I love watching series and movies and/or reading literature. They inspire me and when that happens I love to write and/or talk about it. That's what you will find in this blog, connected to my life or the lessons I get from them.
FYI: The quote is from Buffy Summers. It's about her not being ready ('done baking') whoever she is going to turn out to be. I figured it fits.
Time goes by so fast. It's already day 20th of the Veggie Challenge, which also means that there's only ten days to go. I have to say that I was a little surprised at first. As I think I mentioned in my previous blog about the Veggie Challenge, what I really like about it is really finding out what you're eating. The ingredients in your food. Turns out there are a lot of products with some form of eggs or milk in them (or honey and gelatine for that matter). And we can't have that, cos those are animal products. Luckily we have the www to find out what several ingredients mean. And of course we have our own eyes to check the packaging of the products, where the ingredients are listed.
It's really not that hard to find vegan food. There are the obvious vegetables (though they are better from your own country: less chemicals to keep them fresh and so on), and whole weated pasta's or rice and such. I believe bread is vegan, but I'm not sure about all of the ingredients... As a nice extra I bought rice waffles (or however they are called) and crackers. Of course I can't eat cheese as a vegan, so I went out to find wonderful substitutes. For example, I found some delicious spreads (from tomatoes, paprika or cucumber), but also apple syrup (it's not exactly a syrup, but it's the best word I could think of) and peanut butter. Wasn't it Moby who lived a year on bread and peanut butter, because he had no money for other things but still lived like a vegan? This proves anyone can do it. And it doesn't have to be so expensive. There's also hummus and avocado with tomatoes, which make delicious sandwiches. And that's only for lunch! Most of this food you can easily find in a random grocery store. But for some products I went to the specialists, in this city you can find several grocery stores that specialize in biological food, like EkoPlaza. A store like that, makes it that much easier and surprises you with so many products, that it's make it hard to choose.
I also like to snack and there are enough cookies, crackers, chips and you name it. Like 'Love-choc' - it's so yummy... and the name says it all, right? I will not go into further detail about this, because it's too much to mention. But I will focus on one thing, because it caught me by surprise and that's gum. Yes, I'm talking about the white candy you can chew on... My sister brought it to my attention that it's made from raw oil and gelatine from cows. That's right... doesn't sound to tasty now, does it? It also sounds weird to have those kind of ingredients in stuff we eat. So gum? Not vegan or even vegetarian. Instead of buying gum - cos I do like a fresh breath - I found mints for veggies and vegans! It even says it on the box. How amazing is that?
The most fun part of doing this, is going all out. Taking the time to prepare something amazing to eat, whether it's morning, noon or night. I always have cereal for breakfast (with soymilk and now vegan cereal), but for dinner I like to take some more time. My first vegan day I didn't have a lot of time, so I decided to take the easy way: simple patatoes and vegetables, with fruit as desert. As a 'meat substitute' I could have added mushrooms or something, but you don't have to eat it everyday, and I'm not a big eater, so I decided to do one day without. But last week I was at my sisters and we spent the entire afternoon making delicous salades. From patatoes with beans to couscous (?) with apricots and dates. There was also soy yoghurt with cucumber, tomatoes and some herbs/spices and we had bread, without eggs or milk. It was a delicious feast! Tonight I'm going to make couscous with green vegetables, like broccoli, letuce and celery. I made it once or twice before, but it started out as some left over groceries I had lying around and I didn't want to throw it away. Boy, was that a great idea! Because next week is the final week of the challenge I want to make something really great and creative. I can't wait to look up some recipies for that. But I'll leave that for the weekend, so I can really take my time for it.
This awesomeness of quotes will focus on another show I love. Mostly because of the familyfeel, community, mother&daughter relationship, smart references and the quirky characters. Oh, and lets not forget the amazing (and fast) dialogue! This can only be one tv series: Gilmore Girls. Just like Buffy it lasted seven season, so there's a lot to choose from. And I just think that it's incredibly funny, as some of these quotes will show.
Season 1 1x07 - Kiss and Tell Rory: "Hey. My mom's not wearing any underwear."
Lorelai: "Oh!" Rory: "Well, you aren't." Taylor: "You're just being selfish, Luke." Lorelai: "Still they don't notice. I can't take it anymore." Taylor: "We're talking about the spirit of fall." Lorelai: (gets the coffee herself and lifts the cover off the muffins) "What kind of muffin do you want?" Rory: "Blueberry" Luke: "You know where you can stick the spirit of fall? (hands Lorelai a utensil to pick up the muffins) Here, don't use your hands." Taylor: "I don't think you're taking me seriously." Luke: "What gave you that idea? (to Lorelai, who is leaving) No tip?" Lorelai: "Oh, yeah,, here's a tip... serve your customers!" Luke: "Here's another... don't sit on any cold benches."
Luke: "Will you marry me?"
Lorelai: "What? Luke: "Just looking for something to shut you up."
1x10 - Forgiveness and Stuff Emily: "So what exactly is going on between the two of you?" Luke: "Nothing. Really. We're friends, that's it." Emily: "You're idiots, the both of you."
1x 14 - That Damn Donna Reed
Lorelai: "Mmm, kickass wine."
Emily: "How poetic!"
Lorelai: "It's got a nice smell. Earthy, vibrant, you can taste the Italian's feet."
Richard: "Well, it's a Bordeaux, it's French."
Lorelai: "Ha, what's an Italian's foot doing in a French wine?"
Rory: "Can brains hurt?"
Lorelai: "Yes, it's hypochondria hour."
Rory: "No, I'm serious. Last night when I was reading my biology chapters I distinctly heard a ping in the vicinity of my brain."
Lorelai: "Your brain pinged?"
Rory: "Yeah. It just went like 'dink'."
Lorelai: "Well then, honey, your brain dinked. It didn't ping."
Lorelai: "I love to paint."
Luke: "You do?"
Lorelai: "Yes, I do."
Luke: "You love it?"
Lorelai: "I want to marry it."
Luke: "You have strange passions."
Rory: "She likes washing dishes too. She's multi-faceted abnormal."
Lorelai: "Rory just dressed up in a cute apron the other day, and so I was just teasing her about it."
Richard: "Why did you get dressed up in an apron?"
Lorelai: "W..well, we decided to give up on that pesky Harvard dream and focus on something more realistic. Mom, dad, Rory's decided to become a maid, just like I was."
<
Rory: "Each of us have to follow a chick through it's entire growth process. Everything has to be logged, eating habits, sleeping habits..."
Lorelai: "Houdini habits."
Rory: "She got out."
Lorelai: "She ran far."
Rory: "But she lived."
Lorelai: "She's a better bird for it."
Rory: "Thank God Luke found her."
Emily: "Luke found her?"
Lorelai: "What?"
