Dragon Age has taken over my life

Hello. I'm Jeanette, and I'm a Dragon Age addict.

I'm fairly new to the game. Right now I'm on Dragon Age: Origins, but I've quickly become obsessed with it. In case you don't know what it is, Dragon Age is an RPG fantasy game. The game is based in the fictional Kingdom of Ferelden during a time of unrest.

The Kingdom is being invaded by demonic forces, and the player must help to unite the Kingdom to fight this evil. The player chooses to be either a mage, rogue, or warrior, and he or she can pick what race they come from; human, dwarves, or elven. The fact that the beginning of the game is completely different based on which race and role the player chooses is an interesting feature. At the moment, I'm playing a human mage.

Now, I'm not an expert game player, but this is definitely an idiot-proof game. For those of us who love games but aren't necessarily the best at them, it has a casual game-play setting. The graphics remind me of World of Warcraft, and the gameplay is very similar to an old-fashioned text-based computer game. Another great thing about it is that there are plenty of strong female characters, which is a big plus in my opinion.

So if you're a fan of RPGs or text-based games, I would definitely recommend Dragon Age.

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10 Favorite Female Characters from Movies I Watched When I was young

Everybody remembers those movies they watched constantly while growing up, right? Right? Wait, is that just me? Well, I was (and still am, actually) a big fan of those magical little kid movies. You know the ones; The Wizard of OZ, The Neverending Story, etc. And every single one of those movies had at least one female character that I wanted to be. So here's a list of my favorite female characters from those movies, in no particular order.

1. Ozma

 Return to Oz

Ozma didn't have a big part in the movie. In fact, she spent most of her time trapped behind a mirror in Mombi's castle. But when I was a little girl, I loved her green and white tulle dress and her mysterious demeanor.  

2. The Childlike Empress

The Neverending Story

Here's another character that didn't have a lot of screen time, but she certainly was interesting. I guess when I was young I loved the idea of not being everything I seemed. I wanted to be a magical little princess. I guess most little girls (and some little boys) do. 

3. Sarah Williams

Labyrinth

Speaking of things not always being what they seem...

Labyrinth was and is one of my favorite movies, and not just because it features a glittery David Bowie in very tight pants. I was only a little younger than Sarah the first time I saw the movie, and I always felt very similar to her. I was, I'm not afraid to admit, a very dramatic person when I was a teen, but I loved the idea that Sarah could still be strong and intelligent. And ok, yes, David Bowie in revealing pants was also a very big plus for a girl just becoming sexually aware. 

4. Princess Leia

Star Wars

My dad got me interested in the geeky things in life at a young age. I don't remember the first time I saw the Star Wars trilogy (we'll just ignore the newer ones for now), but I know I always loved Leia. She was a badass girl with a gun, and she helped me realize I can be whatever I want to be. I don't have to choose between loving the things traditionally associated with girls and the things traditionally associated with boys. 

5. Dorothy

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz was and always will be my favorite movie, and Dorothy will always have a special place in my heart. There was a time when I watched this movie every day, and I would only respond to people who called me Dorothy. I don't know what intrigued me so much about her, but I just really wanted to be her. 

6. Buttercup

The Princess Bride

This is another movie I saw for the first time as a teen, and I fell in love with it right away. Buttercup was a bit more frail than some of the other female characters listed, but I still found her to be brave in her own way. Not to mention, the movie is probably the most quotable movie of all time. Anybody want a peanut? 

7. Belle

Beauty and the Beast

Ah Belle, the book-loving girl who doesn't give in to Gaston's 'good looks' like all the other girls in her village. Belle was independent, brave, and she loved to read, which I found very relatable. Belle and I were kindred spirits. I, like her, could get so engrossed in a book that I forgot I wasn't a part of the world I was reading. 

8. Rainbow Brite

Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer

Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer was an excellent movie, and I won't allow anyone to say anything to the contrary. I didn't grow up in the 80s, but when I think of that time period, this movie comes to mind. Once again, I was attracted to the strong magical female character who held some kind of authority. Plus, there were lots of pretty colors. 

