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Where do we go from here?
Dec. 10th, 2017 09:37 pmWell, looky what we have here! Yours truly is posting again.
Truth be told, I've felt like posting a lot over the past 16 months or so, about Big Things and little things alike. However, whenever I sat down to compose anything, it all just came out like word-salad, and what I didn't want for this journal to become was a forum for stream-of-consciousness processing. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's simply not what I planned on when using this platform.
Speaking of this platform, I'm wondering whether or not to keep this particular blog here on LJ. LiveJournal was sold off to a Russian company at least a decade ago, but last year they finally migrated everything to Russian servers and issued a new Terms of Service agreement. Now, everything seems to function the same, but given all the political shenanigans that have gone down over the past several years, do I feel comfortable continuing to pay this particular company, given its country of jurisdiction? Ummmmmm...
No.
So, I'm considering migrating everything over to WordPress. I already have an account that houses all of my pre-2008 content, from the last time I 'cleaned house' on LJ. I'd be sad to lose the one feature that has kept me on LiveJournal for so long, which is the little graphic icon/avatar that you can switch out whenever you feel like it. Of course, that's the feature you have to pay for, so if I gave that up, I'd be saving money. It's really not a lot of money, but things are super-tight right now, so any savings would be good. I could cancel my extended userpic package and continue to blog here for free, but what's the point of using LJ if I can't use an avatar of Puppet Angel whenever I want?
I have a few weeks to decide before they bill me for the next year. Can I deal with losing all my journal jewelry? Would I even use a text-only blog? Worth it to keep going? I'm now in danger of delving into stream-of-consciousness processing, so I'll stop here and just say that I'm planning on getting my word-salad on, peeps. It's just a question of the address.
Truth be told, I've felt like posting a lot over the past 16 months or so, about Big Things and little things alike. However, whenever I sat down to compose anything, it all just came out like word-salad, and what I didn't want for this journal to become was a forum for stream-of-consciousness processing. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's simply not what I planned on when using this platform.
Speaking of this platform, I'm wondering whether or not to keep this particular blog here on LJ. LiveJournal was sold off to a Russian company at least a decade ago, but last year they finally migrated everything to Russian servers and issued a new Terms of Service agreement. Now, everything seems to function the same, but given all the political shenanigans that have gone down over the past several years, do I feel comfortable continuing to pay this particular company, given its country of jurisdiction? Ummmmmm...
No.
So, I'm considering migrating everything over to WordPress. I already have an account that houses all of my pre-2008 content, from the last time I 'cleaned house' on LJ. I'd be sad to lose the one feature that has kept me on LiveJournal for so long, which is the little graphic icon/avatar that you can switch out whenever you feel like it. Of course, that's the feature you have to pay for, so if I gave that up, I'd be saving money. It's really not a lot of money, but things are super-tight right now, so any savings would be good. I could cancel my extended userpic package and continue to blog here for free, but what's the point of using LJ if I can't use an avatar of Puppet Angel whenever I want?
I have a few weeks to decide before they bill me for the next year. Can I deal with losing all my journal jewelry? Would I even use a text-only blog? Worth it to keep going? I'm now in danger of delving into stream-of-consciousness processing, so I'll stop here and just say that I'm planning on getting my word-salad on, peeps. It's just a question of the address.
An Update on Updates
Aug. 3rd, 2016 12:05 amHey all!
So, it turns out that directly emailing the updates regarding my dad's condition works better for me than updating here at good ole LJ. Between my personal email updates and the more formal updates we're doing on Caring Bridge, it just seems redundant to also post them here, so I'm backing off from that.
The journal isn't going anywhere. I'm sure I'll have things to babble about in the future, but for now I'm pretty swamped with everything that's going on with my family, so there may not be much happening here for a while. Who knows what the future holds?
Until later, then!
So, it turns out that directly emailing the updates regarding my dad's condition works better for me than updating here at good ole LJ. Between my personal email updates and the more formal updates we're doing on Caring Bridge, it just seems redundant to also post them here, so I'm backing off from that.
The journal isn't going anywhere. I'm sure I'll have things to babble about in the future, but for now I'm pretty swamped with everything that's going on with my family, so there may not be much happening here for a while. Who knows what the future holds?
Until later, then!
