Anxiously Engaged

So.. it happened!  Shawn finally got his butt in gear and asked me to marry him - I'm engaged!!  Of course I have to tell everyone the story, so here it goes:

Shawn and I were able to go to the Christmas Devotional in SLC last night.  Afterwards, we walked around Temple Square and it was beautiful!  I wish I could have enjoyed it more, but not being able to feel my toes and fingers made me kind of cranky..  We walked around for at least 20 minutes before we headed back to the car.  By the time we got back to the car I was pretty crotchety because I was freezing cold.

I had to text my mother though, because apparently my father had thought that Shawn would for sure propose at Temple Square - the lights, the snow, the Christmas spirit - it was the perfect setting and very cliche.  But that did not happen so I texted her, "Guess dad was wrong."  She was sorry and then we chatted for a bit.

While she and I were chatting, Shawn had a brilliant idea:

• Shawn: "Do you mind if we take a little detour?  I want to go up to the zoo and get a better view of the city lights."
• Me: (probably answering very cranky like) "Sure.  Why not."

I did not even think about the fact that the zoo is where we went on our first date...so maybe THAT'S where it will happen.  No.  I was cold and wanted to go home.  But up to the zoo we drove.

When we finally got there though, instead of turning right into the zoo he turned left and went up the mountain some more to the "This is the Place Monument."  At that point I was even more frustrated.  It's the middle of December.  It's snowy outside.  And I cannot feel my feet.  He must have not noticed any of that though because he parked the car and made me get out.  Yes, he made me get out of the car and hike up to the monument in 6+ inches of snow.

It was beautiful, I must admit that.  So we are up there looking over the city and he turns to me, tells me he loves me, and gets down on one knee - IN THE SNOW!!!  He then asked me to marry him and of course I said yes!  Woot woot!

We were both freezing at that point and so we started penguin waddling back to the car (we were being cautious because we did not want to slip and fall down the mountain.  The cherry on top of this whole story is the fact that as we were penguin waddling back, on flat ground, through the icy parking lot, Shawn tripped over a slush ball and did a rollie-pollie roll.  I could not help but laugh at my new fiance.  That would happen!  I felt bad if that means anything, but it was just what I needed to know that this was going to be an adventure of a lifetime, and one that I could not wait for.

Of course he had to go and propose to me the same year that EFY's theme is "Anxiously Engaged!"  That kid.  What would I do without him?  It is only fitting though since that IS where we met.  Thanks, hun!  Now everyone can make memes about us.  Oh well, I can take it!  I am definitely "anxiously engaged!"

So there you have it folks.  I am engaged to the man of my dreams.  I could not be happier!!  Now, enjoy some pictures!!

 

Birthday Boy - Amric

This will be quick since I am just now getting around to saying Happy Birthday to my "little" brother.  I love and miss you, Amric!  Happy Birthday, kid!

Machew, Amric, and I

Cousin love

Dinner before the mission

Sporting our SUU!

Oh, Amric!  Remember when I was bigger than you!  You outgrew me at some point..

Prom in Omaha

I ran over Amric with this once..  My bad..

Good ol' mission prep movies

I just "happened" to run into him at the temple one day.  So we took advantage and had lunch and did a session together.  Funny how that worked out.

Just taken care of my lil bro.

I love this picture.

Young Sobczak's

Well, Amric, you are the BEST little brother a girl could ask for.  Thanks for being so great and one of my best friends.  Love you!  Hope you had the best day.  :)

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Here are my ABC's of gratitude for 2013:

A = Apryl, Austin, Amric, Anona, attorneys, air, art, apostles, apps, aunts, arms, airplanes
B = blue footed boobys, banks, brigham young university, baseball, basketball, blankets, Book of Mormon, Bible, boots, boats
C = college, candy, caffeine, cruises, calendar's, christmas, children, clothes, counsins, cars
D = daddy, dug the dog, disney, donuts, Delia, dance, dessert, Doctrine and Covenants, dog show
E = Especially for Youth, education, employment
F = Farm Credit Services of America, family, football, Facebook, feet, fall

G = grandparents, gospel, grass, genes, Gru, glass, Google, genealogy
H = Heavenly Father, hair, heat, home, hugs, hands, hiking, Hardin family
I = internet, independence, ice cream, insurance
J = Jesus Christ, Jimmy John's, job
K = kisses, kites, kindred, khakis, kitchen, kayak
L = love, lotion, llamas, legs, lollipop, lips, life

