Geekery

Thought it was about time to write about something other than TV. (Don't get used to it--will not happen very often.)

Ok, so I figured out what Etsy was about a year ago. If you don't know what it is, you have to google it because I will have no patience to explain it to you.

My current favorite thing to do at work while I'm busy slacking off is to look under the "Geekery" tab on Etsy; specifically, the "kitsch" items. I've busied myself all morning and found a couple great things that I'll need to buy people for Christmas.

For Dad

For Mom

My Sister

My other Sister

For Me

Another one for Me

Maybe another one for Me?

Duh.

For all my friends.

Old Disney Channel Shows

Growing up, me and my sisters watched Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel like it was our job. I miss those times. In the winter, we'd bundle up and wait for mom to bring us hot chocolate while we watched; In the summer, we'd have our lunch watching these before we left for the pool. It was always me and my sisters and one of the following shows. I hope other people got as much joy out of these as we did!

Adventures in Wonderland~ Intro; I was so obsessed with the intro to this...I wanted a freaking mirror to fall through and a gray kitten named Dinah.

Under the Umbrella Tree~ Intro; I loved Gloria. But I also wanted to have a built in bookcase that I could sit in and read like the lizard. And what exactly was "down the umbrella tree"?? Did Holly REALLY live with a bird, a lizard, and a gopher? What about a boyfriend? Or maybe a girlfriend? My brain is still plagued with all these important questions.

The Babysitter's Club~ Intro; I can close my eyes and still remember what a Saturday felt like when I'd lay around and wait for this to come on. Who didn't want to be Stacey?? And do people really trust 12 year olds with their children?

Bug Juice~ Intro; This is probably the most recent of shows we used to watch. I loved the original cast--couldn't fathom how kids my age left their parents for weeks at a time (I spent 3 days at horse camp with my girl scout troop and cried the whole trip...)

Flash Forward~ Intro; This was a kind of precursor to my Dawson's Creek years.

Kids Incorporated~ Intro; FERGIE, HOLY SHIT.

Ocean Girl~ Intro; I've never met anyone who ever watched this show, but this was the influence to every pool game my sisters and I played: Ocean Girl (obvi.)

Road to Avonlea~ Intro; So much like Anne of Green Gables. Also when I was in my wanting to be an "old fashioned" girl phase.

TV Couples

It's no secret that I watch a lot of TV. I'm also a sucker for a good love story.

Here are a few of my faves:

Zack and Kelly: I LOVED this episode. Their own little prom. So romantic.

Pacey and Joey: Duh.

Brandon and Kelly: I was a huge fan of Brandon and Kelly when I first began watching. Totally hated her with Dylan. But once I watched the full series, I realized that her and Dylan are actually soulmates. Nevertheless, my favorite episodes are when B and K are together. 

Dylan and Kelly: See Above.

Lucas and Peyton: Favorite ever. I love their story and I love Peyton, so they're obviously the best.

Nathan and Haley: Naley 4 eva.

Seth and Summer: There's always gotta be a dork who gets the girl.

Sawyer and Kate: Pure SEX.

Ephram and Amy: So innocent and sweet. I always loved her hair too.

Harvey and Sabrina: Ehhhh

Cory and Topanga: Again, loved the hair. And I seem to have a thing for childhood sweethearts.

Ross and Rachel: Obvs.

Jess and Rory: Loved Jess. He was always so much better than boring ol' Dean. And I still feel that he was better than Logan. They should have ended up together, dammit!

Winnie Cooper

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I love alot of very different, very random things.

These said things inspire me, teach me, guide me towards the life I've always wanted.

Sometimes, these things are people, both real and fictional.

One of my favorite things is Winnie Cooper. She's cute and smart, and always carries herself with dignity and class:  everything I've always wanted to be.

My top 3 favorite Winnie Cooper moments (or top 3 Winnie & Kevin moments):

1) Season 1, Episode 1--Winnie's brother Brian dies in Vietnam at the end of this episode. She's obviously heartbroken. When Kevin finds out, he immediately runs to find Winnie to make sure she is okay (adorable). Kevin finds her in the woods somewhere on a rock. She's just sitting there, looking at the ground (NOTE: Winnie is the ultimate woman of class here--she isn't throwing herself at the ground and pounding her fists, but rather sitting up really straight and quietly grieving the loss of her brother). And then at the very end of this moment, Kevin and Winnie share their first kiss, all the while Percy Sledge's voice is blasting "When A Man Loves A Woman" (who doesn't want to have this song playing in the background during a make out sesh??)

2) The Series Finale--Kevin and Winnie get stuck in this barn. They had been arguing because Winnie kissed another boy, even though we all know it didn't mean anything because Kevin is always her #1. Anyways, they're snuggling, getting all up close and personal with each other. Winnie innocently looks at Kevin and says something about not wanting "this" to be over. Kevin loves Winnie for all the reasons I love Winnie, which is why I've always understood their relationship. Winnie is young and a little naive; her puppy dog eyes make you a little sad because who wants to upset Winnie Cooper?; she says things quietly, rarely getting loud and annoying.

