Weekly Geek Outs - 09/30/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• UnREAL

I have just watched two episodes of this Lifetime show, but I am highly intrigued. It follows a producer on a Bachelor type reality show as she works to balance her conscience with the pressure to create drama between all the women on the show. It is really good so far, and it has gotten really great buzz, so I'm looking forward to see how it holds up.

• Agents of SHIELD

The fourth season of this show premiered recently and I just caught up on the few episodes featuring the introduction of Ghost Rider in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has really stole the show and I'm intrigued where bringing a character like him in allows the show to go. Demons, ghosts, the supernatural! We're going to get more of the magical side with Doctor Strange coming out soon, so in different ways and scope, we're getting all the different facets of the Marvel comics playground. It's really exciting! Plus, we have Luke Cage coming to Netflix! So much good stuff out there.

• New Jersey

I went back last weekend (hence the lack of a geek out) for my engagement photos, and it reminded me once again how much I miss the people and places of New Jersey. I keep appreciating the state more and more. It also doesn't hurt that my partner was born and raised there and that she helps foster my love of NJ. It's a weird, magical place that I look forward to continuing to spend more time in.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 09/16/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• Supergirl

I finally got the opportunity to start watching this show since it came onto Netflix recently. It is a mixed bag for me. I appreciate the optimistic, fun tone of it, but it has some cheap costumes and effects, and also has some frustrating plot holes or just glazes over a lot of stuff. It feels like the show also has some hardcore Superman envy. A lot of the plot points seem ripped out of a Superman 101 class versus trying to make the show its own thing. It overall doesn't compare to The Flash for me, which I enjoy the most of the current slate of network superhero shows (Netflix's Jessica Jones and Daredevil still give Flash a run for his money, see what I did there?). I'm hoping it will improve by the end of the season, as I have a few episodes left to go (I can't wait for the Flash crossover!). I'm hopeful also for the transition of Supergirl over to the CW next season. Maybe they'll know how to better handle it from their current experience with superhero shows.

• OJ: Made in America

I've been watching this mini docu-series on Hulu after hearing good buzz about it since it premiered a little while back. Another great entry in ESPN's 30 for 30 lineup, this in depth, multi-part look at the career, life, and trial of OJ Simpson as well as the time and world that shaped him. I highly recommend it. It is very thorough, and while at times it can feel like it is going down tangents, it all comes together to weave the complex fabric of society that influences us all. This article is a great (albeit long) companion to the series. You get a full context on everything, and it really gets you thinking. Check it out! 

• Maryland Craft Beer

My partner and I recently went to a local arts and craft beer festival near us and it was a lot of fun! We got some neat locally made goods and drank a lot of beer (and water, gotta stay hydrated!). There is definitely a flourishing scene here just like there was back up in Maine. While I haven't find my choice beer yet, I always have a good time meeting with locals and talking about beer. I look forward to continuing with this new hobby and searching for my new favorite local brewery and beer!

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 09/09/16

Greetings!

Here's what is on my mind this week:

• Casual

I've been checking out some different shows to stream on Hulu lately. A lot of them happen to fall within a similar category of darker relationship comedy. Casual is one that I've watched the first season and about half of the second. I don't think I'll continue. It just isn't interesting to me. It isn't poorly done, it is just sort of boring and predictable. It also isn't that funny but it bills itself as a "comedy" I feel like. It is more dramatic more often than not, which isn't bad, but it isn't a good drama to me either. It might be worth checking out though, since comparatively it is one of the better Hulu Originals.

• Difficult People

Another Hulu Original, Difficult People is by far the worst on this list. I've only been able to get through a few episodes since it has been very hard to watch in the sense that I just think it is a bad show. It isn't offensive or anything like that, it just misses the mark for me. It tries really hard to be funny and to do bits about whatever is going on, but it doesn't work. It seems like a lot of critics like it, but I haven't heard many other people talk about it.

• You're the Worst

I stumbled into this show via some good buzz online, and it is easily the best new show I've found recently. It follows two anti-relationship young people as they fall into dating each other. It is funny, has heart, and confronts important topics like depression. It just came back for season 3 on FXX, and I look forward to continuing with this one. It is definitely worth your time to check out. Seasons 1 and 2 are both on Hulu.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 09/02/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• 11.22.63

I shamefully finally finished watching this show on Hulu this past week. I put it off for way too long since I was initially intrigued way back when I caught the first two episodes. Unfortunately, the show didn't improve much for me. It built up to the culminating moment and I felt it like it didn't pay off at all. I liked the time travel story and thought James Franco did well, but overall it was pretty underwhelming, which was a real bummer.

• Newseum

I'm going here this weekend with my partner and making another day trip out of it exploring more of our DC home. I'm thinking we'll hit up somewhere for lunch and another local brewery. There is so much to do in this city, I don't know if we'll ever even scratch the surface of it all, especially with Baltimore, Alexandria, Annapolis, and the surrounding burbs to get to as well!