M = momma, mac, music, macey's, macy's, machew!, mustaches, makeup, money, minions, movies, marriage
N= Noyes family, Nebraska, news, nieces, nephews, nose
O = ocean, olaf, onion rings, oatmeal, object lessons, OBGYN, Olive Garden, Olympics
P = prophets, pi (3.14), pumpkin pie, pecan pie, Parker family, pajamas, plants, pictures, Pearl of Great Price, plants, parade

Q = quilts, questar, quirks
R = ren families, roses, Red Robin, radio, rafting
S = Shawn, Sean, Stephanie, sports, saunas, skiing, sunshine
T = Thanksgiving, turkey, temples, Tom Selleck, television, trucks, toys, traditions, technology
U = United States of America, uncles
V = Valley NE, Vermont
W = Washington (state)
X = xerox, x-ray, xenon
Y = yoyo, yak, Yahoo, yin yang
Z = zoo, zippers, zig zag, zip codes, zeal

anger - i feel it in my bones

I will not go into the hectic-ness of my life the last couple of weeks because I know most of you don't care and because it doesn't really matter.  Here is a quick summary of my week last week:

• four exams
• three papers
• a group project
• an exam to study for for this week
• yadda, yadda, yadda

Like I said - I know you don't care; I just wanted to whine about it one more time.

Anyway, I feel like I completely lost it today - maybe it was last night, or the night before...  Regardless of everything, my absolute final breaking point was today in my Marital Relations class - my group project.  I am just going to vent for a bit.

I HATE GROUP PROJECTS!

There.  Glad I got that off my chest.  But in all seriousness, I do not like them.  Granted, I did volunteer to assemble to PowerPoint Presentation - but my partner did absolutely nothing. NOTHING.  Scratch that, here is what she did:

• not attend class until the day of our presentation
• show up an hour and a half late to the meeting she and I had before our presentation, just to go over the final product
• oh yeah, and then she only had "a few minutes to spare"
• my comment: "gag me!"
• she decided to not show up to class on time today
• she was ten minutes late
• do you know who I am and that I freak out about things like that?
• bring cookies that she "made" herself (no, she went to Macey's, bought cookies, and threw them in a bag and claimed them as her own)
• she commented on literally one slide, which is equivalent to two minutes of our 25 minute presentation

Keep those things in mind.  The icing on the cake was not her fault (those were just stressers).  I was so confident in myself and my ability to assemble a presentation.  I was so proud of myself that I embedded my videos rather than switching the screen between my presentation and YouTube.  The presentation had started, I was on a roll, totally in control, and rocking it.  I was so organized and had my thoughts together - and then it happened.  I got to my third slide and I found that the videos would not play.  None of my videos played.  I was forced to switch my screen to YouTube, and therefore we had to watch the crazy Lady Gaga commercials (not what I was going for).  This is how I felt:

I was angry with myself.  I was angry that my partner had no idea what was going on.  I was angry because I looked like a fool.  There were lots of things.  And if you know me at all, you can imagine that the little girl pictured above was indeed how I felt.  However, I could not express those emotions.  I had to bottle those feelings up and find a way to just get through this presentation (without any help from my partner).  Thankfully we got through.  I was confident in my ability to get an "A" going into that, but leaving I know I most likely am in the "B" or "C" range.  

Thanks a lot.  See - it does not matter how much effort or work I put into something, I am just a "satisfactory" student who barely passes.  But hey!  I am here at BYU - suck on that!  (sorry, I had to find some kind of goodness in this day/week/semester).

But I have to thank my wonderful boyfriend Shawn for putting up with me and for taking me out to dinner tonight - yay for Cafe Rio!  There is a light at the end of the tunnel.  It's called...FOOD!

Birthday Girl

Everyone claims that they have the best sister.  However, I have some evidence about why mine tops all of them - and here they are:

1. She makes delicious food.  Take these cupcakes for instance.  We were celebrating St. Patrick's Day and she made GREEN cupcakes. Yum city!

2.  She makes faces like this - such a "Sobczak" thing to do!

3. She lets her kids help in the kitchen.  I know that this is an irritant to some, but not to my sister!  She goes out of her way to include her kids and make sure that they are having fun!

4. She is almost as wonderful as my mother.  I know she will be one day.  She is such an example to me what a loving daughter and mother should be.  I thank her for that. 

