the journey to self enlightenment through television

Category Archives: Lists

It’s been a difficult week in that there was just so much to watch.  Not only were there a large number of pilots to watch and critique, but there were also quite a few returning shows that need to be ripped apart.

House, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, Castle, Glee, Parenthood, Modern Family, Cougar Town, Bones, Big Bang Theory, The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Community, the Simpsons, and Family Guy… all shows I’ve come to love very much for very different reasons.  You can find all of my thoughts after the jump. Continue reading


First up?  My DVR.

And for those of you who were wondering, this is going to be one of those posts where I talk about something painfully mundane, but seemingly interesting.  Well, to me anyway.

Of all the things that need a good cleaning out, my DVR is definitely on the top of that list.  Well, that and my entire apartment.  Because I just want to relax and not worry about anything from Christmas to New Years.

The simple fact is that there is way too much clogging up the DVR.  Way too much.  As in, I should really delete stuff after I watch it.  But some shows just deserve to be watched 2 or 3 times.  And mostly because there are so many other things on tv that are just boring and silly, and I hate daytime tv, so I guess my DVR will remain relatively full.

  • 13 episodes of The Office
  • 2 episodes of Men of a Certain Age
  • 3 episodes of The Big Bang Theory
  • 9 episodes of Two and a Half Men
  • 3 episodes of Accidentally on Purpose
  • 1 episode of House
  • 1 episode of How I Met Your Mother
  • 7 episodes of The Simpsons
  • 1 episode of Let’s Make a Deal
  • 1 episode of WAVY News 10 Local News
  • 7 episodes of Family Feud
  • 2 episodes of The Family Guy
  • 2 episodes of Legend of the Seeker
  • 9 episodes of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
  • 1 DOUBLE episode of Dollhouse – this one keeps recording in 2-hour increments, which is fine, because then it looks like I only have 1 episode, even though there’s 2
  • 1 episode of the Tonight Show
  • 7 episodes of Lopez Tonight
  • 1 episode of SNL
  • 1 episode of Community
  • 1 episode of Cougar Town
  • 1 episode of Glee
  • 1 episode of Modern Family
  • 2 episodes of The Jay Leno Show
  • 2 episodes of Late Show with David Letterman
  • 1 episode of The Price is Right
  • Something’s Got to Give
  • Talladega Nights
  • Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  • It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
  • A Charlie Brown Christmas

Final count – 94% full with 85 episodes/movies/tv specials.  It’s sick.  And there is way too much on my DVR.  I wonder if I’ll make it through everything so I can make room for new stuff.


Entertainment Weekly, you never cease to entertain me.  I love the way you inform me all the pop culture news I ever needed to know.  But my favorite thing about you, EW, is your photo galleries that contain endless lists.  Oh, how you satisfy my list craving.

The latest of the lists has to do with favorite seasons of some classic tv over the last few decades.  They put their list in no particular order – I won’t list every show here, so check out the full list here.

  • The Simpsons, season 4 (1992-93) – home to great episodes like Homer the Heretic, Marge and the Monorail and Mr. Plow, it’s no secret that season 4 was a great season.  Because who can’t sing the Mr. Plow song every time they see a plow?
  • Alias, season 1 (2001-2002) – I really like when a show’s first season is a favorite.  Mostly because it’s a testament to the writers, show producers and actors that they had something good right off the bat.  But, on the other hand, when the first season is the best, it makes me wonder what went wrong later on.
  • Lost, season 1 (2004-2005) – The only season of Lost I could tolerate.  Unfortunately, it was never a show I could really get into.  But, with that said, season 1 was still excellent.
  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 2 (1997-1998) – A really amazing season, although not my favorite.  During the second season, everyone just locked step, and the Scoobies were never out of character again.  When I reintroduced myself to Buffy, it was the second season that really pulled me through.
  • The Sopranos, season 4 (2002) – I just love the Sopranos, from beginning to end.  But what I love even more was the show’s ability to go from being really dark to being really REALLY dark and complicated.  Season 4, in my opinion, is the darkest of all, but no less amazing than the others.
  • Sex and the City, season 3 (2000) – Carrie’s infidelity, Miranda’s breakup with Steve, Charlotte’s wedding to Trey, and Samantha and the guy with the “funky spunk.”  Classic.
  • Veronica Mars, season 1 (2004-2005) – The beginning of an amazing story about a young, girl detective with a penchant for lost causes and spying.  The first season of Veronica Mars has always been my favorite, as it was the introduction into the life of a teenaged super sleuth.