Emily: "Rory said that Luke found her."
Lorelai (to Rory): "Getting me back for the apron thing?"
Rory: "Sorry."
<
Emily (about Luke): "And how did he know that the bird was missing? What, was he strolling by your house and he heard your plaintive cries for help?"
Lorelai: "Mom."
Emily: "Or the helpless cheep of a chick in trouble?"
Lorelai: "I called him, Mom. OK? I called him and asked him to come over and help me look for the bird. OK?"
Emily: "It seems like this man is always around when you're in trouble."
Lorelai: "He's a good friend."
Emily: "Oh, please."
Lorelai: "Do we have to discuss this?"
Emily: "Lorelai, I'm getting a little tired of being lied to."
Lorelai: "Apparently we do."
Emily: "This man was at Rory's birthday party, he came to the hospital with you, he's the male lead in every story you tell, you go to the diner every single day. I've seen the way he looks at you, the way you look at him. I'm not a fool."
Lorelai: "Mom, please."
Emily: "Why do you treat me like I don't have a clue in the world as to what is going on in your life? Now I'm asking you, as a favor, if you have any respect for me at all as your mother, just tell me. Do you have feelings for this man?"
Lorelai: "I don't know. Maybe I do. I haven't given it much thought. Maybe I do."
Emily: "Thank you. I'm glad you were finally honest with me. Now we can discuss what on earth you could possibly be thinking."
Lorelai: "So. Dinner, thoughts?"
Rory: "Let's have some."
1x 16 - Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers
Chase : "So Lorelai, are you a member of the DAR?"
Lorelai: "No, I'm not. D-A-R-N."
1x 18 - The Third Lorelai
Emily: "Everyone's awefully quiet tonight."
Lorelai: "Sorry Mom, I'm just tired."
Rory: "Me too - school."
Lorelai: "Work."
Rory: "Life."
Lorelai: "Dig it man."
Rory: "Peace out Humphrey."
Emily: "Mystery. (pause) Well this is just ridiculous. Three intelligent women sitting here in complete silence. There must be something to talk about. Do you know that every night at dinner, the Kennedy clan would sit around the table having lively debates about everything under the sun? They would quiz each other about current events, historical facts, intellectual trivia. Now the Gilmore clan is just as smart and worldly as the Kennedy's so come on, somebody, say something."
Lorelai: "Do you know that butt models make 10.000 dollars a day?"
(Rory chuckles)
Emily: "Camelot is truly dead."
Richard: "Emily!"
Emily: "In here, just follow the crickets."
Richard: "I am sorry I'm late, but I come bearing wonderful news."
Emily: "Siri, bring Mr. Gilmore a plate!"
Richard: "I just got off the phone."
Emily: "Would you like to change first?"
Richard: "No, no, no. I'm fine. So I..."
Emily: "Siri, Mr. Gilmore is hungry!" (placing a napkin in his lap)
Richard: "Emily, I am perfectly capable of putting a napkin on my lap."
Emily: "Alright, I'm sorry. You were on the phone."
Richard: "Long distance."
Lorelai: "God?"
Richard: "London."
Lorelai: "God lives in London?"
Richard: "My mother lives in London."
Lorelai: "Your mother is God?"
Richard: "Lorelai."
Lorelai: "So. God is a woman..."
Richard: "Lorelai."
Lorelai: "And a relative. That's so cool, I'm gonna totally ask for favors."
Richard (to Rory): "Make her stop."
Rory: "Oh, that I could."
Emily: "You spoke to your mother."
Richard: "Yes, I did. She's fine, she sends her love and ... she's coming to visit."
Emily: "What?"
Lorelai: "You're kidding!"
Emily: "When?"
Rory: "I'm gonna get to meet my great-grandma?"
Richard: "Lorelai the first."
Emily: "When?"
Lorelai: "I was named after her."
Rory: "I figured."
Emily: "Richard, when?"
Richard: "You're going to love her. My mother is brilliant, absolutely brilliant."
Lorelai: "We share that also."
Emily: "I'm asking a question here, does no one hear me? Am I suddenly invisible?"
Richard: "I'm sorry. What was the question?"
Emily: "When is your mother arriving?"
Richard: "A week from today. Rory, I'm telling you, it's going to be such a treat."
Emily: "Excuse me."
Lorelai: "I still can't get over that I'm related to God. It's gonna make getting Madonna tickets so much easier."
or simply watch the entire version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-QD7tbpOIE
Rory (about Paris and Tristan leaving the classroom for a private conversation): "Or we could wait for her to come back in to see if she wants us to know."
Louise: "Those who simply wait for information to find them, spend a lot of time sitting by the phone. Those who go and find it themselves, have something to say when it rings."
Rory: "Nietzsche?"
Louise: "Dawson."
Rory: "My next guess."
Season 2 2x05 - Nick & Nora/Sid & Nancy
Rory: "Oh my God, I hate her." Lorelai: "Ah, me too." Rory: "You have no idea who I'm talking about." Lorelai: "Solidarity, sister."
2x07 - Like Mother, Like Daughter Rory: [startled by Paris] "God, you're like a pop-up book from hell!"
2x08 The Ins and Outs of Inns Rory: "You were a Trekkie?" Luke: "I was not a Trekkie." Lorelai: "Oh, oh. I do believe denying you were a Trekkie is a violation of the prime directive." Rory: "Indubitably, Captain."
Luke: "It was a gift from my aunt, I wore it to make her happy." Lorelai: "I've never wanted to make any aunt of mine that happy."Rory: "I hate fighting with friends." Lorelai: "That's what enemies are for." Rory: "And God knows, we have our share of those."
2x09 - Run Away, Little Boy Lane: "I was just expecting a call from Rory and I thought..." Mrs. Kim: "You do your math?" Lane: "Yes." Mrs. Kim: "History?" Lane: "Yes." Mrs. Kim: "Biology?" Lane: "No." Mrs. Kim: "Why?" Lane: "Well, I'm not taking biology." Mrs. Kim: "Why?" Lane: "I took it last year." Mrs. Kim: "And that's it? One year and you know all there is to know?" Lane: "Well, I..." Mrs. Kim: "Tomorrow we look into private school." Lane: "Mama, please, the phone." Mrs. Kim: "Five minutes. I'm counting."
2x10 - The Bracebridge Dinner Lorelai: "What about Paris? Does she ever sleep? Rory: "I think she periodically makes a whirring noise and then just shuts down."
Mrs. Kim: "This is my stuff. Don't need any more stuff. People have too much stuff." Lorelai: "You know, you're right. People have too much stuff. Absolutely." [Mrs. Kim and Lane walk away] Rory: "Says the woman with 64 pairs of shoes." Lorelai: "Thus proving my point."
Jess: "We should have eaten before we came."