5. This kid.

6.  This pose.

7. This face.

Point: she taught him to be awesome, like her.

8 and 9. Her other two children.

Point: She has the most wonderful kids an aunt could ask for.  And she lets me pamper them and run them ragged.  She loves them!!

10. She loves her siblings too.  Can't go wrong with that.

11. She likes the color green (note all of her shirts thus far...)

12. She lets me post old pictures, take this picture to the right for example.

13. She is one of the most supportive people I know.  I admire that so much!

14. She taught me to be awesome:

"I AM AYRIS, AND I AM AWESOME!"

Of I could say right back to her now:

"YOU ARE APRYL, AND YOU ARE THE BEST SISTER EVER!"

Point: she inspires me to be better and to do better.

15. Last, but certainly not least, she is the best friend a sister/girl could ask for.  She lets me vent when I need to.  She gives me advice.  She is concerned about me.  She wants to know what's happening in my life.  She loves me for me.  She makes sure I am checked on and taken care of.  I know that I can turn to her an anytime for anything and she will be there. Always has been and always will be - thanks, sis!

There you have it folks.  Obviously there are more reasons than the ones listed, but these are what came to mind today as I've been thinking about her.  So, thank you, Apryl, for being the best sister out there.  You are the greatest!!  Keep up the hard work - YOU CAN DO IT!  I sure love you.  And miss you.  Hugs to you on this you birthday.

Love, Ayris Joan (can we count this as my birthday card for you...?)

Veterans Day

Today is a holiday, as many of you know.  But I feel like BYU has forgotten that today is Veterans Day.  I was discussing this with my mother last night, and she reminded me of a time when she kept me home from elementary school because it was Veterans Day.  The school called and asked where I was.  She explained to them that it was a federal holiday, so she kept me home.  Needless to say, they were not happy; also, BYU is the only other school I know that makes you go to school (and work) on Veterans Day.  Here are some reasons as to why I should not have to be on campus today:

1. Banks are closed
2. Mail will not be delivered
3. Federal offices are closed
4. We should be honoring Veterans
5. IT'S A HOLIDAY!

Are those good enough reasons?  If not, maybe this will change your mind - President Dwight D. Eisenhower said the following in regards to Veterans Day:

"...it is well for us to pause, to acknowledge our debt to those who paid so large a share of freedom's price.  As we stand here in grateful remembrance of the veterans' contributions we renew our conviction of individual responsibility to live in ways that support the eternal truths upon which our Nation is founded, and from which flows all its strength and all its greatness."

One last thought for good measure.  When proclaiming this a holiday in  1919, President Woodrow Wilson said this:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

There you have it folks.  Veterans Day is a holiday.  And we should be spending our time remembering that, the people who have fought and died for this country, and for this land we live in.  Thanks a million veterans!

Say "no" to BYU Police.

Do you want to know my feelings on the BYU Police?  Well, here you go:

I don't like them.  Not one bit.  I could leave it at that, or I can explain myself.  I will use just one story, from today.

I work in the Conference Center on campus.  Today we had a work party and I was asked to bring food.  Because it is a 15 minute walk from my apartment, and because I was carrying food, I decided to drive.  This is rare first of all.  And second of all, when I got to work there were no open "Y Lot" spots (student parking).  Knowing that I work in the Conference Center, seeing that there are open Conference Center parking spots open, and realizing that I've parked there many times before and have never been cited, I decided to park there.

Bad idea.

After work, I went to my car and had a $50 parking citation.  Are you kidding me?  This is how I felt on the inside:

So now I have an important decision to make:

1. Appeal it
2. Pay the reduced amount of $35
3. Appeal it, not get that approved, and pay whatever amount they set

Thoughts anyone?

What are friends for?

You could say that we care quite a bit about one another at work - we are deeply concerned for one another's eternal salvation.  This leads to some interesting dating stories and lots of relationship advice (we all have our opinion on matters, but just want to help!).

Anyway, yesterday Jesse came into the office bragging about how he had two tickets to the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts celebration at the Conference Center in SLC.  He didn't need them because he was performing with the drumline (He's kind of a big deal).  Unfortunately, no one wanted them.  Which is where the real story begins.

We veered away from the tickets and his performing, and inquired as to how his date went over the weekend.  He said it went well, but that he didn't think it would work since she lives in SLC.  And we blew up - a 40 minute drive is not the big of a deal, especially if you like the person!