There’s quite a few more TV shows with great seasons on the EW’s list.  I definitely recommend checking them out, and voicing which seasons of your favorite shows are your favorites.


Honestly, I love EW for a lot of things.  But most of all, I love them for their lists.  They provide me with much needed blog fodder from time to time.  And who doesn’t love lists?  I mean, really.

But I love this particular list because it takes an honest look at what’s wrong with TV these days, and some shows that we just shouldn’t be watching anymore.  I will say upfront that I don’t completely agree with every show on this list, but I can certainly respect why they are on it.

  1. Heroes – Not gonna lie, I broke up with this one after season 2.  And then again after season 3.
  2. Dollhouse – One of those shows I love, that I don’t think should be on this list… but the ratings just aren’t up far enough yet to keep it from failing in its Friday night timeslot.
  3. America’s Next Top Model – I’ve never watched this show, and I don’t plan to start now.
  4. Project Runway – Um… same deal.  But hasn’t it been on long enough?
  5. The Office – I love this show, and really don’t see an end in sight.
  6. Gossip Girl – Ha!  I really tried watching this one, but it’s a daytime soap opera that airs at night on a crappy network.  The End.
  7. Hell’s Kitchen – This used to be a must-see… sadly, not so much anymore.
  8. Bones – I love this show.  I’ve always loved this show.  BUT it is one of those shows that you can put down for awhile, and pick up later and not miss much.  That could be deadly for a show.
  9. House – Yet another show that I love, but can drop for awhile and pick up whenever.  Sure, there’s new things going on this season…
  10. One Tree Hill – This is one that I tried watching, and it felt a little like a soap opera, and a little bit forced.  6 seasons might be long enough.
  11. Dancing with the Stars – They try to keep it new and fresh, but like American Idol, it’s just getting old.
  12. 90210 – I’m fairly certain I remember mentioning last season that this was a mistake to begin with.  Again, I will say, why mess with a good thing?  The original was good.  Leave it there.
  13. Glee – Ok.  I love love LOVE this show.  No, it’s not for everyone.  But I am definitely surprised that it’s even on this list.
  14. Private Practice – I actually finally got caught up with this one like I did with Grey’s Anatomy.  I never really like it all that much, but it was always something to watch when there was nothing else on.
  15. Fringe – Even though Joshua Jackson is my TV-boyfriend, I’ve always felt that this one needed to go.  Come on.  It’s the X-files.  It’s already been done.
  16. Mad Men – I often hear mixed feelings about Mad Men.  It’s good, it’s not good.  Truthfully, I’ve been wanting to check it out, but there’s always something else to be watched.
  17. CSI: Miami – Procedural shows are always great because they really know what they’re talking about.  But CSI has been on for a LONG time.
  18. Ghost Whisperer – Another soapy show that just doesn’t need to be on anymore.
  19. Smallville – Apparently this one has run its course.  Smallville is yet another show that I want to get into, but the more seasons there are, the harder it is, and the longer it’s going to take.  And do I really want to invest all that time?
  20. American Idol – Old and tired.  And I hate reality TV.  And without Paula’s crazy antics and sexual tension with Simon, I just think it’s a waste.  And besides, it’s been on way too long.  It’s just old.

There are definitely a few shows on this that list that I vehemently do not agree with.  But everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  As long as they can accept that Bones, House, Glee and Dollhouse are actually good shows.  And I will not be breaking up with any of these shows this season.

There are, however, a few shows that don’t show up on this particular list. Two and a Half Men is a great show, but with recent changes this season like Charlie being in a committed relationship are just things that are going to hurt the original premise of the show.  Plus, Jake is getting a little old to still be the “half” man on that show.

How I Met Your Mother is another show that I’m less than impressed with this season.  Not gonna lie, after that Britney Spears episode two seasons ago, I’ve been really turned off.  And I will say that there are a few good scenes in a few episodes this season, but Barney being committed and dating Robin just really takes away from his character mold.

I don’t see either of those shows ending anytime soon, but it’s something to think about.

What shows are you thinking about breaking up with this season?


