Howdy y'all! I apologize for being MIA last Thursday, but I honestly couldn't think of anything to write about and I didn't want to type out filler just because it was Thursday, so I spared you all that grief, (you're welcome). It's hard to come up with content sometimes, so some days you just have to say "screw it" and wait until something comes to you, as all great writers have done. Regardless of my brain fart last week, I'm coming to you this week with some great news!
First of all, unrelated to the main point of this post, I have recently come into what normal people would call a "paycheck," so I used that to get me the newly released and gorgeous Queen of Shadows by the lovely and talented Sarah J. Maas. I bought it yesterday while I was still in the middle of the third book, Heir of Fire, but I thought, "What the heck, why not?" So here I am, already a quarter of the way through it because I JUST CANNOT STOP. The fandom is real people. So, as you might have already guessed, I'll be adding Queen of Shadows to my already impressive list of September books to wrap up in a few weeks. I feel like I've read so much this month and it's only the fifteenth... Keep that in mind, because I may very well add more to my TBR list if I keep this pace up.
The main reason we're here today is for another installment of Nerd Alert, where I talk about something nerdy and relevant to not only my life, but hopefully yours as well. Last week some information dropped out of Nintendo that had me literally crying with happiness and I've come to share that with you, (if you live under a rock and haven't heard or don't care, there's something wrong with you). Pokemon Go is happening and all my elementary school dreams have come true.
(www.vg247.com)
A little history for you regarding me and my love for Pokemon: it all started when I was eight years old and 1998 was a good time to be alive. My younger sister and I started collecting and playing with the cards that were released in droves like a parasite, seeping into our daily lives and our friendships at school as well. It was nothing like it is today, where kids will play dirty, steal cards from others and cheat until they get their way. Parents, school officials and guidance counselors have gotten involved with some of the nasty things kids will do to protect their cards these days. 1998 was a simpler time, where kids enjoyed playing and battling with each other without the risk of espionage. So after awhile, my sister and I also received our first taste of the Game Boy system, and what a world that was. It was so new and exciting that I was consumed by it, playing any time I could, connecting with my friends at school, after school and at home through a link cable, (you know, when we didn't have wireless connectivity everywhere?) I loved the Pokemon games more than the cards, and thus began my love affair with the pocket monsters.
(DSHikarudesign.blogspot.com)
I still have my Pokemon Blue version for my Game Boy Pocket, which is green and only displays in black and grey, (NO color until I got my Game Boy Color, obviously). I took a hiatus from playing because I was too cool for that in high school or something and re-introduced myself to Pokemon two years ago, when I bought myself a Nintendo 3DS with some of my Christmas money, (because I'm an adult), along with the new Pokemon X game. I hadn't played since I got my Game Boy Advance years ago, so this 3DS was new to me. Once I got used to it, I could really see the similarities to the older games. Little did I know Pokemon would evolve again into something none of us could've fathomed at eight years old.
I saw the trailer for Pokemon Go at work, actually, through a kind customer who had the decency to show me. I was entranced, the nostalgia flowing freely through me, as I beheld the glorious footage. I will link the video below so you can all watch and be amazed!
Little is known about this system or how it will work. I've read a lot about similar types of games or apps that failed because the desire or technology wasn't enough. This time I think they will be able to grab people with the sheer magnitude of what this could become for gamers and/or Pokemon enthusiasts, both young and old. The game seems to be based around GPS coordinates guiding people through their phones or a small watch-like Poke ball accessory towards various types of Pokemon in the real world. If you've played Pokemon before, or even watched the show on TV or played the card game, you'll know how incredible this would be if it worked well. The trailer also implies that you'll be able to trade and battle with friends and also battle wild Pokemon. Although the game is being released sometime next year, there still isn't enough information out about this game. We'll have to wait and see what Nintendo has in store for us, but regardless of how it works, I'm definitely on board with this.
(www.polygon.com)
So what do you think? Do you like Pokemon, or did you used to when you were little? What is your favorite Pokemon? Were you more of a card player or Game Boy addict? Would you get this app for your phone when it comes out? (maybe I'll do a review of it!) What would you like to know more about the Pokemon Go app? Let's discuss in the comments below. Until next time, I remain your faithful correspondent.
Hey everyone! This week has been hectic, to say the least, and I've had a lot going on. Early mornings, observations at various middle schools and job hunting have all surrounded my school work in a never-ending vortex of misery that is unavoidable. I'm hoping the next month goes by quickly because I'd love to feel a sense of relief.
I have good news and bad news surrounding the job hunt. The bad news is that my interview this morning, although I feel it went well, revealed that I was not who they were looking for in terms of availability. It didn't feel as bad as I thought it would, partially because of the good news. The woman conducting the interview mentioned that she loved English majors and that she would pass on my resume to another department looking to fill a different position with more flexibility. I'm hoping this works in my favor and if all goes well I'll have another interview next week.