We then asked if he had asked this girl to go to the performance at the Conference Center (he does have two tickets, remember), and he simply said, "No."  Again, we blew up.  He is going to be in Salt Lake where the girl he likes lives, why not take full advantage of that.  He kept coming up with excuses like not having a ride back with the drumline, how he would have to take the FrontRunner back, and it would just be so late.  Boo hoo.


Here is a short version of mine and Jesse's conversation:

Ayris:  "Jesse, I will pay for your trax ride back AND pick you up at the FrontRunner station - even if it is 2 o'clock in the morning!  Call her and ask!"

Jesse:  "Ayris, I can't take your money.  And I can't ask you to pick me up."

Ayris:  "I'm not kidding.  Here is $10.  Call her.  Then let me know when you get back and I will come get you - even if it's 2 o'clock in the morning!"


He reluctantly took my money (and then put it back in my coat pocket when I wasn't looking) and we all pitched in on how he should ask her.  We decided that he needed to send her a text simply saying when she had a free minute to let him know because he had a question for her.  It took a while to create the "perfect" message, but we all worked together and accomplished the goal - and the message was sent!

Not five minutes went by before she texted back, "I am free until 1. Whats up!"  That is a girl who is excited for whatever question Jesse was going to ask.  So Jesse called her, turns out she had something to do during the performance but came back with, "But we could do something after."

Mission accomplished.

In all honesty, with everything that was going on yesterday I kind of forgot that I said I would go get him..  And when Jesse texted me at 10:50pm saying that the next FrontRunner didn't leave until 11:50pm, I knew that karma had come back to bite me in the butt.  Leaving Salt Lake at 11:50 would put him back in Provo at about 1 o'clock in the morning - woot!

Obviously I went to go get the kid.  I may have been half asleep, which probably didn't make for safe driving, but oh well!  I said I would and I am a woman of my word - even at 1 o'clock in the morning!

He was half asleep too, but from what it sounds like (and from what I can remember) the date went well.  One does not simply say, "I guess I need to get back to Salt Lake soon," if the date did not go well.  Yeah, Jesse Wertz!

We are rooting for this to go well.  And if he ever needs me to pick him up again (even at 1 o'clock in the morning) you bet I will!  I love this kid and will support his relationship pursuits - especially with this girl!  Give me a call whenever you need a ride, Jesse; I got your back!


Also, for anyone who is interested, here is the FrontRunner schedule (I wouldn't want you all to get back at ridiculous hours on school nights and ask me for a ride):

#notimpressed

I was so excited when I walked into my Geography class today, and that never happens.  I was grateful to find out that my professor was out of town and so his TA was going to teach.  Not only was she teaching, she wanted to get through the material as quickly as possible so that we could leave early.  My day was off to a GREAT start.

However, things progressively got worse.

We were discussing Folk Culture versus Popular Culture and how diffusion effects both.  For an example of diffusion in pop culture, my TA showed us the following video (which happened to come out while she was on her mission, and is now a big deal):

Serious?  You think that this is going to help me remember diffusion in pop culture?  Absolutely not.  I was slowly becoming disappointed that my professor was gone.

The next video she showed us left me speechless.  She was explaining that this is going to be the next Psy:

All I could think was, "Is this seriously happening?"  Why is this appropriate for class?  And all she could say was, "Alright, this gets a little PG-13 - so don't turn me in!"  Wow.  This was coming from the TA of the professor that will turn you in to the Honor Code Office for suspected cheating (which results in you failing the class).  Needless to say, I found myself basically running out of class when we finished.

Wow, fantastic baby.

The only thing I was grateful for at that point was that class ended 20 minutes early.  Other than that, my professor will be welcomed back by me.  I await his return in class Monday.  Until then, I have these ridiculous songs stuck in my head, and this is how I feel (in general, but mostly about my TA):

Time, Priorities, and Saying NO!

Time for another entry.

Three things have come to my attention:
(1) I waste a lot of valuable time
(2) My priorities may not be in the right order
(3) I have a problem saying NO

Time is of the essence.  I have been trying to evaluate where my time is spent, and here is what I have come up with:

Can you see where things may be unbalanced or misplaced?  Good, better, best.  Can you see where I place my time?  I guess this goes along nicely with my second point as well.  I have been blessed with a great family, a wonderful job, loyal friends, a time-consuming calling, and those are all awesome and I am so thankful.  I really am.  But as this graph shows, I am not actually showing my Heavenly Father that I am thankful.  I am not focusing on the things that matter most.  (Not that work and "boy" are not important).  I need to trust in the Lord more; trust that he has a plan and knows what is going on; trust that my "plan" is not the best; trust that if I put the best things right now first, everything else (family, boy, sleep, leisure, etc.) will fall into place as it should.