I’m definitely behind on my TV this year.  I had to do quite a bit of research because I just haven’t been keeping up with everything the way I used to.  So far, I’m still unsure as to what I’ll be watching, but I plan to post every week and let you all know.  I also plan to take full advantage of my DVR AND the Internet to watch everything I think I need to watch.

So, without further adieu, here are the premieres for this fall (I’ve included everything from the beginning of September, even though we’re pretty much passed it already – but just in case you needed to know what you missed, it’s here).

Actually, I DO want to point out one thing.  Officially, the ACTUAL fall season doesn’t start until AFTER the Emmys.  I had a discussion with my boss last September about his because there were shows that were premiering BEFORE the Emmys, and although they are still technically premiering in the fall, they do not count as being part of the actual season.  It’s an interesting idea to think about.  So, I like to look at the Emmys as being a bookmark for when the season is supposed to start.

ANYway…

Tuesday, Sept 8

  • 90210, 8pm (CW)
  • Melrose Place, 9pm (CW)
  • Sons of Anarchy, 10pm (FX)

Wednesday, Sept 9

  • America’s Next Top Model, 8pm (CW)
  • So You Think You Can Dance, 8pm (FOX)
  • Glee, 9pm (FOX)

Thursday, Sept 10

  • Vampire Diaries, 8pm (CW)
  • Supernatural, 9pm (CW)

Friday, Sept 11

  • Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, 8pm (FOX)

Saturday, September 12

  • Cops, 8pm (FOX)
  • America’s Most Wanted, 9pm (FOX)
  • Robin Hood, 9pm (BBC America)

Monday, Sept 14

  • One Tree Hill, 8pm  (CW)
  • Gossip Girl, 9pm  (CW)
  • The Jay Leno Show, 10pm  (NBC)

Tuesday, Sept 15

  • The Biggest Loser, 8pm  (NBC)

Wednesday, Sept 16

  • The Beautiful Life, 9pm  (CW)

Thursday, Sept 17

  • Survivor: Samoa, 8pm  (CBS)
  • Bones, 8pm  (FOX)
  • SNL Weekend Update, 8pm (NBC)
  • Parks and Recreation, 8:30pm,  (NBC)
  • Fringe, 9pm (FOX)
  • The Office, 9pm (NBC)
  • Community, 9:30pm (NBC)
  • It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 10pm (FX)

Sunday, Sept 20

  • Curb Your Enthusiasm, 9pm (HBO)
  • Bored to Death, 9:30pm (HBO)

Monday, Sept 21

  • Dancing with the Stars, 8pm (ABC)
  • Heroes, 8pm (NBC)
  • House, 8pm (FOX)
  • How I Met Your Mother, 8pm (CBS)
  • Accidentally on Purpose, 8:30pm (CBS)
  • Two and a Half Men, 9pm (CBS)
  • The Big Bang Theory, 9:30pm (CBS)
  • Castle, 10pm (ABC)
  • CSI: Miami, 10pm (CBS)

Tuesday, Sept 22

  • NCIS, 8pm (CBS)
  • NCIS: Los Angeles, 9pm (CBS)
  • The Forgotten, 10pm (ABC)
  • The Good Wife, 10pm (CBS)

Wednesday, Sept 23

  • The New Adventures of Old Christine, 8 p.m. (CBS)
  • Mercy, 8 p.m. (NBC)
  • Gary Unmarried, 8:30 p.m. (CBS)
  • Criminal Minds, 9 p.m. (CBS)
  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, 9 p.m. (NBC)
  • Modern Family, 9 p.m. (ABC)
  • Cougar Town, 9:30pm (ABC)
  • CSI: NY, 10 p.m. (CBS)
  • Eastwick, 10 p.m. (ABC)

Thursday, Sept. 24

  • Flash Forward, 8 p.m. (ABC)
  • CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, 9 p.m. (CBS)
  • Grey’s Anatomy, 9 p.m. (ABC)
  • The Mentalist, 10 p.m. (CBS)

Friday, Sept. 25

  • Brothers, 8 p.m. (Fox)
  • Smallville, 8 p.m. (CW)
  • Law & Order, 8 p.m. (NBC)
  • Ghost Whisperer, 8 p.m. (CBS)
  • Dollhouse, 9 p.m. (Fox)
  • Southland, 9 p.m. (NBC)
  • Medium, 9 p.m. (CBS)
  • Numb3rs, 10 p.m. (CBS)