More superheroes and metahumans
May. 27th, 2016 04:48 pmHaving gone through "Daredevil" and "Jessica Jones" via Netflix, plus the latest Captain America on screen, I decided to shelve Marvel for now (seems like they're everywhere these days, right??) and give DC Comics' shows a whirl for a change. I've been vaguely aware of "The Arrow" for a while but had never watched it, and I'd given both "Supergirl" and "Gotham" a try, but neither of them really stuck with me, even though there are plenty of good things to like about each of them. So, what next? "The Flash".
( Whoohooo! )
( Whoohooo! )
Seeeeee, I do watch other shows besides The Walking Dead. Really, I do. I'm actually pretty psyched that "Orphan Black" is back just as TWD has gone on hiatus, and I'll have some stuff to post about that once things really start cooking. Also watching some "Outlander" S2, just for kicks. And I've got the first season of "Penny Dreadful" on Ye Olde TiVo, so I'll give that a shot soon.
I've been able to binge-watch both "Daredevil" and "Jessica Jones" on Netflix. I thought DD had a good pilot, and it made me want to give the rest of the season a shot, but I didn't (and still don't) feel like I *must* watch the next episode immediately, if you know what I mean. Whereas with JJ, I had a difficult time turning off the TV after each ep ended, and consequently devoured the series pretty quickly. It's a really strong show, and I hope they do another season of it! I hear that they're doing a Luke Cage spin-off as well, featuring the character of Claire Temple, who was on both DD and JJ, so it looks like Marvel and Netflix are all cozied up for the next few years with original series and character crossovers, which is pretty cool.
I just finished up "Daredevil", which eventually drew me in during the second season. I do like Charlie Cox, and I liked Deborah Ann Woll a lot on "True Blood", though I find her character on DD slightly annoying. Not nearly as annoying as I found Elektra (ugh!), and initially I couldn't stand Foggy (uuuuugh!) but he kinda grew on me. I detest Fisk, but that's because Vincent D'Onofrio is so damned good - I really, reeeeeally want that character to die, but I just know he'll be like the cockroach that keeps coming back. Heh. Anyway, it's pretty good. I'd watch a third season, for sure. Jessica Jones, even more so.
Minor quibbles here and there: I'm sensitive to accents, so if you're gonna hire a non-American to play American (Charlie Cox, Rachael Taylor), they'd better have that dialect down. These two don't, and it's majorly distracting, but then again I'm sensitive to it. There's lots more good than bad, and getting folks like Vincent D'Onofrio, Vondie Curtis Hall, and David Tennant to come out & play is pretty awesome. So, yeah - check 'em out! (Oh, and both were still a little too gory for my tastes, but if I can sit through TWD, I can certainly make it through these shows. The zombies have helped me perfect the art of blocking the tv with my hand while going "la-la-la-la-la" until the gore is over. *g*)
I've been able to binge-watch both "Daredevil" and "Jessica Jones" on Netflix. I thought DD had a good pilot, and it made me want to give the rest of the season a shot, but I didn't (and still don't) feel like I *must* watch the next episode immediately, if you know what I mean. Whereas with JJ, I had a difficult time turning off the TV after each ep ended, and consequently devoured the series pretty quickly. It's a really strong show, and I hope they do another season of it! I hear that they're doing a Luke Cage spin-off as well, featuring the character of Claire Temple, who was on both DD and JJ, so it looks like Marvel and Netflix are all cozied up for the next few years with original series and character crossovers, which is pretty cool.
I just finished up "Daredevil", which eventually drew me in during the second season. I do like Charlie Cox, and I liked Deborah Ann Woll a lot on "True Blood", though I find her character on DD slightly annoying. Not nearly as annoying as I found Elektra (ugh!), and initially I couldn't stand Foggy (uuuuugh!) but he kinda grew on me. I detest Fisk, but that's because Vincent D'Onofrio is so damned good - I really, reeeeeally want that character to die, but I just know he'll be like the cockroach that keeps coming back. Heh. Anyway, it's pretty good. I'd watch a third season, for sure. Jessica Jones, even more so.
