Namaste

Well, it happened. Lost ended. And yet, somehow life has gone on. Who knew? The series finale wasn't anything I expected it to be. It didn't answer any of my questions! But after letting it all sink in, I'd have to say that I liked it. And now we can spend the rest of our lives debating the mysteries of Lost.

Now that it's over, I thought it'd be appropriate to do a retrospective and remember my favorite things about Lost. So, without further ado...

Favorite moment: in season one, when Sawyer, Michael, Jin, and Walt are on the raft and Sawyer starts singing "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley. Since redemption is one of the major themes of Lost, this scene has often sprung to mind throughout the series. It was also a nice scene because the four of them were feeling hopeful that they were going to get home (suckers).

Second favorite moment: the end of the episode "Tabula Rasa" when they're all broken and beaten down - emotionally as well as physically- after the plane crash (this is very early in season one) and the song "Wash Away" by Joe Purdy is played. The look on Sawyer's face when Sayid throws him the apple...so sad. Season one was amazing. Here's that scene:



Favorite character: hands down, the Smoke Monster. There are so many unanswered questions about Smokey but I just loved him. My heart raced with excitement whenever we heard that howl and clicky sound that indicated that the arrival of the Smoke Monster was eminent. If Smokey doesn't win an Emmy, there is truly no justice in this world.

Second favorite character: John Locke. I missed him a lot when he died. Smokey in the form of John Locke just wasn't the same. That's a weird sentence.

Hottest character: Sawyer. Duh. But you know I had a thing for Keamy too. Let' s be honest, everyone on the island was hot.

Who I'd like to be stranded on the island with: Probably Jack. I couldn't stand him for the first few seasons ("I didn't choose to be your leader! You made me your leader!" Ugh. What a martyr.) but he was awesome this season. John and Desmond would be the runners up. I'm talking about pure survival and good company here, people - get your minds out of the gutter!

Most shocking moment: When Libby and Ana Lucia were killed. My mind was blown.

Favorite episode: "The Constant." "If anything goes wrong, Desmond Hume will be my constant." The reason this episode is my favorite is because of the ending. Desmond and Penny's phone call was one of my favorite moments ever on t.v. Here's a link (click). It's impossible for me to watch this scene without getting choked up.

Most enigmatic character: This is a tough one. Either Jacob or Ben. What do you think?

Anyway, I think that's enough. I could go on and on but I'll leave it at those categories. Who are your nominees? And what did you think of the series finale?

Namaste.

Friday Thoughts

No, I haven't just decided to name every post "----day Thoughts." But I'm in the mood today to do a Wednesday Thoughts like post so I thought the title fit. Ready for some random thoughts? Here we go!

My taste in music is constantly making me question who I am. I feel like I know who I am and what about then, wham! I like a song sung by a 16 year old baby faced man-child (and by man-child I mean child). Yeah, I'm talking about The Biebs. AKA, Justin Bieber. I'm not proud of this. In fact, I'm only listening to super hip music today to cleanse my palette. Cleanse it so I can listen to that Justin Bieber song again. Who am I kidding?

I'm getting together with some friends tonight for karaoke. Do you guys like karaoke? What do you like about it? I can not do karaoke. I had a really bad experience with it once - an experience that almost broke me. Let's just say it involved a group date and a Dixie Chick song. It's become one of my most horrifying memories. What are you supposed to do during those music breaks? Dance? Gyrate? It's too much. But it's sure fun to watch...

Don't you hate when someone doesn't get your sense of humor? I'm training someone at work this week and he was telling me yesterday that he couldn't sleep well the night before. He said that the shorter nights make it harder for him to sleep so he tried wearing one of those satin sleep masks but it irritated him. I suggested he wear a pirate eye patch on each eye instead; that that'd probably keep the light out more. He didn't get it. I had to awkwardly say, "I'm kidding."

And lastly, it's season finale season right now. I have mixed emotions about it. I'll miss my shows but it will be nice to reclaim my life so I think I'm ok with it. I'm pretty sad about Lost ending though and nervous that the series finale won't be everything I need it to be. On top of that, I'll miss talking about Lost, which is half the fun of the show. Just the other day, my coworker Ann asked me a question about Lost (she has only seen the first season) and in response to her question, my answer was: "that was because of the split in the time space continuum." What other show requires that kind of explanation? Oh Lost, I'll miss you.

Happy Friday!

New Year's Resolutions

Some of you may remember these New Year's Resolutions I made on my blog last year. But don't feel bad if you don't remember because I didn't.

1. Don't miss an episode of Lost. Yes. Easy. Was there any doubt I could keep this one?
2. Eat at least one meal a day. It was hard, but I managed.
3. Laugh really really hard at Seinfeld reruns. Moops! (That's Seinfeld for yes)
4. Hug my nieces and nephews three times (minimum) per visit. It was hard, but I managed.
5. Use more italics in this blog. I made a concerted effort with this one, and I have to say, I succeeded.

