Sorting Hat: Supernatural (Guest Post by Liz!)

Supernatural lovers - rejoice!  My bud, Liz, was gracious enough to write a guest post.  I'm *sort of* fond of all things Harry Potter, and you all know that we've got a little series here where we're placing characters from our favorite shows into Hogwarts houses.  So fun!  Liz watches some TV shows that I don't and vice versa, so with her help we can cover different genres.  Read along and see what a nerd she is enjoy.  **Also, Blogger is whack and so formatting is off - weird indentations everywhere.  Apologies!

Charlotte has done some awesome Hogwarts Sorting Hat posts on her favorite shows, so naturally, I wanted to do one for one of my favorite shows, Supernatural. Charlotte happens to be a big ‘ol scaredy pants, so she wouldn’t like Supernatural probably, but she’s been so kind as to allow me to do this post (thanks girl, even though you first forced me to watch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt before I could write this post, and then I ended up really liking UKS and it kept me from writing this post).

Be forewarned, this post will definitely have some spoilers. I’ll avoid spoiling major plot points, but if you’re still in seasons 1-2, you may want to stop reading now. Without further ado, let Liz’s sorting hat do what it’s going to do.

       1. Dean Winchester

(he’s so handsome…)

I really didn’t have a hard time sorting Dean at all- he’s undoubtedly a Gryffindor. "You might belong in Gryffindor, Where dwell the brave at heart, Their daring, nerve and chivalry, Set Gryffindors apart." I mean, come on. We all know this is Dean. His love for his family gives him so much bravery and strength. He has a strong sense of duty to his family- he never thought about leaving the family business, and he says constantly that hunting is in his blood. He also has a strong sense of righteousness, which we all see clearly at various points in the show. A good example of this to me is when he kills Sam’s old friend, Amy, who is a Kitsune. Dean’s nature to see things as black and white- monsters are bad and must be killed, humans must be saved- is a significant part of the story line, and I think it’s a good example of how he fits in Gryffindor. A more positive example is how he sacrifices himself over and over again to save Sammy.

2. Sam Winchester

(also so handsome...this show is filled with attractive men)

For a little while I was torn between sorting Sam as a Ravenclaw or a Gryffindor. Sam is undoubtedly brave and chivalrous, but for me his bookworm characteristics tip the scale in favor of Ravenclaw. Sam didn’t want to be a hunter- he wanted to graduate from Stanford and become a lawyer, but unforeseeable incidents obviously forced him back into the business. Sam is the researcher, always looking up as much as possible before a case. Also, Sam is a self-identified “freak.” As a kid he was the weird loner, and demon blood running through his veins has always made him feel different. Because of this, Sam is relatively open-minded and accepting. He was deceived by Ruby because he thought that even though she is a demon, she could be genuinely good. Anyone who saw how Sam reacted to the bunker once owned by the Men of Letters can see he’d fit in well in Ravenclaw.

3.       Bobby Singer

(I’m surprised “idjits” isn’t a part of my everyday vocabulary, tbh)

Bobby is a tough one (balls!). He has characteristics of Gyrffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Bobby is brave, smart, and kind. My first thought was Hufflepuff, but frankly, I think the other members of that house would drive him absolutely insane. No one can doubt that Bobby is a hard worker and incredibly loyal. He serves as a network for numerous hunters all over the country. He has at least 6 phone lines in his home so he can cover for hunters and pretend to be a Sheriff, the FBI, etc. Bobby isn’t friendly though, and his patience can certainly wear thin. So, I think Bobby would get to choose, and he’d probably choose Gryffindor. No one can doubt that Bobby is brave and thinks on his feet. I think he’d fit in well there.

4.       Castiel

I had no trouble sorting Castiel at all- Hufflepuff! Loyal, patient, kind- all words that describe him perfectly. Castiel is one of the only genuinely good angels remaining in heaven. He believes strongly in doing what is right and fair. His kindness is apparent. Besides raising Dean from perdition, Castiel goes out of his way to heal people at random. And, of course, his unwavering loyalty to the Winchesters, especially Dean, is what makes him stand out amongst the other angels. Castiel is truly dedicated to doing God’s work. Even when he makes the wrong choices, he is always doing them because, in his heart, he believes he is doing the right thing.