Minor quibbles here and there: I'm sensitive to accents, so if you're gonna hire a non-American to play American (Charlie Cox, Rachael Taylor), they'd better have that dialect down. These two don't, and it's majorly distracting, but then again I'm sensitive to it. There's lots more good than bad, and getting folks like Vincent D'Onofrio, Vondie Curtis Hall, and David Tennant to come out & play is pretty awesome. So, yeah - check 'em out! (Oh, and both were still a little too gory for my tastes, but if I can sit through TWD, I can certainly make it through these shows. The zombies have helped me perfect the art of blocking the tv with my hand while going "la-la-la-la-la" until the gore is over. *g*)
I was jotting down my post-season thoughts, which turned into a Big Damn Essay, so I thought I'd do a little truncated list to get things going. I'm pretty sure that essay is going to get even longer.
There was a lot to like about Season 6. There were things to quibble over, too. Here are a few things that I enjoyed, and a few things that bummed me out:
( "I fully respect the hair game." )
There was a lot to like about Season 6. There were things to quibble over, too. Here are a few things that I enjoyed, and a few things that bummed me out:
( "I fully respect the hair game." )
Or, I'll most likely kill you...next season?
Note: Increased randomness of Random Thoughts due to deliciousness of Cupcake's Red Velvet wine. Mmm, mmm, mmm. Maybe I edited a few comments here or there. Maybe. Let's check it out, shall we?
( "Bitch nuts." )
Note: Increased randomness of Random Thoughts due to deliciousness of Cupcake's Red Velvet wine. Mmm, mmm, mmm. Maybe I edited a few comments here or there. Maybe. Let's check it out, shall we?
( "Bitch nuts." )
Recipe recs
Apr. 7th, 2016 11:20 pmMy domesticity knows no bounds! First knitting, now cooking? What's up with that?
Normally these would be baking recipe recs, since I'm really much more of a baker, but lately I've been trying to build up my nest of meal recipes, particularly some healthier options. I think it's difficult finding "light" versions of things; they tend to have gigantic lists of ingredients, probably mixing flavors to hide the fact that they're light. Every now and again, though, I stumble upon a few to try out. Here are a handful that I've made recently and really liked. (Cooked for a few people, and they liked them, too, so it's not just me!)
( Hungry yet? )
Still more recipes to try out, of course. There have been stinkers - there was a turkey stroganoff recipe that sounded pretty good but turned out fairly unappetizing. I guess you never really know until you make it!
All this cooking has given me a hankering to bake, though. Stay tuned.
Normally these would be baking recipe recs, since I'm really much more of a baker, but lately I've been trying to build up my nest of meal recipes, particularly some healthier options. I think it's difficult finding "light" versions of things; they tend to have gigantic lists of ingredients, probably mixing flavors to hide the fact that they're light. Every now and again, though, I stumble upon a few to try out. Here are a handful that I've made recently and really liked. (Cooked for a few people, and they liked them, too, so it's not just me!)
( Hungry yet? )
Still more recipes to try out, of course. There have been stinkers - there was a turkey stroganoff recipe that sounded pretty good but turned out fairly unappetizing. I guess you never really know until you make it!
All this cooking has given me a hankering to bake, though. Stay tuned.
Lest it appear that I only write (think, obsess, geek out) about the Walking Dead, here are a couple of the latest knitting projects I've finished. I go for long periods of time without knitting at all, then I pick it up again. I'm currently on a series of dishcloths/washcloths in order to practice various patterns and different stitches. They're perfect because they're relatively quick for me to finish, unlike my scarves, which seem to go on and on and on.
So, here are zee latest dishcloths:
And then last year, I did a Potterverse scarf for my fellow Hufflepuff,![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
momosanla, which I was pretty proud of! I want to do one for myself, TBH, and I also want to start another Hufflepuff scarf in the pattern of the later films, using circular needles and working in the round. I want to pick projects that have at least one technique that I haven't yet learned. (I also want to learn to cable, but I've got a whole list going, so who knows when I'll get around to that??)
Hufflepuff scarf for Momosan:
That's it for now. Starting the next dishcloth, but also maybe possibly perhaps starting another scarf. And maybe a cable pattern. And maybe I want to learn how to crochet, too. Heh. Time is not a renewable resource...
So, here are zee latest dishcloths:
And then last year, I did a Potterverse scarf for my fellow Hufflepuff,
momosanla, which I was pretty proud of! I want to do one for myself, TBH, and I also want to start another Hufflepuff scarf in the pattern of the later films, using circular needles and working in the round. I want to pick projects that have at least one technique that I haven't yet learned. (I also want to learn to cable, but I've got a whole list going, so who knows when I'll get around to that??)Hufflepuff scarf for Momosan:
That's it for now. Starting the next dishcloth, but also maybe possibly perhaps starting another scarf. And maybe a cable pattern. And maybe I want to learn how to crochet, too. Heh. Time is not a renewable resource...