Luke: "Shh! And...yeah."
Lorelai: "Hey Mom, you didn't make it back to the room last night. Did you get lucky?" Emily: "Could you be any cruder?" Lorelai: "Yeah, I could be cruder. Hey Mom, did you get lai-" Rory [intercepts]: "Thanks for coming!
2x11 - Secrets and LoansRory: "I got a 740 verbal and a 760 math." Lorelai: "Ugh, thank God you're not an idiot." Rory: "I got a 740 verbal and a 760 math?" Lorelai: "Those are damn good scores little lady, really. Amazing. Top notch. Those are PSA-T-rific. Sorry, it was just lying there, I had to go for it. You're frowning." Rory: "How did I get a higher score in math?" Lorelai: "Who cares?" Rory: "But I'm stronger in verbal. Verbal is my thing." Lorelai: "No, verbal is my thing."
Rory: "We have a situation here and she's being so stubborn."
Dean: "Huh."
Rory: "What?"
Dean: "What what?"
Rory: "What was with the 'huh'?"
Dean: "Nothing."
Rory: "No, there was a meaning behind that 'huh'. That was a loaded 'huh'. That was not a normal 'huh'. You meant to say something with that 'huh', and now you're taking it back."
Dean: "Okay, now..."
Rory: "Don't use that kind of 'huh' if you're not prepared to defend it. Why aren't you saying anything?"
Dean: "Because words are a very dangerous thing right now."
Rory: "You were saying that I'm stubborn just like my mother."
Dean: "I was saying that in addition to all the wonderful amazing qualities that the two of you share there is possibly, on occasion, a similar tendency to dig your heels in."
Lorelai: "You are not seriously sitting there." Emily: "No. It's a hologram. Lifelike, isn't it?"
2x12 - Richard in Stars Hallow Emily: "So Lorelai, are you dating?" Lorelai: "Uh, hm, no, I'm not dating." Emily: "Really? There's no one at all?"Lorelai: "No, totally single." Emily: "Any chance you'd get back with Max?""Lorelai: "No Mom, there's no chance." Emily: "What about the man at the diner, the one who refuses to shave?" Lorelai: "Luke, he's just a friend Mom." Emily: "Do you think you'll be single your entire life?" Lorelai: "Excuse me?" Emily: "I mean, in terms of your finding someone, what do you think the odds are?" Lorelai: "Okay, what is going on?" Emily: "Well, I visited the family mausoleum today." Lorelai: "Never what you think it's gonna be!" Rory: "You are going to uncover the seedy underbelly of Stars Hollow?"
Paris: "Yes."
Rory: "Paris, Stars Hallow doesn't have a seedy underbelly. We don't even have a meter maid."
Rory: "All right, so we're here now, where do you wanna go?"
Paris: "I don't know, where's the bad part of town?"
Rory: "Uhh, over there."
Paris: "What?"
Rory: "Uh, people... They are very upset with the color of that fence."
Paris: "It's pretty common knowledge that diners are breeding grounds for prostitution and drug dealers."
Luke: "What?"
Paris: "Have you ever seen anything like that going down here?"
Luke: "Have I ever -"
Paris: "What about that guy over there? What's his story?"
Luke: "Reverend Nichols?"
Paris: "Reverend Nichols, huh? What's that, like Dr. Feelgood?"
Luke: "Rory, how much do you like this person?"
Rory: "Do what you gotta do, Luke." [Jess comes down the steps, into the diner]
Paris: Hey, where'd he come from? What's up there? Is that where you keep the girls? You got yourself a little cathouse up there?
Lorelai: "Rory, we're home!"
Richard: "Next time, stop the car completely before you get out."
Lorelai: "Rory, for the love of God, be home!"
Rory: "I'm here, sorry! I was on the phone. How was your - [Lorelai grabs Rory and hugs her very tightly] Ooh, okay."
Lorelai: "I don't think I've ever love you quite as much as I love you right now."
Rory: "Ah, ribs cracking... organs crushing."
Lorelai: "Yeah, well. Love hurts."
Gypsy: "Okay, I found something wrong."
Richard: "You did?"
Dean: "What?"
Gypsy: "Windshield wipers. Came right off in my hand, very dangerous. Thank God I check it again."
Dean: "Gypsy, you broke those off yourself."
Gypsy: "Yes I did."
Dean: "Put 'em back!"
Gypsy: "I can't look at this car anymore."
Dean: "Gypsy!"
Gypsy: "I miss my home."
Dean: "Put them back."
Richard: "Now I suppose the car is safe."
Dean: "It is."
Richard: "I'm still not sure it's a appropriate gift."
Dean: "I understand that." [They stand silently next to each other for a moment, arms crossed.]
Richard: "How tall are you?"
Dean: "Why, you wanna dance?"
Richard: "No, thank you. [pauzes] I appreciate the offer though."
2x13 - A-Tisket, A-Tasket
Lorelai: "This is a picture of me."
Miss Patty: "It is?"
Lorelai: "Yeah. Why do you have a picture of me in your wallet?"
Miss Patty: "Oh, uh, well it's a very nice picture."
Lorelai: "Thank you. Why do you have a very nice picture of me in your wallet?"
Miss Patty: "I'm a stalker?"
Lorelai: "Or?"
Miss Patty: "Or, when, in my daily travels, I run across a nice single guy..."
Lorelai: "Oh God!"
Lorelai: "Ah man. I remember the days of lying to my mother about a boy. Once I had a boy hidden in the closet and of course Mom wouldn't leave, so I finally had to pretend to get sick to my stomach just to get her out of the room long enough for him to climb out the window and down the tree. He fell, broke his leg. Ah, to be young again."
Jackson: "I think we should get married."
Sookie: "What?"
Jackson: "I think we should get married."
Sookie: "But - uh, but..."
Jackson: "Soon."
Sookie: "Are you pregnant?"
2x14 - It Should Have Been Lorelai Mr.s O'Malley: "And on the Chilton team, we have Rory Gilmore and Paris Gellar." [Sookie and Lorelai cheer very loudly]Lorelai: "Owww!" Sookie: "Whooooo!" [Everyone else is silent en Rory looks a little embarrassed]Sookie: "Were we not supposed to do that?" Lorelai: "Maybe no one noticed."
Lorelai: [to Rory] "So, I'm dying to hear about your night with Sherry. How was it? Give it to me, A to Z, beginning to end, soup to nuts."
Kirk: "Excuse me Mrs. Kim. I'm Kirk." Mrs. Kim: "I know you're Kirk. I've known you since you were two." Kirk: "That's no guarantee that people remember me."
Michel [to Rory]: "Ah, get away from me evil girl!" Rory: "But..." Michel: "Never will I do anything for you again, ever, ever, never!" Rory: "Well if it makes you feel any better, you had really good form." Michel: "You are your mother's child." Rory: "Thank you!"
