Kathy Griffin!

Sunday was the day of our double date. Me, John, Lauren, and her BF. They were kind enough to pick us up at our house (since we live close to downtown) and drive us.

Before our show at 9:30 we went to Moses Roses Hideout. 

Sunday was super cold and rainy. So for Texas that means it was like 40 degrees...and rainy. The bar was pretty empty. We had a few drinks, a few shots, and then walked to the Majestic. 

Lauren had gotten us some really good seats. But then it got even more amazing because....

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Which meant that they had to fill up any seats that were empty. And we got picked to move up!!!

We ended up in the 6th row! It was totally amazing.

As you can imagine, Kathy Griffin was totally hilarious, completely irreverent, and made fun of everyone.

Be on the lookout for her special and if you see me laughing let me know!

I am a Sagittarius

Depending on what Zodiac you follow, today (or tomorrow) is the first day of Sagittarius.


Sagittarius is a fire sign and is depicted as a centaur with a bow.

Which all things considered is a pretty badass way to be represented.

Centaurs were the smartypants in Roman mythology so I can totally get behind having them as my sign. They represent philosophical thinking, clear thinking and focusing on the big picture.

Sagittarians are curious for information and love learning to better shape their idea of their world.
We, apparently, need a lot of space because doing anything for too long gets boring. (YES!) Which results in impatience and moodiness.

Because Sagittarius is a fire sign we tend to flit from thing to thing, hurriedly and never bothering to look back. This flitting thing is supposed to mean that we are athletic and full of stamina. (Hahaha. I wish I had this quality.)

We think and speak too fast and usually end up putting our feet in our mouth which can hurt other people's feelings.  (Happens all the time.) We're easily sociable (I assume unless we're angered because then I know exactly what to say to make you hurt) and love having a good time.

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter (whatever that means) who was the KING OF THE GODS (again YES!) in Roman times. We tend to be generous and just, like a good leader should. We feel lucky and like to take gambles, which may come from our blind optimism (I don't like gambling...unless it's not my money. I also don't think I'm very optimistic).

Though we love learning and teaching others, we get caught up thinking about ourselves and therefore are known to procrastinate. Things tend to come easily for us, not only because people tend to like us but also because we love to learn and retain that information. This learning must relate to our job. Sags don't feel fully satisfied in a job unless it is challenging, engaging, and forever changing (thrice YES!).


Sagittarians in looooove.

Because of our fun, friendly natures we tend to be seen as overly flirtatious and for women, probably slutty.

The whole restless thing doesn't stop with hobbies, sports, or books but apparently also applies to people. Sags love doing reckless things which also applies to love and sex. In the first half of our lives we look for people to have fun with and as soon as the other person shows more interest we feel smothered and move on. (OMG my whole life explained.) We reject love early on to continue to live freely.

But then!

Later on in life, Sags are devoted husbands, wives, and parents. And we're also awesome because we don't tend to get jealous or possessive.

The best compatibility match for a Sagittarius female? A Leo.

Score! 

Me: I'm writing about how Sagittarius and Leos go together.

John: Yeah only Leos have the ability to be with them because our egos are too big for you to hurt. 

Match made in zodiac heaven.


We also have a badass picture.

I got my information from Astrology.com & Sagittarius.com. 

November Update

It's already 21 days into November and I can hardly believe it. I feel like Halloween just finished and I have absolutely no idea where the time has gone.

I've been busy at work and with my new internship. 

Yup! I have an internship and I know I've bitched about them before but this one is actually mutually beneficial (which is exactly what an internship should be). 

I am interning at this really awesome place called SAY Si.

I'm actually the intern for the regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. It's been fun and it's just getting started. The ceremony isn't until January but I've already started working there a couple days a week.

They are a great organization and were nationally recognized as such. It's been such a pleasure to work with all the people there. They are so nice and creative!

I've also been busy at workwork. Along with my master control duties I've been editing tune-ins and promos. I have editing experience and was so excited to finally get started getting back into it. And though the editing isn't particularly creative at the moment I'm glad to be getting my fingers back into Mac action. It took me a while to re-remember all those keyboard shortcuts. 