And maybe it would help if I learned to say "NO" once in a while.  Honestly, I think saying yes shows dependability and builds trust.  However, it seems to be more of a weakness for me than that of a strength.  I never really want to say no (for various reasons), but when I know I should say no I can't seem to.  Sometimes in life though, it is time to say no, to put your foot down, stand up for yourself, say "I'm in control, not you," but also to show strength.  There is strength in saying no, I think.  I really shouldn't be blogging about this because it is a personal thing, but tonight I just needed to get that out there.  Say no, Ayris.  You can do it.  I know you love people and want relationships and friendships and all, but say no. No more.  

Anyway, my whole point in this was to get my head back on straight.  Not that I want to say no to anything right now, but mainly because I have my head on backwards in a way.  I try to take things into my own hands sometimes, and it never ends up how I want it to or how I think it should.  You think I would have learned my lesson by now, right?  "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results."  I guess that's what I will say "NO" to - no to doing the same thing I have done my entire life.  I want different results in all aspects of my life!

Today was a wonderful day, one of the best days I have had in a long time - I definitely needed it and was very grateful to have had such a wonderful say (thank you!).  But it is time to get my head out of my butt, address that my life is moving forward without me, and make some minor adjustments.  Keep on keeping on.  Trust in the Lord  - He does know what He is doing.  I need to have stronger faith.  But let's be honest here...

My struggle is myself.  I have become my own worst enemy.  But "NO MORE."  Here is to another wonderful day tomorrow, and it will be a great day tomorrow - I know it!  Attitude is everything, right?

Onward and Upward

Since "The Walking Dead" has ended for a time, I have slacked on my blogging.  That must say something about how exciting my life is - or isn't.

However, life should be picking up for me now since I have been called as the Relief Society President in my singles ward.  What?!  Who would have seen that one coming?  I must admit though - I am more excited than I am nervous or anxious.

This calling has made me realize a few things:
1. I am kind of self-centered
I know we all can be at times, and maybe I am just being hard on myself, but I do feel kind of selfish.  I don't always know how to serve, be a friend, or make conversation - but I have a genuine love for people.  I want to be a friend.  I want to be someone people look up to.  I want to do well in my calling.  I want to lovingly serve those around me.  The trick now is to actually put my love for others into action.  Obviously it is not something that can be altered over night, but I do know that I cannot "run away" from my problems.  The only way I can be successful in this calling and in life is to get lost in the service of others, not dwelling on the problems of my personal life; the Lord has his hand in my life and will guide me along my path if I am doing my part.

2. I love to be in the "know"
Who doesn't like knowing what is going on?  The thing is, I get to know before everyone - which allows me to talk it up, plan it, and have a say in everything.  And trust me, my opinion (especially right now) matters a lot.  Ok, maybe it doesn't matter, but I definitely have my work cut out for me.  Just be prepared for some awesome activities...and callings.  Woot!

3. I like to be put to work and get things done
My parents have taught me many great things, but the quality they taught me that I am most grateful for (today anyway) is that of work.  I love to be given tasks or projects, anything that will keep me busy.  I like to get things done and do them with the highest quality possible.  Work is essential in life, and I am so grateful for my parents showing me its importance and for their good examples of work.  Trust me, I have my work cut out for me in this calling - sweet sauce!

4. I have zero girlfriends
So..  When Bishop interviewed me and gave me a list of girls and said, "I need names by Friday for your Presidency," I have to admit, I didn't really know anyone..  Sure I recognized the names, but if you lined the girls in my ward up and asked me to tell you who they were, I may have only really known 50%.  Anyway, my point is this: I need to quit hanging up with just the guys (plus it's not getting me anywhere - meaning guys suffer from "commitment issues" and just want to "hang out").  Now those aren't bad qualities, I suffer from commitment issues of my own and who doesn't like hanging out?  I am just at a place in my life where I want more than that.  That has absolutely nothing to do with my point.  I have no girlfriends.  I am just one of the guys - I always have been, and that is a comfortable situation for me.  But this is a calling that requires me to get OUT of my comfort zone and do something more with my life.  So girls, be prepared!

