PART TWO! Won't be as massive as part one was, haha. I HAD TO FILL YOU IN ON THE BACKSTORY LAST TIME, YOU SEE. Anyway, I don't know how fair it is to put this in with the rest since the Nong Shim hot and spicy noodles are one of the two starter favourites I began this with, but, hey, in the interests of completeness. Maybe I'll do the Mama pork and black pepper ones too FOR THE MEMORIES AND FOR POSTERITY. I still have four or five packets of them left, it's fine, I'll be fine.

Anyway, it seems every time I go to WaiYeeHong, these ones are always in their bestsellers list (always #2 to these ones being #1, oddly... I'm pretty sure I picked some of those up from the uni shop last year sometime when I was visiting Amanda and her boyfriend swore by them but I wasn't so impressed? Of course, it might be same type/different flavour, I don't remember). There are several different types of Nong Shim hot and spicy, though these different types are essentially "in a packet", "in a cup" or "in a bowl". I used to get the cup ones for a while I think, but the packet ones are easiest since I always put my noodles in bowls anyway. The big bowl is probably pretty awesome though, I should try that sometime~.

( GREAT BIG NOODLE REVIEW 02!!!!!!!! )

Over at giving_headline we have several characters now available to be written due to some writers bowing out. The follow characters are now up for grabs:

Aasif Mandvi
Amy Sedaris
Andy Zaltzman
Brian Williams
Dan Abrams
Demetri Martin
Erica Hill
Jason Jones
Jeff Corwin
John King
Kristin Schaal
Larry Wilmore
Lewis Black
Mo Rocca
Nate Corddry
Rachel Maddow
Rob Corddry
Samantha Bee
Steve Carell
Wyatt Cenac

If you're interested in writing for any of these characters, the application form is over here, complete with info. Good luck!

If you're not interested in writing for a character but would like to belong to the comm and read the entries, more readers and commenters are always welcome.

Thanks to the brilliant suggestion from Angela, today's NaNoBloPo theme is about travel. It's pretty much a well-known fact that I love to travel, especially to place I've never been. I've live in three different parts of the country (all of which were 800+ miles away from each other) and I am in my element when I'm unfamiliar with my surroundings.

I moved to California almost a year ago-- January 8th, 2009. Until then, I hadn't ever been farther west than the Iowa-Illinois border. I was unfamiliar with hills and mountains. It was an entirely new experience and I love it. I truly do love it here, as much as I may deeply miss IL. And this list has been in my mind for awhile.

( Things that Make Me Glad I Moved to California )

Angela (introductory) is over again. I love hanging out with her and need to possibly kidnap her even more. The funniest thing was when I received a text and realized she was texting me from down the hall. I told Kelly (who was in the bath) over IM. Oh, technology, I love you.

Called my Dad about various Christmas gift ideas. It was a nice chat (I miss him sometimes) and I mentioned that I found a rum-flavored tea yesterday. His response? "Pfft. Like all my tea doesn't end up rum flavored." The fact that it's completely true is the funniest part to me.

I also called my mother's house. She wasn't home, so I got roped into a discussion with Greg. He was extremely sweet, polite, and nice. *shudder* He tried to convince me to save my money and not buy my mother or siblings gifts (stop that people, I want to!). I refused, and he said, "Okay, but you better not get me anything." "...Don't worry, I won't." "You better not!" "Trust me, I won't." "Good!" Kind of funny. Mostly weird when you realize that even if you exclude the history and whatnot, I haven't bought him a single gift since I was ten at the oldest.

Apparently my mother went to the hospital last week. She was having trouble breathing and woke up one morning with a massive lump on her chest. Greg called the hospital and they insisted she immediately come in-- they were worried it was a clot. Turns out she had just coughed so hard she pulled a muscle. They gave her antibiotics for her respiratory infection and she's fine now. I just wish she'd take care of herself.

By the way, I seriously need advice-- Greg mentioned that my mother's been using a coffee mug I gave her as a little girl (it says 'Mom's Mug' on it), but she's worried it's going to break. He suggested I buy her a new mug for Christmas, so she can put that one away, and that I should find another one that says something about "Mom's" on it. Okay, I'll get her a mug, but aren't I kind of way old to be getting her one that says something about how she's my mother? Any other personal/sentimental mug suggestions? So far I'm leaning toward one that says "Hot Moms Club", because lol.

