Once upon of time, my list of favorite TV shows would have looked something like this:
Dawson's Creek
That was it. No other show mattered. Then Kevin Williamson left the creative staff of the show, and my list began to look more like this:
Mercy, Trauma, Friday Night Lights, ER, Three Rivers, Surviving The Cut, Life After People, Glades, Bones, NCIS, JAG, House, Kings, Pretty Little Liars, Jericho, Related, Wildfire, Kyle XY, Make It or Break It, Life Is Wild, Max Headroom, Gossip Girl, Defying Gravity, E-Ring, Falcon Beach
Then, I got rid of my satellite service, and had to rely on Hulu and Netflix for my TV fix. My list of shows turned into this:
Standoff, Murder One, Law & Order (any version), Roswell, Beautiful People, Veronica Mars, Lost, Off The Map, October Road, Rookie Blue, Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, The Event, FlashForward, Covert Affairs, Dark Angel, Brothers & Sisters, Fringe
In reality, I don't watch a lot of TV shows anymore. There are just too many to keep up with, and I don't have the time to get involved in all of them. But if I had to narrow down the list to my absolute favorites, they would be:
Friday Night Lights
Veronica Mars
Off The Map
Jericho
Kings
Sadly, the only one of those shows that is still on television is Friday Night Lights, and it's wrapping up the final season. Looks like I'm going to have a bit more time on my hands.
Now, if including mini-series events is allowed, I would have to add in Band of Brothers, The Pacific, Pillars of the Earth, and Into the West. Some of the best television ever created!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day 10 of 30 - Something You're Afraid Of
I know, I know. I can't count. This is Day NINE! Unfortunately, if you remember back to the list of topics for this blogfest, the topic for Day 9 revolves around a picture of my best friend. And at this point, I don't have access to those pictures. So, Day 9 is getting postponed. And that brings us to Day 10.....
What AM I afraid of?
-small, ankle-biting, yippy dogs
-earthquakes
-panic attacks
-enclosed spaces (claustrophia)
-people - not joking! Seriously terrified of people and social situations. They bring on the already-mentioned-and-dreaded panic attacks, as well as bouts of claustrophobia
-failure
-disappointing Jehovah
So....
That wasn't much fun to write. I need to go home and find pictures to scan, so that I can backtrack and get Day 9 up.
What AM I afraid of?
-small, ankle-biting, yippy dogs
-earthquakes
-panic attacks
-enclosed spaces (claustrophia)
-people - not joking! Seriously terrified of people and social situations. They bring on the already-mentioned-and-dreaded panic attacks, as well as bouts of claustrophobia
-failure
-disappointing Jehovah
So....
That wasn't much fun to write. I need to go home and find pictures to scan, so that I can backtrack and get Day 9 up.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Day 8 of 30 - A Place You've Traveled To
I've been to 45 states (still missing Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Hawaii and Alaska), Mexico, Canada, and numerous islands in the Caribbean (Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands). I have many, many fond memories of travelling. I have amazing snapshots stored in the recesses of my brain that slip out to comfort me when I need them. I have favorite places to visit (Walt Disney World, Siesta Key, Lake Tahoe, the Outer Banks, Indiana cornfields, South Carolina lakes). I also have places I want to visit (the 5 states I haven't visited yet, Belize, Bora Bora, Scandinavia, the Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island, and Atlantis Cayman Brac, the Atlantis dive in of the Cayman Islands). But recently, my mind has stayed mostly on Washington, DC.
I visited Washington, DC, in October 1988, when I was 10 years old. It is one of those places where I only have brief snapshots stored in my head for memories. I remember the Spirit of St. Louis, the Wright Bros flyer, and the Rutan Voyager at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. I remember the torn and tattered American flag at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. I remember the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. I remember NONE of the famous monuments, though I know we visited all the biggies. I do have a vague memory of walking up to one, but I don't know which one it was; I only remember the feeling of walking up to a huge monument.
