Lessons Learned From Back to School Shopping

I was truly amazed when I got the email reminder that it was time for our annual Employee Assistance Program school supply drive at work. We have a great team that finds ways to help our employees who may be going through a difficult time (injury, illness, reduction in hours, divorce, spouse losing their job, etc.). One of the many ways the EAP helps out is by "adopting" children of employees who need help getting their school supplies.

For some reason this appeal really spoke to my heart this year. Maybe it was the fact that we have more than 130 kids who need help. Maybe it was my overwhelming paternal instinct and the desire to help kids as sort of a practice run at providing for my own family. Maybe it was this strong sense that every child deserves the sense of pride and enthusiasm that comes with having the right resources for success. Whatever the reason, I responded to the call and decided to adopt two kids.

According to the Huntington Bank's Annual Backpack Index the cost for school supplies has increased as much as 40% (for middle school students, elementary and high school costs have seen increases in the 20's) since 2010. But what does that really mean? I was about to find out.

I'm still waiting for my head to stop spinning and the dust to settle, but the short result is that buying classroom supplies for one elementary school student and one high school student took more than one full-day's wages for me. Granted I'm not a high-level executive, but I'm well aware of the fact that I make very good money. I'm also single, with a decent amount of disposable income. But I'll be honest. When I signed up to fill two backpacks for school I did not expect it to be this kind of investment.

And let me be clear. This was just for classroom supplies. Not new shoes. Not clothes. Not sports or music equipment. We're talking pencils, paper, binders, crayons. It all seems like small things. But there are so many of them, and they all add up.

When I think about parents who are faced with this kind of bill, while also trying to provide for their children's day to day needs, it's truly humbling. I think back to the sacrifices my own parents must have made. All while I was just concerned with having the flashiest pocket folders and most bedazzled notebook accessory. And they went through this same process 12 times for me, 17 if you count the ways they helped me out during college (which make me sick to my stomach to imagine after seeing what elementary school is like).

So even though it's not a linear as saying all my wages from today are going for these school supplies I'm going to think of it in something similar to those terms. I'll work hard, and anytime things get difficult or frustrating I'll think about the time my dad came home from a hard day of work and spent 45 minutes taking me from a hysterical meltdown to actually being able to spell MASSACHUSETTS. Maybe that was the day he paid for my school supplies. I'll think of my mom going back to the department store (my baby brothers in tow) time and time again when the super cool "HAVE TO HAVE THEM" shoes I picked out kept falling apart.

When faced with thought of what it truly takes to raise a child, to make a person, my day at work is such an insignificant drop in the bucket. But hopefully it helps. I'll be thinking an praying for these kids, this family and the wonderful team I'm blessed to work with.

50 States You Must Visit Before You Die

I consider myself to be somewhat well-traveled. I've been to Washington, Oregon, California and a few other places. People often ask me, "CJ, what US states should be on my traveling list?" So to finally put all those questions to rest I'm releasing my final and definitive list:

The 50 States You Must Visit Before You Die

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

The Perktastic Voyage: Amazon Prime

Is it just me, or is the world moving almost entirely to subscriptions? It's like finally society has caught up to the gym membership model and created an ultimate goal of just taking a little of your money, every month, for forever. For a long time that's how I viewed Amazon Prime. Paying a retailer nearly $10 a month for the opportunity to have free two-day shipping on items I might be able to find cheaper somewhere else had little appeal. But let me tell you the tale of all the ways you can leverage this $99 a year to your benefit.

The Secret (and not so secret) Perks of Amazon Prime

Free 2-day Shipping on (many) Purchases
As a rule I am not a huge fan of people. Especially in customer service settings. Thus I view online shopping as one of the greatest triumphs in modern society. Yet we find ourselves doomed to endure the arcane 3-5 day shipping methods of the 20th Century. Thus, this most obvious perk of your Amazon Prime membership must not be overlooked. The ability to purchase an item and know that it will arrive in a maximum of 48 hours is truly incredible. Not only because it represents getting your hands on the goods more quickly, but because it's a testament to the incredible warehousing volume Amazon possesses. Many items actually arrive the next day.

Subscribe and Save
Here we go again. More money out of your pocket every month... Except in exchange for this money you get physical goods. Things you need/use regularly. And you can schedule those items to come in intervals that fit your need, from monthly to every six months. For subscribing to automatic delivery you get a 10% discount, which jumps to 15% if you include five or more items in one shipment. You can add remove the items that are included in each shipment, but as long as there's always five you'll get the discount. My three-month subscription includes items like dishwasher and laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and vitamins.