And finally, I've decided I'm totally signing up for the charity drive Holmes for the Holidays. Possibly multiple times. It's a good cause, it's fun... why not?

1] 17 Reasons to watch and love Psych. I disagree with one of them, of course, and would alter one a bit. ;D but other than that, how about HELL YES PSYCH OMG LOVE.

2] I went to The Cousins today, as stated, and we all went to see A Christmas Carol. We went to their house first 'cause my mom didn't know how to get to Newport, so we followed Ben. and uh, she was clearly distracted and I was turned in my seat talking to Destini, and my mom missed a turn, so she pulled into a bank to turn around but there was a sign that said no u-turns and um, a small CLIFF WE ALMOST WENT OVER. it was crazy and scary and me, Destini and Kailin were cracking up hysterically for ten minutes after. Des texted Ben saying she was trying to kill us all.

3] the movie was WEIRD. good, and Kara was singing along with the music, and funny, but weiiiiird. and kinda creepy. XD also, there was some douche in a row further down that kept playing with their ipod touch or something, so there was this brightass light through half the flick. I wanted to go down there and break it.

4] afterwards, my mom and I ate at some Italian place AND THEY HAD CREME BRULEE. MY LIFESBLOOD OMG HOW I MISSED YOOOOOU!!!!!! um, it was good.

5] she also apparently bought the Glee soundtrack even though a) she doesn't watch the show and b) I HAVE most of the music already. way to save money, mother.

6] I totally forgot today was registration, thanks to my actually leaving the house! I AM OFFICIALLY REGISTERED FOR bitchinparty!!! :D :D :D I get to see people I love!! <3 yay for FOREVER.

7] it was too hot today. :(

8] random people wanted to see my hair, even though it's just.. shorter than before, but whatever. I straighted it today so it actually looks okay, so here you go. ( ;P )

9] oh, right. almost forgot; Ruth found out she's having a boy, so I'll have another nephew in March.

Hi everyone! :)

I was about to make this week's secrets post, but there are only five queued. So, I am postponing it until there are at least ten or so.

Please submit your secrets here. Thank you!

Obviously, White Collar is awesome, but all I have to say is how happy I was to catch a detail in the beginning. Neal's coffee cup had the rim all bitten/chewed/screwed up. I do that ALL THE TIIIIME. :D

that was not a spoiler, okay.

tomorrow is movie day with The Cousins!

What's that? It's time for Friday's NaBloPoMo? Well, if you insist...

Today's theme is music-- maybe a recommendation, maybe a critique, maybe just a discussion about what a certain song means to me. This week, I'll be reccing an entire album.

Music for Elevators is an album that was written, produced, and preformed by Anthony Stewart Head and George Sarah. I originally discovered it because of my huge love for Buffy and nearly just-as-huge love for ASH's singing. I then instantly feel in love with the entire album, and I've been regularly listening to it for the past four years.

It's hard to explain the genre, at least for me. There's a bit of a techno feel to it, but not completely. The lyrics lean toward poetic and the arrangements are just amazingly well done. Both Amber Benson and James Marsters are featured on the album, and there is an incredible arrangement of "We Can Work It Out". As big of a Beatles fan as I am, even I love it.

You can find a few sample songs here and here (they're not even my most-liked songs and I still love them. I'm including the lyrics to my favorite song, "The Last Time", too.

( The Last Time )

If you're interested in downloading it, Kelly kindly uploaded the album for me here. Again, highly recommended.

SO Dave seems to have changed its advert bumpers for the moment, to Brian Blessed telling jokes. Not sure they'll still be funny after the 4832008408th time I've seen them but hey, for the moment, I approve. They just had this joke on and I laughed for about five minutes straight.

What kind of cheese do you hide a horse in?

( ... )

SO WHAT PUNS DO YOU GUYS LIKE

During the early morning of November 1st, our neighbors put up their Christmas lights. They wasted no time and I love them for it. Therefore, it's time for...