9. Ariel

The Little Mermaid

Ariel knew what she wanted, and she wasn't afraid to try to get it (though admittedly, she probably went about it the wrong way). She wasn't happy where she was, and neither was I as a young girl. I wanted to get away from the tiny town I lived in and get into a city somewhere. I think this is the main thing that attracted me to Ariel. She went after what she wanted. 

10. Crysta

 Ferngully 

I think this movie has a wonderful message, and it's a great fairy tale as well. Crysta, like Belle, didn't just settle for someone she didn't love just because they were attracted to her. Crysta was brave and strong, even though she was small, and along with her friends, she helped to save the rainforest from the evil Hexxus, the embodiment of pollution. 

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Recently I found out that a student from the college I went to was found dead in his dorm room a few days ago. Now, I graduated three years ago and I didn't know Josh, but I very well could have if I had still been there. My alma mater only has around 600 students every year, so everyone knows just about everyone. I can only imagine how heartbreaking and surreal this must be for everyone who knew him. And his death comes not long after the death of a professor from the college. I don't really have a long post for this, but I just wanted everyone at Blackburn College and Josh's family to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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Ten Favorite Bad Guys from Movies

Today, I'm going to let you in on my favorite bad guys (or girls) from movies, in no particular order.  

1. Darth Vader

Star Wars

How could I not have him on the list? When you think of movie villain, Darth Vader pretty much always comes to mind!

2. Jareth the Goblin King

The Labyrinth

I don't think anyone can forget David Bowie's portrayal of the goblin king...or his spandex pants. *Sigh* Disney just doesn't do dirty innuendos like they used to. 

You remind me of the babe.

What babe?

The babe with the power.

What power?

The power of voodoo.

Who do?

You do.

Do what?

Remind me of the babe. 

3. The Nothing

The Neverending Story

I guess when I say the nothing, I'm specifically talking about that creepy wolf-puppet thing that chases Atreyu throughout the movie. 

4. Captain Hook

Hook

I've just had an apostrophe.

I think you mean an epiphany. 

5. The Wheelers

Return to Oz

During the 80's, Disney just didn't mind scaring the crap out of little kids. These guys are so creepy, with their crazy hyena-like laughter and the long arms and legs with wheels attached. I'm shivering just thinking about them.

6. The Princess

Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer

So the princes in this movie isn't really that scary, but she's an awesome bad guy. She just doesn't give a crap about all the innocent people in the universe, as long as she gets the giant diamond. And her 80's style is just totally righteous.

7. The Wicked Witch of the West

The Wizard of Oz

Come on. Say it with me. "I'll get you, my pretty. And your little dog, too!"

8. McLeach

The Rescuers Down Under

I don't know if many people remember this movie, but I used to watch it all the time when I was a kid. This guy was horrible. Not only was he a mean poacher, but he was willing to kidnap a boy and feed him to a bunch of crocodiles! 

9. Mombi

Return To Oz

Really, I don't know how I didn't have nightmares after watching this as a kid. Mombi is an evil witch with interchangeable heads that she keeps in glass cases in a special room, for goodness' sake. At one point, Dorothy tries to get something from one of the cases with a head in it, and the darned thing wakes up and starts shouting her name!

10. The Fratellis

The Goonies

Bank robbers? check

Kidnappers? check

Killers? Check 

Yep. These guys are pretty evil. 

And there you have it. These are my favorite villains. Tell me who your favorite bad guys are in the comments.                  

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Gratuitous New Year Post

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! I know I did. My parents, my sister and I always spend Christmas together at home. It makes for a nice relaxing day without the normal family stress that can happen around the holidays. This year was also the first year I made our Christmas dinner entirely by myself. It probably wasn't the absolute best dinner in the world, but it was pretty good if I may say so.

And now it's time to start a new year. It's crazy that 2013 should be here already. The years seem to go by so much faster now that I'm older. It's so strange the way time works. Some things that happened five years ago feel like they happened yesterday, but some of the things that happened a week ago feel like years. And a lot has happened this year. I guess a lot happens every year; there are 52 weeks, after all. I made a big move and left my job because of some personal reasons. I moved back in with my parents, and I've applied to graduate school (still waiting to hear back from them. The waiting is killing me!). My little sister has had a big year, too. She's been accepted into college, and she met an amazing guy who really seems to love her.