Prime Instant Video
Nothing good on TV? Check out Amazon Prime Instant Video. An impressive library of TV shows and movies that are available for on-demand streaming. You may not find the most recent episodes of current shows, but the selection is quite impressive. Remember, you're getting all those other perks, plus streaming video. *in my best infomercial voice* That service alone might cost you as much as $7.99 through other sources!

Kindle Owners Lending Library
Whether you own one of the many Amazon Kindle models, or just want to install the Kindle app on your phone or tablet, who doesn't want some free content. More than 500,000 popular titles are available for Amazon Prime members to digitally "borrow." You're limited to one book at a time, but that's how I like to read anyways. As long as you have web access to return and borrow new books you've got an impressive library at your fingertips.

Kindle First
If you're more into playing for keeps this last, and least publicized, Amazon Prime perk is for you. Each month you can pick one of four pre-release ebook titles to download for free. Each title retails for around 5 bucks. Pair this financial value (about half your monthly Prime fee) and the fact that you're getting these books before they are released to the general public and this is a powerful plus.

So do I advocate poking a hole in your bank account that drains $99 per year? Not without a little thought. But if you're someone who uses products, watches videos or reads books you can easily realize a significant bargain through Amazon Prime. Don't feel bad though. Amazon still wins. By getting the opportunity to sell you an enormous variety of physical and digital products they're coming out ahead, and rewarding some of your volume business with this collection of perks.

A Giant List of Amazing Podcasts (Part 2)

In my last post, I started to scroll through my podcast feed and outline what I listen to on a regular basis. I didn't realize the list was so long, so I decided to break it up. I've already covered sports and photography topics and started to delve into the grab-bag of otherness. I'll continue that here:

NPR: StoryCorps
Everyone you meet has a story. But how often do you get to hear that story? StoryCorps consolidates extraordinary tales from a cross section of humanity. They're presented in first-person voice and digested to bit-sized chunks (under 7 minutes).

99% Invisible
A weekly story digest with a bent toward design and architecture. When I say "architecture" I mean 20 minutes on what kinds of businesses move into former Pizza Hut locations. And you know exactly what I mean because every Pizza Hut has that look. Which is exactly the point. It's really more about entertaining stories than highly intellectual content, which is how I like it.

Good Job, Brain!
Because we all need more trivia in our lives. Here's a wonderful hour-long (approximately) dose of random facts, questions and interesting looks at the background or context for obscure pieces of knowledge you have tucked away. You're sure to learn something interesting, as well as something you'll never need to know again. Most of all you'll get to enjoy some spirited conversation.

Travel with Rick Seteves
Another public radio aligned podcast, this weekly program whisks you around the globe, taking a look at both well-known and obscure locations (sometimes an obscure part of a well known location). It often features local voices sharing context, history and that brand of knowledge that only comes from actually living in a place. Even if you never plan to travel, it's an entertaining listen. If there's a chance you will set out at some point, this podcast may help you shape the kind of adventure that fits with you passions.

PodCastle
Did you know you can find podcasts that are pure fiction? That's exactly what PodCastle is about (and kudos to them on snatching up such a clever name before anyone else). Billed as "The world's first fantasy audio magazine," You're treated to episodes that share compelling fiction stories. It's like having free brief audiobooks at your fingertips. You can stock up on back episodes for extended listening and look forward to new content on a regular basis.

Escape Pod
Another brilliant name, so you know it must be from literary minds. A weekly science fiction podcast magazine, Escape Pod also highlights short stories geared toward a science fiction audience. This in not a subject I delve into deeply during my personal reading, but I do enjoy in audiobook format. These episodes are exceptionally well produced and really keep me entertained for big chunks of time. I'll often start one in the car and end up finishing it while I make dinner or putter around the house.


