Rules, TV, and Comfort Zones (Friday Fragments)

• New rules are hard to follow since old habits are hard to break. Today, I broke no less than five rules, but I did manage to stick to four of them, including allowing myself time to do what makes me happy (hello, blog!) and forcing myself out of the house tonight. Baby steps, I guess.
• My friend Sarabeth and I revamped (no pun intended - well, maybe a little) our True Blood Challenge blog. If you love True Blood, come check us out! We host monthly craft challenges that are True Blood themed, but we also post recaps and spoilers, as well as have giveaways, so there's something for everyone.

• Speaking of my fangtastic (wow, that was bad) fictional friends, I'm of course excited about the True Blood premiere on Sunday, but thanks to an amazingly sweet cable operator, I can now also look forward to the premiere of Weeds the following night. That show makes me laugh and cry like few others (don't pretend like the Silas-Nancy drama doesn't make you tear up, too). Since we've never allowed ourselves to splurge on Showtime, Hubby and I usually have to wait for the DVDs, but with our surprise service bonus, we are able to enjoy in real time, and we also got to watch the latest season of Dexter on demand (there's definitely something to be said for not having to wait a week between episodes). I know that TV shouldn't be the thing to make me this happy, yet it does. Part of it is because of the escape and entertainment that the shows provide; the other part of it is the fun I have watching with Hubby and talking about it the next day with my friends. TV is very much a social thing for me. Thanks to texting, I was able to watch every episode of LOST "with" my two girlfriends who live elsewhere. 

Granted, we didn't have the most insightful conversations.

• A situation came up yesterday that got Hubby and I talking about comfort zones. I did a lot of yapping about "sucking it up and doing it" when forced outside my comfort zone. Upon further reflection, though, I realized that I willingly go outside my comfort zone only when forced to do so. There are many things I'd like to do and try, but "I don't feel comfortable going because I don't know anyone" or "I don't do X well enough to be comfortable trying Y" comes out of my mouth more often than not, preventing me from experiencing what could be wonderful things. And what's the worst that could happen? It'd be terrible, and I'd never do it again, right? So add to the rules (as if I needed to add one more thing) "go outside your comfort zone more." From trying new things in the kitchen, like Amy, to taking a class I'm afraid would make me look like an idiot (Zumba, I'm looking at you!), to going to a club or organizational meeting where I know no one, I want to willingly go out of my comfort zone a few times a year. I think about all the things I've done in the past that were out of my comfort zone that ended well, and I know there are more experiences like that out there.
• In keeping with my new rule to do what works for me in terms of being more productive, I'm reinstating Set It Sunday starting this coming week. Making myself accountable in such a public way really pushed me toward accomplishing my goals. That's not to say I don't have internal motivation, but the extra shove is nice. If you have a goal - big or small - that you'd like to accomplish this week, come back by on Sunday and join me.

Whether your weekend includes goals, TV, going outside your comfort zone, or not, I hope you have a great one!

Still Alive, Still Obsessed

I'm so sorry that I made some of you pee yourselves with my Chuckie story. Okay, not really. If it makes you feel better, your comments made me almost pee myself. Now, before any of you go feeling too sorry for my MIL, it should be noted that she, herself, is quite the prankster. Exhibit A: Last December, my SIL and SSIL borrowed my MIL's car to hit the sales the day after Christmas. After cleaning out Target and Hallmark (the must-go-to stores), we decided to take a peek at Kohl's. Imagine how stoked we were to get a parking spot at the very front of the store! We made several celebratory comments, and then refocused on hunting for sales. While we were waiting on the checkout line, we called my MIL to see if she wanted to meet us for lunch. She asked where we were, and we made plans to meet in twenty minutes. Bags in hand, the three of us gals were so happy we had only a short distance to walk. All at once (the reaction was so coordinated, you would have thought that we had rehearsed it), we looked up, gasped, looked at each other, and exclaimed, "Where's the car?!" While my very-pregnant SIL freaked out about the car, my SSIL and I were freaking out about our Target and Hallmark purchases. (What? She had car insurance. My ten-dollar flannel sheet purchase was irreplaceable!) My SIL, the very smart woman that she is, decided we should call Hubby before the police - just in case someone was trying to punk us. And punk us they did. As Hubby described it, my MIL thought it would be hilarious to move the car while we were in the store. Hilarious indeed. So trust me, The Great Chuckie Reveal of 2010 was well deserved.  ;)