5.       Crowley

Crowley, the King of Hell. You can bite me if you think I’m wrong on this one- he goes to Slytherin. I’d say most, if not all, of the demons in SPN would be Slytherins. Cunning, clever, and ambitious are traits they all seem to carry. Crowley does whatever it takes to become King of Hell and to strengthen his position, be it partnering with Castiel and the Winchesters, or helping the Winchesters to kill off his own kind. Before anyone asks, Ruby and Meg are also in Syltherin. You can love these characters one minute, and hate them the next, which I think is a big part of their appeal.

6.       Jo Harvelle

Jo and Ellen are characters that didn’t get to be developed as much as they deserved on SPN. I LOVED Ellen and Jo, which is why I had to sort these two on the post. Jo goes to Gryffindor! I think the first time we see Jo is a clear Gryffindor is when she runs off on her own to take on the case where young blonde women have been disappearing from an apartment building. SHE OFFERS HERSELF UP AS BAIT IN THAT EPISODE. That takes some serious guts. For those of you past season 3, you all know how brave Jo is through it all.

7.       Ellen Harvelle

Ellen is a little harder for me to sort than Jo, but I think she belongs in Gryffindor as well. She’s just such a badass babe. Just look at that gif of her, look at it.

8.       Charlie Bradbury

Another easy one- Charlie is definitely in Ravenclaw. She is exceptionally intelligent and bright- she’s one of the best hackers on the planet! She’s also a proud fangirl, does live action role-playing, goes to comic con, etc. She’s very proudly unique. Sure, she has dropped out of school, but she was clever and wise enough to make it on her own. She also does a great job saving the Winchesters’ butts now and then.

I know there are so many awesome characters on SPN, and I could go on forever, but writing all of this is getting old, so here’s a short list of some of minor SPN characters and where I think they’d go:

Gabriel- Ravenclaw

Death (Yes, I love Death. I had to include him. He’s in so few episodes but he’s one of my favorite characters)- Ravenclaw

Kevin Tran- Also, Ravenclaw

Benny- Hufflepuff

Lucifer- Slytherin (obvs)

Raphael- Slytherin

And that’s it. That’s all I’m doing for tonight. SPN lovers, go watch an episode. Until next time…

-Liz

Weekling: W.24

For more posts in this series, go here: Weeklings

Happenings

It's been in the 40's here every day.  It's been raining and nasty.  It's been miserable.  

Usually this is when I'd offer an update on the health situation, but since I doubt anyone wants to read all of that every week, I'm just giving the medical stuff its own little section.... way at the bottom.

On the ~not medical~ side of things: 

My grandparents' car needed to be driven for around 80 miles to check out an old problem, so Chimney Rock seemed like a nice place to go, despite the rain. 

In other exciting-only-to-me news... I bought this shirt a few months ago because a store was going out of business and it was like $1.50 and it can be dressed up or dressed down.  But, it didn't fit.  And it didn't fit a month ago.  But now it does!  I mean, I'm not suggesting I look great and I know this is mostly an unflattering picture, but it's nice knowing that I'm losing weight. 

Obnoxious smile just for Olivia, who complains whenever I've got my go-to scowl on.

Common theme among these pictures: I am not a photographer. 

And oh, oh, oh, I don't think I've talked about Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt much yet.  I've watched it twice now and I love it.  The casting is perfect, the actors are great, and the writing is brilliant.  Some of my favorite lines: 

"Are you asking me out, you tasty little Bob the Builder?"  (PS, I think the construction worker in that episode is SO CUTE when he smiles.  #crush)

"In my next life, I'm coming back as a baby." 

"I'll be here. ....wiiith my kissing hole." 

"I'm a stranger danger ranger!" 

"A female dog?  The thing that makes puppies?  Nice compliment, Xan." 

"You look bright eyed and bushy tailed!"

"No, I got that lasered off."

And so many more.  So many. 

Thankful for

All of my friends but especially Liv, Liz, and Alison, who have had to endure several pictures (captioned, "Do I look gross in this?") and many a rant this week.  Poor souls. 

Books I'm reading now

I won't lie, I've dropped my reading goals this week(s) in favor of re-reading some Harry Potter.  I'm not mad about it.  

Random

I am making this recipe for Skillet Basil Cream Chicken tomorrow and I am SO excited.  I predict that it will taste divine but not look nearly as lovely as those pictures look. 

To-do 

Up my search for a job I can do from home (I feel like this is my only option until this medical problem is sorted because I'm sick or writhing in pain all the time).  