2x15 - Lost and Found Lorelai: "Whatcha doing?" Luke: "I'm looking for my supply ledger." Lorelai: "Is it going well?" Luke: "It's going fine." Lorelai: "You have a sock on your shoulder. Is it helping you look?"
Luke: "I bought one of those Belgian waffles with ice cream dipped in chocolate." Lorelai: "You ate that?" Luke: "No, I didn't eat it!" Lorelai: "Of course not." Luke: "I'm upset, not suicidal." Lorelai: "Right." Luke: "I knew I just had to do something and I had your voice going round and round in my head." Lorelai: "Yeah, it's kinda like the Small World song." 2x17 - Dead Uncles and Vegetables Emily: "What do you think of the Romanovs?" Luke: "They probably had it coming"
2x22 - I Can't Get Started Lorelai: "Oy, with the poodles already!"
Rory: "She and Luke have been in this fight for too long. She's gotta do this." Dean: "You're cruel." Rory: "Tough love, baby. Oops, I think she's coming in." Dean: "How can you tell?" Rory: "She's got shoe sale face on."
Lorelai: "But I'm here now and hey, I'm like cheese." Dean: "What?" Rory: "She gets better with time." Dean: "Ah." Rory: "Sorry Gouda, we've got school."
Michel: "All right, the piano movers will be here at eight and the chairs will be set up at nine. All the rooms are made up and ready. I will be in at ten. Now I am going home unless you would like me to stay." Lorelai: "Actually, I would. Thanks." Michel: "No, I'm sorry. I think I said that wrong. I am going home now unless you would like me to stay." Lorelai: "I would love you to stay, thanks for offering." Michel: "Okay, see, once again, my English not so good. One more time. I am going home now, after working six hours longer than I usually work and performing task I despise and am ashamed of, and now I am going home to wash off the stench of this horrifying day, that is, unless, for some unknown Godforsaken reason, you need me to stay." Lorelai: "Well, actually -" Michel: "Goodbye."
Season 3 3x08 - Let the Games Begin
Luke: "Very romantic." Lorelai: "Says the man who yelled 'Finally!' at the end of Love Story."
3x13 - Dear Emily and Richard Lorelai: "It's from my mother." Rory: "What is it?" Lorelai: "It's heavy. Must be her hopes and dreams for me." Rory: "I thought she discarded those years ago."
3x19 - Keg! Max! Rory: "It's Friday night. We should be out, I don't know, partying with the homies." Lorelai: "Our Stars Hollow homies are all in bed by now."
Season 4 4x10 - The Nanny and the Professor
Lorelai: "The plural of cul-de-sac is culs-de-sac?" Rory: "Yes." Lorelai: "That doesn't even sound like English." Rory: "That's because it's French."
4x22 - Raincoats and Recipes
Rory (while playing a videogame with Lane): "Where'd he go?"
Lane: "I don't know."
Rory: "What do I do?"
Lane: "I don't know!" Rory: "Did I lose?"
Lane: "Well, you have no head, so probably."
Rory: "So this is what teenage boys are doing instead of watching television? Lane: "Apparently." Rory: "Seems like a lateral move."
Season 5 5x01 - Say Goodbye to Daisy Miller
Lorelai: "I don't want to forget it ever happened. It was a great kiss."
Luke: "Yeah?"
Lorelai: "If one of us had been a frog, it would have had some seriously impressive consequences."
Rory (while talking about Rory and Dean sleeping together): "Why are you whispering?" Lane: "Because I just think that no matter where she is, my Mom can hear this conversation."
5x06 - Norman Mailer, I'm Pregnant! Doyle: "Man, I hate those kind of guys - those privileged, white males." Rory: "Doyle, you're a privileged white male." Doyle: "Well, he's more privileged. And way more whiter."
5x17 - Pulp Friction Lorelai: "If it was physically possible to make love to a hot beverage, this would be the one."
Season 6 6x10 - He's Slippin' Em Bread ... Dig?
Rory: "They never invited their priest over to try and talk you out of having sex!" Lorelai: "Five times! And on the last one, they triple-teamed with a priest, a rabbi, and a Mormon missionary. I made so many jokes that night I should have had a microphone and a brick wall behind me."
Season 7 7x01 - The Long Morrow
Rory: "Well, you know, I guess we don't have to talk about... stuff." Lorelai: "Yeah... Who says we always have to be talking? We can not talk!" Rory: "Of course we can." (pause) Lorelai: "Okay, we should probably talk about how we're not gonna talk..."
Ending with one of my faves from 4x18:
Thanks to the amazing writers team behind this show. They really made one of the most enjoyable shows on television ever.Note: This page will keep changing, just like the Buffyquotes page. Also check out these websites for more quotes, or simply do what I do: Make time for a rewatch ;-).
If you haven't heard of Felicia Day, you are truly missing out. She's amazing and a real example for everyone wanting to work in the new media industry. The first time she came across my path was in - where else? - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, episode 7x11 'Showtime'. She played the role of potential slayer Vi and she immediately made an impression. Vi was funny, timid and kinda anxious and I was really happy when she survived. Even in the couple of episodes (eight in total) on Buffy her character grew. Compared to her life, however, it's nothing. In real life, she's a game changer.
Watch the Guild
In 2007 this great independent sitcom WEB SERIES about a group of online gamers came across my path, called The Guild. Because I was still a student at the time and my main interest is the use of new/modern (social) media in movie and television culture this show was perfect for me. I studied film and television at the university and I'm also a big fan of audience participation and/or acknowledgement. So when I found out that Felicia Day (creator and actress) had made a web series specifically for the world wide web (with Kim Evey and Jane Selle Morgan), I was extatic. Even better was that it's a great show and the first season was solely financed by LOYAL FANS. Hello, future of series!
The show was a succes and still is. They already have five seasons and other companies wanted to distribute it, like Xbox Live, YouTube and Microsoft. It's one of those things that just pops up and takes off. As is the case with good shows, they win a lot of awards. And this web series is no exception. What's so great about this show is they have an amazing cast of characters. It's really funny and even if you are not a gamer - because I'm not - it doesn't go above your head. You don't believe me? Watch the first ep below:
(Webisode 1x01 - Wake-Up Call)
Of course I do believe that, if you are a gamer, it would be even more enjoyable. As in many shows, there are a lot of inside jokes, references to other games and such. I won't get them, but regular gamers probably will. Every season is different and fresh and there are great guest appearances (Wil Wheaton, Nathan Fillion and.... Stan Lee, people!). In short: There is no reason to not watch this show. There is however one thing that's less great. Because it's a web series,
the webisodes are short: from three to eight minutes. However, this makes it
easy to catch up on, or simply watch in between doing other things. But
it also means that it's over before you know it. You wish there was more
and that webisodes were longer. Luckily, there are already five season
now and they are available on dvd (or what have you), so you can simply
watch hours on end!