Lost predictions

I've been reprimanded for being too serious in my blog this week and a request has been made that I make my predictions for the LOST season finale tonight. Spoiler alert: if you're behind on your Lost viewing (shame shame), don't read this.

Predictions:
*All the original gang get back together and fight the Dharma Initiative, with the help of some unexpected allies.
*Sawyer, Juliet, and Kate show up and surprise them when they need their help the most.
*Hurley will say something funny but helpful at a pivotal point.
*Sayid will shoot... let's say 5 people. No wait, 3. And he'll make a second attempt to kill Ben.
*Dr. Chang will play an important role in saving the island. He and Miles will bond and Hurley will sing "Cats in the Cradle." Miles might die after he and his dad finally bond. You know, LOST style.
*A ghost from the past will make an appearance (Charlie? Keamy? I know, wishful thinking.)
*Rose and Bernard will join the gang and show their worth (we know they were flashing through time with Sawyer and the others initially- where did they go!? I predict when Sawyer and everyone goes to the beach, they'll find them there.)
*The Smoke Monster will show up and judge someone.
*Richard and Ben will join forces against John and co. Richard will teach Ben how to properly apply guy liner.
*There is no Jacob. No wait, the Smoke Monster is Jacob. No....Christian is Jacob. Ok, I have no idea who Jacob is.

Any other predictions?

Wednesday Thoughts

Something's happening to me. I'm not sure how old I am but I think I'm older than I thought I was. Here's the evidence:

1.) I went to the doctor yesterday (I have bronchitis) and when the nurse measured me, she said I am 5'3. 5'3!? I used to be 5'3 and three quarters. That three quarters meant a lot to me. It meant I could round up and say I was 5'4. But no longer. I lost an inch. Well, almost an inch. I asked her how it could be that I had lost that much height and she said maybe the last time they measured me I was wearing shoes. I know she was trying to comfort me, but that's just ridiculous. I've spent the last 20 hours trying to convince myself it was some kind of premature April Fool's joke, but at the same time I don't really think the 70 year old nurse was that cruel.

Evidence #2.) I said something to my grandma recently about how I can't wait to have kids someday and her response? "OR you can be a step mom to someone elses kids!" What? I have nothing against being a step mom, but I'm pretty sure I still have many childbearing years ahead of me. My grandma seems to think I've gone through "the change" already. I'm so confused. Am I older than I think I am? Do I have some kind of reverse Dorian Gray thing going on? When I look in the mirror I look my age, but everyone else sees me as old? Ok, I know that analogy has some holes, but bear with me. I'm sort of going through something here.

Time to move on. I have one more topic to cover. If you're not a Lost fan, you can skip this part. I'll understand. If you are a Lost fan and you missed last week's episode, then I should warn you, don't read on.

Ok, they're gone. So what do you guy think is going to happen with Ben!? Did Sayid really kill him as a child!? What consequences will this have on the future!? I was talking to my friend Mike B. about this a few days ago and he said to me, in the words of Doc Brown, "You're not thinking fourth dimensionally!" That's where he was wrong. I absolutely was thinking fourth dimensionally and it was blowing my mind.

But really, what are the writers going to do tonight? My guess (and I hope I'm wrong): they're going to take the easy way out and Ben won't die, he'll just be seriously injured. Jack will refuse to help him, and Juliet will have to do it. That would explain what turned Ben evil, and they won't have to alter any future events. Just a guess. It would be cool if he actually was dead (because he's pure evil) but I'd kind of miss the beady - eyed guy.

Lastly, happy April Fool's day! Has anyone seen or done any good pranks today?

Wednesday Thoughts

Today it's back to an old fashioned Wednesday thoughts. I have a few things to get off my chest. Namely...

Why do I often think I feel my phone vibrating in my coat pocket when it's not vibrating? And don't tell me it's a bat in my bra because I already checked. But really, what's up with the phantom vibrating?

And another thing - I heard on the radio that the White Stripes were getting back together for a special performance. Back together? Are they not together anymore? Why didn't anyone tell me? Is it just a rumor?

Ok, what's up with LOST being a rerun tonight? I thought the whole point of starting the season in January was so that we can go nonstop till May! And while I'm on the subject, where are Rose and Bernard!? I thought they were flashing through time at the same pace as the others!?

This next thing has been weighing on me. Is it betrayal for me to say that lately I've been liking 30 Rock more than The Office? I'm sorry. I know some people are going to be outraged by that. And please don't doubt my love for the Office, but lately...what with the Generalissimo and Harry and the Henderson's episodes, I've been laughing a lot more at 30 Rock. I'm so confused. Obviously this is a difficult time for me. (I really hope you know me well enough by now to know I'm kidding. Well, half kidding.)