As you check these out, keep a couple of things in mind:

1. All these podcasts are being offered to you for FREE. How awesome is that?!?!
2. Think about ways you can support the podcasts you truly enjoy. In some cases you'll likely hear the hosts talk about sponsors who are helping them out. Find a way to utilize these services and be sure to enter the promo code for the podcast you love (if available) so they can get credit. In some cases there may be a way to support the podcast directly, if you prefer that option. 
3. Even if you're not into sharing your dollars, yen or bitcoins you can still help out. Post positive ratings on the iTunes Store (or through whatever mechanism you find these shows). Share your favorite podcasts with friends to help grow the audience. You can even share feedback with the shows directly. In many cases these shows may seem bigger than they actually are. I've had emails/comments read on Photofocus, The Tony Kronheiser Show and a couple Afterbuzz TV podcasts... and in many cases I had nothing intelligent to say!  

A Giant List of Amazing Podcasts (Part 1)

A few weeks ago I sat down and calculated just how much time I spend in the car each week. At nearly 15 hours, it's pretty staggering. About three years ago, I abandoned listening to the radio and music (for the most part) in the car, in favor of podcasts. That's led me on a constant search for more entertaining noise to pass the time driving, puttering around the house and on the occasional lunch break. Realizing this list is going to get super long I'm going to split it into multiple posts. 

Disclaimer: When I'm listening to podcasts I'm generally not looking to focus on personal/professional improvement, technical skill development or taking strong moral/political/social stands. I'm just looking for witty banter, entertaining stories and maybe a laugh or two. With that in mind, here's my podcast feed:

ESPN Podcasts (Daily Programming):

PTI (Pardon the Interruption)
22 glorious minutes of bald men shouting at each other about sports. This may go against my previous statement, but I'm not using Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon to inform any opinions of my own. I just enjoy listening to the top sports headlines of the day presented in a context that somewhat resembles how I would chat about them with my friends. 

Around the Horn
Round 2 of "sports shouting" is part panel discussion part game show(?). Four sportswriters (selected from an ever-changing pool) weigh in on 10 of the day's top stories and receive points for their answers based on the whims of host, Toni Reali. Smart, entertaining or funny answers receive points, while self-promotion, hypocrisy and lack of proper references to cult TV shows and movies will earn you mutes and lost points. Each segment ends with the low-score being eliminated until the final two competitors battle for 30 seconds of unmated face-time to talk about the subject of the winner's choosing.

Dan Le Batard is Highly Questionable
Imagine PTI, but with a Cuban sportswriter, his even more Cuban father and sportswriter Bomani Jones. Based in Miami, this Heat-biased podcast includes hilarious banter and distinguishes itself for a segment with reviews/commentary on YouTube videos and often have little or nothing to do with sports.

The Tony Kornheiser Show
Maintaining only the bare minimum connection to sports, this hour-long summary of Tony Kornheiser's daily Washington DC radio program is nearly beyond description. But now I'll describe it. You'll hear about DC weather and traffic extensively, and by extensively I don't mean in incredible or accurate detail. You will hear loud opinions that, unless you live in DC, you'll assume must be true based on the ferocity of their assertion. There are interviews that cover local and national political topics, news summaries and movie reviews. Sprinkled throughout is that wonderfully intoxicating blend of anger, fear and rejection of nearly all modern societal norms that make men in their 30's long to be in their 70's. 

Television Recaps/Discussions:

Afterbuzz TV
In a previous post I outlined the concept of Afterbuzz TV and some of my favorite podcasts they offer. I'll be brief here and say if you enjoy watercooler talk about a favorite show it's worth checking to see if Afterbuzz does a podcast for it. 

Photography:

This Week in Photo
A weekly panel discussion on leading photography topics. New gear, news stories involving photojournalists, the portrait and wedding industry and any other major themes that affect people who love to create photos. There's also interviews with key industry figures, listener Q&A and picks of the week, which can be equipment, software, training or anything else that can somehow be connected to photography. 

Photofocus Podcast

This podcast has gone through a few iterations in the last couple years, but now it's pretty much settled on being couple interviews with photographers and creatives who tell a bit of their story, comment on current issues and offer advice to those aspiring to similar goals. This podcast is published on the 5th, 15th and 25th of each month. 

Raw Talk

Presented by Fro Knows Photo, this weekly show delves into the common news, equipment and Q&A themes that are covered in most photography podcasts. Aptly named, this podcast tackles these topics with a raw and unapologetic display of opinion. Sometimes the truth is blunt, and while I don't always agree with everything Jared Polin says (though I'm in no position to suggest I know better) or how the messages are delivered I thoroughly enjoy the listen each week. 