The penultimate episode, folks. This may or may not be the last TWD episode I watch in its entirety. Thankfully, the good folks at TWD have provided me with Naked Richonne love, so it's all good...for now.
( "Come out! Slowly!"..."Yeah, I think I’ll pass on that!" )
( "Come out! Slowly!"..."Yeah, I think I’ll pass on that!" )
Okay! With these random thoughts, I am current with the episodes to date. Whew.
Only two more episodes to go this season. AMC posted a delicious sneak peek of the Richonne variety from next week's ep, which I may or may not have had on a continuous loop all week. Hey, I've managed to remain mostly spoiler-free, but I *am* aware that some truly hideous awfulness is brewing for the season finale, so I make no apologies for relishing the few happy (and sexayyy) moments that this freaking show gives us. Oh, Andy Clutterbuck...*clutter-flutter*
Anyway, since we're down to the wire with this season, I've had to pry myself away from fangirling on Tumblr and Twitter, because that's where the spoilers seem to fly free. I am really gonna miss that damned #Richonne tag during the next few weeks.
All that said, let's get to this episode's random thoughts, beginning with...ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
( What did I JUST SAY, Gimple? What did I just say??? )
Only two more episodes to go this season. AMC posted a delicious sneak peek of the Richonne variety from next week's ep, which I may or may not have had on a continuous loop all week. Hey, I've managed to remain mostly spoiler-free, but I *am* aware that some truly hideous awfulness is brewing for the season finale, so I make no apologies for relishing the few happy (and sexayyy) moments that this freaking show gives us. Oh, Andy Clutterbuck...*clutter-flutter*
Anyway, since we're down to the wire with this season, I've had to pry myself away from fangirling on Tumblr and Twitter, because that's where the spoilers seem to fly free. I am really gonna miss that damned #Richonne tag during the next few weeks.
All that said, let's get to this episode's random thoughts, beginning with...ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
( What did I JUST SAY, Gimple? What did I just say??? )
Most of my random thoughts about this episode involve the fact that Melissa McBride is really an exquisite talent. Her career path to this amazing role just goes to show how much of a crapshoot the acting biz can be. Just give her all the Emmys. I mean, come on.
( "Nervous little bird...you were her, but not now, right?" )
( "Nervous little bird...you were her, but not now, right?" )
Four more episodes to go after this one, and we're done with Season 6. I'm trying to enjoy them while I can, because having read the comic synopses & seeing how the show is aligning itself more and more with the source material, I'm not sure I want to keep watching it in the future. This episode was/is disturbing in many ways, and while it makes for great storytelling, I'm just not sure that I'm up for it. I couldn't stand the Governor, and luckily all the other human "villains" have been dealt with rather quickly and didn't factor in to a long-term situation, but they are definitely setting the stage for a looooong-term Big Bad to come to town, and...eh. I'm not sure about it.
The good thing about this particular episode, however, was the re-emergence of Carol via Melissa McBride. It must be so difficult for the writers/producers to juggle this massive cast, and I get why certain people go MIA for lengthy stretches of time, but thankfully the Queen is back. Missed this lady! Let's do this.
( 'Don’t you ever tame your demons - But always keep ’em on a leash.' - Arsonist’s Lullabye )
The good thing about this particular episode, however, was the re-emergence of Carol via Melissa McBride. It must be so difficult for the writers/producers to juggle this massive cast, and I get why certain people go MIA for lengthy stretches of time, but thankfully the Queen is back. Missed this lady! Let's do this.
( 'Don’t you ever tame your demons - But always keep ’em on a leash.' - Arsonist’s Lullabye )
More random thoughts. 'Cuz I'm random.
(Of note: because I often play in the “Richonne” tag on Tumblr, I was fully spoiled on this entire episode. Hoooooooo, boy.)
( As soon as I get it, you will. )
Ooo, looky. It's a Walking Dead day.
I've been keeping a running tally of random thoughts about Season 6(B) thus far. I kept meaning to post them just for the hell of it, but haven't carved out the time to do it. Since we're only a few episodes away from the end of the season, I figured I'd better get my butt in gear and do it. ;-) I'll put 'em under a cut for spoiler avoidance if you're not caught up.
