This morning I read in another blog: "January always comes after December."
I realize it's a rather obvious statement and yet I find it comforting. So much so I may adopt it as my mantra for 2015. In essence: tomorrow always comes.
And it does. I very firmly and affirmatively declared 2014 "The Year of Positive Change." I felt it was time. I knew it in my bones and I am proud that it was indeed a year of positive changes. A new position at a new company in a new industry, new car, new apartment... It's all resulted in a new outlook. It's made me more independent and more content. It made me comfortable arriving to the party late and leaving early. It made me look for silver linings. I mourned turning 35 but quickly realized I was experience a renaissance year and threw a party instead.
Did I accomplish every goal on my list? No. But that never stops me nor deters me.
Bring it, 2015. I'm ready for whatever you may bring. Because January always comes after December! :)
Update - 10:32 PM
You know, I just felt I had to mention.... I'm home this evening with a persistent and tortuous case of laryngitis, and thank god for social media. If I had to spend this night - this fourth day of not being able to speak - truly alone, I'd be an absolutely insane person. I have had kind friends checking in on me via text and my WiFi enabled TV for entertainment.... So I'm only a slightly insane person.
A rather polarizing year in news, right? A lot of memorable sound bytes and as always, I love to share my favorites every year-end.
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"The Los Angeles Kings are back on the NHL throne. The Kings lifted the Stanley Cup for the second time in three years after defeating the New York Rangers in Game 5 of the 2014 Stanley Cup finals for a 4-1 series win." - The Huffington Post
“You’re talking about the most recognizable athlete that we have in sports today. Just having the honor to suit up and play on the same field with him was amazing. We’re losing one of the greats, no doubt.” - Nick Swisher on retiring New York Yankee, Derek Jeter
"Hatred is not to be carried in the name of God." - Pope Francis
"May no one use religion as a pretext for actions against human dignity and against the fundamental rights of every man and woman." - Pope Francis
"Let me be clear: I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me." - Apple CEO Tim Cook
"The process of science, the way we know nature, is the most compelling thing to me. If we abandon all that we've learned, our ancestors, what they've learned about nature and our place in it, if we abandon the process by which we know it..., if we stop driving forward, stop looking for the next answer to the next question, we in the United States will be outcompeted by other countries, other economies." - Bill Nye The Science Guy
"I can't say I follow the ins and outs of electoral politics closely, but I tend to think having an impact on the world is a lot more complicated than government." - Joseph Gordon Levitt
"Apparently, we are all servants of the patriarchy by talking about how odd it is that Renee Zellweger pulled a FACE/OFF and now looks like Claire Underwood’s cousin twice removed. But these are the same people who write pieces about whether Beyonce’s a feminist just because she chooses to wear onesies. I don’t have time." - Awesomely Luvvie
"I’m not a racist. I made a terrible, terrible mistake." - Ousted Clippers owner, Donald Sterling
"People lost. They don't know what to believe." - Treyvo, age 19, in Ferguson, Missouri
"I’m going to challenge three more people: Elon Musk, Ryan Secrest and Chris Anderson of TED." - Bill Gates in ALS ice bucket challenge video
"I am asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to answer the call of almost 4 million public comments, and implement the strongest possible rules to protect net neutrality." - President Obama
"I don't know how many, like, white people having brunch I can deal with on a Saturday afternoon." - Julian Casablancas
"For the record, I was specifically joking about when people dress up like it's the Kentucky Derby for LES brunch. I am not against the concept of weekend late breakfast, which people of all freedoms & hues should enjoy." - Julian Casablancas, clarifying that he is not, for the record, against brunch
"People can give you advice … I met with Deepak Chopra, right? I was supposed to go back the next day, but I told my girlfriend that I wasn’t going to go. Because you know what gets me calm, baby? Success. And I went in and finished my Adidas deal instead. I felt so Zen-ed out by that." - Kanye West
"It’s proven that how time moves for you depends on where you are in the universe. It’s relative to beings and other places. But on the level of being here on earth, if you are aware in a moment, one second can last a year. And if you are unaware, your whole childhood, your whole life can pass by in six seconds. But it’s also such a thing that you can get lost in." - Jaden Smith
"The bottom line is that this was an unparalleled and well planned crime, carried out by an organized group, for which neither (Sony Pictures Entertainment) nor other companies could have been fully prepared." - Cybersecurity expert Kevin Mandia in a memo to Sony employees about the purported attack by North Korea over the release of The Interview
We saw a couple of monumental talk show finales this year, as well.
This is the most perfect "for the holidays" thing ever!
Think you've gotten too old for jello shots? (Or maybe you're like me and my friends who believe you're never too old for them?) You have to reconsider your position because Ludlows Cocktail Co. is reinventing the wheel and it's fantastic. I was not surprised to learn one of the co-founders, Freya Estreller, was part of the brain trust that blessed the world with Coolahus Ice Cream. But one night, a light bulb -- and Freya teamed up with her friend Ethan Feirstein.