This also makes my days go by quicker since I'm busy with multiple things to do as soon as I get in. 

I've been drinking crazy amounts of coffee to get through it all. 

This Sunday, Lauren, her BF, John, and I will be going to see Kathy Griffin at the Majestic Theater. I love Kathy. She's so irreverent and hilarious. 

We're going to the late showing so we're also going to go downtown bar hopping. 

 I need a new dress. 

Then of course there is Thanksgiving and my birthday and hopefully some Christmas decorating. Which means Christmas music!

John is going to hate me. 

This month has seriously gone by so fast I can't even believe it. And you just know that December will go by even quicker.


Anyway, I know you've just been devastated by my lack of posts but fear not! I will get back on it now that I've more-or-less got everything in order. 

Sons of Anarchy

John and I needed a new show to watch together so on the advice of a friend we started to watch Sons of Anarchy.

I was optimistic about the show. I know that many Facebook friends talk about it and like it. I know that it's supposed to be about some badass bikers but that was basically all I knew about it.

I did know, thanks to Lauren, that main character Jax played by Charlie Hunnam was supposed to be the main guy in the 50 Shades of Gray porn movie.

But then he backed out.

So, like I said I was optimistic but I have got to tell you...

I think it's a stupid show and after just IMDBing it I'm kind of surprised it's gotten six seasons.

Okay, okay, so I've only seen the first three episodes but seriously, I had a hard enough time getting through them.

First, let me say that I love anti-hero stories. I love underdog stories - the misunderstood, broody sexyman stories. Those are great. Characters like Walter White, Loki, and Dexter Morgan that have human emotions and motivations for doing what they do. I get, and love, those stories.

But Sons of Anarchy isn't that story.

In the first episode some Mexican gang rivals burn down the SoA gun house. And I'm left confused because I don't know if this is supposed to be the thing that gets me on their side. Am I supposed to feel bad for the biker gang? Am I supposed to be pissed that their illegal gun operation blows up in flames? Am I supposed to hate the Mexican "bad" guys but love these badboys?

I didn't. And I don't.

The show is also incredibly misogynistic. In the second (or third) episode when the SoA need a favor done they call upon a lady. Not because she's intelligent or good with tools. No, they need her simply because the guy they want that favor from...yeah he wants to get into her pants. Wow. Shocker. She has a vagina and it's obviously the only good she's for.

And instead of being insanely pissed, embarrassed, or offended she's like Ew, really? You want me to do that guy? Haha. 

But hey! She doesn't mind (and I quote) "I'll do him if you do me." This she says to Jax who everyone knows is the sexiest, manslut on the face of the planet and is obviously every girl's fantasy.

Fuck.that.shit. 



To me, the entire show comes off as men being men. And not in any way you'd want your son to emulate.


These are grown ass adults. They are (supposedly) men. Some have families, some don't, but whatever. They are supposed to be fully aware of their actions. But instead they are stupid, barbarous, teenage boys who act on their first impulse without thinking more than two seconds in the future.

For example, while on the road some douche cuts off Jax. That would make anyone angry, sure. You could yell at him, cuss him out, honk your horn, hell, give him the finger. All of those would be acceptable adult behavior.

What's not adult behavior? Finding the guy at a gas station and completely punching his face in.

WTF.

Again I'm left wondering,  am I supposed to swoon over Jax now? Am I supposed to, like that lady, want him to bed me because he's just so manly?

I didn't. And I don't. 

The rest of the gang isn't any better. One sleeps with some illegal women who end up dead in the arson fire and the gang has to dispose of them because the guy's semen will turn up when they do the autopsy.

I'd love to have that guy on my team. He sounds like a real winner.

The only guy who stood out to me was the guy with tattoos on his head because he kind of resembles this one guy I dated. Minus the tattoos.

Anyway, the whole deal is that I just cannot relate to, or care about, these characters. These men who have absolutely no redeeming qualities are made to be the heroes of the story and I just can't stand for that.

The one and only person I felt any sort of connection to was the wife of Opie.

Opie

Opie's Wife.

