ is probably not the best for those who are not fond of occasional harsh language or talk of test tube babies, but really, those are downplayed so much that I still recommend this trip.