And now back to my regularly-scheduled gobbledygook. (Seriously, is there any better phrase?)

Parts 2, 3, and 4 of my absence (there is a part 5, but that will come later), in no particular order, included helping a friend with a project, having my mother come to visit, and getting sick. Like plague sick. Okay, maybe that's a slight hyperbole. Anyway, apparently there is this organism called a mold spore that floats in the mountain air whenever it's moist. Like when it rains. Or snows. Or is humid. So basically ALL. THE. TIME.

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Said mold spore and I do not get along. In fact, we pretty much hate each other. This year, we've had at least one knock-down, drag-out fight every month. Since I was unable to take sick time after just having taken several vacation days, the mold spore won for the month of May.

Yep, I just Photoshopped a crown onto a mold spore.

Yep, I need a life.

Anyhooo... this weekend, I was finally able to get back into all my latest obsessions (because as we all know, it's not enough for me to just like something; I have to be addicted to it):

1. There is no show more perfect for a musical-loving geek like me than Glee. Moreover, it makes me so happy. Seriously, I challenge you to be in a bad mood while Schuester is rapping like much better than Vanilla Ice or rocking out with NPH.

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I listen to all four soundtracks almost daily and usually re-watch the episodes online the morning after they've originally aired. Yes, my name is Cheryl, and I'm a Gleek.

2. My love of Glee has spawned a new obsession with the Spring Awakening soundtrack.

(Warning: lyrics in the following video are not for small ears.)

If Jonathan Groff's voice was the last I ever heard, I'd die a happy girl.

3. Speaking of cute boys, it's possible that I may have the tiniest online obsession with Ryan Lochte. As I've said before, this is entirely his fault. If he'd keep his shirt on a little more, maybe I wouldn't look so much.

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After being away from Twitter, I find one of my first thoughts to be, "OMG, it's been like an entire day since I've read Ryan Lochte's Twitter stream! Must. Check. For. New. Pictures." Before you get all judgmental and start calling me a cougar, let me just say that at least I'm not one of these women who tweet how hot he is to his face. I prefer to swoon from afar. It's slightly less creepy that way.

4. In two weeks, my affair with Eric Northman will begin again.

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I finally read the new Sookie book, and while it was admittedly not my favorite, it did get me pumped for the new season of True Blood. Right now, Hubby and I are re-watching the second season, and I've been obsessively replaying the minisodes. When June 13 rolls around, I will be ready. Oh yes, I will.

5. The only explanation this last one needs is this: 30 days!!!

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WordFUL Wednesday: The Etsy Edition

Wordful Wednesday is sponsored by:

Ever since I asked you guys about your expectations as a blog reader, I've been thinking about the reason I blog (more on that later), which led me to think about the reasons I do other things: write, scrapbook, list things on Etsy.

This is the Etsy post.

Growing up, I watched my dad make all kinds of things with his hands, from models to jewelry. I remember watching him as he wrapped wire around gemstones, wondering where he drew both the patience and inspiration. Though the hobby fascinated me, and I thought one day I might like to try turning the pretty beads our local craft store had to offer into something cool, my time and money was always spent scrapbooking.

It was when I was brainstorming what to make for my mother-in-law for our (semi-)handmade holiday that I first started dabbling in bead work. All it took was making a few wine charms, and I was hooked. The problem is that you can only make so many gifts for your friends. In my mind, I needed a reason to justify my supply purchases; I needed a reason to litter my craft studio with beaded drink markers and keychains and bookmarks (oh my!). So I started an Etsy shop.