3) Season 4, Episode 20--Now this is my ALL-TIME favorite Winnie Cooper moment. (I guess these should be Winnie and Kevin moments, but the thing to remember is that there would be no "favorite Winnie Cooper moments" without Winnie.) Okay, so Winnie and Kevin get into an argument and Winnie storms off in a car with some of her friends. They get into an accident and she breaks her leg. As soon as Kevie finds out, he rushes to her house and waits outside until she comes home from the hospital. Winnie's parents tell Kevin that she doesn't want to see him (she's still pissed). So later that night, Kevin climbs up to Winnie's window; he looks in to find her propped up on her bed, all bruised up and stuff. They mouth "I love you" to each other, which is the most romantic, most special moment EVER.

How could anyone NOT love her?!

Plus, she's even good at math.

Things Oprah Taught Me

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As with most women my age, I great up watching Oprah. Everyday after school, my mom would have our after school snacks ready and the TV station turned to The Oprah Winfrey Show. When the last episode aired on May 25th, I almost felt like someone close to me had died. I love Oprah. Alot. And even though I've annoyed the hell out of those around me with, "Did you see Oprah yesterday?", I'm never going to stop preaching what I've learned from the woman.

"Never let them take you to the second location"--Thankfully, I've never had to use this, but I know that if I'm ever faced with such a situation, this man's voice will be screaming in my head.

A good bra means everything--Enough said.

Get a man like Stedman--He has always embraced Gayle as part of the family (any man who understands and  even appreciates a friendship like that, is a hero in my book...watch here).

Follow your passion in life--"My great wish for all of you who have allowed me to honor my calling through this show is that you carry whatever you're supposed to be doing, carry that forward and don't waste any more time. Start embracing the life that is calling you and use your life to serve the world." -from The Oprah Winfrey Show finale.

A New Earth--This has become one of my favorite books ever; may be more like a guide to how I wish to live my life. Eckhart Tolle is kind of like my version of a guru, and this book is perfect for finding ways to become more present in daily life. It changed my life, which means it can change anyone's...you can still work through exercises and watch the podcasts on Oprah's website. DOOOOO ITTTTTT!

Talking about books is cool--Most of the books she's picked over the years prove to be some of the best works of literature I've ever read. (i.e. She's Come Undone, We Were The Mulvaneys, A New Earth, Their Eyes were watching God).


Mattie Stepanek

What has Oprah taught you?!

Who Are The Best Besties??

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Kelly Taylor & Donna Martin: They've known each other since before high school. They shop together, eat together, laugh together, and most importantly--cry together. Donna was the one to stick by Kelly (even though she was disappointed in her) after Brenda found out that Dylan was cheating on her with Kel. Kelly comforted Donna every time she became discouraged that she was the only virgin in town. They never went for the same guy and whenever there was a disagreement, they'd work it out and never mention it again (take a hint at this, ladies!). 

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Brooke Davis & Peyton Sawyer: B Davis and P Sawyer have been friends since they were kids. Brooke was there for Peyton when her Mom died. Peyton was always there for Brooke everytime her mother was a bitch (which was alot!) They've had their ups and downs, (cue Lucas Scott), but managed to find their way back to each other. True friendship goes through hell and back, never losing sight of the love between one another. "Hoes before bros." 

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Pacey Witter & Dawson Leery: This pair has seemingly been enemies more than they've been best friends. But Pacey never let Dawson forget that before the Joey Potter love triangle, it was the TWO OF THEM who were besties. Also, Pacey did help Dawson raise money for his movie (nevermind the fact that he lost it shortly after.)

And the winner is...

Brooke and Peyton. Always have had a soft spot in my heart for them. 

Who is your favorite pair? What other television BFF's deserve to be in the hall of fame?

Teen Soaps

Teenage dramas get a bad rap. People think they're overly dramatic with self-deprecating young people who bitch and moan if they don't get what they want.

But...they're so much more than that. Really!

Television shows are always coming and going, with so many of those targeted toward adolescents. It really says something about the ones that have actually stuck around. I'm 23 years old and nothing can come between me and my shows. Three specifically. Beverly Hills 90210 (the original...duh), Dawson's Creek, and One Tree Hill. I have the DVD series of these shows and very often rotate which ones I watch. (Sometimes I'm in a Dawson's Creek mood, while other times, I need some Lucas Scott in my life.) My friends and family know about my passion for these three shows and while they laugh and poke fun, they know I mean business when it comes to them. I was 12 years old when I discovered 90210; 14 when I started watching Dawson's Creek; and 16 when One Tree Hill aired. They've gotten me through the good times and most importantly, the worst. What did I do when the boys I liked didn't like me back in junior high? Watch 90210 and pray for the day someone like Brandon Walsh came along. What about those times in high school when my very best guy friend developed feelings for me? Dawson's Creek, obviously. And then there were those 2 solid times my heart was ripped open in the beginning of college...helllloooo One Tree Hill marathons in my dorm room. There are still Friday nights when I politely decline social invitations because "I'm tired" or "run down from the long week," when really, I just want to lay in bed, watch my shows and eat ice cream.