Do more research on the nearest surgeons who perform the surgery I need.

Links worth looking at

Mercy is Ours to Give, if We Choose It - Truthout

This Girl’s Reaction To Mufasa Dying Is All Of Us When We Saw “The Lion King” - Buzzfeed

Young Women's Hearts at Risk - NYT

10 Reasons Why You Need to Marathon The West Wing Right Now - Head Over Feels

(This is two years old but I just came across it while writing the post about West Wing characters and Hogwarts houses.)

Ten Unexpected Nicknames for Charles - Appellation Mountain

Here's the Real Problem With Almonds - Mother Jones

Pope Francis throws the weight of his office behind tackling climate change - National Catholic Reporter

Medical stuff

After saying surgery is the only thing that will fix the problems I currently have, I was also told that surgery isn't an option.  That's my dilemma.  I asked why, and basically, surgery causes more adhesions.  It's not the biggest deal in the world, but too many of them have the potential to make it a little difficult getting pregnant later on.  So instead my doctor wanted to put me on one of two medicines.  Both just stop you from getting your period to prevent the endometriosis from getting worse.  

Problem is, I've done a ton of research - most women who go on these don't get much relief.  Do I want to stop it from getting worse?  Yes.  But I'm not comfortable ignoring the problems that are already there PLUS I'm currently in a lot of pain and/or violently ill several times a week, so this is making it hard for me to function.  And just in case the things I read weren't true, I asked if the medicines would stop my symptoms and the answer was no.  

I understand why my doctor wants to avoid surgery, but they also told me that it's the only thing that will fix what's wrong and that my symptoms are troubling, so.... I need another option.  

After more research, I found out about a different kind of surgery with awesome success rates.  Instead of burning the tissue with endometriosis, they cut it out, cutting deeper than the affected tissue to avoid any lingering of the disease.  Unfortunately, health care in America kind of sucks and treatment of women-specific diseases sucks even worse, so it looks like this will be hard to get.  It's called specialized excision surgery and most doctors aren't trained for it.  So that's problematic.  I've got a lot more research to do.  

Fun Fact

I slipped on a banana peel once.  I was in the city with my friends, ran to catch up with them, and slipped on a peel.  I hadn't realized that wasn't something that only happened in cartoons.....

__

Charlotte 

Sorting Hat: The West Wing, Part 2

For the first batch of Hogwarts-themed fun, go here: 

Sorting Hat: The West Wing

Ever the exciting blogger, I decided to do..... another one today.  Variety is not my middle name. 

Onward. 

1. Donna 

Source

It should be known that I only ever say "Donna" in Josh's voice.  

Donna seems to be a Hufflepuff to me.  She's just super fun and friendly and nice to everyone she meets.  She's got other great qualities - she's smart as hell and Josh couldn't function without her which sort of means the country couldn't function without her.  You go, Glen Coco Donna!  All that said, I still think she belongs in Hufflepuff.  It works out well because Leo and Josh are there.  

So Hufflepuff houses the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff, and the "Deputy Deputy Chief of Staff."  That's a fine house if I've ever seen one.  

I haven't ever seen one. 

2. Charlie

Source

Charlie is another character I adore.  Then again, there aren't really any characters I don't like on this show.  

Charlie is a Gryffindor without doubt.  He's brave and righteous.  The time that he says he wants to go to a club opening regardless of threats against him comes to mind.  And basically every other thing he says and does throughout the series.  While he's smart, he doesn't ponder everything.  He reacts quickly to things.  Remember when he threw Anthony against the wall after he called CJ a bitch?  That's Gryffindor-like to me. 

3. Abby 

Source

Abby is kind of tough to sort.  I'll narrow it down to Gryffindor or Ravenclaw.  I want to put her in Gryffindor since Jed is there but it's not like being in a different house means they can't know each other.  

She is certainly feisty enough to be a Gryffindor.  But she's also very thoughtful and takes time to think things over and has a grasp on what's "right" and... I kind of think she goes to Ravenclaw.  

4. Debbie

Source

I love, love, loved Mrs. Landingham, so I didn't think I'd ever get to like Debbie but wow, was I wrong.  Of course, all of the characters on this show are witty and sassy, but she brings a certain level of snark that I admire so damn much.  