• Sustainability

I was recently appointed to the company-wide sustainability committee for my job. I'm very excited about this opportunity and to become more involved at work. It is something I'm really passionate about and want to do all I can with this new effort to help my company be as environmentally conscious as possible. It felt pretty validating too to be honest. I always appreciate the small wins like this, and it came pretty unexpectedly so it was a nice surprise.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 08/26/16

Greetings!

Here's what is on my mind this week:

• Cloverfield

I caught this movie recently via Hulu after really enjoying 10 Cloverfield Lane. I never saw it when it came out back in 2008, but after seeing it now, I don't feel like I missed much. I really appreciate how they did some unique franchise building with 10 Cloverfield Lane, and it had to start somewhere, but the original movie just felt frustrating throughout. The found footage still was a neat stylistic novelty but it always creates more plot holes than it is worth I feel like. Witnessing an alien invasion from the ground is pretty cool, but it only carries the movie so much. The characters were mostly annoying and the driving force of the movie just felt silly.

• Strengths Finder

I took this assessment again the other day for work, and was pleased to see that most of my Strengths were the same from the last time I took it three years ago. Before, they were Ideation, Connectedness, Intellection, Input, and Adaptability. Now, there are Intellection, Input, Connectedness, Learner, and Responsibility. I love Strengths as a mindset and a way to approach teams and our roles in the world. We all have something valuable to offer, and we shouldn't feel like we all need to fit into the same mold. When we all bring our unique gifts to the table, we all win and we can do many more amazing things together.

• Not Safe with Nikki Glaser

My partner and I have been keeping up with this show on Hulu lately, and we love it. This show finally gives comedian Nikki Glaser a platform that works for her. The show revolves around exploring sexuality with a genuine, comedic curiosity. She's always been awesome on @midnight, and after some other ventures, this seems to be something that works for her. She gets to do some awesome recurring segments like Tinder Tap Out, and gets to have an avenue to talk about important topics like the gender pay gap, sexual assault, and more. I highly recommend checking it out!

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 08/19/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice - Ultimate Edition

Long story short, they got me. I bought this extended cut of the movie on Blu-Ray. Not worth it, does not make this complicated movie any better (see my review for more detailed thoughts). This movie is overstuffed as it is, and the scenes cut help weave some minor plot points together better, but the movie is still not great. Wonder Woman is still awesome though and should have been in the movie more.

• Capital Area Food Bank

I'm going to volunteer here with my partner with the great Day of Service Paid Time Off benefit I have with my job. They recently implemented this initiative and I'm excited to take advantage of it. I have more days to use and I look forward to building a relationship with this great community organization.

• Thought

I've said this a few times in conversation recently, and thought I'd share it with you: I didn't even know my job and the company I work for now existed when I started job searching last year. Now that I'm here, I couldn't be more grateful I stumbled upon this company and this job. My thought and advice for those worried about figuring out what is next for them or what to do with their lives; it may just be out there waiting for you to discover it. Or it may not even exist yet, either way, you just need to be patient, do good work, and put yourself out there. Luck happens more often to those that are prepared for it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 08/12/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• Stranger Things

My partner and I watched through this intriguing new series from Netflix recently and really enjoyed it. It is a fun, mysterious '80s throwback horror thriller, with some great music and solid storytelling. It isn't the most original thing ever made, but it is enjoyable and I appreciated the nostalgia aspect of it as well as there being a cool character named Dustin! I definitely recommend checking the show out. It is only eight episodes and it hopefully will be back for another season. Chalk this one up as another hit for Netflix!

• Anniversary

I have two anniversaries to celebrate this weekend; my three month work anniversary (nothing major, but just a nice milestone) and my three year anniversary with my partner, Jenn. We're going to Alexandria, VA which is close to us. We haven't checked out that area yet and we're going on a party boat with an open bar, so it should be pretty fun! Stay tuned to my Instagram for photos from this weekend.

• Future

I've had some interesting epiphanies lately about me, my future, and what I want to invest time on. I don't know why they're hitting me when they are now, but nevertheless, I'm trying to listen to the universe when it feels like it is giving me a sign. I've had some half baked ideas of what I want to do with my future, and I think it is time to let them go to focus on different, better goals. I also realize generally the value of my time and my energy. I want to be able to give that to myself to stay healthy, to my partner to not just give her my "leftovers", and to my work so that I'm not so distracted all the time. I mean this last one to say my actual job (which I love and want to be able to invest in) as well as the other work I do (writing, podcasting, etc.). I don't have anything concrete in my mind yet, but I'm trying to figure out the best balance for myself.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 08/05/16

Greetings!

Here's what is on my mind this week:

• Creativity

I had a great chat recently with Craig Bidiman for the podcast about art therapy. We got into the creative process and the value of having creative hobbies. I write, I podcast, and I enjoy engaging with the creative products of others. Other people draw, do coloring books, paint, sing, or any number of other things. It doesn't matter what you do or if you do it for others or just yourself. It just matters that you do it. It is important to nurture different parts of ourselves outside of our day to day lives and work.