I really don't make much money on it. In fact, at this point, I'm far from breaking even. This is partly because I'm terrible at self-promotion. While I have the means with my many social media outlets, I feel guilty pimping product to my friends. I also, quite honestly, need to work on taking better pictures to adequately capture the colors and detail of each piece.

The bottom line is I have the best time making this stuff (I don't think playing with Twilight, True Blood, and Florida Gators supplies will ever get old), and attempting "to Etsy" (if Google is a verb, why can't Etsy be one?) gives me permission to keep playing.

Etsy Buy Handmade SecondGlantz

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Disclaimer: the rest of this post is one of those self-promoting, shamefully shameless (how's that for an oxymoron?) plugs that I hate so much.

Through May 2, I'm running a Mother's Day special: any "Gifts for Her" purchase includes complimentary gift wrap and a handmade card.

You can follow Second Glantz Crafts on Twitter for the latest listings, sales, and promotions.

And end shameless plug.

Trubie update

With all the insanity that is my life, I've been remiss in sharing with you the "bloody" goodness that's been happening at The True Blood Challenge.

We have two challenges going on right now. Winners will receive fabulous handmade True Blood goodies. Click on the links below for details and to see the design team submissions.

Week #3:

What was the most memorable episode of Season 1 for you?

Graveside romance and Eric in a bathtub. What can beat that?

digital elements: It Hurts So Good by PixelFairy Design

Predictions #1:

What will happen to Bill and Sookie's relationship?

Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but I'd like to see Eric get in the middle of those two.

digital elements: It Hurts So Good by PixelFairy Design

The Week 1 and Week 2 challenges have already closed, but the submissions we received are too good not to share. Again, click on the links below to see the design team submissions, as well as the winning entries.

Week #1:

Show your love of True Blood.

See the winning design here.

This will be a great page in my section of our All About Us album.

digital elements: It Hurts So Good by PixelFairy Design

Week #2:

Team Bill vs. Team Eric

See the winning design here.

It's no secret whose team I'm on. Eric is more fun. If I want a nice vampire, I'll look for Edward.

digital stamp: WS Joseph by The Greeting Farm

We hope you'll stop by and maybe even take a bite out of a challenge.

Just a quick note

Since I'm about to fall asleep sitting up (where in the world did this day go?), just a quick note tonight instead of a blog post...

The True Blood Challenge launched today with its first weekly prompt. We'll be introducing the Design Team throughout the week, as well as our first sponsor for our giveaways. Even if you don't want to play along, I encourage you to check out everyone's bite of creativity (yeah, I know that was bad... sorry, I'm really tired).

See you tomorrow (hopefully a little more refreshed).

Calling all crafters!

Do you like to craft? Are you a fan of True Blood?

If the answers to the above questions are yes, then head on over to the challenge blog Sarabeth and I have started:

Another list...

Disclaimer: This post is labeled TMI for a reason.

Remember that list that I had difficulty narrowing down? The lovely ladies from Girl Talk Thursday are letting me write another one, this time with my top five fictional picks. Have I mentioned that I love those gals? But seriously, when are we going to up the ante to ten?

Here are my five "right nows" in no particular order (okay, that's a lie - sorry, fictional hotties).

1. Eric Northman from True Blood

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I fell in love with this character well before the delicious Alexander Skarsgard began portraying him. I mean, Edward Cullen's great and all, but what's the point of being with a vampire who's not willing to have a little... fun? There are a lot of comments I could make about this picture, like how in my fantasies I'm the reason for that look on his face, but I'll spare you.

2. James Sawyer from LOST

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Dear Universe, if my plane ever crashes on a deserted island, make sure it's the one where Sawyer lives. kthnx

3. Detective John McBain from One Life to Live

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If Detective McBain arrests me, please don't bail me out right away.