Which means I can sit here and try and figure out where to put her and probably Hufflepuff would win that battle, but I just want her in Gryffindor, since it's my favorite.  Also how fun would it be to have the Weasley twins and Debbie all in the same house?  The shenanigans would be endless. 

5. Margaret 

Source

The quirkiest of quirky people!  I love Margaret and she's book smart and she's got a host of good qualities, but she is fiercely devoted to Leo and that kind of devotion to friends is something I associate with Hufflepuff so off you go, Margaret!  She is also incredibly hard working (one of the hardest workers on the show, probably right next to Donna) and that's a trait of Hufflepuffs. 

6. John Hoynes 

Source

Slytherin.  Bye. 

__

Charlotte 

Sorting Hat: The West Wing

Honestly, Buzzfeed is starting to annoy me.  However, they did post this article: 19 Male Characters Who Are Obviously Hufflepuffs 

Which made me think it'd be fun to sort the characters in some of my favorite TV shows into Hogwarts Houses.  

*original* *creative* *intellectual* 

Why thank you.

I think it's only right that the first show to get sorted be The West Wing.  You know, since e'erybody is announcing their campaigns for the presidency.  

And so: 

1. President Josiah Bartlet

Source

So obviously, he's not a Hufflepuff.  

That leaves Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Gryffindor.  

I know, I know.  Slytherin isn't just filled with the bad people (Slughorn!  And others, I'm sure....), but I do think it's filled with an awful lot of ambitious people.  A little bit of ambition is good, a lot of ambition is not.  We've all met these kind of people (the ones who place advancement ahead of everything and everyone else in life) and frankly, they're not my favorite.  I wouldn't put Bartlet into Slytherin.  When we get flashbacks to him and Leo talking about his run for the presidency, we find out that he was mainly trying to talk about issues.  He cared more about people and policy than power.  In one of my favorite episodes, "Let Bartlet be Bartlet," he says, "This is more important than reelection."  "This" refers to a good agenda.  He values that above his position of power.  So it's a big fat no for Slytherin. 

So is it Ravenclaw or Gryffindor?  That's a tough one for me.  

I think he'd fit in fine with Ravenclaw, but it doesn't feel right (and that's my cue that I'm taking this too seriously).  Ravenclaws are great, but they seem a little out there to me.  I see them as creatives or as big thinkers.  Jed Bartlet is a big thinker, for sure, but he's also a leader.  He's a mix of thinking and acting.  

I'd probably put him in Gryffindor.  He's got a mix of that boyish fun thing I think a lot of Hufflepuffs have and the smarts of a Ravenclaw.  Combine that with his nerve and strong-willed nature and we've got a Gryffindor. 

2. Leo 

Source

Leo is another character that can fit into a few houses.  He's brilliant, he's brave, he's a good guy.

If I were the Sorting Hat (what a weird thought... 'if I were a hat..'), I'd put Leo in Hufflepuff.  

I get that he's incredibly courageous.  He served in war, he was wounded in war.  And I get that he's basically a genius.  But throughout the series, I think his friendship outshines all his other great qualities.  

When Josh deals with PTSD, Leo gets him help and I don't have to quote the entire thing because if you're a West Wing fan, you know what I'm talking about (there's a guy walking down the street when he falls into a hole...).  He ends it with something like, "Long as I got a job, you got a job."  

He's a fierce friend to Jed, obviously.  He's hurt when he finds out Jed has MS because if he had known he could have been supportive.  He's clearly in anguish when Zoey gets kidnapped and the temporary president gives an attack order that puts her in danger.  He's loyal to Bartlet and has no interest in working for anyone else throughout the series.  

There are more examples, but I think it's pretty clear that he was a friend above everything else, so Leo goes to Hufflepuff. 

3. Josh Lyman

Source

TRICKY.  He clearly doesn't belong in Slytherin or Ravenclaw.  This is a toss up between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor.  I'm tempted to put him in Gryffindor because he has reddish hair and the Weasleys have red hair and they're in Gryffindor, so... 

Since I can't really decide which house to put him in, I'm going to say this is a Harry-Potter-esque situation, and Josh is going to get to decide which house he wants to be in.  And I think he'd pick Hufflepuff, since Leo is in Hufflepuff and it's important to Josh to be Leo's guy. I think he'd have a lot of friends in Ravenclaw though, since he revealed he was more of a chess club guy when he was talking to his intern about Harvard. 