All of the big changes in our lives this year have set in motion even more changes that we'll get to experience next year. I'm excited about the future, but I'm also a little bit worried. I know; That's just life, right? Change can be scary, but it can also be beautiful. Next year I might go to graduate school. My sister will graduate and move five hours away to go to college. We'll all grow a year older. There will be deaths and tragedies. There will be births and celebrations. Time will forge ahead.

“And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.” 
                                                                              --Libba Bray, The Sweet Far Thing

P.S. I'm pretty sure I promised that I would put pictures of the cookies I made before Christmas on here. They turned out tasting pretty awesome. I made them from Alton Brown's recipe on Food Network. 

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Some Holiday Updates...and a special surprise!

As I'm sure you can tell, it's been a couple of weeks since I last posted anything. I guess that's just me being lazy. I promise to do better from now on; pinky swear.

So, Thanksgiving is over, and Christmas is on it's way. We always go to my cousin's house for Thanksgiving dinner, and everyone brings something. I made a dessert I found on Pinterest: marshmallow whipped cheesecake. You can find the recipe here. It was a bit of a last minute choice, but it turned out great, and it's super easy to make. I should have taken some pictures, but I always forget.

We also have an interesting Thanksgiving tradition at my cousin's house. Every year, after stuffing ourselves with a huge awesome meal, we play bingo. There are even little prizes (mostly dollor store gifts and scratch-offs). It's a great way for the family to have fun together. So instead of the arguments about politics and gossip a lot of families get into when they get together for the Holiday, we have arguments about whether B9 has been called yet ("Pay attention next time." "Well, if you didn't call the numbers so fast, I wouldn't have to ask!"). There's plenty of laughter all around at our Holiday get-togethers.

Along with turkey and bingo, I've been pretty busy lately (and I got a nice cold from all the running around this month). Our church missions group has been doing a lot to get ready for the mission trip to Romania next year. We had a meeting with the business committee at the church, so that we could explain what we would be doing there, and they could decide how much they would help us with financially. It was pretty nerve-racking. But their generosity was above and beyond. They've decided to donate $5000 to the trip, and they are paying for our tickets entirely ahead of time. We just have to pay them back the difference at some point. It was truly amazing to realize that we really were going to be able to go.

To thank the church, we spent part of Saturday evening decorating for the Christmas season.

This Saturday is another fundraiser. gift-wrapping and a cookie exchange! So tomorrow I get to bake again. This time I promise to remember to take pictures of my cookie-making process.


P.S. I just found out some amazing news! One of my best friends is having a baby! I'm going to be an "aunt" again!

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The Best Halloween movies

I don't know if you've noticed yet, but I love Halloween. And I'm a big fan of Halloween movies.

No, not those Halloween movies. Don't get me wrong. I love a good scary movie now and then, But my absolute favorite movies to watch around Halloween are the kind that wouldn't scare a fly. If you live in America and you have television, you've probably heard of ABC Family's 13 Nights of Halloween. I love those kinds of movies; The family friendly movies that are more funny than they are scary. So, here's a list of my absolute favorite Halloween movies.

1. Hocus Pocus

This, in my opinion, is the best Halloween movie. In case you've been living under a rock, you probably already know what Hocus Pocus is about. Three witches are accidentally summoned from the grave when a virgin lights the black flame candle on Halloween. Hilarity ensues. The three witches, played by Bette Midler, Kathy Nagimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker are a perfect trio. 

2. Halloweentown

This one is another great Disney made-for-tv movie. Marni and her siblings discover that their grandmother is actually a witch, and they secretly follow her to her home town; and Halloweentown isn't just any regular town. It's full of ghosts and monsters and a very punny skeleton cab driver. But something is happening to the very interesting characters in the town, and Marni wants to help her grandmother find out what it is. 

3. The Addams Family

This movie is a remake from the original 1960's television show. A stranger shows up at the Addams family's door claiming to be Gomez' estranged brother, Fester. It seems though, that this person is a poser, trying to get at the family's money.