While I was waiting to go into my interview I had a lot of time to think about things, about what I wanted and about how desperately I need a job, (I'm starting to feel sad just sitting at home by myself all the time...). Then I thought about God and asking Him to help me, which I've done before. I apologize for anyone who reads this who is very religious, but I swear my views are only my own and not meant to hurt anybody's feelings. I've prayed before to God for help, for answers and for life and I don't think it's ever worked for me. This may be my fault for not getting accustomed to my original faith of Catholicism, but I don't think God has ever heard me in a way that we both understand each other. I don't doubt His existence, nor do I condone it. I've never been an overly religious person, but I've learned about religion for various kinds of people, including Judaism, Protestant, Mormonism, etc. There are aspects of other religions that I agree with and can see as probable, at least in my eyes. That is to say I do think there's a higher power with some divine control over what happens around us, but I can't explain it further than that I'm afraid.
Back to my original thought, as I was sitting there, waiting to go into the interview, I clutched my lucky clover bracelet and asked my grandmother for help. I don't know why because she probably wouldn't be able to help me get a job even if she were still alive, but I miss her wisdom. I would always ask her advice to get to know situations from another perspective besides my own and I can't do that anymore. I think what I'm saying is that I'd rather pray to my own family than to someone I don't know because I know my family will hear me and listen. I do believe that they can see us from where ever they are and they are watching over us. I'm so unsure of myself sometimes it's amazing I'm still a functioning human being, but I was nervous and didn't know what else to do, so I called out to her, (not vocally, but internally so the other people in the lobby wouldn't think I was crazy...). I guess I felt like I needed a little bit of extra luck today, but obviously I didn't get it. Us Irish girls put a lot on luck and I think sometimes we treat it as an alternative form of religion, but it doesn't always work for us. I don't blame them for not offering me the job because my availability wouldn't work for them but I was still disappointed in myself for getting my hopes up. Some things are non-negotiable and you have to just run with it. I'm hopeful that I will find a job soon, I just don't know where at this point.
Sorry that was sort-of deep and somewhat off-topic, but let's skip to something more fun now! I have two pop-culture-related things to talk about, number one being The Bachelor, (SPOILERS if you haven't already guessed yet). With this episode in Miami, I'm not sure what's going to happen now. My dad's vision may come to light because at this point, especially with the previous for next week's two-day home town visit, I don't know if he'll actually end up with anyone. He must be quite a dumb pervert to mess this up: having over 25 women at your disposal and ruining it at the last second. We'll see what happens, but I'm still routing for Renee and Andi as my top two girls. I'm on the fence about Nikki now, but I think her attitude may have an explanation just because of Claire and her bat shit crazy ways of manipulation working against Nikki's rejection of this alternative reality. Again, we'll see.
The second thing is the new Guardians of the Galaxy trailer has premiered on Jimmy Kimmel the other night and OH MY GOD it is amazing! The video is posted below for your viewing pleasure. I'm not sure how authentic to the comic it will be, (judging by my husband's gripes about certain character's origin stories, there's bound to be some confusion and outrage among comic fans). But the trailer proves that it will at least be a kick-ass action film, so I am excited nonetheless. Please join me in my enthusiasm! I'M HOOKED ON A FEELIN'!!!
That's all I have for this week. If you want something interesting to look into, I posted a neat article in my ENGL 889 tab this week about "Twitch Plays Pokemon" and his continuous game play project. There are links to the live video stream, an article that gives a great explanation of what's going on, and a link to the Google document with all the goals and achievements to date that have been tracked by the participants. It's really cool stuff if you're interested in affinity spaces, gaming or just Pokemon Red/Blue. Next week is school vacation week, so I'm hoping to focus more on my job hunt while my internship and observation hours are put on hold for the time being. Until next time, I remain your faithful correspondent.
Hey all! I promise I'm not rushing this time, (even though it seems like Tuesday's post did pretty well for itself, all things considered). I start my last set of classes on Tuesday, so this may very well be the last random post for the winter vacation. We'll see how much work I have next week.
The first thing I'd like to address is that it's my Nana's birthday today. She would've been 71 today if she hadn't passed away three years ago tomorrow. I miss her a lot and sometimes I wish she was still here so I could ask her questions and get her opinion on things. I know I'm an adult and I should be able to think for myself, but sometimes everyone needs a second opinion. I was her oldest grandchild and shouldered a lot of responsibility. I took today off because I wanted to celebrate her life rather than her death and so that I could go see her because I haven't in awhile. I usually bring her flowers because she loved them so much and I hope the little pop of color will help her think of spring and of all the gardening we used to do together. I'm still somewhat bitter about the amount of time we got to spend together before we were rudely interrupted, however I am grateful I at least got to say goodbye. I love you now and forever always Nana<3
So to keep myself happy and in good spirits today, I will start out with my review of the latest Bachelor, as promised on Tuesday. I would like to take a moment and recognize a select few ladies for their potential and their utter embarrassment on public television. SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
Claire- I like Claire, really I do, but I feel like she's just way too into this. Everything excites her and she seems to be impervious to any negativity whatsoever. This could be a good thing in the long run, but I found her to be very annoying for her first one-on-one with Juan Pablo. She seems to have it set in her mind that he's already perfect for her and that he could be "the Juan" she's been longing for after only about a week, so we'll see if she lasts.