4. Toby

Source

Toby and CJ are my favorite characters, I think.  Someone once told me that I was like a lovechild of Toby and CJ and I think that it may have been the single nicest thing anyone has ever said about me.  

Move on, Charlotte. 

I'd put Toby in Ravenclaw.  His hilarity and occasional scruffiness and love for the Yankees are things I could see being characteristics of people in other houses, but his main thing is his intellect.  It influences everything else he does.  Another big influence for this choice is how poetic he is.  You know, talking about angels and demons battling and stuff... in normal conversation.  As I said earlier, I see Ravenclaw as the place where almost all the creative types would be, and he's no exception.  But he'd need some friends in Hufflepuff and Gryffindor to keep him cheery. 

5. CJ

Source

Where do you put someone with nerve, bravery, loyalty, and wit?  

I don't know. 

Okay, she can't be in Slytherin because while she has goals, she's not overly ambitious.  I can't see CJ betraying her friends to get ahead in life or anything like that.  

So Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Gryffindor.  Oh my.  Instinct tells me to put her in Gryffindor, because while she's intelligent and a good friend, she's really a woman in a man's career, and that takes underlying nerve and courage.  

If I'm going to eliminate another house, it'd probably be Ravenclaw (she and Toby would still be best of friends, though!) because she's so super down to earth.  She's very cool.  So I think it comes down to Hufflepuff or Gryffindor.  

I can sort of see similarities between CJ and Minerva McGonagall.  They're both witty (and know how to wonderfully time their snips), smart, professional, and caring.  So I guess I'll go ahead and put CJ in Gryffindor.  Good effort, though, Hufflepuff. 

6. Sam 

Source

 Sam is probably the most difficult character to sort for me.  I'm inclined to throw him in Ravenclaw with Toby and I'm sure he'd do well there.  But he's so fun and boyish, like Josh, and loves his friends and does things like goes sailing on boats with his friends so he'd do fine in Hufflepuff as well.  

He's the furthest thing from a Slytherin, so at least we can throw that out. 

But what about Gryffindor?  He's plenty brave.  He's got nerve.  In the fourth season he goes to California to run for office - a campaign he won't win - because he made a promise.  This probably shows his loyalty more than anything.  And I can't pull the same thing I did with Josh here because I don't think I know what house he would choose.  

If I had to choose, I think I'd go with Ravenclaw.  This pains me because he'd fit in so well at Hufflepuff or Gryffindor.  But, he is also another one walking around making poetry in normal conversations.  He's a thinker before anything else and... I'll go ahead and call him a little stuffy, since when he did go out with his friends, he said something about wearing sweaters and looking like a Tommy Hilfiger ad.  You need to be at least a little highbrow to hang out with your friends and look like a Tommy Hilfiger ad.  

So we've got two for Ravenclaw, two for Hufflepuff, and two for Gryffindor!  I didn't do that on purpose, but it works.  

Next time: Donna, Charlie, Abby, Debbie, Margaret, and Hoynes.  

Til then. 

*Update - Read Part 2 here!

__

Charlotte   

Weekling: W.23

For more posts in this series, go here: Weeklings

I'll get to my own stuff in a minute but I just watched the body cam footage of the killing of Eric Harris so wanted to say a few things.  I'm not going to link to it because it's incredibly disturbing (like one of those videos that give you actual chest pain) but it shows Harris running from police, being chased, caught, and brought to the ground.  Then, while he's on the ground with at least one officer on top of him, you hear another office shout "taser!" to warn the others that he is going to use his stun gun.  Only, he accidentally uses his real gun, hitting Harris.  He immediately realizes what he's done, and says, "I shot him!  I'm sorry!" He then drops the gun.  

I think it probably really was an accident because his voice sounds genuinely surprised and remorseful, and he dropped the gun.  That said, the rest of what happens in the video is not accidental.  After Harris is shot, more cops continue to pile on top of him (something no one can argue is necessary) and as Harris is freaking out (saying, "He shot me, oh my God, he shot me.") another officer screams in his face, "You fucking ran.  Shut the fuck up."  This isn't the cop who shot Harris, this is a different cop.  

Probably worst of all, when Harris says he is losing his breath, the cop who screamed before says, "Fuck your breath."  