That's right, the first three fictional characters are played by guys that all appeared on my list of five celebrities. I'm loyal, what can I say?

4. Johnny Castle from Dirty Dancing

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You can put me in a corner, Johnny, as long as I get to dance dirty with you.

I'm down to my final spot already?!? *whine* Seriously, girls, limiting us to five is cruel.

There are so many who could fill this spot: DiNozzo from NCIS, Severus Snape from Harry Potter (don't judge - you know a sword-toting emo is a little hot), McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy - not to mention the loves from long ago, like Sully from Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and Dylan McKay from 90210 - or the girl crushes (looking at you, Pam from True Blood and Abby from NCIS) - and yes, the apple of everyone's eye, Edward Cullen from Twilight. But they pale in comparison to

5. Lord Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings

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You can speak Elvish to me any day, and I will gladly ahem serve you.

The one with the list

When I saw today's topic on Girl Talk Thursday (thanks for introducing me to the site, Jenny!) I knew I had to participate.

Who would you put on your "List of Five"?

If this isn't your cup of tea, you should stop reading now so that I don't inadvertently offend you. If you like a healthy dose of bawdy girl talk, scroll on down! J

As I began thinking about today's post, my friends and I became all a-Twitter. Literally. (Names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent.)

• Friend1: @secondglantz are you going to try the Thursday event? I think you should! and @Friend2 too! :)
• Friend2: @Friend1 What is this event you are speaking of? @secondglantz
• Me: @Friend1 I think I am. You? What about you @Friend2? http://girltalkthursday.com/
• Friend1: @secondglantz think i'm going to try. not sure who my five would be. tonight it could be anyone. [husband] is not on my good side right now.
• Me: @Friend1 Aw, I'm sorry. :( I'm having trouble limiting it to five.
• Friend2: @secondglantz @Friend1 ooh, sounds fun! How much do you want to bet Robert Pattinson is in most lists? ;)
• Me: @Friend2 I don't have room for him in mine, LOL.
• Friend3: @secondglantz you are cracking me up. really want to know who your 5 are.
• Me: @Friend3 LOL, I'm working on it. 5 isn't so many. It's a really tough decision. ;)
• Friend2: @secondglantz **GASP** BLASPHEMY!
• Me: @Friend2 Did I just ruin our friendship? LOL. It's nothing personal- I've just been carrying other torches for a lot longer. ;)
• Friend3: @secondglantz what you really have to consider though is... does it pass the hubby test?
• Me: @Friend3 Wait, they have to pass a test? Oh, man, this is much more complicated than I realized, LOL.
• Friend2: @secondglantz No, no. That just means you're one less woman I'd have to beat off of him. ;) I can't wait to see your list... ;)
• Me: @Friend2 Haha! If he comes knocking on my door, I'll give your address instead. :)
• Friend4: @secondglantz @Friend2 *horning in on convo* Should I be embarrassed that I pretty much always have a list of 5 ready to go? :-)
• Me: @Friend4 Of course not! I always have a list at the ready, but I'm so fickle, it changes. I could never laminate mine like Ross, LOL.
• Friend4: @secondglantz I would never laminate either. I think my top 3 have been the same for awhile, but rotate my choices of #'s 4 & 5.
• Me: @Friend4 Same here. They're like alternates. :)
• Friend1: @Friend3 @secondglantz what is the hubby test? did he have to APPROVE this list??? ugh...
• Me: @Friend1 @Friend3 Someone else just mentioned the hubby test. Why don't I know about this? And what fun is it if Hubby has to approve?
• Friend2: @Friend4 @secondglantz LMAO you two. I don't even HAVE a top 5. I have like 2.
• Me: @Friend2 Oh, come on- you can list 5 just thinking about men who play vamps, LOL.
• Friend1: @secondglantz i vote that passing this test is not required for participation in girl talk. better to ask forgiveness than permission. :)
• Friend3: @Friend1, @secondglantz, i suppose you two would know more about the hubby test than me. and i'm always a fan of ask forgiveness later. hah
• HUBBY: @secondglantz & @Friend3, if she doesn't get back to you in a timely fashion, i can give you that list.