4. Teen Witch

 Teen Witch is about a teen girl named Louise who finds out she is the reincarnation of a witch. When she turns 16, her powers develop, and she finds she is able to make every wish she has come true. When casts a spell to become popular, things get out of hand. I love this movie. I'm sure there are a few parts that weren't meant to be as hilarious as they are; If you want to get a taste of the 80's, you should definitely watch it. 

5. Practical Magic

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star in this movie about two girls raised as witches by their aunts. But the family has a curse; Any man they fall in love with will die before their time. The two sisters, with two very different personalities, find their own ways to fight the curse.  

6. Double Double Toil and Trouble

Remember when the Olsen twins were cute little kids? They starred in this Halloween flick. Twin sisters Kelly and Lynn discover their great aunt Sophia is being kept prisoner in a mirror by a spell cast by her sister, a witch named Agatha. The girls have to find a way to break the spell before midnight on Halloween or their aunt will be lost forever.    

7. Casper

Casper is a friendly ghost living with his not-so-friendly uncles. Carrigan Crittenden is willed the house the four ghosts are residing in after her father dies. She discovers a map to a treasure hidden in the house, but she is too frightened of the ghosts to go into it. Crittenden hires Dr. James Harvey, a therapist for the paranormal to move the ghosts on to the afterlife. But when Harvey and his daughter, Kat move into the house, they soon realize they got more than they bargained for.

8. Under Wraps

In this made-for-tv Disney movie, three kids discover a mummy in a basement. When the mummy comes to life, the kids are scared but they soon realize he is a good guy. They even name him Harold, but they find out that if the mummy is not back in his sarcofogus by midnight on Halloween, he will turn to dust.  

9. Mom's got a date with a Vampire

Chelsea and Adam have been grounded by their mother, but Adam really wants to go to a concert with his friend, and Chelsea has a date planned with her boyfriend. So the two kids set up a date for their mother with the mysterious Dimitri. When their little brother, Taylor believes Dimitri is a vampire, so he calls the vampire hunter, Malachi Van Helsing to help. When it turns out Taylor is right, the kids have to do everything they can to stop their mother from becoming Dimitri's next meal. 

10. The Witches

A young boy on vacation at a hotel with his grandmother discovers the hotel is also host to a convention of witches. When the witches discover him hiding in their midst, they turn him into a mouse. He teams up with another mouse-boy and his grandmother to stop the witches from changing every child in the world into mice.

11. Ghostbusters

Four guys create a ghost extermination business in New York City, and soon they must save the city from an ancient demon who is haunting the home of a cellist played by Sigourney Weaver. the ghostbusters have their work cut out for them as they fight off this demon, the city's many ghosts, and at one point a giant stay-puft marshmallow man.

12. Phantom of the Megaplex

Something strange is going on at the megaplex where Pete Riley works. Staff are going missing, the popcorn machine is going haywire, and equipment is going nuts. And it's happening on the night of a huge movie premier. Pete, along with his little brother and sister who are supposed to be seeing a movie go on the hunt to find the mysterious phantom who is sabotaging the theater.

13. Tower of Terror

I bet you thought Pirates of the Caribbean was the only movie based on a Disney World ride. Nope. Tower of Terror is based on the ride with the same name at the Disney Hollywood Studios park. A man who writes fake stories for tabloids and his niece travel to an abandoned and supposedly haunted old hotel where five people disappeared in the elevator many years ago. When they get to the hotel, they soon find that the hotel really is haunted.

14. Don't Look Under the Bed

Someone is pulling some mean tricks in the town where Frances Bacon McCausland lives, and she's getting blamed for it. She soon discovers she can see her brother's imaginary friend, Larry Houdini, and he can help her stop the boogeyman who lives under her bed and is causing all the trouble.   

15. When Good Ghouls Go Bad 

Danny Walker and his father have just moved from Chicago to the small town of Walker Falls to live with Danny's "Uncle Fred". They learn about the story of Curtis Danko, a boy who was killed in a mysterious accident in the 80's. Danko told the town that if they ever have another halloween, he would return and destroy them all. When the Walkers start to celebrate halloween, it seems to unleash a chain of events that causes the undead to rise in the small town.

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