Merchandise
As it goes with things that are a succes, there will be more. The Guild now has dvds as I mentioned before, but it also has it's own comics - even more stories!, - songs, T-shirts - about the show but also as part of the storyline - and so much more. From trading cards to soda's, posters and costumes. What more could you ask for?
Music vids
I like these kinds of vids. I love it when a show I watch has a 'special' episode, like one that's in the spirit of Halloween or Christmas. The Guild is no exception. They make Christmas vids in which they sing carrols, totally in the theme of the show. It shows the creativity and love they have for what they are making and it's pure enjoyment. Their music vids are just as catching. The first time you hear the song, it stays in your head and in a short while you will be singing along. And the vids really look amazing. The costumes, the setting, it's all funny and it just amazes me how they pull it off. *Takes a deep bow* Instead of just telling you about it, here are some examples.
(Christmas vid from The Guild)
(Music vid 'Do You Wanna Date My Avatar?')
(and finally the music vid 'I'm the One That's Cool')
Looking at all of this, it's safe to say that The Guild isn't inferior to any other show that's on television right now. It has the great characters and great actors, storylines that keep you invested in the show, a catchy tune, various distribution channels, merchandising, songs and a loyal fan base. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but I think I made my point. Turns out, this was only paving the way. Because now, Felicia Day has her own channel... Not just any channel, but a YouTube Channel. So much better than television ;-).
Busy little beaver
Beside all of this work, she also keeps on acting in different things. Just to paint a better picture of Felicia Day as an actress, here are some titles she appeared in:
- Bring it On Again (movie) - Lie to Me (series) - Dollhouse (series) - Supernatural (series) - Eureka (series) - Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (web series) - Dragon Age: Redemption (web series -kinda a PR thing for the video game I believe).
An even better way to show who she is, would be to share some YouTube-vids of her, like her speech at the Streamy Awards or something, but there's just to much. So if you like, simply look her up on YT or at her personal site: www.feliciaday.com . Her own channel: Geek & Sundry
The popularity of The Guild is so big and she's so creative that she took it even further. Not only does she have her own web series, she also has her own YouTube Channel. It's called Geek & Sundry and it's basically like a television channel. It has several shows, with new episodes every week or so. There's something for everyone, because they are:
- The Flog: Felicia Day trying out something new every week (about 10 minutes). - Dark Horse Motion Comics: They work together with Dark Horse Comics and make Motion Comics of already existing stories, like Hellboy (webisodes are about 6 minutes). - Table Top: Wil Wheaton is the host in this show where he plays table top games with celebrities (about 30 minutes!) - Sword and Laser: Veronica Belmont and Tom Merritt give the scoop on Sword and Laser. - The Guild: As of now, all the seasons of the hit web series can be found/watched here. - Above and Beyond: I believe this was added later. It's a category where (cool and creative) stuff made by talented fans for the makers of the channel can be found.
Pretty much every show also has extra's, like interviews, gag reels or behind-the-scenes footage. Just like a television channel, it has you tunning in each week for more. The best thing about it, is that you can totally watch it in your own time. You don't have to DVR, record or download it. It's always there and it's not going anywhere. Also, if you have internet, you can watch it anywhere. So you can watch in on your laptop in bed, on a couch or well... wherever. Easy, peasy.
My two favorite shows on her channel are Table Top and The Flog. On Table Top I will only say that I really like it, because I like playing board games. It's something that I still do with my family and it's just a lot of fun. It's just a lot of fun watching Wil Wheaton explaining the rules and the goal while playing the game with friends, family and/or colleages. This can be guests who work either in front of the camera or behind the scenes. If you haven't seen it, you really should check it out. Best ep so far for me? Settlers of Catan, because I have played it a couple of times myself and it's just fun to see them trying to do it :P.
The Flog
Why do I like the Flog? Well, for one, I don't like it: I love it. Each week there's the fave five, which is basically a list of five things that Felicia recommends. It can be anything. From sites and games to books and people you 'should' follow on twitter. It brings fun new things to your attention and gives you a possibility to discover them. The main, and middle, part of the episode is a segment in which Felicia learns something new each week. From the art of ice sculpting and dancing to learning how to handle a bulldozer and simply doing a Neo-Victorian photoshoot. It's interesting to see how some things are made, how things work and simply to see Felicia work hard to master the crafts. She's very interested and it's great to get a kind of 'behind-the-scenes' look at some craftmanships. These are things that you hardly stand still for and take two seconds to think about. That's what makes it very entertaining. The third, and final, part is a letter. Felicia Day reads one of the letters she recieved and answers them, with a voice-over. It shows a commitment to the fans and the audience participation that is really appreciated by her. She also asks viewers of her flog to recommend some of their 'fave fives' or to write a letter. But what I like most about her and about this show is that she can be herself. She does things that - I think - she is really interested in and she presents it totally in her own way. And it's a great way. Just take a look at the first ep. New eps on Monday (so, yes, that's today!)
Future of television
While this may not be the exact future of television and while I don't think that television will ever disappear (just like the awesome shows that I watch too many of), I do think that this is a future of television. An online channel, with online independent web shows, created by inspiring people with a direct connection and appriciation of their viewers. There's no cost, though - like with The Guild - I think that donations for making shows or movies will be seen more and more (Hello, kickstarter!). So, why can't I help but smile when I think of Felicia Day? It's easy. To me, she's what the future will (hopefully) look like. Creative people who get turned down by big companies can still make it, she's shown that. And she can simply say: screw them. Because she's succesful, and she has a lot going for her. When I think of Felicia I think about all of that and that makes me smile (Come on, who does like does big companies who won't give people a chance because they think or are different?). I simply cannot help but love her. I am certainly no gamer, but she seems like a great person. I also admire her for her entrepeneurism and the guts it takes to do all she does.
I smile when I think of Felicia Day because of everything she has done and is doing. She inspires me and makes me look forward to the future of 'television' or some kind of hybrid form. I think it's exciting and Felicia really deserves a lot of credit. Other than that, I really like the way she comes across. There's a Dutch actress, Carice van Houten, and whenever you see her or hear her talk, I get the feeling she's really herself. Sometimes goofy, but always fun. And I get the same feeling with Felicia Day. It makes me like her as a person, not just as an actress or a character. That's why I will leave you with this advice: Check her channel and/or site out. You won't regret it!
