*** Post originally posted on March 11, 2017, on my old blog

Happy Saturday everyone! I know this comes a day late but I didn’t want to miss another Fandom Friday. Here are my favorite sequels in film:

1. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. This is my favorite Star Wars movie. Yoda. Hoth. AT-ATs. The biggest shock of cinematic history (maybe if you didn’t know Dutch). The galaxy far, far away really expands and comes to life in this film: characters grow, relationships develop, themes get more real.
2. The Dark Knight. The biggest strength of the movie is Heath Ledger’s Joker. Heath Ledger brings this insane character to life from his quirks of constantly licking his lips to his sinister comical laugh – it’s beautiful.
3. Mad Max: Fury Road. So, I might be cheating here a bit because I never have seen another Mad Max movie, at least, completely through. But this was probably my favorite film of 2015. Mad Max: Fury Road is amazing and honestly aside from the beautiful cinematography, I wasn’t rushing to see it in theaters. But once I did, what ride! So much more than the typical action film I thought it was going to be. SO. MUCH. MORE.
4. Monsters University. So I might be in the vast minority here by saying I enjoyed this film more than Monsters, Inc *dodges pitchforks*. This one just really hit close to home by showing the reality that sometimes it’s not always a happy ending and we can’t always succeed but we can still grow and move forward.
5. Jurassic World. Chris Pratt and raptors. Need I say more?

*** Post originally posted on February 3, 2017

As I mentioned on the right side of this post, I am a lazy reader. That is to say, I love to read. I won’t put a book down once I’m into the thick of a good plot. But it’s main meaning is that I can sometimes take long breaks away from books. For example, in 2016 I read one book how horrible is that? I’m ashamed to call myself an English major. Hopefully, by writing out the top 5 of my to be read pile I will hold myself more accountable to reading them and more, in general, this year.

1. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen (reread). I know, this might not count since I’m currently reading this book for the fourth time. But it’s one of my favorites and it’s been calling me. It’s light, happy, witty and Mr. Darcy Mr. Darcy Mr. Darcy. A goal of mine this year is to read all of Austen’s novels. Also, doesn’t it make sense to start the year off by reading a book you love so much? By giving me more motivation to find new books to fall in love with.
2. Harry Potter and The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling and Jack Thorne. I wanted to do a reread of the Harry Potter series before I read this one. I read the HP series once and as they were releasing so, it’s been a while since I’ve been transported to the wizarding world through words. I need to do it soon though because I’m dying to see what my stance will be since the reviews I’ve heard have been so mixed.
3. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Greek mythology is one of my favorite subjects to learn about anytime I can. I heard this book was a great read and on many favorites. Hopefully, this book will finally push me to read The Iliad and The Odyssey.
4. Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde. I read Audre Lorde’s Zami: A New Spelling of My Name for my Women in Literature course and it was a powerful experience. Audre Lorde described herself as a “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet” and her beautiful words will inspire you to speak out and embrace your differences especially at this time when we need it.
5. 1984 by George Orwell. This book has been in my TBR pile for years. I did not have to read this book in high school like many others did. Now more than ever do I want to read it because so many people say how relevant it is to what’s happening in the world now. And if you read this book or know what it’s about, it’s a chilling notion to think about.

1. The Walking Dead (2/12). My favorite show ever. I’m excited to see my faves coming together to fight Negan. Though a part of me never wants Negan to go away because Jeffrey Dean Morgan is SO nice to look at and by far the best villain in anything ever.
2. Game of Thrones (rumored 6/25). Not ready. But then again I’m never really ready for what this show decides to dish out and yet here I am still watching through the good times and the really, really bad. I can’t believe this is the second to last season. Anyways I’ve been beside myself ever since last year’s season finale. Daenerys is finally coming to Westeros!
3. Broad City (August). I can’t really sum up this show. If you haven’t seen it, it’s about two twenty-something girls living in New York with mediocre jobs and yady yada I know we heard this one before but give it a chance it’s funny & smart – it’s really a great time.
4. Bates Motel (2/20). I can’t believe it’s the final season. I’m excited but really sad to see one of my favorite shows go. If you haven’t seen it and are looking for a new show to watch definitely start this. All the season are on Netflix, get your binge on!
5. House of Cards (5/30). I don’t even know what to expect this season. I think I have things figured out until I realize that I don’t. This might be too bleak and relevant to watch this year but, if you’re not too exhausted by dirty politics then you should definitely give this show a watch.