"We immediately began experimenting... making our favorite classic cocktails in jello shot form. We brought our edible cocktails to dinner parties instead of the usual bottle of wine and were struck by how much people freaked out over them. Seriously. And we’re 30. We had to make this happen. We had to make a jello shot worthy of our adult selves!"
Voila! Jello shots on demand! Or "Jelly" shots in this case. Peel off the top and enjoy. You don't even need to refrigerate them (although, in my experience, they're even yummier cold). What an awesome thing to grab for New Year's Eve! Amiright or what? (Right now all of the people I'm hanging out with on New Year's Eve are very excited, I'm sure.)
If you're thinking "they don't sell these in my hood" you'd be wrong. They do. I wondered as well but a few clicks into the website's store locator later, I learned they are sold all over the damned place and I was somehow missing them. A five-pack is only about $12. COME ON!
They come in five, wonderful flavors. I tried them all because I believe in providing my readers with well-rounded, thoughtful reviews. *hiccup!*
Fresh Lime Margarita (legit - tastes just like it!)
Meyer Lemon Drop (the least "boozy" tasting, if you like)
Old Fashioned (the strongest, in my opinion - quite bourbon-tastic!)
Planter's Punch (this one is my favorite)
Moscow Mule (this was a close second)
They are crafted like the best cocktails are - with premium liquor and natural flavors.
Jello shots for grown ups. Genius. How did no one think of this sooner?
Added bonus - Saucey, the alcohol delivery app (yep, this is a real thing, too, grown ups - get on board!), delivers Ludlows Jelly Shots. You're welcome, internets. And HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Disclosure: I was provided with product in exchange for my honest review, which you just read. Unless you scrolled straight down to this disclosure, in which case, you're kind of missing the best part, buddy. And special thanks to Ludlows who had to wait for me to recover from food poisoning so I could even try the jelly shots. Because even I have my limits.
I'm still basking in the joy and merriment of the holiday season! I still can't get enough -- I'm riding this train all the way into January, mark my words.
I had the most peaceful, lovely Christmas, parking it on my sofa watching reruns, napping, eating crap and taking relaxation to new levels. I rediscovered some holiday movies as well and thought I would share this list I made as a result, in lieu of the usual "What's Up, Friday?" listicle.
1.Die Hard. We've debated this before. Some say holiday movie, some say not. All I know is that John McClane will stop at nothing to save his wife when she and several others are taken hostage by German terrorist Hans Gruber during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza. Christmas indeed, mother-effers.
2.While You Were Sleeping. Nothing wrong with a little predictable rom-com this time of year, right? C'mon, how much do you love Sandra Bullock? Don't fight it. She's adorable. Fun fact: Before Bullock got the part, Demi Moore, Julia Roberts, Jami Gertz and Geena Davis were all considered or offered her part.
3.Auntie Mame. Well, and maybe Mame, too. The first was made in 1958. It's a wonderful movie starring Rosalind Russell that should have been a musical and wasn't. The latter was made in 1974 starring Lucille Ball, was a music and should absolutely not have been. Lucille Ball, for all her amazing comedic gifts, was not at all a singer. But one of the most famous songs from the soundtrack is "We Need a Little Christmas" and I crave it every year. Here is Angela Lansbury singing it at a 2003 concert -- she originated the role on Broadway in 1966.
4. Steel Magnolias. I mean, there are totally scenes in this movie that happen during the Christmas season. Remember when Daryl Hannah decorates Dolly Parton's front porch? And that slutty girl in the Santa dress at Sally Fields' Christmas party? Don't challenge me - I know this movie by heart.
5. You've Got Mail/Sleepless in Seattle/When Harry Met Sally. Did you know Meg Ryan is actually the QUEEN of Christmas movies?! Okay, to be fair, these are not movies about Christmas but they all contain major plot points that involve the holiday and there you are. (And I guess by that logic Tom Hanks and Bill Pullman are kind of tied as, like, the Princes of Christmas movies.)
6. Oh yeah, don't think I wasn't getting some Star Trek up in this biz-natch. Enter Star Trek Generations because believe it or not, it's super-duper Christmasy, you guys. The entire movie is about the spirit of life, making the most of the present, passing things onto the next generation, and WHOOPI GOLDBERG. I mean, if that doesn't SCREAM Christmas, I don't know what does.
People post this on my Facebook wall every year as if they were the ones to discover it. Don't get me wrong - I love it and can watch it always - but I remain amused every time someone writes "OMG HOW HAVE YOU NOT SEEN THIS?!" If you need a little context, you should know one of Captain Picard's catch-phrases is "make it so."
You know what was REALLY tempting? When a tattoo shop offered to let me review their talent and services. I mean.... Look. Tattoos are not cheap so I really considered this.
And before you bitch about the price of tattoos, here is my bit on that: When you're having something permanent added to your body, do you really want to go for cheap or do you want to go for amazing quality? Me thinks the latter.
Anyway, I was tempted.... But I passed. I couldn't do that to my mother. At least... not in public.