Two weeks ago I finally got to see The Avengers! And it was definitely worth the wait. The main reason I wanted to see it, was because it's Joss Whedons first blockbuster. A second reason is that there are a lot of familiar faces in this movie. And who doesn't like that? Even in the first minutes you see Cobie Smulders with Samuel L. Jackson. Cobie Smulders is probably most known for her role on the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother - with Whedonalums Alyson Hannigan (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Neil Patrick Harris (Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog). Smulders really played her part. I thought she might have a little part, but it turned out way bigger than I had imaged and she was awesome! Another familiar face is Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. While most people may know him from The Hurt Locker, he is actually a Whedonalum too, cos he played in one of my favorite episodes of Angel, called 'Somnambulist'. Then there's Chris Hemsworth. He played the role of Thor, but first played the role of Curt in The Cabin in the Woods which was written - and if I'm not mistaken - also produced by Joss. These roles were pretty much known, but we also got some suprises while watching the movie. A young cop was played by Enver Gjokaj - Victor in Dollhouse. Then there's Alexis Denisof (Buffy, Angel, Dollhouse) who played 'The Other' in this film. Unfortunately I didn't recognise him or I just didn't see him, because I was surprised to see his name in the end credits. And of course, what I couldn't get enough of was Joss' name on the big screen. I sqeeled on the inside everytime I saw it. There are also the big names, such as Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow and I can go on with this for a while. But I already knew they would be in there and I really enjoyed there performances, but seeing Whedonalum in a Whedon blockbuster, is just truly amazing. Now, I will try to avoid SPOILERS, but here's a review.
(from left to right: The Hulk, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Nick Fury,
Black Widow, Captain America and Thor)
It was inescapable the last couple of years: Superheroes. Of course we had Superman and Batman and yes, The Hulk, but Iron Man, Captain America and Thor are relatively new. And these separate movies prepared the audience for what was coming next: The Avengers assembled. Promising? Hell yeah!
Ego's and morals Superheroes are known for their morals, trying to save
the world from whatever threat comes along. But these superheroes have
something else: ego's. The movie Thor focused on his pride,
Tony Stark (Iron Man) is a "Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist" (his words), Bruce Banner (The Hulk)
well, he turns into a primal 'monster' who just likes to SMASH. The one
with the least ego, would be Steve Rogers (Captain America). A leader and full of those
1940's morals and patriotism. Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) and Clint Barton (Hawkeye) made brief
appearances in earlier movies, but here they get more credit. And then there's agents Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) and Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg). In all those superheromovies from the past they showed up in the end. This many people with their ego's, there's only one way they can work together: By not working together. They are not a team, they are individual heroes doing things in their own way. Which means Banner tries to hide, Rogers tries to grasp the fact that he's living in the future (for realz!), Thor is supposed to be on another planet and Stark, well he just does whatever he wants. But they are brought together by one common enemy: Loki - Thor's evil brother -, who came from a different planet because he wants to rule over Earth. The first part of the movie mainly focuses on their differences and them trying to fight it out, literally. They keep fighting and destroying what's around them. It might not be so exciting, because they are all so strong and none of them would be in danger. But it looks great and it's a lot of fun. They don't have to hold back, they just go all out. Whatching that on a big screen, not to mention in 3D, is totally worth it. It's seriously action packed.
Hammers and other attributes
Just like Batman a superhero has to have attributes. Captain America has his shield, Thor has his hammer, Hawkeye has his bow, Iron Man has his suit, Hulk has, well, his body and Black Widow... Ok, she has a gun, but her flexible body/thighs and her seductiveness is awesome. The attributes are a part of what makes heroes cool. Greek Gods had those emblems too, which they were pictured with. Like Zeus with his eagle and the lightning bolt. Dianne with a deer and a bow. Not to mention that Thor is a God, actually. So let's take them one step at a time.
Captains shield: I'm not a comic book reader, so I don't know the entire story. The shield is made from some special metal and it's given to him by Howard Stark, if I remember correctly, during WWII. He can use it as a frisbee, throwing it to hit people with, after which it returns to him. It's strong enough not to be hurt by bullets or lightning... or Loki's staff. Which is actually really necessary, because if not, he wouldn't have a fighting change against this evil supervillain.
Thor's hammer: Is there anything so thrilling as this? It's just a plain hammer, but no one but Thor can pick it up. How amazing is that. That's a personal weapon my friends. Used in the right way, he can even fly with it. It has tremendous powers and Thor is really strong (he's a God, hello!) so it will have a fierce impact. Then there's that nifty thing of lightning. Thor also uses the hammer to make it storm and get some lightning which he can give direction to and attack someone with. What a blast! (sorry, couldn't resist) And finally, not sure how this works exactly, but he can conjure it or make it come to him. I'm just gonna be honost with ya, it's my favorite by far.
Hawkeye's bow:I had never even heard of Hawkeye. Sure he made a brief appearance in Thor - the first movie, but I didn't understand his superhero status. The way I understand it, is that he's a trained agent with a supercool bow. Though a bow is nothing special. Several heroes have bows. But Hawkeye's is very impressive. For one, he's very fast with it - more a speciality of his than that it has to do with the bow itself, but sure. He's extremely fast and has a massive shot. The bow itself can be fold out, in a manner of speaking and the arrows... well there's something you don't see every day. He has 'usual' arrows, with very sharp points, but he also has these munition-things he can click on. What's in them? Nothing short of a bom. So I feel I have to apologize to Hawkeye, I never knew he could be so interesting and explosive (again, couldn't resist).
Iron Man's suit: It's a cool suit, I'll give him that. It has all the nice gadgets, but it's also kinda lame. It's a suit... a metal suit... I guess I'm just not that impressed by metal. It looks less human or something. But if you have to have a suit, this is the one you want. He can fly, he can fight, he has guns/amunition in the weirdest places and he can take it in the water... He has it all. And on the plus side, it also protects Stark very well. He gets smacked around, and it's safe to say that without the suit he wouldn't have survived.
Bruce's Hulk: What a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing, right? On one hand you feel sorry about Bruce. It's an experiment gone wrong and he's the result. He doesn't know how to fix it or get rid of it. It's inside him and he has to live with it. Hulk is very helpful at times though. He's large and strong, pretty much indestructable actually. But on the other hand, he's a walking time bomb. And how can you communicate and rely on this monster that - when he transforms - says sentences like 'Hulk smash' and doesn't know for which side he's fighting. He just tears things apart. Sure, it's fun and 'destructorama' but not really a power that anyone would want, not even Bruce himself.
Black Widow's thighs: She's a seductive superspy with martial arts training. A real femme fatale, but without any real superpowers or a weapon. The interesting thing is that you never know how much she knows. But powerwise, I'd say anyone who can fight like this (watch the scene below) and get's attacked by (SPOILER!) Hulk falls in the superhero category. She may not have superpowers, but her fighting and seduction skills make her part of the group and she can certainly hold her own.