Don't even dare to try and justify that cop's actions.  The initial shooting might have been an accident, but the aftermath was not.  Harris is shot and on the ground and still, several police officers jump on him and pin him down.  He is shot and on the ground and they continue to kneel with their full weight on this man's head.  That's not okay, and everyone involved should be suspended.  The officer who screamed at Harris should be fired.  And while I think the shooting was a genuine mistake, a taser should not have been employed.  There is no need whatsoever to shock a man who is already on the ground, regardless of whether or not he is trying to get away.  

There is so much wrong with the whole thing, and there's more to say about it but for the moment I'm just going to say that we need to change how police function in this country, we need to value black lives, and we need to hold the Harris family in our thoughts.   

Happenings 

This week was hot.  Is there a place where it's always 70 degrees?  If so I want to go there.  I mean I will take this weather to any more snow, but you know.  Hot.  It does mean I was able to do things like clean out my car and look at flowers and take walks and stuff so that's cool. 

I finally watched the third installment of The Hobbit and I loved it.  I know a lot of people didn't like it but I enjoyed it (I may or may not have it on as I write this....)  As I've said, I'm easy to please in the movie department. 

After a conversation with my surgeon's nurse, it sounds as though I need another surgery, and soon.  The things I described to them made them very nervous, and I'm supposed to hear back from the doctor tomorrow to find out what needs to happen.  This is going to be a hassle and will be difficult to deal with, but.... 

Thankful for

My friend and old coworker found out a way for me to get insurance.  Thank God for her existence, basically.  It looks like I'll still need to go to NY for the surgery because it's a quasi-emergency, but this means I can take care of follow up and all of the other medical issues I have. 

Books I'm reading now

I honestly don't even know.  I started Looking for Alaska but don't love it yet and I'm starting to wonder if I really need to finish every book I start even if I don't enjoy it.  

Random

I'm in pain often so it's hard to do things but yesterday I had a glorious two hour break from pain and went and played basketball.  My grandpa beat me in two out of three games of "Out" so.... I'm blaming it on the chronic illness thing. 

To-do

Schedule surgery (most likely) and work out the logistics of it all. 

Links worth looking at

The Worst Week of Thomas' Life - Held by His Pierced Hands 

Basically, this: "Maybe we believe plenty but we still can’t sense his presence. We know Jesus rose but we can’t for the life of us see any resurrection in our own futures."

Race in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - Slate

Thoughts on this?  I personally love the show and didn't find too much of it offensive.  Then again, I'm white and straight, and the criticism it's gotten has been about stereotypes of LGBTQ people, Asians, and Native Americans, so... 

Whatever Happened to Easter Outfits? - Huffington Post  

A friend shared this on Facebook and I agree...  I can't wait to have kids and dress them up in fancy clothes for holidays.  

When Charter Schools are Nonprofit in Name Only - Pro Publica

Yes.  I'm not a fan of charters for several reasons, and this is one of them. 

Spitting Images - Fran Dorsey

I don't even know how I came across this, but it's hilarious.  And on point. 

Should Mom-and-Pops that Forgo Gay Weddings be Destroyed? - The Atlantic

This was shared on another blog I read and I think it's a great piece.  

Capitalist Morality at Root of NY Gas Explosion, Deaths - The Militant

Here: “The bosses don’t start with how to save lives,” Trowe said after visiting the East Village. “They start with the bottom line. It’s part of the capitalist mentality. Working people have to take the opposite approach.” 

Fun Fact

I fell through ice into freezing cold water once.  My friend, Olivia, helped pull me out.  I forgot to include this in the post I wrote about her.  I guess that's not really a fun fact.  Oh well. 

__

Charlotte 

Let's go to the movies

I love movies probably more than anyone should love movies.  That said, I'm not a movie expert.  I don't know the names of most actors and actresses, I haven't watched all of the classics, and let's not even talk about directors and their styles because I know none of that.  Also, I'm very easy to please movie-wise.  I recognize a great movie when I'm watching one, but I can watch a "bad" movie and enjoy it.  My friends will attest to this, as I'm often the only one of them who leaves the theater happy.  Stop Loss?  Enjoyed it.  The Wedding Ringer?  Enjoyed that too.  I even sat through Adam Sandler's Jack and Jill and didn't die.  I don't expect a masterpiece every time I watch a movie and so if it completes the very basic task of entertaining me, I'm good, thumbs up.  It's like the equivalent of reading and enjoying a Nicholas Sparks book.  I know it's cheap entertainment but I might as well enjoy it while I'm here. 