Most of my memories of that trip are from Arlington National Cemetary. I remember vividly seeing the eternal flame at the grave of JFK (and learning then that he'd had other children, not just JFK, Jr, and Caroline). I remember seeing the grave of Audie Murphy, and asking, "You mean Eddie Murphy?" Daddy then explained who Audie Murphy was. Audie Murphy is now one of my favorite historical people. I remember seeing the mast of the USS Maine, and then making a point to learn what part the ship played in US history. I remember the memorial to the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Challenger, and already recognizing and understanding how much that disaster affected my life. I remember the Tomb of the Unknowns, and the changing of the Guard, and having no clue at that time how fascinated I would become with the US military.
I'm 23 years older, and atleast a few years wiser. I understand so much more about the history that DC and it's surrounding areas house. I can appreciate it now in ways I couldn't even dream of when I was 10.
Stay tuned: I return to DC in spring of 2012.
I visited Washington, DC, in October 1988, when I was 10 years old. It is one of those places where I only have brief snapshots stored in my head for memories. I remember the Spirit of St. Louis, the Wright Bros flyer, and the Rutan Voyager at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. I remember the torn and tattered American flag at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. I remember the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. I remember NONE of the famous monuments, though I know we visited all the biggies. I do have a vague memory of walking up to one, but I don't know which one it was; I only remember the feeling of walking up to a huge monument.
Most of my memories of that trip are from Arlington National Cemetary. I remember vividly seeing the eternal flame at the grave of JFK (and learning then that he'd had other children, not just JFK, Jr, and Caroline). I remember seeing the grave of Audie Murphy, and asking, "You mean Eddie Murphy?" Daddy then explained who Audie Murphy was. Audie Murphy is now one of my favorite historical people. I remember seeing the mast of the USS Maine, and then making a point to learn what part the ship played in US history. I remember the memorial to the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Challenger, and already recognizing and understanding how much that disaster affected my life. I remember the Tomb of the Unknowns, and the changing of the Guard, and having no clue at that time how fascinated I would become with the US military.
I'm 23 years older, and atleast a few years wiser. I understand so much more about the history that DC and it's surrounding areas house. I can appreciate it now in ways I couldn't even dream of when I was 10.
Stay tuned: I return to DC in spring of 2012.
Monday, June 20, 2011
1980 Me
Yes, I know. I didn't blog over the weekend. I'm sorry, but I had better things to do. I had the opportunity to return to my childhood, so I visited the 1980s for a few hours on Saturday night, by visiting Lakewood Amphitheater and watching Heart and Def Leppard in concert. Yes, for once, I actually did something fun and interesting!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Day 5 of 30 - A Song to Match Your Mood
Gerald's refurbished (and classic) Nintendo NES system arrived in the mail yesterday, along with a small selection of games. This has been playing in my head ever since.
Otherwise, here's my song of the hour (year).
Otherwise, here's my song of the hour (year).
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Day 4 of 30 - My parents
My parents have always been my rocks.
My father was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. He was an avid sports fan, and played golf, baseball and basketball, and loved to bowl. Some of my early memories involve me sitting in a both at the local bowling alley while my dad competed with his league of US Postal employees.
I got my love of sports, specifically basketball, from my dad. I also got my love of travelling from him. Like Dad, I've always got my next few trips planned, and I'm rarely at home when I can be on the road.
My mom was born in St. Petersburg, FL, and raised in Whiteland, IN, just outside of Indianapolis. She was a fairly typical girl of the 40s and 50s, in that she learned early how to cook and clean for a large family, how to sew, and how to crochet, and always knew that she was to be a wife and mother. She tried to pass that on to me. It didn't take
My parents met in Whiteland, IN, when my mom was 15 and my dad was 17. They were 16 and 18 when they got married in 1960. They had 5 children (1961, 1963, 1965-46 years old today!, 1978 and 1980). During their marriage, they lived in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Florida and Georgia.
