The Vampire Diaries

I haven't read the books. I am however an avid fan of the show. Ian Somerhalder brings the best degree of wicked yet charismatic, sexy, dominating with a pinch of self loathing version of yum to his character Damon Salvatore. I love him. I hate the things he does, except when his humanity is at play. Paul Wesley is just as convincing with his brooding, polite, romantic, charming character Stefan Salvatore. He would do anything for Elena, the problem is it seems his brother will now as well. Nina Dobrev brings double the pleasure as she not only plays Elena Gilbert the sweet, loyal, vulnerable yet defiant, girl next door but also Katherine Pierce the selfish, callous, vampire you love to hate. (The same vampire that turned both Damon and Stefan long ago) This girl has some great acting chops! Candice Accola plays Caroline Forbes. At first look, she seemed self absorbed, yet unsure of herself, but since then she was turned into a vampire thanks to Katherine. Oddly enough, I think her being a vampire has given her more of a sense of purpose, and more faith in herself. Then there is Kat Graham who plays Bonnie Bennett the resident witch. At first she dabbled in some parlor tricks, but now she's holding some immense power but will they hold immense repercussions?? This show centers around Elena and the Salvatore Brothers and her family and friends. Although originally the brothers showed up in Mystic Falls once again for very separate reasons (Stefan to meet Elena, and Damon to free Katherine from her tomb), they have now regained some sense of brotherhood and are at the moment shooting for the same cause. Defying the odds and protecting Elena from Klause an original vampire with his own agenda. This show if full of action, mystery, excitement, romance, and leaves you begging for more. Definite much watch!

Twilight Series

Okay I have read all the books, and was completely engrossed in the pages. I have seen all the films as of yet, and I believe that each one got better. I am totally curious about how they are going to play out certain scenes in the movie that are in Breaking Dawn (the only book that had some "weird" moments for me, but some killer action) I don't want to go into specifics for those who haven't read or seen the movies yet. But really?? How will they pull it off? I think Stephanie Meyer put her own unique spin on vampires and werewolves and it paid off. I am as equally impressed with the cast that was chosen for the movies. Although I might not picture vampires sparkling in the sunlight myself, I am totally open to a new view on things as seen from the author's mind and Bella's eyes in these novels. Well done, Stephanie. Well done.

I know there's a big debate with Team Jacob or Team Edward. But, from the beginning I knew it was always Edward (played by Robert Pattinson) and Bella (played by Kristen Stewart). I just wish Bella had a sister for Jacob (played by Taylor Lautner), because even though I'm Team Edward part of me still rooted for the forlorn Jacob. Really you just want to be Bella. A handsome, vampire willing to die to protect you. Maybe not so much where you felt like dying because he left you (trying to keep you safe somehow) but then you find out why Jacob is so alluring during Edward's absense. Two for the price of one. I still laugh at the "Doesn't he own a shirt?" comment from Edward regarding Jacob. (He was looking rather ripped I must say)

I just fell in love with the Cullens altogether. Alice (played by Ashley Greene) is great. Her bubbly personality and quirky ways make me wish she was my bff. I was glad to see that Jasper (played by Jackson Rathbone) got a little more screen time in Eclipse. He seemed kinda constipated in the first film (but I suppose if I was trying to control my blood thirst I wouldn't look too hot either). However, I found him much more..dare I say? human in the next couple of films. Sometimes, a little back story and some action go a long way. Carlisle (played by Peter Facinelli) and Esme (played by Elizabeth Reaser) are perfect as the "adoptive parents" of these vampires who have all quit drinking human blood. I'm still kind of on the fence about Rosalie (played by Nikki Reed). But, I think Emmett (played by Kellan Lutz) has proven himself. Also, Charlie Swan (played by Billy Burke), Bella's father is a delightful mix of small town police chief trying to be a father to his now teenage daughter. He may need to work on a few things. But he does make the effort, plus he keeps Edward on his toes. The wolf pack and the Cullens are actually rather dynamic working together, when they face off with Victoria, Riley and her army of newborn vamps.

They each bring their own special something, and anything that makes me feel connected to a character is definitely worth the read or the watch.

Yea, I'll get right on that

So today, I was having a nifty conversation with a friend about our children n such, when she asked me if I wanted a pen pal. I was thinking, (granted we talk on the phone, we text, our kids play together) but I really don't feel the need to write each other as well. And, is this one of those "aha" moments I seem to miss sometimes??  I need a Scooby snack while I mull that over. So, I said "umm not really". Apparently, her bf who is currently in jail because he got caught sticking his hand in the cookie jar as I like to put it, has new found friends in there that are lonely and asked  him if he could see if his woman (She writes him daily, despite my advice that she should find someone more worthy..women what do they know anyhow?? As much as men do, we're all flawed for a reason. Humor. Own it.) would hook them up with a pen pal. At this point, I'm mildly flattered that she thinks my penmanship is inspiring and a tad insulted that when she thought of her single friends who might be interested she picked me. So being the humanitarian I am, I just assumed they were all in there for some hideous crime and said "Forget about it!" But, then I further thought about the situation and I felt my alter ego "Ms Inflatable pen pal Extraordinare" call forth, mind you she's a southern belle because well..... it just works that way. And, my intrigue was piqued. Oh, the hilarity that could ensue....So, I ask you......To Do...Or Not to Do? That is the survey question. What is your final answer?