However, the "cheap entertainment" movies don't usually fall onto my list of favorites.  I'm sure I'll forget to include at least one but off the top of my head, these are the movies I love: 

1. Good Will Hunting

Who doesn't, really?  This movie has everything a person can want from a film.  Humor, friendships, dream-following, good lighting, heart warming relationships (romantic, friendly, ....mentor-ly?).  And it's very well written and very well made.

2. Singing in the Rain

Swoon.  I love the whole story and music and the acting and the glamour of it all, but really, the dancing alone makes watching it a fantastic experience every time.  When I lived in Albany, I'd put this on every time it rained because I'm that kind of loony.  

3. Les Mis

My love for this one knows no boundaries.  This is one of those movies that I never tire of watching.  Sometimes I sit down and watch it mindfully and sometimes I throw it on as I do other things like write or clean and either way, I love it.  It's got revolution!  It's got Jesus!  It's beautiful and it's got Hugh Jackman in it and the singing is terrific and the acting is terrific and, and, and.  

4. Lord of the Rings 

Especially The Fellowship of the Ring.  I watch these movies probably about nine or ten times a year, likely qualifying it as a sickness, but no shame.  These movies are my jam.  The themes are wonderful, the scenery is wonderful, everything is wonderful.  And if I watch them before going to bed, I have dreams that I'm off on adventures, so there's that, too.  What more can a movie offer?

5. About Time

This movie is about Bill Weasley, time traveler.  That alone makes me love it buuuut it's also very sweet and precious and gets all of the emotions and feelings and I like the sound track and I'm slightly obsessed with Rachel McAdams.  I watch this pretty frequently.  (Not LOTR frequent, but let's just say I can probably quote most of the lines.) 

6. My Fair Lady/Funny Face

When I first decided to right the wrongs of my childhood and introduce myself to the classics, I turned to Audrey Hepburn.  (Cliche!)  I haven't seen all of her movies, but I've watched quite a few.  I won't go so far as to say I love her quite the way many people do, and I didn't like everything of hers I did see.  (Hated Breakfast at Tiffany's.)  But I do love My Fair Lady and Funny Face.  (Apparently they're tied for me...)  They're both so fun and I love watching the dancing (as you could probably guess from #2 up there).  I always feel a little fabulous after watching old school musicals.  

After reviewing this, I'd say I've got half-basic taste.  Probably 80% of people would name numbers 2 and 6 as their favorites, but I think my love of About Time and the others balances things out a bit, giving me a somewhat (yes?) well-rounded taste.  

Got any favorites? 

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Charlotte

Weekling: W.22

For more posts in this series, go here: Weeklings

Happenings

Last week I all but skipped writing this post because the week sucked and I was in a bad mood.  This week wasn't much better, but...  It's Easter so let's try? 

Two of my favorite things: Jesus and Uptown Funk.  Thanks to whoever came up with this.

I spent a lot of the week writhing in pain, and I'm kind of mad about it.  The medicine and surgery don't seem to have made anything much better and now I don't have insurance so... I don't really know what to do about that. 

Thankful for

Duh.

Books I'm reading now

I've just started The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost: A Memoir of Three Continents, Two Friends, and One Unexpected Adventure by Rachel Friedman.  I bought it... years? ago so it's about time. 

Random

I quasi-moved (from one family member's house to another's) and hold on, give me a minute, the scene in which Dumbledore dies is on so I need to grab a tissue well, flowers. 

To-do

I need a job and I need to figure something out for pain-management. 

Also, I need to start reading more news.

Links worth looking at

Every Color Goes Together: Homes that Aren't Afraid to Mix and Match - Apartment Therapy - Liz and I were looking at these earlier.  While I think a few of them are overwhelming, I think most of them are super fun and cozy. 

The Last Bit of Winter - Yellow Paper Dress - When I have a family, I want to do things like this.

Everything you need to know about Quebec’s latest student strike - Ricochet - This: "But austerity means deep cuts to the public sector, including education, health and social services. It’s more of an ideological project than a descriptive term, and it has spread like wildfire across the globe. It relies on a fiction that compares public finances to household budgets and suggests essential services are unaffordable extravagances. To this way of thinking, protesters might as well be asking for a pony."

Let's Get This Straight: Depression Does Not Make People a Threat to Society - The Telegraph - Just yes.  

No fun fact this week.

Bonus

I'm only slightly obsessed with this song.

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Charlotte