Saturday, Sept. 26

  • Saturday Night Live, 11:30 p.m. (NBC)

Sunday, Sept. 27

  • 60 Minutes, 7 p.m. (CBS)
  • Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, 7 p.m. (ABC)
  • The Amazing Race, 8 p.m. (CBS)
  • The Simpsons, 8 p.m. (Fox)
  • The Cleveland Show, 8:30 p.m. (Fox)
  • Family Guy, 9 p.m. (Fox)
  • Desperate Housewives, 9 p.m. (ABC)
  • Dexter, 9 p.m. (Showtime)
  • American Dad, 9:30 p.m. (Fox)
  • Brothers & Sisters, 10 p.m. (ABC)
  • Californication, 10 p.m. (Showtime)
  • Cold Case, 10 p.m. (CBS)

Monday, Sept. 28

  • Lie to Me, 9 p.m. (Fox)
  • Trauma, 9 p.m. (NBC)

Tuesday, Sept. 29

  • Hell’s Kitchen, 8 p.m. (Fox)
  • Shark Tank, 8 p.m. (ABC)
  • Dancing With the Stars, 9 p.m. (ABC)

Wednesday, Sept. 30

  • Hank, 8 p.m. (ABC)
  • The Middle, 8:30 pm. (ABC)

Thursday, Oct. 1

  • Private Practice, 10 p.m. (ABC)

Friday, Oct. 2

  • ‘Til Death, 8:30 p.m. (Fox
  • Stargate Universe, 9 p.m. (Syfy)

Sunday, Oct. 4

  • America’s Funniest Home Videos, 7 p.m (ABC)
  • Three Rivers, 9 p.m. (CBS)

Tuesday, Oct. 6

  • Scare Tactics, 9 p.m. (Syfy)

Friday, Oct. 9

  • Ugly Betty, 8 p.m. (ABC)
  • Sanctuary, 10 p.m. (Syfy)

Thursday, Oct. 15

  • 30 Rock, 9:30 p.m. (NBC)

Friday, Oct. 16

  • Supernanny, 8 p.m. (ABC)

Friday, Oct. 23

  • White Collar, 10 p.m. (USA)

Tuesday, Nov. 3

  • V, 8 p.m. (ABC)

Saturday, Nov. 7

  • The Wanda Sykes Show, 11 p.m. (Fox)

So… that would be the 2009 Fall Premier lineup.  Ummm… a few things I’m looking forward to are the number of returning shows, like House, How I Met Your Mother and Dollhouse.  And then there are the shows that are returning that I haven’t seen before, like Castle, starring Nathan Fillion.  And of course there are the new shows like Vampire Diaries and Glee that I’m looking forward to.  Every show gets the 3-episode rule, even existing shows.  So if something isn’t really living up to par, it’s going to have to be taken off the DVR.  This is going to be fun!

Enjoy!



– Maybe.

What makes a TV show a “cult favorite”?  A lot of times when you’re talking about cult favorites, you think of movies, but either way, the definition is the same.  A film (or TV show) that has acquired a devoted but specific group of fans.

Yup, that sounds about right.  But is it the writing?  The cast?  Is it a favorite by association, because you’ve seen previous works (ahem *cough cough* Joss Whedon *cough*)?

I’m not entirely sure what makes each one so special, except that they are all different, and each posses their own thing that makes them a favorite.

So, now I’m going to thank Entertainment Weekly for providing me with another list, because we all know how much I LOVE lists, on the 25 Greatest Cult TV Shows Ever.   I’m only going to comment on the shows I’ve seen, and you can view the entire list and all comments over at EW.

25.  Beauty and the Beast (1987-1990) – CBS

24.  Sports Night (1998-2000) – ABC

23.  The Venture Brothers (2003-Present) – Cartoon Network

22.  Get a Life (1990-1992) – FOX

21.  Police Squad (1982) – ABC

20.  The Ben Stiller Show (1990-1993) – MTV, FOX

19.  Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988-1999) – Comedy Central, Sci-fi

18.  The Comeback (2005) – HBO

17.  Chuck (2007-Present) – NBC – I started with a few episodes of this, and decided initially that it wasn’t worth my time because it coincided with other TV shows on at the same time.  And my DVR could only do so much recording at one time.  Maybe I’ll have to give this one another look, especially since it’s still on TV.