HOLIDAY CARDS.

Who wants a card from me? I'm going to be a dork and admit that I look forward to doing this all year, so don't hesitate to ask for one. Seriously, all of you, I'd love it if you'd let me send you a card.

They're always secular/wintery cards, so I hope that's okay. If you want a card, just leave me a comment with your address and all that. Comments are screened. If you think I have your address, err on the side of caution and assume otherwise. If you're international, I don't care, I'll send it anyway.

Come on, everyone! Who wants a card?

Edit: Oh! If any of you have little kids who might like a card of their own (and not be creeped out by a stranger) let me know. I'd just include a "Have a great season!"-type note, maybe a drawing of a stick figure dancing. In case you want to take me up on the offer.

Ive recently been broadsided by a sudden addiction to whole, salted/roasted cashews.

I cant stop eating these damned things. We're talkin' plowing through a small can in a matter of 48 hours, here. And then buying a new can today.

HALP.

So, who's interested in some black humor? I mean really black and dark. I laughed (which I feel is the important part), so don't feel bad if you do. Just thought I'd warn about the morbidity.

Kelly and I were discussing moustaches and how some will work, while others don't. Both my dad and Greg have moustaches (probably why I can't find them attractive) and the following exchange occurred:

Me: Well, I mean, my dad's moustache is kind of hilarious, but it still works for him. Do you agree?
Kelly: Yeah, it does.
Me: While Greg's just... it doesn't work. it's horrible. It makes him look, like, like a child pedophile or something.
Kelly: *silence* Um, Geena?

When I realized what I said, yes, I laughed. And, to be honest, it felt really good to laugh about that.

Anyway, I signed up for Yuletide. A stupid idea or the stupidest idea?

For tonight's NaBloPoMo, I'll be providing all of you with a recommendation.

I have two favorite places to eat-- one is this cheap sushi place and the other (the important one) Loving Hut, a vegan restaurant. It's a national restaurant, though it hasn't quite hit everywhere yet, and each location has a different menu. And it is the best food I have ever had. I'm not kidding, there hasn't been a single thing I've eaten that I haven't loved. Not just liked, I've completely loved everything.

The food is delicious, made fresh (it's made after you order), and it is just perfect. Sometimes they can be a bit pushy about displaying vegan propaganda, but it's easy enough to ignore.

The site has the various menus, complete with descriptions and photos. Trust me on this. The food is constantly amazing and each meal runs no more than $6. Damn good price, I think.

Everyone that has gone to Loving Hut has loved it. Highly, highly recommended.

Guys, I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately. I've been too busy making EVERYTHING EVER. I can't stop. And there's no end in sight - next Friday my friend and I are going to have a table at my company craft fair, selling tiny Jewish apple cakes and pumpkin bread to raise money for our burgeoning craft workshop business.

ANYWAY. I have pictures. :D

( Yet another baby blanket and my Mad Men Halloween costume! )

So. I'm now working on my EIGHTH blanket since last summer. EIGHTH. My hands! My poor hands! I can't wait until I can finally make something for MYSELF again. Every night when I get home from work I do the "Time to make the donuts" guy impression and walk into my room toward my knitting stuff going, "Time to make the blanket."

I have to get all this done before LOST comes back and sucks up all my time for 6 months!

This weekend if I get a minute I'll post some pictures of adorable animals from that trip to upstate New York I went on earlier this month. Alpacas are seriously the cutest animals on the planet, I swear.

Hahaha. First thing that comes to mind is when Belle's cleaning Beast's wounds after she ran away & he saved her from the wolves. Is that not romantic? I don't know. They're both kind of pissy and it's just cute.

Hey, for you Star Wars fans, I was interviewed by Darth Bruticus of the Dark Side Chats. Episode is up now. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SExhpUB_kY

...well, fuck.

can someone register me for bitchinparty on saturday? :/ I'll be at The Cousins' and I don't know what time we're leaving or anything. and I.. kinda forgot registration was this soon. so.. yeah. anyone wanna help me out?

(Fraser wants you to help me.)