Among most of my school friends, I was the odd one out. I still had both my parents, TOGETHER, STILL MARRIED, in the same house with me. Shocker! Sure, they had their issues, their fights. But they always worked through them, and I never questioned their love for me, or their love for each other.
Throughout the years, my dad worked as a breadman, a cookieman, a US Postal worker, and various other route work. My mother worked in daycare, at the local elementary school, with my father one various routes, as operator/owner of her owning sewing business, and more recently, as seamstress and customer service assistant at a dry cleaning business.
I was always a daddy's girl, but as I've gotten older, I've developed a very close relationship with my mother. I find it interesting that I feel I need my mommy more as an adult than I ever did as a child. Maybe that's because I was such a daddy's girl.
On July 25, 2005, my father suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. He was a month shy of his 63rd birthday, and 3.5 months short of his 45th wedding anniversary.
My mother continues to amaze me with her strength and fortitude.
My father was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. He was an avid sports fan, and played golf, baseball and basketball, and loved to bowl. Some of my early memories involve me sitting in a both at the local bowling alley while my dad competed with his league of US Postal employees.
I got my love of sports, specifically basketball, from my dad. I also got my love of travelling from him. Like Dad, I've always got my next few trips planned, and I'm rarely at home when I can be on the road.
My mom was born in St. Petersburg, FL, and raised in Whiteland, IN, just outside of Indianapolis. She was a fairly typical girl of the 40s and 50s, in that she learned early how to cook and clean for a large family, how to sew, and how to crochet, and always knew that she was to be a wife and mother. She tried to pass that on to me. It didn't take
My parents met in Whiteland, IN, when my mom was 15 and my dad was 17. They were 16 and 18 when they got married in 1960. They had 5 children (1961, 1963, 1965-46 years old today!, 1978 and 1980). During their marriage, they lived in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Florida and Georgia.
Among most of my school friends, I was the odd one out. I still had both my parents, TOGETHER, STILL MARRIED, in the same house with me. Shocker! Sure, they had their issues, their fights. But they always worked through them, and I never questioned their love for me, or their love for each other.
Throughout the years, my dad worked as a breadman, a cookieman, a US Postal worker, and various other route work. My mother worked in daycare, at the local elementary school, with my father one various routes, as operator/owner of her owning sewing business, and more recently, as seamstress and customer service assistant at a dry cleaning business.
I was always a daddy's girl, but as I've gotten older, I've developed a very close relationship with my mother. I find it interesting that I feel I need my mommy more as an adult than I ever did as a child. Maybe that's because I was such a daddy's girl.
On July 25, 2005, my father suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. He was a month shy of his 63rd birthday, and 3.5 months short of his 45th wedding anniversary.
My mother continues to amaze me with her strength and fortitude.
back row (L-R): David, Jr., Leonard, me, Gerald
front row (L-R): Daddy, Mama, Carol
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Day 3 of 30 - First Love
Again, a day late...but it's only Day 3. Habits take awhile to form.
So, my first love.
Wow, a tough one.
In general, my first love would obviously be my family. I was especially close to my dad, Carol and Leonard growing up. I also loved my PawPaw and Robin, though I don't really remember them in detail. Jeremiah and Jonathan F, Michael and David, and the other Michael are friends from my early childhood that have always held a very special place in my heart. Those could also be considered first loves.
Romantically, it becomes a question that is more difficult to answer. I had interests throughout the years. DFF, Kelly, Will R, Ben, Jonathan W, Hot Rod, Will F. Nothing serious, more fun than anything. JP started out as a friend (in fact, I couldn't figure out why anyone would actually be interested in him, b/c I was absolutely NOT attracted). But we gradually grew closer, and before I knew it, I loved him. I honestly don't know if I was IN love, b/c I always knew that nothing would ever come of our relationship. He wasn't ever going to make certain changes, and I wasn't going to promise my life to someone who couldn't make those changes. But I loved him, and therefore, he had the power to break my heart. Which he did.