On the down side of props, it's the fact that they need props. Sure, they are strong, but Superman has superpowers. He is the weapon. You can't say that about Stark. Without the suit, he really isn't all that threatening. Bruce without Hulk, is just a scientist. Hawkeye without the bow... well, I think you get the drill. But at least two people stand out here: Thor. He has all his God given powers (meaning that he's super strong, whether he has the hammer in his hand or not) and Black Widow. She may not be all powerful, but she can definitely hold her own without superpowers or weapons. It's amazing to see her work, even for an agent. Because she's so much more than that.
(Black Widow - interrogation scene. Her first appearance in the movie) (For the Buffy fans: Did anyone else think about the hammer from Olaf, used by Buffy to beat Glory up - while Spike couldn't even pick it up? Just like no one else could pick this hammer up. I also really needed to restrain myself from writing 'Captain Hammer' :P. Anyone?)
Movies kick ass
(And yes, for the Buffy - or SMG - fans, this is also a reference to SMG's and Jack Black's 'Movies Kick Ass' song during the MTV Movie Awards. So appropriate.)
Fighting scenes can be great. But they don't always work. So far, Whedon has always made it work. Take a look at his track record: Buffy, Angel, Firefly and Dollhouse. In all of these shows there's some serious ass kicking. In this movie, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow stands out especially. Her fighting brings back memories of Buffy Summers and/or Faith Lehane working out their frustrations or simply doing their job. If fightscenes don't work, you get bored. This isn't the case in The Avengers. Which is a good thing, because this movie is ACTION PACKED!
For one, there are all the fight scenes between the superheroes themselves. Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk and Thor. When they turn against each other destruction happens. Then there's Black Widow, Hawkeye and Fury. All know how to kick some butts. One of the most suprising and exciting fights was the attack by (SPOILER) Hulk on Widow. A tiny young girl getting attacked by a massive monster, it's eye candy.
But of course these movies aren't just about heroes fighting each other. It's about them fighting together against a common enemy. That would be Loki with his army. A giant army with monsters and very huge serpent kinda monsters... Thousands of fights accure in the final battle an what makes this work is you get the see all of it. You have many heroes you can follow and you get to see them in action, all of them. Each of them have their own fighting skill and way and they all get to do their thing. I could go in depth about it, but by describing the weapons I think you pretty much get the picture.
Whedon has done an amazing job with this. Normally you would want to see everyone fighting and fighting side by side. Whedon filmed this in an interesting and very satistfying way. You won't be dissapointed. That's all to be said about it, if you want to remain spoiler free. But it's truly impressive. It happens really fast, but you get to see it all. And isn't that just what we keep asking for?
The heart of Joss
Joss Whedon is also known for his 'Whedonspeak'. His way of talking, his humor and jokes, the dialogue, all of these are just another reason to go see his work. With characters such as these superheroes, you could go all out. So be prepared to take home some new one liners when you leave the cinema after this movie. Snotty and sarcastic remarks are always fun (What, you wouldn't have guessed that, me being a Gilmore Girls, Buffy and Veronica Mars fan?). When there's a movie about superheroes with big ego's, there's gotta be some of those. Especially because no one would feel they would have to hold back. Simple lines can say a lot and there's always a remark. It's said in a sarcastic or stoic way and it's funny. Like Thor saying "Loki is beyond reason, but he's of Asgard and he's my brother." Black Widow responds: "He killed eighty people in two days." Thor's come back? "He's adopted." We all have our own sense of humor, but it would be a surprise if you would watch this movie and didn't laugh once. Because of the multitude of characters there are different kinds of humor. It can be remarks like these, but it can also be references. Something that gets used more and more often. It plays on the intelligence of the viewers and it's something Whedon is also known for. One example is Stark telling Hawkeye "Clench up, Legolas." But there are a lot more, especially concerning Captain America, since he skipped a couple of decades. The humor is not just in the dialogue. It's can also be physical. I mean, how can you argue with this: Loki "I am a God! You can not defeat me!" After which Hulk simply smashes him. Just remembering this moment makes me chuckle. And it's good because jokes are a tricky thing. They could be
lame or simply 'over used'. This movie doesn't have a problem with that.
The jokes are genuinly funny, smart, witty and suit the characters perfectly.
Just a couple more one-liners, because I like them but I don't want to give away too much:
Banner: "We're not a team. We're a time-bomb" Thor: "You people are so petty... and tiny." Rogers: "I got that reference!" Fury: "I recognize the council has made a decision, but given that it's a stupid ass decision, I've elected to ignore it." Stark: "It's beautiful. It's like Christmas. But with more...me." Romanoff: [tied up in a chair, being interrogated by Russians, while getting a call] I'm working." Barton: [to Romanoff] "You and I remember Budapest very differently."
In the heart of Joss is also the music. The music could have been better though. If you are familiar with the works of Joss Whedon, you may know the great scores he uses. It can be subtle, but also empowering and bombastic. The music in this movie could have been more bombastic. Music really shouldn't draw all the attention away from the movie. I'm a big fan of it being subtle and supportive. But this is a movie about a tower of superheroes and it should be bombastic. Not that you get really annoyed by it or that it's downplayed or something. It's more that a lot is happening, the city gets ruined and it feels like something is missing now. If there was one thing that might have improved a great movie, it could have been this. The evil brother: Loki - SPOILERS
Before going to the movie, a lot of tweets appeared on my screen how in love everybody is with Loki. In Thor I could have gotten it, but here... not so much. There are (super)villains that you can love because they are so evil. And there's something about the way they are evil that makes it very enjoyable. Their viciousness, their complete lack for humanity or the pleasure they take in being evil. For example: Darla and/or Angelus from Buffy/Angel. Two great villians that you cannot help but love (maybe a better one would have been Heath Ledger as the Joker... Sniff). In the beginning of the movie Loki gives you that feeling. You get his enjoyment, his drive and you know that he's planning something. You just don't know what it is. He keeps you at the edge of your seat. But it lessens during the rest of the movie. Loki is played by Tom Hiddleston and he does a great job. Thumbs up! All the switching, powers, manipulations, turning people against each other and the hologram-thing. It's entertaining, interesting and exciting. Maybe I'm spoiled, or maybe it's that I expected too much after all the messages I read on Twitter, Facebook and everywhere else on the internet. I just feel like I have seen worse/better villains. A moment where he could have gotten more sympathy was while the earth is being attacked. He started it and his brother Thor gives him a chance to be redeemed by doing the right thing. But the brotherly resentment feelings are too great for him to put aside. He has been hurt and can't wait to have a planet to rule. On the one hand it makes him look like a spoiled child, wanting to rule over the 'lesser' humans. On the other, it stays true to his character - the evilness that is Loki. It could be the lack of back story in The Avengers, but it works better in Thor. Here it seems a little odd at times and doesn't really work. Near the end of the movie, it just wasn't as convincing anymore.