But I have to tell you, I love tattoos. If I ever see one peaking out from a sleeve, I will always ask to see the whole thing. If it isn't obvious, I'm also going to ask if it's symbolic for something. I'll probably also ask where the person had it done.
Like 'em or not, tattoo fan or not, you gotta admire the detail. Keep in mind stuff like this takes hours.
Visit the Body Electric Tattoo website for more information about a clean, quality, high-end shop with extremely talented artists. Owner Brian Keith Thompson has been engaged in revolutionizing the tattoo and piercing world. In an industry rife with not-so-personable practitioners and seedy establishments, Thompson and his Marine-Corps mentality have forged and fostered a brand-new experience for his patrons with a clean, modern, nonthreatening environment where customer service is the number-one priority. Better yet, wander over to Melrose in Hollywoood and see it in person. It's a beautiful spa-like place. No joke. I've seen some scary looking parlors -- this place is a gem.
For the latest tattooing and piercing happenings over there, they also have an Instagram.
Dare I say a tattoo would make one helluva last-minute Christmas gift? Hmmmm......?
And now I have to ask you guys - DO YOU HAVE A TATTOO? IS IT SYMBOLIC FOR SOMETHING? Tell me in the comments or post it on my Facebook wall. I WANNA HEAR ALL ABOUT IT!*
*The author does not apologize for shouty caps. EVER.
This week was wasted on me. I woke up Monday morning, victime to some undercooked chicken from the night before. I will spare you the disgusting details - there are many - but by Monday night, after some unfortunate driving choices, I ended up in an Urgent Care center, praying to the quirky clinic doctor for salvation. I was severely dehydrated, mal-nourished, in pain.... Monday was horrible and Tuesday wasn't much better. I started to feel more myself Wednesday and by yesterday, I was nearly 100% again although I now seem to have the early stages of either a chest cold, or my throat is just recovering from so much up-chucking this week.
In any case, I am panicked. THERE IS TOO MUCH TO DO and I don't own enough deoderant to get through it all alive!
Moving on...
1. Did you guys know I'm trying to give some very lucky hot guy the "Menday of the Year" award? Help me pick a winner, would you? Go look at these photos and let me know who the victor should be. You can comment, Facebook comment, Tweet. I'm pretty flexible on this.
Incidentally, Anne and I are going to a screening of Into the Woods tonight and I'm SO. EXCITED.
2. I didn't read as much as I wanted to this year, but I read more than I did last year so I'm checking it off as a win. What were the best books you read this year? These were my two favorites:
I realize, of course, I could not have chosen two more different books. What can I tell you -- I'm eclectic. But The Giver was absolutely chilling and hauntingly beautiful. Bossypants was just ridiculously warm and funny and real. It made me a massive Tina Fey fan - not that I didn't like her already.
Need book-spiration for 2015? Check out Kirkus' list of "Best Fiction" from this year.
3. Who wants to watch puppies and cry bucketts of happy tears??? I highly recommend Barkpost's compilation of videos of people getting surprise puppies. (Hint, hint, Mom.)
4. This video. I posted it on Facebook pretty much sans commentary. Because it's pretty hard to explain. But 7.5 million views can't be wrong. Just watch, enjoy, and thank me later.
5. Last chance! I must remind one and all that my friends at Jackery have this great deal for people who still ned to stock up on stocking stuffers! (See what I did there?)
This year, someone asked why I write Menday posts. It's a fair question. The person I was a few years ago would have turned her nose up at such an obvious objectification.
But I'm older and wiser and far less serious these days.
I write Menday for the following reasons:
I'm a heterosexual woman who is attracted to smoking hot guys.
It should be said that "smoking hot" is a subjective term.
Men objectify women all of the time. Is this an easy excuse? Maybe. I don't care, though.
It's levity. And the world needs more levity. I need more levity.
This year saw 31 Menday posts! Here are the five most visited ones. Once you have reviewed them, I beg you to click over to my Facebook page and comment with which gentlman you think should be 2014's "Menday of the Year" or, tweet to me, @AmandaJoy, with a candidate's name and the hashtag, #Menday.
The first of two Into the Woods cast members, August Menday, Chris Pine:
This guy will be so famous in 2015. I cannot wait for him to join the late night line-up, and to see him in Into the Woods very soon - James Corden:
This was actually my most popular Menday post this year, "An Open Letter to Jennifer Aniston" about her fiance, Justin Theroux:
He is the most delicious action hero on my television ever. I cannot wait til "Arrow" comes back in January! And I guess I stacked the deck for Stephen Amell a bit because I made his post a giveaway. :)
This guy. Somehow Theo James has become the most repinned image I've ever pinned to Pinterest. So he totally gets nominated:
SWOON. Dreamy, right? I mean, my job here is not hard on Mondays, I assure you.
Don't forget! Click over to my Facebook page and comment with which gentlman you think should be 2014's "Menday of the Year" or, tweet to me, @AmandaJoy, with a candidate's name and the hashtag, #Menday.