16.  The Wire (2002-2008) – HBO – I’ve heard nothing but good things about this one.  I’ve spent many nights walking by this one in Blockbuster, but never thought to pick it up.  Hmmm…. I think I may have to update my list of things to watch.

15.  Pushing Daisies (2007-2009) – ABC – I absolutely fell in love with this show from episode one.  It was really a shame that ABC decided to axe this one.  I mean, come on!  Who didn’t ADORE Kristen Chenoweth?

14.  Profit (1996) – FOX

13.  Veronica Mars (2004-2007) – UPN, The CW – I was a little surprised to see this one fall in the #13 spot.  I guess I was hoping that it would rank a little higher.  But I am definitely impressed that it’s a cult favorite.  I love it.  I’m hoping for a movie.  There aren’t any fans like VMars fans.  Dedicated and loyal to the end.

12.  The Tick (1994-1997) – FOX

11.  Supernatural (2005-Present) – The WB, The CW – This was another one I didn’t have time to watch.  But I’ve heard so many great things.  Plus, it has that kid from the Gilmore Girls.

10.  Farscape (1999-2003) – Sci-fi

9.  The X-Files (1993-2002) – FOX – The movie killed the series.  It was a great show, and the first movie was good.  But after that, total crap.

8.  My So-Called Life (1994-1995) – ABC – I actually remember watching this on MTV from time to time on Sundays.  It was pretty good, but to be perfectly honest, sometimes Angela’s depressing, teenager with angst was just too much to watch for too long.

7.  Battlestar Galactica (2003-2009) – Sci-fi – I promise, I WILL get around to watching this.  I must.

6.  Firefly (2002) – FOX – A introduced me to this show.  I’d heard about it for a long time, and never really thought much about it.  And then I watched.  And I fell in love.  And there’s a great crossover with Wash going over to Dollhouse.  When Joss loves someone, he puts them in EVERYTHING he can.

5.  Twin  Peaks (1990-1991) – ABC

4.  The Prisoner (1967-1968) – ITV

3.  Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000) – NBC – I rented this one.  Didn’t really get into it.  A few bonuses were that it starred Jason Segel of How I Met Your Mother and Seth Rogan.

2.  Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) – The WB, UPN – My all-time favorite show, EVER!  It jumped networks.  It spawned a spinoff.  And now there’s talk about another movie.  There’s comic books and toys, and prop replicas and books and commentaries.  It just doesn’t get much better than this.

1.  Doctor Who (1963-Present) – BBC – I’ve seen it here and there on the BBC.  Actually, it’s really a great thing that it’s been on since the 60’s.  And they’ve gone through several cast changes, but that should be expected.  Definitely a good choice for the number one spot.  And also, it is the longest running show on the entire list.  That alone gives it credibility.

It’s funny.  Looking over the completed list and seeing which networks have cult classics and which do not.  ABC seems to be the leader in the cult favorite TV shows.  And I wonder if that’s because they are doing that on purpose.  Canceling shows before they really have a chance to get their stride.  Or is it just because the shows weren’t really going to ever go anywhere.

Either way, so far, I DID notice that Joss Whedon has not one but TWO shows on that list.  Both Firefly AND Buffy are considered cult favorites.  And can you argue?  I’m a little surprised that Angel didn’t round out that trend.  And I wonder if Dollhouse will make it to cult favorite status.  I know I already love it.

What are some of your favorite cult TV shows?


I was milling around on Twitter this morning because who doesn’t obsess over Twitter like I do… I mean, seriously.

ANYway, I was milling around on Twitter this morning looking at some updates, and I found a very interesting feed that talked about the sudden, or not-so-sudden, downturn of the Soap Opera.

Sure, channels like Soap Network are trying to keep the genre alive by broadcasting them 24/7 so those who work during the day can keep up with all the things going on in these fictional worlds.  I will admit that I once found myself obsessed with such things, and scheduled my college class schedule around All My Children.

But as far as the major networks are concerned, are our formerly favorite soap operas still as cost-efficient and popular as they once were?  Apparently not.  According to Showbiz 411, things are not looking good for the long-running shows.