• Collaboration

I've had the opportunity recently to collaborate with Kayley Robsham writing for the Check I'm Here blog. I really enjoy bouncing ideas around and I think active, positive, and focused collaboration helps produce better outcomes. I work now in a far more collaborative environment then where I came up before, so I feel spoiled with all the different venues for great collaboration going on right now. I also enjoyed featuring a lot of great content from other writers for my #SAGeeks series. They were able to write about a lot of different things that I could never get to myself. It is important to bring other people in to help us do the things we can't or the things that don't come as naturally for us. The world would be better for it if we all could contribute our unique strengths to the greater good.

• Communication

In addition to my writing, podcasting has been a very fulfilling creative endeavor for me in many ways. I've been able to have conversations with amazing people in our field, learn many different things, and build up skills I wouldn't have the opportunity to otherwise. My new job also really helps me cultivate my communication abilities. I have to talk to a lot of different people about a lot of different things every day. Communication has always been a struggle for me. I'm very grateful for this opportunity to build these skills as well as use my experience and expertise from student affairs to help serve students in a very unique way.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 07/29/16

Greetings!

Back after a break last week to update you all on what's going on in my world:

• Work

I've been at my new job for almost three months now. It has settled down a bit after my initial training and kicking off of my first academic module. I've had time to reflect and process and start to connect with my coworkers more. I'm looking forward to improving for our next on-boarding process here soon and to continue to support my students as best as I can. This job has been pretty great so far and I look forward to celebrating more milestones and holidays with my team. It's hard to start something new, but I'm very grateful for this awesome opportunity. Nothing is ever perfect, but this company is exactly what I was looking for right now.

• Life

Getting used to life in a new area is never easy. I've realized I struggle with this perhaps a bit more than others. I appreciate a routine and knowing my way around. I have to restart with getting haircuts, medical appointments, and now have to worry about stuff with my own apartment. I was spoiled with my on-campus apartments for years, and now I have to handle a bit more of the "real world". I have to admit, it's been stressful to handle since I put a lot of pressure on myself and haven't been patient with giving things time. I just want everything to be perfect right away, especially as me and my partner are working to build a life together. I know the sort of future I want for us, and I can't wait to be there with her. I know it will come with time and work, since nothing worthwhile comes easy.

• Thoughts

Where my life is now, I would have never guessed I'd be here if you asked me where I thought I'd be when I was younger. I thought I'd be a high school history teacher, since the first time I felt excited about a possible career was watching my own teachers do amazing work. I've always had a reverence for education and see myself always working in the industry one way or another. What I do now is something I wouldn't have ever even known about back in college. I've gone where the wind takes me and followed my heart with what I felt was right. I've gotten more opportunities and done more than I ever would have thought possible. I grew up with my world being very small, and I look forward to it continuing to grow through personal growth, exploration, and experiences that I can't even fathom yet.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 07/22/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• Orange is the New Black, Season 4

I finished this most recent season this past week, and while I'm late to the party, I have a lot of feelings. The death of a beloved character, combined with some hard to watch moments left me a little frustrated, along with the continuing lack of development of most of its chronically underused and brilliant ensemble. What was at first a bold move for a TV show, has now become a burdensome weight; this large cast of diverse women characters now begs to be explored, but there is a main narrative to follow to drive the show forward. Also, with three more seasons already greenlit, we know we're going to have roughly 39 more hours of this show to get through. The narrative seems to be moving at a snail's pace for me while also suffering from the weight of everything else I mentioned. I enjoy this show, and feel it has so much potential (especially with how the season ended). I'll be curious to see how it goes, but if it doesn't improve, it is bordering on The Walking Dead territory for me (meaning it is really just not doing it for me anymore, may put my watching of it on pause). It definitely has time to change course. I just think it needs to figure out an endgame, focus more on other characters, and try better to balance the darker aspects of the show.

• Ghostbusters

I saw the new Ghostbusters movie with my partner over this past weekend and I really enjoyed it. I made sure to watch the original film before seeing this one, and I feel like I prefer the newer one. Not to say the original 1984 film is bad, but it is definitely showing its age and just hits on a different target than the new reboot. The new film is funnier, the action is better, and the effects are better thanks to improved CGI (can't really hold that against its predecessor). The original Ghostbusters will always be there, but this new, female driven movie will hopefully embark on its own journey and create some positive new role models for young women going forward. Go check it out!

• Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

This show is awesome. It is quick, smart, silly, and a really original format for TV (musical comedy). It wasn't something I thought I'd like at first, but after watching through the first season on Netflix recently, I'm a fan. It has some clever feminist lines and great running gags that you have to keep an eye out for. I'd recommend this show to most people. I'm sure it is not for everyone but this sort of show is right up my alley. My partner loved it too and it was a lot of fun to watch together. It is also an hour long each episode, which is surprising for a comedy but it helps to fit a lot into the season's 18 episodes especially with the musical interludes.

Thanks for stopping by!