( I had this feeling...It took me a while to remember what it was, because I haven’t felt it since before I woke up in that hospital. )
I've been keeping a running tally of random thoughts about Season 6(B) thus far. I kept meaning to post them just for the hell of it, but haven't carved out the time to do it. Since we're only a few episodes away from the end of the season, I figured I'd better get my butt in gear and do it. ;-) I'll put 'em under a cut for spoiler avoidance if you're not caught up.
( I had this feeling...It took me a while to remember what it was, because I haven’t felt it since before I woke up in that hospital. )
Re-earning That "Bookworm" Title
Feb. 27th, 2016 03:41 pmI'm not the bookworm I used to be, but I gave it a good shot this past year, as taking long plane rides meant lots of time to kill. *g* I finally read some of the "Outlander" book series, prompted by planning the Great Britain trip of 2015. I wouldn't say that I loved them, but I did end up reading the first four novels (they finally hit Edinburgh in book 3, which is where I stayed for part of my trip, so I had to hang in there for that one.) I also watched the first season of the TV series based on the books. I think I liked the TV series better, just because it was shot on location in gorgeous Scotland, so you get to revel in those visuals. And kilts, baby - kilts, kilts, kilts.
I also read the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger, which is a nice mash-up of supernatural/steampunk/comedy of manners in an alternate-universe Victorian England. (How dare that vampire attack me? He didn't even introduce himself!) The formula is a little Sookie Stackhouse-ish, which isn't a bad thing at all, and I do recommend the series if you're looking for something fun & light to read.
Most of my books are in boxes at the moment, but I kept a few out that I'd been intending to read for a while now. I'm hoping to re-earn my old "bookworm" title this year!
I also read the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger, which is a nice mash-up of supernatural/steampunk/comedy of manners in an alternate-universe Victorian England. (How dare that vampire attack me? He didn't even introduce himself!) The formula is a little Sookie Stackhouse-ish, which isn't a bad thing at all, and I do recommend the series if you're looking for something fun & light to read.
Most of my books are in boxes at the moment, but I kept a few out that I'd been intending to read for a while now. I'm hoping to re-earn my old "bookworm" title this year!
Election year + social media = bleh!
Feb. 19th, 2016 10:13 pmTime for a wee break from good ole Facebook, since my feed is constantly littered with political posts/links/articles that I can't seem to filter out. I fully support being politically active, being informed, knowing what's going on with the world, etc., but between all the social media platforms and the never-ending broadcast news programs, I've reached the point of saturation. I'm finding that places like Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest & Instagram are easier to filter out those topics, but Facebook has been tricky. So, I've decided to scale back on FB. Maybe I won't be completely absent, but...well, we'll see how it goes.
On the bright side, maybe this poor old journal will see some life breathed into it yet! I never even got around to writing about Ye Olde Great Britain trip of 2015, which was a huge part of last year. So maybe a belated recap of that awesomeness, maybe a few book recs and TV reviews (Walking Dead!!!), maybe some wacky anecdotes about the twists and turns of Life - silly, stupid Life - and crazy pet antics. You know, the usual. *g*
So, look out for some 2015 catching up, for some 2016 shenanigans, and, as ever, more babbling. Always with the babbling.
On the bright side, maybe this poor old journal will see some life breathed into it yet! I never even got around to writing about Ye Olde Great Britain trip of 2015, which was a huge part of last year. So maybe a belated recap of that awesomeness, maybe a few book recs and TV reviews (Walking Dead!!!), maybe some wacky anecdotes about the twists and turns of Life - silly, stupid Life - and crazy pet antics. You know, the usual. *g*
So, look out for some 2015 catching up, for some 2016 shenanigans, and, as ever, more babbling. Always with the babbling.
It's Mockingjay time!
Nov. 20th, 2015 10:38 pmAlso, this. I don't know when I'm gonna get a chance to see it, but it must be done soon. Oh, Peeta. Oh, Prim.
But where's Glenn???
Nov. 20th, 2015 10:35 pmThree episodes now with no resolution. It's not even Sunday yet, and I'm already starting to wonder if they're gonna give us what we need, or are they going to toy with us until the mid-season break? Or even worse, let the issue hang until next spring? Ugh. Why do I watch this show??? (Clearly I'm an addict who cannot break free. Send help. *g*)