With All My Children, for one, it has been announced that the current/former NYC show will be transferred to LA, where it would be more cost-effective to film.  But does that really mean ANYTHING?  Will ABC really be gaining that much by moving the show?  Don’t know.  And what’s more is that the entire cast and crew LIVE IN NYC.  Casting tends to be easier there than in LA, and once they move to the town of PLasticA, what will happen to the integrity of the show?

I know, I know.  Soap Operas are kind of lame, and the time lapse thing has always been an issue for me.  But that doesn’t mean they weren’t cult favorites.

And believe it or not, there are a ton, and I mean a TON of actors who got their start on one soap or another.  Just google any of them, and you’ll see.

A while back, I posted a list – because I LOVE lists – on the 11 longest running soap operas in history.  I’m looking back at that post now in awe.  Just seeing that a lot of them started in the 50’s and 60’s and are still running today is incredible. 

But the real question is: does it make sense?  And the answer is a little complicated.  On the one hand, yes.  Soap Operas are definitely on their way out, and the reason is because there is so much on TV right now, and viewers have enough difficulty trying to decide what to watch.

On the other hand, again, I feel the need to mention that a lot of actors got their start starring on soaps. 

So, I leave it to you, gentle readers.  Love them, or leave them.

Either way, when anything ends, it’s always interesting to find out why.


I’ve seen people do this often.  Put the iPod on shuffle and let it go.

My internal iPod and my ACTUAL iPod have been fighting lately.  The songs that have been playing in my head are nowhere near what would be coming up on my ACTUAL iPod.  With all that said, I’ve decided to do something totally not original put my iPod on shuffle and let the world into what makes me tick.  Musically, anyway.

Try it.  Turn on iTunes or your iPod (or any MP3 player), and hit shuffle.  Then post the first 10 songs that come up.

  1. “What You Feel” – from Once More With Feeling, BtVS
  2. “Birth of the Blues” – James Marsters
  3. “In Your Life” – John Rensink
  4. “It’s My Life” – Bon Jovi
  5. “My Old School” – Steely Dan
  6. “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” – Pitbull
  7. “Crazy Train” – Ozzy Osbourne
  8. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” – Fergie
  9. “Charge” – Splendid
  10. “Figure It Out” – Maroon 5

And there you have it, Gentle Readers.  A little insight into my life through music.  Believe it or not, my music collection is much more diverse than my random 10 list will show you.  What do you listen to?  Any suggestions for new music?  Old music?


Michael Scott is the self-proclaimed king of email forwards.  He will forward it like it’s hott

Mostly the emails he sends around are not office-appropriate, but that doesn’t make them any less funny.  He really found a way to appreciate the crudeness of them when Corporate started putting their proverbial foot down and said no more.  Michael protested.  But what else was he supposed to have done?  Typical Michael.

Speaking of email forwards, this little gem landed in my email today from a co-worker and I found touching and inspiring, and something I wanted to share with everyone. 

I think it’s important  to be aware of the lessons life teaches us sometimes.  And thankful for the moments that surround them…

The following ended up in my email and was written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland Ohio

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.  It’s is the most-requested column I’ve ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

  1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good
  2. When in doubt, just take the next small step
  3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone
  4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick.  Your friends and parents will.  Stay in touch
  5. Pay off your credit cards every month
  6. You don’t have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree
  7. Cry with someone.  It’s more healing than crying alone
  8. It’s ok to get angry with God.  He can take it
  9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck
  10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile
  11. Make peace with the past so it won’t screw up the present
  12. It’s okay to let your children see you cry
  13. Don’t compare your life to others.  You have no idea what their journey is all about
  14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it
  15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.  But don’t worry, God never blinks
  16. Take a deep breath.  It calms the mind
  17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful
  18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger
  19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.  But the second one is up to you and no one else
  20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer
  21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.  Don’t save it for a special occasion.  Today is special
  22. Over prepare.  Then go with the flow
  23. Be eccentric now.  Don’t wait for old age to wear purple
  24. The most important sex organ is the brain
  25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you
  26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In 5 years, will this matter?”
  27. Always choose life
  28. Forgive everyone everything
  29. What other people think is none of your business
  30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time
  31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
  32. Don’t take yourself so seriously.  No one else does
  33. Believe in miracles
  34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do
  35. Don’t audit life.  Show up and make the most of it now
  36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young
  37. Your children only get one childhood
  38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved
  39. Get outside every day.  Miracles are waiting everywhere
  40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back
  41. Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need
  42. The best is yet to come
  43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
  44. Yield
  45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift”

I wrote this on February 20th.  Not for any other reason than I wanted to tell Chriso that I loved him.  And sometimes it’s easier to say everything I want to say through email.  With no interuptions.  With no extra dialogue.  With nothing but my words.