The Miscellaneous Grab Bag of Other Podcasts:

NPR, Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Somewhere along the way I discovered this gameshow-esque gem that runs down a scattering of news headlines with a comedic troop of random guests. The show has a little bit of everything. Absurd quotes from newsmakers, summaries of fake and real news stories, news related limericks and rapid-fire trivia. Each episode features a famous guest, who is then asked random questions about something vastly outside their area of expertise. 

NPR, Snap Judgement

This podcast is especially tricky to explain. Basically it's a collection of remarkable stories that are told with bits of classic radio production (read: interesting sound effect s and compelling music). 

   

  

Why Not a Recipe? (Garlic Marinara Turkey Burger over Polenta)

1 Cup Polenta
4 Turkey Burger Patties (Turkey Meatballs could work too)
1 Tomato
1/2 Onion
A lovin' spoonful of olive oil*
1 Garlic Clove
Marinara Sauce

*While not officially recognized by most measurement standards, the "lovin' spoonful" is one of my scales of guesstimation. In this case it refers to just enough to coat the pan that's being used.  

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the polenta and turn the heat down low. Dice up the tomato and onion and add them. Let that cornmeal goodness simmer away for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   
2. Put your favorite fry pan on medium heat with the olive oil. Dice up the garlic and toss it in there to get brown and fragrant. You can save some of the onion and add it here as well. Then toss in your turkey of choice to soak up a lot of the oily flavor. Let that stuff get a good simmer on, stirring/turning so nothing gets burned.
   
3. You can either add the marinara sauce to the pan with the turkey or cook it in a separate saucepan.
   
4. Stack up that goodness. 1. Polenta 2. Meat 3. Sauce
   
5. Chow down on that savory feast that's gonna stick to your bones (and your breath) for a good long time.

Fitbit Flex and Adventures in Calorie Counting

I know we're less than 90 days into 2014, so all results should be taken with a grain of salt, but it may be time to go shopping for some smaller pants. A lot of the credit goes to a new exercise gadget I got for Christmas... and the effect it's had on my diet!

I've never considered myself to be particularly fat, but these days I'm accepting the reality that I'm not in the shape I'd like to be and I'm definitely carrying a little extra mass around my midsection. At the end of 2013 I realized that my BMI had escalated to the "overweight" category. Just barely, and it's easy to make excuses (I can't honestly imagine it would be "healthy" to weigh 140 pounds at my height), but the fact of the matter is I'd like to do better. The spark for change happened when I strapped on my Fitbit Flex.

At its core a Fitbit lets you know how much you move. They have a wide variety of products that all help you keep track of your movement. The general consensus is that we should all get at least 10,000 steps a day in our pursuit of optimum health. A Fitbit helps you keep track. The model I have, the Fitbit Flex, slips into a band that attaches to my wrist. In addition to steps, it can track active minutes (time spent in motion), calories burned and time spent asleep.

Where things really started getting interesting for me was when I took a closer look at the Fitbit app that corresponded with my device. In addition to seeing all my stats in real-time the app allows me to manually record other exercise activities, the food I've eaten, how much water I drink and my weight. You can set a weight loss goal and get a real-time scale of recommended calories based on what you've eaten and how active you've been that day.

Ouch.

Apparently there's been this nutrition information on all the food I eat, but I never had any context for what the numbers meant. Obviously a 300 calorie latte is better for me than a 500 calorie latte... and a candy bar is just a snack, so 250 calories must not be very much, right? Wrong! Turns out that candy bar ends up being nearly 1/2 a meal's worth of calories. Let alone the major hits to my eating budget that gourmet espresso beverage can pack. But there's good news as well. Getting the extra 2,000-3,000 steps I need to reach 10,000 for the day helps me earn enough calories to offset one of these indulgences during the day. And opting for more salads, whole grains and steering away from bread and (as much as it pains me to say it) cheese can really lead to some results.

Since Christmas time I'm down almost 15 pounds, which was my original goal, but now I'd like to drop about five more. By having the acceptability of recording my food choices I find myself eating better and smarter. There are still days where I blow it, and sometimes you need that caloric bomb... or so it seems. But keeping track encourages me to make those days the exception, as opposed to the rule.

Over the past 5-7 years I've been better about my exercise regimen. The Nike+ sensor for my shoes/ipod helped me get excited about running and see how getting in shape could make me feel better. I've always figured I'd rather exercise twice as much as opposed to eating half as much. But more and more I'm seeing how diet and exercise really do go hand in hand. It's something the experts will tell you, but some things you just have to figure out for yourself. Making good food choices and being proactive with exercise may lead me to the quality of life I've been looking for.