It wasn't until I was in my 20's that I actually started thinking seriously about marriage. I want to get married - if I meet the right person. If not, I'm content to stay single. I've only met two men in the past 10 years that actual registered on my radar as a man that I could see in my future. The first was ZTN. Things didn't develop with him, but we are friends.
Oh, Luke.......
So, my first love.
Wow, a tough one.
In general, my first love would obviously be my family. I was especially close to my dad, Carol and Leonard growing up. I also loved my PawPaw and Robin, though I don't really remember them in detail. Jeremiah and Jonathan F, Michael and David, and the other Michael are friends from my early childhood that have always held a very special place in my heart. Those could also be considered first loves.
Romantically, it becomes a question that is more difficult to answer. I had interests throughout the years. DFF, Kelly, Will R, Ben, Jonathan W, Hot Rod, Will F. Nothing serious, more fun than anything. JP started out as a friend (in fact, I couldn't figure out why anyone would actually be interested in him, b/c I was absolutely NOT attracted). But we gradually grew closer, and before I knew it, I loved him. I honestly don't know if I was IN love, b/c I always knew that nothing would ever come of our relationship. He wasn't ever going to make certain changes, and I wasn't going to promise my life to someone who couldn't make those changes. But I loved him, and therefore, he had the power to break my heart. Which he did.
It wasn't until I was in my 20's that I actually started thinking seriously about marriage. I want to get married - if I meet the right person. If not, I'm content to stay single. I've only met two men in the past 10 years that actual registered on my radar as a man that I could see in my future. The first was ZTN. Things didn't develop with him, but we are friends.
The second man is JD. He is one of my best friends, and my relationship with him has really cemented my idea of what I want in a spiritual husband, especially as I watched him embark on his own courtship, and more recently, celebrate his first anniversary with his wife.
So, in my mind, those two together are what I consider my first love. I was never in love with either one, not even close. But as our relationship changed, grew, backpedaled, altered, and ultimately strengthened, I was given the opportunity to develop within myself a blueprint for the type of man I want, and therefore, the type of person I need to be in order to have that man.
Of course, I feel like I have to send a shout out to the person that I consider to be absolutely the best-looking, hottest person I've ever had the pleasure to lay eyes on.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Day 2 of 30 - Meaning behind my blog name
Yes, I realize that Day 2 was supposed to be yesterday, but we had a little power outage result from the crazy storms that came through. So, we're a day delayed. Deal with it.
Well, first of all, the original name for this blog was Tequila on Ice (which explains why the URL is http://www.tequilaonice.blogspot.com/). I love tequila. I also love beer, but Beer on Ice just didn't have the same ring to it.
I was thinking one day about what kind of blog I wanted this to be, and I realized that I wanted it to be about me. Yes, I will talk about beer and tequila at some point. But ultimately, the only theme to this blog is me. What I'm doing, what I want to do, things I'm dealing with, things that make me laugh/cry/angry/bitter/jealous, etc. So, what would represent my dreams and hopes and life better than Tequila on Ice? And so I thought some more......
And I remembered some really awesome movie lines about alcohol.
"I don't care how liberated this world becomes - a man will always be judged by the amount of alcohol he can consume - and a woman will be impressed, whether she likes it or not."
"I am the last barman poet / I see America drinking the fabulous cocktails I make / Americans getting stinky on something I stir or shake / The sex on the beach / The schnapps made from peach / The velvet hammer / The Alabama slammer. / I make things with juice and froth / The pink squirrel / The three-toed sloth. / I make drinks so sweet and snazzy / The iced tea / The kamakazi / The orgasm / The death spasm / The Singapore sling / The dingaling. / America you've just been devoted to every flavor I got / But if you want to got loaded / Why don't you just order a shot? / Bar is open."
And one can never forget:
"Coughlin's diet: cocktails and dreams."
Yes, I am a fan of the 1980s Tom Cruise.
