Misfits “A British science fiction drama television series about a group of young offenders forced to work in a community service programme, where they obtain supernatural powers after a strange electrical storm.”

This is one of those instances where I tried really hard to ignore something pop-culture related, but eventually relented in a fit of boredom. I’d heard a lot of good things about this show, and was taking a much-needed break and decided to give in and watch a few episodes, after which I dropped everything and proceeded to watch the entire series in two sittings – it would’ve been one sitting had I been able to stay awake that long. The thing is, it didn’t grab me right away. I had to sit through a few episodes before it got me by the throat, but I’m a fan for sure now, and I HATE saying that about anything television related so you know I mean it. The third season has just started, and though I’m a bit wary of some new characters and story lines I will stick with it. I was wary in the first place, you know.

Top Documentary Films (TDF)

I feel like documentaries are a step or two up from television – at least I’m learning something. It’s very easy for me to get caught up in this site with that very excuse. Although there is quite a bit of ridiculous crap to weed through, I usually manage to find something good. My favorites, as of right now: Blood & Guts: A History of Surgery, Food Matters, and Planet Earth: The Complete BBC Series.

Blogs, Blogs, Blogs

I waste more time on Google Reader than I really should. Some favorites:
Gawker - News and gossip and snark all rolled into one. I should write for this site.
Celebitchy - I’m not ashamed to admit I read this blog. It’s my only exposure to celebrity and pop-culture related things, as I don’t own a television and tend to not really pay attention otherwise. I at least like to keep a vague sense of what is going on here.
Slog - Yes, I am aware that I don’t live in Seattle, but Slog is still a good read once in awhile.
Offbeat Empire – I love all the blogs in this network. They give me a lot of things to think about for the future.

Obese Felines

How can you not be distracted by this cuteness?

Why am I still awake?

1. Read more GOOD fiction.
I was very distracted in 2011 due to…THINGS we shall not mention here, and I found myself reading a lot of what I can only describe as “fluff.” Amusing fluff, but fluff nonetheless. I’ve created a nice, long To Be Read (TBR) list on 43Things, which I will not be posting here but feel free to peruse it via that site.
2. Stop being afraid of dating.
I’m still refusing to re-join a dating site, but my plan for the moment is to say “yes” to anyone that asks, assuming there are no obvious red flags. Not that anyone is actually asking, but A GIRL CAN DREAM, right?
3. Have a healthier diet.
I was depressed, I was pissed off, I ate a lot of my feelings – and it made me feel like shit physically. As soon as I cut sugar and most wheat out of my diet, I start to feel better immediately. I’ve already got a head start on this, but just a reminder to myself: ICE CREAM FOR DINNER IS NOT OKAY.
4. Finish the writing project that has dragged on for two whole years.
I’ve been writing an epic, punk rock novel for two years now. Did you know that? I’ll bet you didn’t. It’s called Manimal, and it’s only about halfway finished. I abandoned it for most of this last year, due to the aforementioned inability to focus. I don’t have any delusions about getting it published, but I’d at least like to say I finished the damn thing.
5. Adopt a small dog that is in need of saving.
Must I really explain this? I’m waiting for my next family member to find me.
6. Get my apartment into a company-worthy state.
My ex took most of the furniture with him when he left, and I have yet to replace any of it. I have this nice, big apartment with nowhere to sit, nowhere to eat, nowhere to entertain. I’ve decided I’m staying put for the time being, so I guess I’m going to have to buy some stuff and make this into more of a home.
7. Thrive at my new job.
Indeed.
8. Destroy the rest of my debt.
I came so close to being done with this at one point, but things got a little bit behind when I wasn’t doing so well financially. At this new job I’m actually being paid what I’m worth, and I’m certain I’ll be able to catch up in no time. What a concept.
9. Knit something complicated.
I think I’d like to try knitting an actual clothing item this year. Maybe a sweater or something equally difficult, like a lace shawl. I have so many handmade scarves and hats in this house that I’ve started giving them away because they are sitting around, sad and unworn.
10. Be a better friend.
2011 was a year where I was totally wrapped up in my own problems. I pretty much managed to neglect every relationship I have (or had, as I’m sure I’ve lost some on the way) while I was focused on trying to fix myself. Starting from scratch here, bear with me.

My full reading list for the year can be found on Facebook and/or Goodreads.

Best Fiction: The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

Best Non-Fiction: Inside Scientology: The Story of America’s Most Secretive Religion by Janey Reitman

Best Audio: The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson

1. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

I’ve done NaNoWriMo for 5 years now, but have never managed to get to a 50,000 word win. Something always comes up, gets in the way, or kicks me down. This year, I’m taking a (paid) project I was already going to work on in November and combining it with the craziness that is NaNoWriMo. It should be an interesting way to get things going, although the waiting is killing me. One more week!

2. Living in San Francisco

This city is great for us 30-somethings, and has much to offer a newly-single gal like me. I’ve been back here 18 months now and have rarely left the house to do much of anything – I blame relationships and depression for that.THIS WILL CHANGE SOON! I plan to post my explorations here.

3. Books

I read anywhere from 70 to 100 books a year, of all length, acclaim and genre. I’ll be posting my thoughts on the best (and the worst) right here.

4. My Personal Life

It’s kind of inevitable that some of this will end up on the blog. I’m currently single and dating, which can be a hilarious and story-worthy activity. Don’t worry, I’ll change names to protect the guilty.

5. Cats

Because, how can you not?

Not fat, just cuddly!