So maybe I'll hold off on buying all those new pairs of pants. Or maybe just one for now. We'll see if this change can stick... and if I can build on it to move further toward a healthier and fitter me. For now, I can double-tap my Fitbit and see that I'll be taking the dog for a long walk tonight, and look forward to trying out some new lentil curry recipes.

Adopt These Doodles So I'm Not Tempted

Hugo just celebrated his second birthday. That's hard to believe. It's also easy to forget how challenging that first year was. All the training, all the attention, all the stress. That's why I need your help. Visit Dreamy Doodles Northwest and consider adopting one of they adorable Labradoodle puppies they have available. Because the last thing Hugo needs for his second birthday is a kid brother. :P

Why Not a Recipe? (Lentil Curry)

Ingredients:
1  medium onion
3 Tablespoons of olive oil
2 garlic cloves (or more if you're sassy like that)
1 Tablespoon of curry powder
4 Cups of vegetable stock
3 Cups of potato (cut into cubes)
1 1/2 Cups of lentils
4 tomatoes (cut into cubes)
1 can of tomato soup
Salt and Pepper

Making the Magic:
Put a big pot on the stove on low to medium heat. Add the olive oil and onion (chopped into small chunks). Let that simmer for a little bit (not long enough to get brown) then add the garlic and curry powder.

After a minute or so add everything else. Turn the heat up to get it simmering, then turn it down and let it go for 20-30 minutes, or however long it takes to get the lentils nice and soft.

Bask in the delicious smells wafting through your kitchen.

Make up some rice to serve this spicy and complex goodness over.

You could probably add some carrots and other veggies as well. Maybe I'll try that next time.

Thrifty - My List of Random Goodwill Facts/Myths

Every couple of weeks I swing by my local Goodwill. That's right, I said it. Goodwill. While stigmatized in many of my circles this emporium of all things preowned can be a variable treasure trove for the scrupulous (and strong stomached) consumer. If you've never shopped at Goodwill, let me lay down some facts and myths based on my experience.

Myth: Everything at Goodwill is used
Don't get me wrong, the vast majority of products on the shelves of Goodwill have occupied space in someone else's home. But keeping your eyes open will allow you to spot brand new merchandise. I'll outline some items to watch for below.

Fact: Some items at Goodwill are pretty gross
For the sake of clearing the air I will admit that every Goodwill has a bit of a smell. I imagine it's a recipe of old attics/basements (previous home for many of these items), industrial detergents/cleaners and impossible to expel odors. It's like garage, attic and basement put together. In nearly every department you'll likely see something that challenges your definition of clean and sanitary. This is especially true in appliances, clothes and shoes. The good news: you don't have to buy these items. But don't be afraid to face these fearful sections, because you might just find a gem tucked away.

Myth: Everything at Goodwill is super cheap
While there are excellent bargains to be had, don't think that the folks at Goodwill don't know what items are worth and won't price them accordingly. Especially when it comes to unused items it's a good practice to know what the retail price is to begin with. Also keep in mind that items like books, games and other media can be found through online shopping resources. This actually works both ways. You may find cheap items at Goodwill that can be sold online or you may find out a Goodwill treasure is available for less money online. Just don't forget to factor in the shipping costs. Also, like many retailers, Goodwill has candy and beverages by the checkout counters. These items a priced significantly higher than grocery/convenience stores.

Fact: Goodwill merchandise has huge turnover rates
Maybe this is specific to the store I frequent, but because of the nature of pre-owned items and the donation model you really can never tell what you'll find. Some items may linger, but Goodwill is in the business of moving product, so if something starts to gather dust expect action. Prices drop quickly, especially on large items like furniture.

Now a couple Goodwill-related lists

Things I check for every time I go to Goodwill

• Dishes that match my current set. Advantage to owning Ikea dishes.
• Cameras. Not that I need more, but one of my favorite all-time Goodwill purchases was a $2 Polaroid camera (that works!)
• Books. I'm never too specific about this, but I've been collecting Life Magazine photo books and always check to see if any fiction titles I've been wanting to read are available.
• Furniture. I got an awesome ottoman that matches my couch a while back and I always look at dressers, shelving units and desks/cabinets. You never know what you might find a use for at the right price. 
• Fixtures/Furnishings. Again, this may be specific to the store I visit (and the amount of construction/development going on where I live) but there's always light fixtures and construction/furnishing items. Many are new or like new and it gives me a chance to ponder updates to my very-90's-furnished house.
• Sporting Goods. I always check to see if there are any obviously vintage/valuable golf clubs that I can snatch up. 