It is not our anniversary.  It is not a special day.  In fact, it’s snowing outside, and I’m becoming more concerned that due to such “inclement weather,” I may not see Chriso tonight.  And that makes me sad.  But I know that we will have plenty of time to spend together in the future, so a snow day isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen.

I added a few things to the original email, so there are definitely more than 10 things that I love about him

Anyway, I wanted to post this because I miss Chriso, even though I see him every day.  And I love him more than words could ever express. 

Chriso

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

10 Things I love about you… (plus a few extras)

10.  You’re passionate about many different things.  I love watching you just relax while playing music, and get excited in Bible Study about dates and orders.  You have so much fire and so much drive, and I know that whatever you want to do, you will accomplish it.  Even if it is being a “middle aged priest” in a BC student film.

 

9.  You have great hair.  And you’re incredibly good looking.  Sometimes, when I look at you, I can’t help be get caught up in your ruggedness.  I wouldn’t have you change a thing.  I love your hair, both facial and otherwise… You’re just a good looking guy…

 

8.  You care about the little things… everything from how I’m feeling, whether I got home safely, to how my day went at work.  And I think it’s incredible that you would care so much to want to beat up my ex because he’s being  a douche at work.  

 

7.  We have so many things in common… I love just driving around aimlessly with you, and going to Church and even working with you.  I love that we have so much that we share, but there are still things that we don’t share, and there are so many things that we will share eventually.  And we can be dorky together.  And I love that we can just sit and do nothing and have it still be a lot of fun.  And we want the same things out of life: warmer climates, children, lots of shagging…

 

6.  You want to be with me.  And I want to be with you.  And that’s all we need.

 

5.  After 11 years (9 officially of being together), we are still as hot as we ever were, if not hotter.  And we keep getting better.  And you’re so adventurous, and I know that if I made a suggestion, you’d want to try… all I have to do is say the word and you’re ready and willing, and that’s incredible.

 

4.  You do what you want, you say what you need to say, and you’re independent (to a point under the given circumstances).  You typically don’t hold back, even if it comes out in Chriso-speak and we need to translate.  You’re just so free and laid back and appear to not have very many cares.

 

3.  The way you love… You throw yourself into it with reckless abandon.  Yes, you’ve been hurt before, but that didn’t stop you from taking another chance on love and going for it full throttle.  You love your music, and your children, and your family, and me… but seeing you do it, watching you love so fully is nothing short of amazing.

 

2.  I love the way you make me feel.  Sometimes it’s just a look or the quick turn of a phrase, or a small gesture, and you give me butterflies

 

1.  Just because.

1 + 1.  You get me.  Without having to say anything.  Without having to think anything.  Without having to do anything.  You get me.  You know how I think.  We don’t share the same brain, but sometimes it feels like we do because sometimes we can be that in tune with each other.  But you just get me.  And that’s so important.

1 + 2.  I love the way you hold me in your arms.  And the way you run your fingers under my chin.  And the way you kiss me.  And the way I fit in your arms.  It’s like we were meant to fit together like the perfect puzzle pieces.

1 + 3.  No matter what we do, we have a fantastic time.  I know that there will be hard times to come.  But I also know that the good times are not over.  And probably never will be.  And I can always hope that the good times will outnumber the not-so-good times.  But none of that matters… because we’ll be together.  And we’ll always love each other.  And sometimes, that is enough.

1 + 4.  I love the things I see in you.  I love that you remind me of my father in so many ways, and in so many ways you are a completely different person.  The old adage that a woman will marry a man like her father is suddenly making more sense to me.  You are a romantic at heart, and very passionate.  And you encompass all the things I could have only ever dreamed of finding in a partner.

1 + 5.  We can just sit and talk about anything.  I think we are both at a point where communication is one of the most important things, and I really think that we do a great job of just talking.  Even if it’s about nothing.  And you never let me not communicate.  No matter what it is, we always talk thing out.  And you don’t let me off the hook.  and that’s important.

1 + 6.  You are my only one.  And I love you just because.

Love always,

K