Renee and Cassandra- I like these two because they are "the moms" of the group and they have that in common with Juan Pablo. He treats them differently because they have children and he understands where they are coming from on a deeper level than any of the other ladies can understand, so for that I commend them for taking the risk. I know that he can't chose both of them and although Cassandra has shown remarkable maturity for a 21-year-old, I think that Renee would be a better fit for him and his little girl. We'll see if I'm right.
Nikki- She is a little ball of sunshine, (not in the almost fake way that Claire demonstrates), but it's manageable and controlled. Juan seems to like her a lot and she's obviously great with children being a pediatric nurse, so I feel like she'll go far if he doesn't get too attached to some of the other ladies.
Lucy- What a gem this one is. I'm all for being comfortable with your body, but unfortunately we don't live in a world where public displays of nudity are acceptable, (outside of nude beaches and certain European countries). I like her attitude thus far; she seems nice, genuine and relaxed, not at all caddy or anxious about dates and what-not. But I honestly don't see her as proper mom material for Camila, so I think that's the ultimate deal-breaker for me with her. That and the fact that her job as a "free spirit" probably won't go over very well with him either.
Victoria- I AM SO GLAD SHE'S GONE. I actually had high hopes for her, being 24 and from Brazil she seemed to have at least something in common with Juan Pablo. Alas, I was terribly wrong...who would've known she was an adult? Her behavior at the group date was appalling to say the least and reminded me of something you might have seen in The Real World house, rather than The Bachelor. Definitely not mommy material and the self-inflicted dramatic rampage was completely unnecessary. Have a nice flight back home to Miami.
Those are my immediate thoughts so far after seeing the last episode. If you want to read a great and thorough recap, check it out here at Entertainment Weekly. Literally made me laugh out loud reading it. Can't get enough of that satire!
Another review I wanted to do was for the new Pokemon Y game for the Nintendo 3DS, which I purchased yesterday, (after almost no deliberation). Yes, I am an adult and yes, it's awesome. After about 24 hours I've accumulated 84 Pokemon in my Pokedex, one gym badge and a new fossilized Pokemon that I am very excited about, (he's called a Tyrunt and he will eventually evolve into a Tyrannosaurus Rex-type thing). I've logged about 9 hours of game play so far and I'm very impressed with the graphics and overall layout of the game. I am currently in Ambrette Town getting ready to move onto the next coastal city.
If you're curious, the three starter Pokemon you are given to chose from are Chespin, (grass-type rodent thing), Froakie, (water-type frog thing), and Fennekin, (fire-type fox thing). As opposed to the Professor of this region giving you the choice of one of these three Pokemon, your characters meets with his or her friends to decide amongst themselves. It's a weird concept, but I understood why after we met with the Professor and he gave us three more Pokemon to choose from: Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle. To say that I was excited would've been an understatement. After having a coronary, I chose Charmander, (obviously). I have always chosen fire-type or water-type Pokemon from each game, so I got to choose both this time. For my main Pokemon I chose Froakie, solely because it was a frog and it was adorable.
I used to nickname all my Pokemon, but I now find that to be tiring because there are about 12,000 more Pokemon now than when I started back in 1998, so I stuck to nicknaming just a few so far. My Froakie's name is Remy, (something French, so I used Remy LeBeau as inspiration because it's a ninja frog). I named my Charmander Drogon because it'll eventually become a fearsome dragon lord due to Mega Evolution, which is also new to this series. Only certain Pokemon can mega evolve and you have to possess a certain stone to make it happen. For example, in each game, Pokemon X or Y, Charizard mega-evolves differently, (see picture above). Depending on which game you get, the mega evolutions vary. I'm excited to see what other special secrets there are in the game as I go along.
Another thing I like about the game is that you can connect wirelessly with anyone else who has either game to trade, battle, etc. I remember the good old days of linking up with cords and you had to sit right across from someone to battle them on a tiny screen. Now you can be worlds away with the right Internet connection and battle in 3D. Pretty neat, huh? I haven't met anyone else who has this game, so let me know in the comments if you do so we can play together! I'm still figuring out how all this new technology works, so bare with me, (I haven't used a Gameboy since they were still called Gameboys...).
So that's my post for today. Now I'm going to grab some lunch and see how much farther I can get within a reasonable hour; I ended up losing track of time last night and played until 3am...not good. If you have any comments, tips or predictions about The Bachelor or Pokemon X or Y, let me know in the comments! Until next time, I remain your faithful correspondent.