So there you have it.  I am the new Relief Society President.  Here I go, embarking on a new journey in life.  Wish me luck.  The Lord is on my side, He is on all of ours - I know that!  Trust.  Open up.  Step into the darkness.  Do something new for once!

As my father would say, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results."  I want new results.  I want to be a good leader, friend, and example.  This is a new and improved time and season for me.  Here I go!  Press forward in Christ and all will be well.

The Walking Dead: Welcome to the Tombs

This week on The Walking Dead:

 

Finally - the season finale!  Too bad I missed half of it...

 

I can say this from what I watched: there was some friggin intense crazy shinanigans going on!  The Governor tortured his right hand man Mitlon, then he turned into a zombie.  Milton was then locked into the torture chamber with Andrea, who was handcuffed (remember how Milton is a walker now?)  Yeah.  So.  Here is what went down.

 

Milton stays against the wall, protecting Andrea as long as he can.  There happens to be a wrench (or some tool) and so Andrea reaches back with her legs to get it and release herself.  And she does it!  Unfortunately, it wasn't fast enough.  There was some hands on combat between her and Milton and Milton bit her.  She is doomed now - and she was the one who wanted to save everyone!!

 

By the time Rick, Michonne, and Daryl get there to save the day, Andrea is done for.  She asks for Rick's gun and shoots herself.  Michonne was nice enough to stay with her (?)  How sad is that?  Why are all of the major characters dying?

 

Oh!  I almost forgot!  Kill Shot Carl is a crazy person.  He shot a kid point blank, no reason at all.  And then he was all butt hurt about his dad bringing people from Woodbury to the prison.  Rick was just saving them!  What's the big deal?!

 

I honestly don't know where The Governor ended up.  But it seems like they left this season pretty open ended - so anything could happen!

 

Now we wat.  Until Fall - Blogging Dead Out!

 

 

 



Somebody's Hero



Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear momma! Happy birthday to you!

I just wanted say a public "Happy Birthday" to my wonderful mother.  Words cannot explain how grateful I am for my mom and for all she has done, and still does, for me.  I would be lost without her.  This song says it simply for me.  Thank you, mom.  Know you are loved!  I hope your birthday is a ball (of course it won't be as much fun without me there with you - *wink, wink*!!)  Enjoy this song and video, momma.

 

She's never pulled anyone from a burning building
She's never rocked Central Park to a half a million fans, screaming out her name
She's never hit a shot to win the game
She's never left her footprints on the moon
She's never made a solo hot air balloon ride, around the world,
No, she's just your everyday average girl (but)

She's somebody's hero
A hero to her baby with a skinned up knee
A little kiss is all she needs
The keeper of the cheerios
The voice that brings Snow White to life
Bedtime stories every night
And that smile lets her know
She's somebody's hero

She didn't get a check every week like a nine-to fiver
But she's been a waiter, and a cook and a taxi driver
For twenty years, there at home, until the day her girl was grown
Giving all her love to her was her life's ambition
But now her baby's movin' on, and she'll soon be missin' her
But not today, those are tears of joy runnin' down her face

She's somebody's hero
A hero to her daughter in her wedding dress
She gave her wings to leave the nest
It hurts to let her baby go down the aisle she walks right by
Looks back into her mother's eyes
And that smile lets her know
She's somebody's hero

Thirty years have flown right past
Her daughters' starin' at all the photographs
Of her mother, and she wishes she could be like that
Oh, but she already is

She's somebody's hero
A hero to her mother in a rockin' chair
She runs a brush through her silver hair
The envy of the nursing home
She drops by every afternoon
Feeds her mama with a spoon
And that smile lets her know
Her mother's smile lets her know
She's somebody's hero

The Walking Dead: This Sorrowful Life

This Week on the Walking Dead:

It has taken me all day to write this blog, (1) because it has been the LONGEST day ever and (2) yesterday's episode was pretty sad.

Merle tried playing hero last night - and for being the racist redneck that he is, he did a pretty fantastic job.  Long story short, Merle captured Michonne because he was going to take her to The Governor.  Somewhere along the drive though, he cut her loose and sent her on her way back to the prison; he had to deal with The Governor on his own.  He was a genius!  For once in my life I was rooting for Merle!

He drank away his sorrows for a bit, blasted some awesome rock music to reel in some walkers, and lead them directly to The Governor and his people.  Merle took down 8 of The Governor's men!  Too bad Ben (or whatever that kid's name was) got in the way; Merle almost took down The Governor as well.  Unfortunately, The Governor caught Merle in his attack and took him down.