Things you can always find at Goodwill:

• Copies of semi-recent bestselling books. Anything that's been on a top list or is likely to have been featured in a book club will be on the shelves somewhere. Even hard copy books go for less than $5. I haven't noticed how quickly these items show up, but it seems like once they start arriving there will be TONS. You'll likely be able to pick these up whenever you want.
• Trivial Pursuit. The day I decide I want to play Trivial Pursuit I'll drive to Goodwill and buy it. It is ALWAYS there in one of its iterations (classic, decade-specific, etc.) and I'm not picky. I'm sure many other bestselling games are often available, but this is the one I notice.
• Mugs/Shot Glasses. If you collect either of these (or I'd suspect those collectable spoons) this would be a must-check every time to visit Goodwill. Even if you're just looking for a mug to actually use there's always a great selections of styles. Many complete sets and some that are unused, if that's a must for you. They'll be less than a couple bucks apiece. 
• Picture frames. So many options. Usually there's a decent selection that are still in their brand new packaging. Again, this is an area where it pays to know how much these items typically cost, as the savings may not be as significant as you think.

Bottom line: Thrift-storing is worth a shot. If you don't already donate items to Goodwill, or similar organizations, think about doing so at your next spring cleaning. If you have some time to kill and want to feel like a king for $20 take a stroll though the aisles and see what kinds of treasures you can discover. 

What kind of Goodwill bargains have you uncovered? Share your thrift-store triumphs as a comment. 

Afterbuzz TV and the Antisocial Viewer

I spend too much time in the car. My daily commute is somewhere in the 90-minute ballpark and I end up spending another hour or two in the car during the weekend. I also watch a lot of TV. I'm somewhat picky about my shows, so my viewing goes in waves, depending on what shows are in their current seasons.

When it comes to TV I'm pretty private. Probably because I live alone. I watch my shows alone and don't feel compelled to pour over all the details at the watercolor at work or over coffee with my friends. I do, however, enjoy spirited discussion and banter about the shows I watch. And that's where Afterbuzz TV comes in.

My previously mentioned extended commute provides ample time for listening to podcasts. I have a few sports and photography podcasts that I regularly follow, but sometimes I run out of material. That lead me to randomly search the iTunes store for a few of my favorite TV shows. Low and behold, there's actually a few different podcasts for many of the most popular shows. I dabbled in a few and found myself getting hooked on Afterbuzz TV.

Afterbuzz TV features a pool of personalties who divide into various assortments to debrief, dish and speculate on the show of the night. There's frequently some differing opinions, which leads to spirited banter. The hosts take furious notes while viewing and frequently do quick research to provide context and background for events that take place. Each episode usually contains a segment with news and notes about the show production, cast and industry-types. The grand finale comes when the hosts make their predictions for what is going to happen in upcoming episodes or seasons.

Listening to lively discussion about shows I enjoy helps keep my road rage at bay. It also gives me the feeling that I'm watching the same show twice. Once to see the actual events, and an second time to really ponder what they mean. If you have a favorite TV show, chances are you may have a new favorite podcast if you check out Afterbuzz TV.

A couple of my weekly favorites are The Blacklist, Justified, Homeland and Game of Thrones

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2014

A new year is upon us. That's a sure fire way to get me motivated to do things. I'm not a resolution type of person, but I find myself actively seeking fulfillment as each year begins. I get creative. I cook, clean and organize. I do a lot of things that frankly are pretty out of character with my usual personality. 

But I rather like it. This year I've reorganized my kitchen (still working on it), installed a shelving/hanging system in my closet and already lined up a couple commissioned photography assignments. I'm eating better (calorie-counting wise), exercising more and embracing all kinds of rsponsibility that userd to frustrate and exhaust me in my youth. It still does to a degree, but I'm finding the satisfaction in order and accomplishment. 

It's a lot like the grasshopper and the ant. I need the grasshopper's dreaming spirit to explore and create, but the ant's practicality and responsibility to keep everything in order.