Opie is the only one who has gone to jail for things he has done. The other gang members have their mugshots on the wall as pseduo-trophies but Opie was away for five years. His wife, not only waited for him, but now wants him to quit that life and live a better one.

And it's hard. They have a car payment and food to buy for their kids. But she's trying her hardest to make it work, taking extra shifts or whatever needs to be done.

When she doesn't have enough money for groceries and Jax's mother offers them to her, she declines. She wants absolutely nothing to do with them even if it means having to go without.

Opie on the hand doesn't like anything that's not easy. He wants to get back with the gang to do whatever it is he does and make some money.

I feel for this woman because she seems to be the only one who understands that even though it's easy it's not right. She doesn't want to be without him (again). She's the one who supported her children, alone, for five years while Beardy pumped iron and yet she is the one who comes off as a naggy bitch?




Another thing I cannot understand in the show is this bullshit guilt card they pull all the time called "do it for the club".

No.

I've never understood the whole brotherhood dynamic of gangs and fraternities (and sisterhood of sororities). Things like people telling me that I have to dance to Lil Wayne's "Lollipop", buy a Tiffany necklace and then throw it in the river, or sit naked on a washing machine while girls circle my jiggly bits are not, and have never been, my definition of fun, family, friendship or camaraderie.

Once again I say...fuck.that.shit.

I don't care if the "club" or whatever told me to hug strangers at random. The point of the matter is that I don't do anything I don't want to do. This whole peer pressure shit should have been done in high school.

And yet, here are men who claim to be their "family" telling them that if they don't do exactly what they tell them to do...not only will they not be a real man, but they'll also be cast out.

I have two very conflicting thoughts and I don't know which one to say first:

So much for family. 

That doesn't even make sense. 

So yeah, I guess tons of people love Sons of Anarchy because they bang bitches, make shittons of money and are manly.

They may be manly but they aren't Men.


I give it 1 out of 5 popcorn.

Extra: This was an article I found on IMDB that I think sums up my thoughts on the show perfectly.

Things I Want

So, John and I have been living in the house for a while and we more or less have gotten into the swing of things.

The weird noises at night no longer scare me but just about every morning we wake up to this weird, low, throaty moaning sound and we can't figure out where it comes from.

Anyway, because I'm nothing if not a spoiled American I have compiled a list of things I want that would make my life easier but I don't necessarily need (or can afford).


1. Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. So many programs that I watch use this thing like nobody's business. It does everything for you. You can have it mix things while you go to your fridge and get the next part ready. My mum has one and she loves it. I think everyone who has bought one loves it.

Aqua Sky

Pistachio

2. A bike. I know that cruisers aren't the best bike to ride around in since they only have one speed but they seem to be the only cute ones.

Huffy Nassau via Target. 

3. A bigger couch. The couch we have I bought less than a year ago and though we can both fit on it sitting up if we want to stretch out and get comfy one of us (usually John) ends up hanging off of it...or on the floor. I'd love if it was not leather, pleather, or any sort of sticky-in-hot, cold-in-winter material.

I would love this sectional. 

In this color. 

4. A book case. I have tons of books and every time I've moved I've left them at my parent's house because my apartments never had enough space to house them all.

Citybook. 

5. An herb garden. I think it would not only be cute but it'd give me a healthy hobby to do and I'd save some money by just going outside to grab some rosemary or whatever.

Via Ginger Snap Crafts

Rape Culture

We may all know that rape is wrong. It is a punishable offence. However, rape culture refers to the views society has towards rape and the US very much pushes a culture of sexual assault tolerance and neglect.

Though the US may not be as tolerant as some other countries, things like TV, movies, jokes, tweets, and even distasteful T-shirts further perpetuate the idea that women are objects to be used by men however they see fit.

Aspects of rape culture include victim blaming, slut shaming, sexual objectification, and trivializing sexual assaults.

America does all of these.

If you don't think that America is a rape culture then look no further than the military.

The documentary, The Invisible War, is a great and truly sad example of rape culture. This horrible epidemic of having men and women raped and having their perpetrators go free is despicable. It is disgusting. And yet, the military is doing it. They try to cover it up. They blame the women for drinking. They say things like "Oh, gee whiz golly wolly, men will be men".