Here is where it gets really sad...

 The Governor bit off two of Merle's fingers (yes, he bit them off - crazy man!)  Then he was shot dead.  And he was turned into a walker.  This is the really sad part - Daryl went to go help his brother and saw that he was too late.  What does he have to do of course?  Kill him.  He had to kill his own brother!

Sad day.  It brought a tear to my eye.  What on earth does the season finale have in store next week?!

RIP Merle Dixon

The Walking Dead: Prey

This week on the Walking Dead:

So.. it was kind of a slow episode, but I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.  The Governor (whose name is Philip I found out) is a freaking nut job.  At least Andrea gets it - and she tried to warn everyone too!  Can't she just leave and go back to her people?  No!  Because The Governor is a freaky man who had to chase her down and corner her in some creepy warehouse where she had to sick the walkers on him - and he still didn't die!!  She was almost to the prison when The Governor snuck up on her and took her back to Woodbury where she is being held captive - and no one knows!!  She can't die!  He is totally going to torture her, but she can't die!  The Governor is definitely not happy that Andrea tried leaving, but is he more upset that his new right hand man Milton turned his back on him?  Milton burned all of the walkers, told Andrea about The Governor's plan to torture Michonne, and then told her to leave and not come back.  Drama in Woodbury!  And there are only 2 episodes left - what is going to happen?!

Add this to your "Zombie Apocalypse Kit":

Pantyhose.  Why?  Because they are good for the following - who knew??:

- water purification/filter

- layer for warmth

- a belt

- separating things/storage

The Blogging Dead: Arrow on the Doorpost

This week on "The Walking Dead"

This week was kind of a slow episode, especially when compared to last week.  Basically The Governor and Rick had a meeting in which they drank and told sob stories.

So here is the break down of their meeting:

• Hershel, Daryl, and Rick show up to the meeting place - thinking they are all on top of things and ahead of the game (little did they know, The Governor had already been there!)
• The Governor tries to look like the calm one, "disarming himself'" - nice idea!  Since he had already been there, he strategically taped a gun to the inside of the table.
• Then Andrea, Milton, and some other dude show up - but after The Governor, what?!  So of course Andrea has to go barging in on the meeting.
• Rick has a plan, The Governor doesn't like the plan.  Andrea wants to help, but gets kicked out.  And then The Governor breaks out the whiskey.

Meanwhile, back at the prison...

• Merle wants to leave and help his brother.  So he loads up some guns but is "stopped" by Glenn.  They get in a fight and Beth breaks it up by shooting her gun (don't waste the ammo!)
• SEX SCENE - Glenn and Maggie; really romantic with the zombies and all.
• Merle tries to convince Michonne to go with him and save the day.  But she doesn't - PHEW!

Now, back to the meeting...

• The Governor and Rick are now sharing sob stories about losing loved ones during the apocalypse - hello! who hasn't lost someone?
• Zombie killing rampage.  Daryl, random guy, and Andrea save the day.  Daryl and random guy bond for a bit over a cigarette. 
• Obviously getting Rick drunk wasn't working, so The Governor pulls "the eye" routine and demands the Rick give up Michonne (seeing that she is the one who stabbed him in the face and all.)  

Meeting adjourned!  They never did come to a real agreement; they both have ulterior motives so all hell is going to break loose at some point.  But rick returned and only told the prison people his plan, not The Governor's demands.  Except Rick did tell Hershel - he can trust him, he is a good guy!  The Governor though has a completely different plan, which he happened to share with his right hand man Milton (FUN FACT:  Milton is Alicia's gay brother on "The Good Wife").  Pretty much there is going to be a massacre and Milton doesn't agree!

Will Milton side with Andrea?  Will Andrea choose to side with Rick?  Can Andrea convince the people of Woodbury that The Governor is a sociopath?  Will Rick give up Michonne?

-                                       

The Blogging Dead: "Clear"

This week on "The Walking Dead"

My mind is BLOWN!  This was a majorly intense episode, I almost teared up.  Rick, Michonne, and Carl returned to Rick's hometown.  They were on a quest for artillery, but their adventure was interrupted by the return of Morgan!  Who was expecting that twist?  The last time we saw Morgan was the pilot episode (like I know the real significance of this..)  