Let there be, forever, cocktails and dreams.
Well, first of all, the original name for this blog was Tequila on Ice (which explains why the URL is http://www.tequilaonice.blogspot.com/). I love tequila. I also love beer, but Beer on Ice just didn't have the same ring to it.
I was thinking one day about what kind of blog I wanted this to be, and I realized that I wanted it to be about me. Yes, I will talk about beer and tequila at some point. But ultimately, the only theme to this blog is me. What I'm doing, what I want to do, things I'm dealing with, things that make me laugh/cry/angry/bitter/jealous, etc. So, what would represent my dreams and hopes and life better than Tequila on Ice? And so I thought some more......
And I remembered some really awesome movie lines about alcohol.
"I don't care how liberated this world becomes - a man will always be judged by the amount of alcohol he can consume - and a woman will be impressed, whether she likes it or not."
"I am the last barman poet / I see America drinking the fabulous cocktails I make / Americans getting stinky on something I stir or shake / The sex on the beach / The schnapps made from peach / The velvet hammer / The Alabama slammer. / I make things with juice and froth / The pink squirrel / The three-toed sloth. / I make drinks so sweet and snazzy / The iced tea / The kamakazi / The orgasm / The death spasm / The Singapore sling / The dingaling. / America you've just been devoted to every flavor I got / But if you want to got loaded / Why don't you just order a shot? / Bar is open."
And one can never forget:
"Coughlin's diet: cocktails and dreams."
Yes, I am a fan of the 1980s Tom Cruise.
Let there be, forever, cocktails and dreams.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Day 1 of 30 - Introduction, picture, and 15 facts
Hi, I'm Laura. I am not an alcoholic, drug addict, or Gulf War vet. However, I probably DO need a 12-step program of some kind, for something.
Let's see....brown hair, brown eyes, average height of 5'6", above-average IQ (or was that number my weight?). Live in a family commune (you think I'm joking), with 3 of my siblings within walking distance. Work for the biggest rival of my all-time favorite college team.
1. Broke my first bone in May 2009, at the age of 31 - and the blasted thing STILL hurts!
2. When I started driving, I swore that the two places I'd never drive near were the mall and a college campus. I was a retail manager for 5 years. I've now worked for a large public university for more than 4 years. Never say never!
3. I LOVE chicken. All shapes, sizes, colors and flavors.
4. I am a certified open water diver.
5. I am a HUGE Atlanta Braves fan.
6. When my brother and I were younger, we'd travel to Panama City Beach with our parents every year. Every year, we'd make up our PCB Vacation Book, with pages for what needed to be packed, what we planned on doing, where we planned on eating, etc. G and I have recently been planning a trip to Washington, DC, and in the discussion, we discovered that to this day, when we plan trips, we both still make vacation books to assist us. I guess old habits die hard.
7. I play the trumpet. And the french horn. And the guitar. And, sort of, the piano. I can play ON violin, cello, saxophone, bass guitar, flute, drums.
8. I have been to 45 of the 50 US states.
9. My three favorite things to do outside are geocache, hike and swim.
10. I am in love with someone named Bug.
11. I've never wanted kids of my own, but I'm often happiest when I have a baby in my arms.
12. Disney trivia - that is my forte!
13. I plan on moving to South Carolina at the earliest possible convenience.
14. I really want to move to Florida, but I will NOT move that far away from Bug.
15. DOLEWHIP! It's not a dessert. It's an obsession.
Let's see....brown hair, brown eyes, average height of 5'6", above-average IQ (or was that number my weight?). Live in a family commune (you think I'm joking), with 3 of my siblings within walking distance. Work for the biggest rival of my all-time favorite college team.
Mama, Coach Vince Dooley, and me
2. When I started driving, I swore that the two places I'd never drive near were the mall and a college campus. I was a retail manager for 5 years. I've now worked for a large public university for more than 4 years. Never say never!