But what does that say to the men and women who have to go through these horrible experiences? These are people who fight for our country, who protect our freedoms and they are having theirs taken away from the very people they were taught to trust with her life.


Another significant example that comes to mind about trivializing and even trying to ignore sexual assault crimes are colleges. Bonnie Erbe on To the Contrary recently talked about this with her panel.

They start talking about it 40 seconds in. 

They discuss how, on average, colleges received a C rating when it came to their safety procedures and handling of sexual assault crimes on campus.

Many colleges do not talk about their sex crimes on campus because it reflects badly on the school. However, because of this, a lot of people do not know that this is going on and therefore cannot take the proper precautions.


Another aspect of rape culture that is rampant in America is the way women are portrayed in the media. These images of women as nothing but objects for men's entertainment further enhance the belief that men can do whatever they want to women.

As seen on a T-shirt. 

Jokes, tweets, sexist T-shirts further perpetuate the belief that men can do whatever they want to women because our society has objectified us to the point that they do not see us as humans.

I know I've already shared this little gem with you, but it really is disgusting in content and in how recently it was made. 


We are nothing but tits and ass. This idea that we are simply sexual creatures made to please men whenever the mood strikes is one that is so dangerous and yet is the most commonly used to sell products, to get more ratings, and the one that is mostly overlooked.


Trivializing the seriousness of what rape is can also be seen as condoning it. Take for example this recent headline from Montana.

Read the full article here.

The girl was 14. 14 years old and apparently she was in control of the situation when her 40something year old adult teacher raped her. Her rapists got a whopping 30 days.


Things like this happen in America. We must talk about it. Men and women must not be afraid to talk about it. Just because it is an uncomfortable topic doesn't mean it should be ignored. The fact that so many different places and organizations are unsure of how to handle the cases and therefore cover them up should be ample evidence that it IS going on and it needs to be addressed. It is a big problem and these have to be dealt with before even more people go through these awful life-changing traumas.

We also have to be more aware as individuals. We have to go beyond what is funny for a few seconds and think of what it means for women. We have to stop blaming women who drink for getting raped. We have to stop defending men who cannot control themselves.

This rape culture mentality has to change. We cannot continue to ignore the problem. More of these crimes have be to harshly punishable. We have to talk more about these topics. We have to stop seeing rape as something normal that happens.

Bitchin' About: Mason Jars

I love Pinterest.

It is one of my favorite time wasters. But after a while you realize just how saturated some things have become in home décor that you just want to take them and smash them on the ground because no matter what anyone says they aren't snow globes, vases, or cups.


I'm talking of course, about the (un)mighty Mason Jar.


I simply don't like the look of mason jars. I don't think they look particularly cool or trendy, hip or stylish. They look like something your grandma gives you when she makes jam. Oh wait, she does, because that's what they're used for.

Mason jars came around in 1858 to preserve food. If you do the jam and the lids right then by the time the stuff cools it forms a tight, vacuum-like seal and the food is good for forever.

Apparently people who have loads of money and nothing to do with it, collect the older versions. 

  

But since vintage and cheap are in right now, there have been tons of Pinners who have found other uses for mason jars. With very little trouble (but some expense) you could have a house full of mason jar objects.

You're having a small party at your house; so you don't lose track of time why don't you look at your...mason jar clock.

You're guests have started to arrive so you serve them some mixed drinks. What better way to mix a drink than with...a mason jar cocktail shaker.

And once that drink is mixed and chilly why don't you just pour it into this fancy...mason jar glass.



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The guests are starting to get hungry though so you bring out their salad...in a mason jar.

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And of course their dessert...in a mason jar.

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But oh no! It's getting dark. Why don't you light up the room with some...mason jars.

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Your guests have had a lot to drink so when they go to the restroom why not let them see your beautiful...mason jar soap dispenser.



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And instead of that stupid plant in that stupid plastic pot why not put some nice flowers in a...mason jar vase.

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While your friends are sitting there talking, why not give them something to look at too like your...mason jar snow globe.

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Like I said, your guests have had a lot to drink so why not make their cups into...sippy mason jars. That way they won't spill anything.

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Ugh.