Top 5 reasons 90210 is awesome:

-One group of friends, ten years: It's still appealing to me that this group of people have stuck with each other through heartbreak, betrayal, death, addiction, abuse, and anything else that happened to Kelly Taylor.

-Brandon Walsh vs. Dylan McKay: When I first became addicted, I was a total Brandon Walsh kinda gal...he's so dependable! And emotionally available! Swoon. I've found that as I get older, the Dylan McKay-types are more up my alley. (Which is maybe why I'm still single.)

-Fashion: What. The. Hell. The outfits. The hair. The makeup (brown lipstick and lipliner, anyone?) I literally tried to dress like them when I was 12 and 13...the year 2000...

-Kelly and Donna's friendship: I love this relationship to pieces. They are so cute and funny together. Even though they may not have disclosed every little thing to each other, it was always understood that the two were besties.

-Power couples: Brenda and Dylan. Kelly and Dylan. Kelly and Brandon. David and Donna. Need I say more?

Why Dawson's Creek is so great:

-Pacey Witter: Okay. I don't think I could ever truly express my love for this character. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that I would love for someone to buy me a wall (even though I don't paint), take dance lessons with me, "wait for me" when I lose interest, and/or profess his love to me over an intercom at the airport. (If you don't know what I"m talking about, look it up. You'll quickly understand). He is, and forever will be, the most romantic character...EVER.

-The love triangle: Ohhhhhh, the infamous love triangle. Dawson, Joey, and Pacey. When my dramatic woes in high school got the best of me, I was always comforted knowing there were other people having serious problems too! Can't get more serious than Joey Potter having to decide who to go to junior prom with...(she went with Dawson...rookie mistake.)

-Jack and Jen: I love these two. They always brought the funny. Their Will & Grace-like relationship got better and better as the seasons went on, and gave a whole new meaning to the word "soulmate"...didn't have to be a romantic relationship, but could always be your gay best friend.

-The language: Okay, okay. I get it, people. You think it's ridiculous how they all talk using some serious SAT vocab words...I got really good ideas for break-up speeches, professing love speeches, and insulting the boy you like speeches from this kind of dialogue.

-The creek: Why yes, I would like to row my little boat to my boyfriend's house in the middle of the night.

How One Tree Hill sucked up my soul from the very beginning:

-Music: While all teen shows strive to provide good music, One Tree Hill has done it the best (in my opinion). My music taste blossomed because of what was shown on OTH. Their ability to put music to scenes is amazing...i.e. the coda for their high school graduation episode.

-Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer=Best Friends Forever (seriously.): Much like Kelly and Donna, these two gal pals stick together no matter what. Except for the time Peyton tried to steal Lucas (twice). The way their relationship was crafted, always makes me think of my real-life bestie, and how true to form the girls' relationship is to ours. Isn't that the point of art, after all? To help people feel that who they are matters, that their relationships are real and valid?

-Naley: GOOGLE IT.

-The 5 year jump forward: The show's writer, Mark Schwahn, was once quoted saying something about how shows' lowest ratings are when the cast graduates high school and moves through college. OTH did the best and most logical thing to avoid this--move the cast forward 5 years. This left tons of room for great stories, as well as the introduction of new characters. The reinvention proved to work--OTH is entering it's ninth and final season!

-Mark Schwahn, Mark Schwahn, Mark Schwahn: All of the above was made possible because of this man. In my eyes, he is a true genius. I met him once, at a Macy's in Columbus, Ohio. I waited in line for about 4 hours to meet him and another cast member (Michaela McManus-Lindsay) for a contest the show was having. I was about the 12th person in line, and thought I'd be cool as a cucumber when I got my turn. So, so wrong. I cried my 20 year-old eyes out and shoved my home-made glitter OTH poster in his face, hoping he would see that I really am the show's biggest fan! He was so nice, signed my poster, and told me to keep writing (I also annoyingly expressed my dream to be just like him). His writing and ideas for this show has produced some of the best television I have ever seen (i.e. the school shooting story arc). And I watch a lot of TV (obvs).

So, as you can see, these shows are more to me than just TV. They are a part of my everyday life, inspiration and hope when I feel I have none.

I hope this has persuaded a few of those naysayers into wanting to give teenage soap operas a fair shot!