*** Post originally posted on January 20, 2017, on my old blog

Star Wars Episode VIII should go without saying so I’m not going to count it in this list (this might be cheating but just a little).

1. Beauty and the Beast. I can’t believe this movie is finally coming out! When I went to the D23 Expo in 2015, they announced the cast and I was most excited for Belle and Gaston. I feel like the “Gaston” sequence is going to be one of my favorites. Luke Evans and Josh Gad are going to be savage af.
2. Wonder Woman. We’ve waited TOO long for this.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. I can’t wait for the Guardians of the Galaxy hype to hit. What with Baby Groot and the new attraction opening at Disneyland during summer. Also, who’s excited about that new soundtrack/mixtape?
4. Power Rangers. Can’t get over that trailer that premiered yesterday it’s going to be awesome. My inner child can’t contain itself!
5. Coco. Although I have some qualms about this film, (the fact that its plot is similar to one of my fave animated movies Book of Life) I’m happy to see Disney/Pixar representing Mexican culture. I only hope the creators put a lot of thoughtfulness and consideration while making this film with regards to Mexican representation. 

1. WonderCon. This will be my first time attending WonderCon and I’m super excited! I’ve become obsessed with going to conventions since my first to SDCC in 2014.
2. San Francisco/HAMILTON. I'M FINALLY GOING TO SEE HAMILTON LIVE IN MY FAVORITE CITY IN THE WORLD ON MAY 26!! I get goosebumps every time I think about it. I have not been to San Francisco in almost 2 years. I’ll get to spend four days there and hang with my college friends that I haven’t seen since graduating. I left my heart in San Francisco…
3. D23 Expo. I also bought my badges for this and I’m super, super, super excited! I went in 2015 and it was amazing! I can’t wait to see what films they will be teasing this year – The Incredibles 2 & Star Wars: Episode VIII, perhaps?
4. Redwood Forests aka Endor. I’ve been dying to visit these beautiful forests for so long hopefully I can make it happen this year. Ideally, I would love to get a group of friends together and take a road trip up there.
5. SDCC. 2014 was the first and last time I was able to get badges to San Diego Comic-Con. I’m praying hard to the con gods that this year will be my year – I am one with the force, the force is with me.

1. Write more. Write the good, the bad, the ugly – just write! I want to finish writing a short story and submit it to literary magazines. I want to finally commit and post consistently on this blog. 
2. Save money. My parents have been most gracious letting me live with them without the obligation of paying rent. But, I want to save money this year towards a car and a down payment on a condo. I thought about moving into an apartment because of how badly I crave my own space but it would be better for me, in the long run, to save and put money into a place I could eventually own. 
3. Improve relationships. I’ve become too distant with friends and rarely put myself in social situations which I know comes back to my insecurities and anxieties. I want to build my past and new relationships this year. I want to laugh and experience more. 
4. Improve health. To be frank, a great part of my insecurities comes down to my weight. Back in San Francisco, walking was all I did to get from point A to point B. I lost this when I moved back to LA. I’ve gained a lot and not only do I see it, it’s also taken a toll on how my body feels; the energy and motivation are just not there anymore. 
5. Career. I’m a receptionist at the moment and even though growing in this company could be beneficial money wise, my heart’s not in it. I crave creativity. I love to learn and I loved going to school. So I’m going to be working towards going back whether by grad school or making strides to getting my teaching credential.