Must see, for real!
Everything mentioned above should be a reason to go see it. If you like superheromovies, it's a no brainer. If you like action movies, likewise. It's seriously action packed, as I have mentioned before. It doesn't matter if you're a guy or a girl. There's enough entertainment to go around. It's funny, it's good writing, you have great characters and it's only the second movie that I thought was meant to be in 3D. If you've already seen it, than let me leave you with this:
Today, June first, I'm starting with this challenge... a Veggie Challenge! It's an initiative from the young group behind Viva Las Vega's. Their goal is to promote the consumption of plant products: to make others more aware of what they eat and what's in their food, but mostly to eat less animal products. When you sign up to do this you have several choices. You can either choose the month June or July (or both) and then there are the choices of how many times a week you want to eat vegetarian and/or vegan. Seeing how I call myself a flexitarian (though I dislike that word) I will go a month without any meat/fish, so seven days a week. As for the vegan part, I thought I might as well try it. My sister is vegan and she eats (and makes) the most delicous things! So why wouldn't I want to join that? Other than that, it's really healthy because their all natural products (from plants).
(subtitle reads: "Challenge yourself!")
Now I don't like the idea of eating meat. And since my sister has become a vegan I have been reading much more about what's in our food and how they make it. For instance, did you know that you need 7 kilograms of grane for 1 kilogram of meat (to feed the animal, that is)? That's seven times as much!!! So imagine how much food there actually is in the world :O. That's kinda a OMG-moment, don't you think? One thing that really grossed me out though, was that cows (and the likes) are being forced to produce a lot of milk. They are not used to it, so it's unhealthy for them which causes infections. In one glass of milk, there's one thimble of pus (you know, the yellow stuff that oozes out of a wound). Gross!!!!! (That also applies on yoghurt and cheese of course). So when you think about it, even milk is inhumane for the animals and that food really isn't that healthy. And that's why I'm really excited to accept this challenge. The only reason why I'm holding back on it (and not going for more vegan days a week) is because it's expensive. It shouldn't have a price, I know, but hey, what would you do if you have no income at all?
(a thimble)
The vegetarian part
Vegetarian food isn't exactly new to me. My mother was a veggie while I was growing up, so we never ate that much meat to begin with. The realisation of what meat actually is hit me later, like in my teens/high school. Somehow I just don't understand why people 'have to' eat meat. It's inhumane if you ask me. People say it's so delicious, but I don't get it. When I eat meat - like I said, I'm a flexitariar - I am very aware of the fact that I'm chewing on a cow/goat/pig or whatever it is I'm eating. The most trouble I have with red meat, because I see the red juice coming out of it, and I see blood. I also see those tendons (?) and I just start to gag. Seriously, it isn't pretty. When I moved out of my parents house and went to live as a student, I knew I would eat vegetarian. Because if I couldn't eat it, I definitly couldn't make it myself. It just kills me to have to cook/fry meat, because - again - I can see what I'm doing to the animal. Of course the animal is way dead by this time, but it doens't matter. It used to be a beautiful animal and now it's food. People are so weird sometimes... So I guess you could say that my motivations lie in the sweetness factor of animals. I have a heart for the animals and that's how it started.
But little over six months ago I went to this meeting of a youth party (political, for animals) and there's a whole other set of important things to take into consideration as well. For example: Having those big kinda stables is bad. The gasses that come out of it, are really bad for the environment. Who new? I sure didn't! It made me wonder what else was going on that I had no idea about.
The flexitariar bit
So, I'm a flexitariar. Meaning that I sometimes eat meat. Like I said, I don't cook meat myself, but sometimes my parents do and sometimes I eat it. Usually when it's just a burger or something I just go without. But on holidays (when my dad has spent hours in the kitchen) I sometimes take a bite. Just because he has put so much effort in to it and he's so proud. But thankfully, more and more, they cook veggie for me (and of course my sister and her boyfriend). Other things I eat, are mostly things that I don't know what's in them. Like - I guess the English word is - pigs in a blanket (?) or something that I don't think exists in England, called a 'fricandel'. Though I have heard (from my sister) that's it probably the worst meat-thing I could possibly eat... One thing that I do eat when I'm with my parents and they make it is salmon. That's because it's supposed to be really good for year health and my mother told me that I really need it. But the older I get, the less meat I eat. I used to love tosti's (grilled cheese with ham) and it has become an exeption to eat one now. I also love pizza and while usually I eat a veggie one, I sometimes go for one with a little meat on it. Just to be clear: I'm talking about those frozen ones, whenever I'm in a restaurant I always order them without meat. But lately I hardly ever eat meat at all. Which I think is a really good thing. So a month without meat, should be a piece of cake. Let's see if it sticks!
Me and other people Sometimes when people have certain morals or values they try to convince others that they are the ones who are right. That's not necessarily me. Sure, when people ask me why I don't or eat less meat, I explain it to them. And I would love it if less people would eat meat. But I think everybody is free to make up their own minds about it. I do not find it easy to watch someone eat a steak, or hamburger or something like that. Because again, I see them chowing down a dead cow. And it gets to me. But I'm surely not gonna say that my way is the only way and that everybody should stop eating meat. Even though I think it would be better for the world and the people in it. So yes, I may say it here. But I wouldn't say it to their face. That just leads to discussions that always end the same way it started. With no change at all, just a lot of frustration. People don't have to get each other when it comes to things like this. I think the most important thing is to respect each others decisions and let them eat whatever they want. My last side comment on that would be, that I still think it would be better if people would put more effort in finding out what it is they are eating. Because I think that when people do that, actually pay attention, that a lot of people would start eating less animal products anyway.
The vegan part
Now this is a real challenge. As my sister tells me, a lot of products contain some kind of byproduct that has eggs or milk in them. So eating vegan once a week, will mean I have to really start looking at the ingredients. Though it may take a lot of work and time, I think it will be awesome. Because I never read what's in these things. And that's how I found out that gum has animal products in them! Wine has someting of fish in them! I mean come on... What's that good for? Now there are a couple of things that won't be so different. For instance, I always start my morning with cereal. I already started taking soymilk a while ago and as it turns out, I like it much more than cows milk! And it's just as good. Even better actually, cos HELLO without the pus! :-). But I do eat one sandwich with cheese everyday. This will be a big no-no. Fortunatly, there are delicious spreads that I can eat instead. Writing this now, I'm getting really excited. I thing it will be an eyeopener to realize what I'm eating and how much better I will feel (morally and physically) by choosing natural products. I think it will make me feel healthier and more aware. I'm even so excited that I think I'm going to do a second blog about what I usually eat and how that's going to change during this challenge. So stay tuned!
(with such delicious products, how bad can it be?)