But for serious - Morgan showed up unexpectedly, masked and pointing a sniper rifle at the crew, Michonne tried to play hero by climbing up on top of the building he was on (faster than I can blink, what?) to slice him with her machete, but in the end Kill Shot Carl guns him down (but don't worry, Morgan had a vest on so he didn't die).  Once gunned down Rick unmasked the man to find that it was Morgan, so he had to stay and help him.

As soon as they all get Morgan inside, Rick wants to stay and wait for him to regain consciousness and Carl wants to take a little field trip - meaning get a crib and a picture of his mom (for his baby sister of course.)  But Rick did not want Carl going off alone, so he sent Michonne along.  Why though?  I thought Rick wanted to use this time to "get inside her head," but he just sends her off with his son to get a crib and a picture, oh, and some random rainbow giraffe?  I guess it was good though, because Michonne proved her loyalty to the group and showed how awesome she is - power to the woman, I kind of want to be her.  

Rick of course waits for Morgan to wake up, and when he does BAM!  He stabs Rick, stabs him!  What the freak is going on?  Morgan is crazy - then again, he did lose his wife and son (something about them turning into zombies?) and he is all alone in this town.  Since Rick is the man and all, being stabbed in the shoulder didn't really affect him.  Morgan finally realizes that it is Rick (not some zombie with Rick's face)  but blames Rick for what has happened.  

Poll: Is it Rick's fault that Morgan has gone crazy?

Anyway, Morgan doesn't want to go back with the crew, so Rick, Carl, and Michonne return to the prison with the artillery they came for.  Did I mention that the show started with a guy running down the middle of the road wanting help?  Yeah, they drove by and didn't help him - you can't trust anyone in a zombie apocalypse!  On their way back, the guy was dead, killed by zombies.  But the random traveler had a perfectly good backpack that the crew couldn't just leave in the middle of the road, so they picked it up.  They were just using their resources, right?

Go watch this episode!  I must say, I am way more into this than I thought I would be.  It is intense!  Go. Partake.  Enjoy.  Trust me.  Good thing we aren't in a zombie apocalypse yet - you can still trust me AND my "mad Michonne skills" haven't come out yet - but be prepared!

Zombie Survival Tip

The Rule of 3:

1. You are dead in 3 minutes without air

2. You are dead in 3 hours without shelter

3. You are dead in 3 days without water

4. You are dead in 3 weeks without food

            

Zombie Apocalypse

I have found a new past-time: "The Walking Dead," Sunday nights at 10pm on AMC.  It is oddly interesting, although I don't care so much for the smashing in of the zombie heads (too much blood and gore for me).  But still, it is entertaining.  It is not the most "Sunday appropriate" show, but hater's can hate all they want.

Here are some things I have learned:

1. Rick - he is the man, but going crazy seeing his dead wife and all

2. Daryl - I think he is going to be the new "man," but he is friggin intense

3. Lori - dead wife (she isn't really on the show anymore)

4. Andrea - sleeps with the "bad guys," AKA, she has terrible taste in men; oh! and she may have had a thing with Michonne? I don't really know if that's right..

5. Carl - "Kill Shot" Carl, enough said; Rick's son; killed his mom

6. The Governor - he is missing an eye, sleeping with Andrea, BAD GUY

7. Merle - this dude is the most racist redneck, I really don't like him

8. Hershel - he is just a good guy!!; he's a vet (not a war vet, but an animal vet); missing a leg (he was bit by a zombie so Rick had to cut it off); I hope he never dies!

9. Walkers - AKA, zombies; they can only die by being shot or stabbed in the head

10. Don't get bitten by a zombie!

Also, for Zombie Survival:

• The first thing you need to do when a Zombie Apocalypse happens (because it will!) is clog the drains and fill them with water
• Condoms are also a resource you can use for holding water - they can hold up to 2 gallons!  Craziness!
• Load up on Maxi Pads, they are perfect for dressing wounds (absorbing blood - duh?!) and you can even use them for shoe inserts for extra foot support.
• Dental floss can be sued to stitch up wounds and braided together it makes durable fish line - say what?!

See, now you all are ready to jump on "The Walking Dead" band wagon with me!  Plus, the show has to be good since there is a a show on after ("The Talking Dead") dedicated to in-depth discussion and analysis of the episode that was just on.  AND they recap all the walkers that died in the show (like we somehow forgot how they died).  I still need to catch up on the first two seasons so I can really know what's going on - anyone care to join me?!