{Insert the sound of screeching brakes.} Forget the husband test (whatever that is). It was time to call Hubby's bluff.

It's time for the Newlywed game! Hubby, which 5 celebrities would your wife put on a list to sleep with? Answers please:

Alexander Skarsgard

Rick Springfield

Josh Holloway

Joe Perry

Angelina Jolie

{THUD.} Apparently I don't drool as secretly as I think I do. I have to hand it to him. All five of these have been on my list at one time or another. And I'm definitely not going to kick Joe Perry or Angelina Jolie out of my bed if they come knocking, but they didn't make the final cut. (Or maybe I should say today's final cut. Unlike Ross, I won't be laminating my list.)

Here are my five, in no particular order of hotness.

Michael Easton

If you don't watch soaps, you probably don't know his name. But don't let it stop you from getting to know his face.

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Josh Holloway

I'd get LOST on an island with him any day of the week.

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Alexander Skarsgard

Bite me. Please.

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Johnny Depp

He's had me since 21 Jump Street.

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Rick Springfield

You can be Jessie's girl. I'll be Rick's.

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I know my Twi-hard fans are probably going to disown me after seeing that RobPattz didn't make the cut. Here's the thing: if we were making a list of 5 fictional characters, Edward Cullen would be there. But in case you haven't noticed, I like my men a little older (long hair -- in my defense, I started dating in the early 90s when EVERY guy had long hair; old habits die hard -- and tattoos are apparently also a plus). Sorry, Rob. But I know some very nice cougars who would be happy to put you at #1 on their lists.

Yep, another countdown

And yes, it just happens to be vampire-related. I know, you're shocked. ;)

What do a vampire and a castaway have in common?

You knew it was coming. You knew it would be just a matter of time before I wrote this post. In fact, you're probably surprised that it took this long.

Yet another vampire has captured my attention.

I don't retract my earlier post. I still love Edward Cullen, but Edward inspires that innocent, First Love feeling. Eric Northman is not that kind of vampire.

I guess I should mention that Eric Northman is a character in Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire Mysteries (aka Sookie Stackhouse novels). These are the books on which HBO's True Blood is based.

While the books greatly differ from the show, they are as equally addicting. I plowed through all eight in about a month and cannot wait for the ninth to be released this May. My opinion about the series varies with each book, but suffice it to say that each one left me yearning for more.

So who is this Eric Northman and why did he, out of all the supes (supernaturals) in the series, win my attraction? Simply put, Eric Northman is the Sawyer of vamps. (In case you've been ignoring the phenomena for the past couple of years, James Sawyer is a character from LOST.)

Eric Northman image source: True Blood Wiki, James Sawyer image source: Google Image Search

Eric, the sexy Viking-turned-vamp, and Sawyer, the sexy con artist-turned-castaway, are the bad boys you don't - but do - want to bring home to Mama. They're serious, yet sarcastic. Tough with a secret sensitivity revealed only to the lucky women to whom they become vulnerable (despite their fight to protect themselves). And when they flash their rare smile at you, you are instantly glamoured/charmed. Their leading ladies (aka you in your not-so-secret fantasy world) hope that they'll be the ones these guys love enough to change for, all the while not wanting to change a thing. Oh, and did I mention that they're sexy? Book 4, chapter 6? Holy vampire! Season 3, episode 6? Yes, please! 

Books 4, 7, and 8 are my favorite Eric novels. Images from Amazon.

So forgive me (Hubby, this means you) if I turn red with book in hand or if I involuntarily drool a little while I watch TV. I'm Cheryl; I'm a fangirl.