Lastly, we have a work outting today and Justin, Ann, Kathy, and I have been debating about which is a better mode of transportation: the conference bike, or an insanely long bike. Which would you rather ride? Maybe we should just all ride Segways.

Friday Thoughts

Due to some Kix-related drama this week, I never got around to writing Wednesday Thoughts (which I suspect may be running its course). But I figure today is a good day to do some updates and some random thoughts (which is what W. Thoughts is usually for).

First and foremost, Ann suspects fraud in the voting process for the Kix poll. She's accused people of double voting on multiple computers, and suggested I demand that people who voted "yes" explain themselves. I, myself, voted yes and explained that my reasoning is that I think "kid-tested" is supposed to imply that the kids also approve. She didn't accept this.

For my Lost friends - what did you guys think of Lost this week? Also, if you haven't checked out the Lost Diary yet, you should. It's pretty funny and gives a good recap every week. I have a million and one questions for the writers of Lost, but there is one that I really, really want answered: What is the Smoke Monster and who controls it? When are they going to answer this!?

Moving on...due to the fact that one of you sent me a virus (kidding), I've had to sit at a certain skipper (who shall not be named)'s desk all morning while my computer is being de-bugged. This wouldn't be bad except that said skipper has one of these chairs:

Suffice it to say, it's been an interesting morning. I'm just trying not to pop it, as another co-worker did to his ball chair. He let his arm drop with a pencil in his hand and, POP! Hmm...come to think of it, maybe I should take all those push pins out of my pocket as a precaution.

Last thought of the morning: how old is too old to have a celebrity crush? Do you have one?

Wednesday Thoughts

Today's the day! LOST starts tonight!! Last night Amy and I got together and made a Lost cake. It's an exact replica of the Lost island (to scale). Ok, maybe not exact, but close (ok, maybe not close). The point is, it's an awesome cake. I can't post pictures of it yet because I don't want to ruin the surprise for people who are going to see it later today. But I will post pictures eventually. I can't wait for tonight! I really hope the Smoke Monster makes an appearance (cross your fingers that this is the year the Smoke Monster will finally get that Emmy)!

In other news, I just ordered my (drum roll please) Snuggie! Finally, I can find out if it lives up to all the hype! Hype which was mostly generated by me, admittedly. All I know is that I'm cold all the time and I need help getting through the winter. I can't wait for my "knight in fleecy armor" to arrive.

Question (Schrute style): is winter almost over? We're at least rounding the bend, right? Groundhog day is only 11 days away, and I really hope that groundhog has good news. Is he ever right? When did we start relying on a groundhog for important weather news?

The next holiday after Groundhog day (which I always thought was Groundhog's Day until checking out the website), is Valentine's Day. I've heard it referred to as Single Awareness Day by some of my single friends, but personally I don't mind it. I think all the reds and pinks kind of brighten up one of the darkest, coldest months of the year. What do you think?

Entertain me, box of lights!

Is it bad to say that T.V. makes me happy? Is it so wrong that when I'm having a bad day or feeling blah, knowing that one of my favorite shows is on that night lifts my spirits? Don't misjudge what I'm saying - I don't watch T.V. nonstop. I know my limits. In fact, friends will often tell me about shows they watch and love and I'll have to tell them that while I'm sure the show is really good, I just don't have any openings right now. That having been said, I do love me some good T.V.

Excluding syndicated shows and other shows that are no longer on T.V., my favorite shows (in this order) are:

Lost
Psych
The Office

I have one or two other favorite shows but they're guilty pleasure shows and won't be revealed in this blog post. Maybe if you promise you won't mock or judge, I'll tell you. (Here's a hint: one of them starts with "A" and ends with "Idol.")

Anyway, this is a big month for me and a couple of my favorite shows. That's right, new seasons of both Lost and Psych start this month. Psych is on the USA network, so it has two seasons (winter and summer) and Lost, well, Lost just does its own thing. Not having any clue when Lost is going to start every year is just one of the many mysteries this show has to offer. I know that some of you get sick of those of us who can't stop talking about Lost in anticipation of it's imminent return. Well, if you don't want us to talk about it, maybe you shouldn't bring up words that remind us of Lost! Words such as: island, boars, smoke monster, Keamy (whew... I almost lost my train of thought at the mention of Keamy...), hatch, or even just the word "lost." These are trigger words that get us Lost fans thinking about our favorite show and once we start, well, we can't stop.

This wasn't meant to be a post about Lost, so I will move on. Hard as it may be, I will move on.