It never fails

Every time I'm in the car with the boys, they manage to find something to argue over. Whether someone looked at someone the wrong way, someone is singing too loud, someone took someone's superman toy, really whatever the reason. It is Never Ever quiet in a vehicle with my rugrats. So, I do what any other mom would do who's praying for silence, so that the heart-pounding migraine will subdue. I randomly start talking or singing in cartoon character voices, or popping off with an unpolished british, sometimes australian accent. I've tried my hand at a latino accent, but apparently I haven't eaten enough spicy foods to pull that one off. I do occasionally speak spanish every now and then. I really don't know why I do this, but I do. Which I think is why my then 8 yr. old told my bf at that time I was Mexican. And, every time I think of the conversation where I asked him "Tristan honey, why do you think I'm Mexican?" he replied "Because you are?" I can't help but laugh. Anyways, back to the subject at hand. If my boys are feuding like enemies planning their next attack (or maybe just like family) a little bit of "mommy comedy" goes a long way. They laugh and giggle and totally forget what they were fighting about until 5 minutes later when someone knocked someone else in the head with a toy "on accident". The power of  misdirection. It never fails.

Candy with a purpose.

I adore gummi bears. I consider them stress relief. When I've had one of those conversations where later I think "I should've, would've, could've said this" I can act out a skit with my gummi bears and the conversation can go whatever way I choose. Your boss is being a jerk? Punch him in the face gummi bear style. Also, for those not so lovable people in your life such as The Ex, the rude chick at the restaurant, your neighbor who's always letting his dog crap on your lawn, or that incessant family member who never shuts up..there is my own special version of gummi bear voodoo. It's totally legal. Bite off a leg, a head, an arm, whatever tickles your fancy really. Or for those extra creative folks, melt your pseudo gummi in a fiery pit of whatever you have handy. So, if you're like me and non-violent for the most part, stock up on gummi's, and keep your sanity intact. Btw, when your child is screaming "Mom, I can't find my army dude!" gummy bears are a suitable replacement, through in a bag or two and a toothpick arsenal, and you have a platoon of bad-ass bears. Sometimes, you just have to make due.

No Ordinary Family--No Ordinary Future

Last night there was a special airing of No Ordinary Family. I absolutely loved this episode. It was full of action, surprise, mystery, and empathy. Stephanie Powell discovered she had expanded abilities since being injected with the trilsettum serum. Time travel come hither. Unfortunately, she hasn't quite mastered putting on the brakes when returning, so she runs smack dab into a car. Katie hears her baby's heartbeat for the first time, then her future self is endangered by a cop with an attitude because she refuses to give up the location of her friends. Mr. Invincible as I like to call him a.k.a Jim Powell and bestie George St. Cloud (king of the lair) decide to do a little investigating of their own when they see a buddy murdered right in front of them. But, that inadvertently puts George's life in danger and the Powell's super secret on display in Times Square. Unless of course, Quick Chick a.k.a. Stephanie can stop the madness before it ends. Daphne Powell having told her boyfriend Chris of her family's super powers has to decide whether or not to erase that memory from his mind at her parents' urging. And, that special secret of her own that's been keeping her from having to do the dishes for 2 weeks is revealed.  Jim and Daphne save the day by thwarting the incorrigible detectives plans of eliminating George while he's delivering a eulogy. If the name wasn't already taken I'd dub J.J. Powell Mega Mind, because well he's Einstein reincarnate at least without many of the oddball quirks. So, I'll call him Brilliant Boy for now. Thank goodness, he helped Stephanie discover exactly what speed she'd need to travel to get the upper hand on what was coming. Not to mention the touching moment he shared with Daphne when she realized she had erased every memory Chris ever had of her, not what she intended. The sneak peek for next week's season finale looks promising. We finally see a glimpse of Dr. King's powers. And, I hear that big changes are in store for George. I believe this show has serious potential, so I hope that it sticks around for a second season. Matter of fact, I demand it does. It truly has such a talented cast. Julie Benz, Michael Chiklis, Romany Malco, Kay Panabaker, Autumn Reeser, Stephen Collins, and Jimmy Bennet all bring their characters that extra something special that's required to grab your attention. So don't miss out!! Oh, and ABC? Renew the show already, and expand on something great.

Say what?

There was a time when I wondered what it must have been like to communicate before Alexander Graham Bell blessed the world with his invention, the telephone. Of course that was until I moved into these apartments. I now have complete compassion for Fred Flinstone. I've had a glimpse into the life of a caveman's struggles for silence. Bam! Bam! Stomp! Stomp! Beep Beep! (okay beep beep isn't cave man mayhem but still) My upstairs neighbors communicate via window and fire alarm. That's right. They open the hallway window and scream across to neighbors and friends, (which wouldn't be too bad if it weren't all day long) and rather then them walking downstairs to my other neighbors to say "Hey, what's up?"  They set off the fire alarm in the hallway which is apparently code for "I'm too lazy to walk down and knock". So, when I open my door to make sure someone hasn't been playing with matches they just smile and say "Oh, I was just trying to get someone's attention". While I'm thinking I wish I had Bam Bam's club so I could break out a little cave woman on their ignorance. The crazy thing is they have cell phones. When do they use them? While they are outside in the parking lot blaring the car stereo, that's when it's gratifying enough for them to throw caution to the wind and dial a number.