3. I LOVE chicken. All shapes, sizes, colors and flavors.
4. I am a certified open water diver.
5. I am a HUGE Atlanta Braves fan.
6. When my brother and I were younger, we'd travel to Panama City Beach with our parents every year. Every year, we'd make up our PCB Vacation Book, with pages for what needed to be packed, what we planned on doing, where we planned on eating, etc. G and I have recently been planning a trip to Washington, DC, and in the discussion, we discovered that to this day, when we plan trips, we both still make vacation books to assist us. I guess old habits die hard.
7. I play the trumpet. And the french horn. And the guitar. And, sort of, the piano. I can play ON violin, cello, saxophone, bass guitar, flute, drums.
8. I have been to 45 of the 50 US states.
9. My three favorite things to do outside are geocache, hike and swim.
10. I am in love with someone named Bug.
11. I've never wanted kids of my own, but I'm often happiest when I have a baby in my arms.
12. Disney trivia - that is my forte!
13. I plan on moving to South Carolina at the earliest possible convenience.
14. I really want to move to Florida, but I will NOT move that far away from Bug.
15. DOLEWHIP! It's not a dessert. It's an obsession.
The 30-day challenge
I know, I know. It's been done before, by a good portion of people who blog. But I've been enjoying reading the posts of a friend who is doing her own 30-day journey, and I couldn't help thinking that this might get me into the blogging habit. So, here I go.....
The 30-day challenge is just what it sounds like. A personal (and public) challenge to blog consistently for 30 days. The subjects are provided (if you're interested, just Google "30-day blog challenge" and you'll find LOTS of different ones). All I have to do is blog. I think this will be fun. I enjoy blogging....when I have something to write about. Most of the time, my life is not interesting enough. This, I believe, will help.
Day 1: Introduction, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts about you
Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3: Your first love
Day 4: Your parents
Day 5: A song to match your mood
Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7: Favorite movies
Day 8: A place you've traveled to
Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend
Day 10: Something you're afraid of
Day 11: Favorite TV show
Day 12: Something you don't leave the house without
Day 13: Goals
Day 14: A picture of you last year - how have you changed?
Day 15: Bible verse
Day 16: Dream house
Day 17: Something you're looking forward to
Day 18: Favorite place to eat
Day 19: Something you miss
Day 20: Nicknames
Day 21: Favorite picture of yourself ALL TIME, and why?
Day 22: What's in your purse?
Day 23: Favorite movie
Day 24: Something you've learned
Day 25: Pur your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26: Your dream wedding
Day 27: Original photo of the city you live in
Day 28: Something that stresses you out
Day 29: 3 wishes
Day 30: a picture of yourself this day, and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge
The 30-day challenge is just what it sounds like. A personal (and public) challenge to blog consistently for 30 days. The subjects are provided (if you're interested, just Google "30-day blog challenge" and you'll find LOTS of different ones). All I have to do is blog. I think this will be fun. I enjoy blogging....when I have something to write about. Most of the time, my life is not interesting enough. This, I believe, will help.
Day 1: Introduction, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts about you
Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3: Your first love
Day 4: Your parents
Day 5: A song to match your mood
Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7: Favorite movies
Day 8: A place you've traveled to
Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend
Day 10: Something you're afraid of
Day 11: Favorite TV show
Day 12: Something you don't leave the house without
Day 13: Goals
Day 14: A picture of you last year - how have you changed?
Day 15: Bible verse
Day 16: Dream house
Day 17: Something you're looking forward to
Day 18: Favorite place to eat
Day 19: Something you miss
Day 20: Nicknames
Day 21: Favorite picture of yourself ALL TIME, and why?
Day 22: What's in your purse?
Day 23: Favorite movie
Day 24: Something you've learned
Day 25: Pur your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26: Your dream wedding
Day 27: Original photo of the city you live in
Day 28: Something that stresses you out
Day 29: 3 wishes
Day 30: a picture of yourself this day, and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge
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