You know what I love? When you ask someone if they've ever seen one of your favorite shows, and they say, "I don't really watch T.V." Ok, that in and of itself isn't bad - I mean, some people don't have a T.V. or don't have cable, or work long hours or go out with friends in the evenings. That's fine. What I love is when people end that sentence in this way: "I don't really watch T.V. (pause) I read." What do they expect me to take from that? I think I know. And I think I don't like it.

Once, while I was a missionary, I went a year and half without watching any T.V. And while I didn't miss any specific shows too much, I hope it's not bad to admit that once or twice, I did miss the catharsis of vegging out in front of the T.V. The feeling of letting your mind go blank as the programs manipulate your emotions, making you happy, then sad, then angry, then back to happy... It's so mind numbingly wonderful from time to time.

I think I've revealed too much.

What I meant to say was that I enjoy the plot twists, the engaging dialogue, and of course admiring the actor's skills. Either way, I'm looking forward to my favorite shows returning with new episodes this month. An added bonus for us Lost fans: the words "spoiler alert" will now be a regular part of our lives again. It's been too long.

We can do it. I'm pretty sure.

Hey guys! Ready for a new year? Well, ready or not, it's here. I for one am so ready to start a new year. I've already forgotten almost everything about 2008. And yes, I am making (and so far keeping - third day and I haven't given up yet!) New Year's resolutions. I know some people don't believe in making New Year's resolutions. I've heard people say it's pointless and that they never keep them, so why make them? To each his own, I suppose. But I am a believer in New Year's resolutions. Yes, I often fail at them, but I succeed at them at times too. And why not keep trying if you fail? (Isn't there an old adage about that?) If it makes you feel better, you could make new goals for yourself on a different day - like your birthday or Groundhogs day or Labor Day or something. Your choice.

Some of you might be wondering what my resolutions are. Sorry, that's private. Plus, if I tell you, you'll hold me accountable if I fail. I'll already be feeling bad enough if that happens, and I don't need you hovering over my shoulder asking, "are you suuuure you want to eat that?" Oops, that may have given away one of my resolutions. No more hints!

My birthday is coming up which actually helps me with my New Year's goals since I will also be starting a new age with the new year. I'm pretty sure this is the magic age where all women start lying about their age. Or at least, I will be. Count on it. So don't ask how old I'll be - or do ask, just don't expect an honest answer. Fair enough?

Anyway, what with the new year and a new age, I'm feeling motivated. Some of my goals are pretty lofty, and might take awhile to achieve. So I'm thinking about making a few that are easily achievable to go along with them. I think that will boost my self esteem and empower me to keep the harder ones, such as waiting for the Snuggie to get off backorder. Here's a list of these easier goals:

1. Don't miss an episode of Lost.

2. Eat at least one meal a day.

3. Laugh really really hard at Seinfeld reruns.

4. Hug my nieces and nephews three times (minimum) per visit.

5. Use more italics in this blog. So far so good.

Let me know if you think of any other fun and easy goals. Good luck with your goals! Here's to 2009, the best year ever!

4 * 8 * 15 * 16 * 23 * 42

I'm going through Lost withdrawals. One of my friends from work recently borrowed season 1 from me and we've been discussing it. She decided she's not going to go on with the series, so I felt like I could answer all of her questions without spoiling anything for her. However, it was surprising to her how many questions I still couldn't answer! (What's up with the numbers!? What is the loud blast and the smoke monster?) It made me realize (once again) that there are still a lot of things I really want answers to. I'm going to put some of my questions on here, but I have to warn you that if you don't watch Lost these are going to sound really ridiculous. My friend Kathy and I always discuss Lost at work the day after it airs, and poor Justin has to listen to us say things like, "why didn't the smoke monster kill those guys?" and "Did Ben travel through time last night?" and other such crazy sounding things. Anyway, here are some questions that they really have to answer a.s.a.p before I lose it. Maybe some of you already know the answers - it's easy to miss something on this show. If you do, please let me know.

1) Who is Richard? What organization is he part of? And why is he so good looking?
2) What is the smoke monster? And why hasn't it been nominated for an Emmy yet?
3) Where is the island (at the end of season 4)!?!?!? And what's up with time on the island in general!?
4) Where does Widmore play into everything?
5) Who/what is Dharma?
6) Why are the bad guys so hot!? (Sawyer, Keamy RIP Keamy....I'm still not over that.)
7) Who is Jacob? And when did Christian Shepherd start working for him? And for that matter, Claire!? Is Claire deceased?
8) Also, it's not that important (or is it?) but what's up with the Black Rock? How did it get where it is? And is it significant?
9) The numbers....where do I even begin with that...
10) Why did Widmore fake the discovery of flight 815 in the ocean!?

I think I'll leave it at those for now. Let me know if I forgot any.