8-bits of awesome.

Each week I talk about 8 things that I find to be awesome.  Whether it be geek news, things to be added to my ever-growing wish list, funny pics or some rad new music...you'll find it weekly here at The Shiny Happy in my

And here we go:

• Fangirls Assemble!  Her Universe has teamed up with Marvel AND Transformers!
• A GoT map of the United States!?
• I am a late passenger on the TokiDoki train, but my obsession is growing.
• I'm so ready to get my copy of Lumberjanes.  So.  Ready.
• Just take my money.
• The next addition to my bathroom.  Guess which one...
• All other limos, go home!
• Pretty sure the standard of beauty in the US is lame. 

Alright! And that's a wrap on this week's 8-bits! What things are bringing the awesome to your life this week? Let me know by sharing your links in the comments. I can always use more awesome.

the birthday is coming.

That's right, folks.  I'm about to be another year older.  I'll be 34....and April 6th is the big day.
Personally, I celebrate all month.  I've done it for years now.  All of April are belong to me.  I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing this year to celebrate.  
I'm a fan of birthday parties. What can I say?  I like attention.  My 30th birthday was an 80's Bash since I was born in 1980.  

My 32nd birthday was my first birthday back in Texas...so a Texas Rangers theme was appropriate.  PLUS, I'm a super fan.   I love me some Rangers! 

Number 33 was spent at my very first 5K -- The Color Run.  Seriously, best birthday ever!  We had so much fun!

Now we're here to the big 34.  What to do?  While I've been thinking of activities...we can't neglect the thought of the infamous wishlist.  You know I have one.  Everyone does.
Here's what has made the birthday wishlist so far:

1. Batman Funko POP! Vinyl
2. iMac Desktop Computer
3. Happiness Junky tee
4. Mantis Orchid Women's Bike
5. Totally Rad tee
6. Rainbow Unicorn Mug from Lenny Mud
7. Star Wars Saga DVD set
8. Womens Sanuk Bedouin Sky Bootie
9. Wonder Woman Retractable ID Badge Holder

 

Any celebration suggestions?  Let me know in the comments.  Any and all birthday cards will be accepted with leaps and squees. :)

 

Later, folks.

 

 

 

my week in photos. // 1

Hi!  Remember me?

I'm that girl from this blog who got a new job and has been SUPER busy.  This in turn has caused me to neglect my blog this month.  I am currently working to get a new schedule down. Promise.
Because of the aforementioned busyness, I am presenting you with my week in photos in what I believe will become a normal thing around here. 

Well, I am currently waiting for my new glasses to come in.  I figured that a selfie with my old trusties would be fitting.  They've been good to me, but they are so scratched up now that it's surprising that they are even helping my vision at all at this point. 

 Miss Mattison insisted on practically every toy and stuffed animal she owns to be in her bed for a super awesome slumber party last weekend. By the way, everyone of them has a name.  Every. One.  

The move to my new office was grand.  I'm getting everything all set up.  Of course, no desk of mine is complete without Wonder Woman.  

Of course, my other Funko POP! friends are slowly joining the party.  The Force is very strong in this office.

I absolutely LOVE riding around with the mister is his big ol' truck.  I don't even know what we were doing...or where we were going here.  Isn't that sad?  
I'm getting old.

Well folks, I'm off to enjoy my weekend!  I'll be doing the music thang in Denison this weekend. Anyone else have big plans? 

Enjoy!

8-bits of awesome.

Along with the new update (and with the brilliant help from my design guru, Andy), I am starting a new weekly post.  May I present: 

 

Each week I'll talk about 8 things that I find to be awesome.  Whether it be geek news, things to be added to my ever-growing wishlist, funny pics or some rad new music...you'll find it weekly here at The Shiny Happy.  How will I narrow it down to eight!? 

That's a jolly good question.

 

Let's see how this goes.  Here's this week's 8-bits:

 

• I do not tell people that I'm a runner.  You know why?  Because I'm not.  I'm more of a trotter.  But frankly, these Wonder Woman running sleeves would give me superhuman speed.  Truth.

• I think this is my favorite pin this week.  I am adopting this traveling philosophy.  Thankfully the mister is understanding of my wanderlust and encourages my trips.  He however...not so much.  Not really a wander-ish bone in that man's body due to a disliking of long road trips and plane rides.

• I am seriously living in OCD heaven thanks to Jennifer over at My Purpley Life.  I love getting inspiration for my planner from her Filofax posts.  The obsession is real, folks.

• Everybody has bad days.  But, not everyone has this magical list of steps to get you through a rough day.

• Oh, people.  I love me some Robert Downey, Jr.  (Tony Stark, anyone?)  But couple RDJ and a swoon-worthy singing voice!?  As if I didn't already love him enough...

• If you haven't already discovered the International Geek Girl Pen Pals Club, your life is not yet complete.  I'm a fan...

• This cartoon about love really hit me in the feels.  It's pretty much the condensed story of Amber...  (That story is coming soon.)

•  Wanna know what song won't leave my stinkin' brain this week!?  "I Sold My Bed, But Not My Stereo" by Capital Cities.  It's so catchy.  You know it makes you want to take a much needed dance break...

Alright!  And that concludes our very first 8-bits!  What things are bringing the awesome to your life this week?  Let me know by sharing your links in the comments.  I can always use more awesome.

 

 

she's miiine!!

I'm sure I've mentioned before that I have an unhealthy obsession with Funko POP! Vinyls.  The mister may laugh, but I love them oh so much.

To be so in love with them, I have a small collection.  Tis sad.

It all started with Yoda.  It was all downhill after that.
I searched them out online and created a virtual wish list.  Not sure why....I love them all!
Since then, I have acquired Darth Vader and General Zod.

All the while, I wished and wished for my beloved Wonder Woman.
Last week, after landing a new job, I decided to reward myself...and she is here.

She is miiiine!!!  Finally!!!
She just looks so good on my desk with my Wonder Woman coffee mug and my Wonder Woman tumbler.  It's magical.

There is a Funko POP! for practically anything you fangirl over.  Since my birthday is coming up in April, I thought I'd include a few other super rad Funko items on my wishlist:

Do you have a Funko collection?  Let me know!  I'd love to swoon over it.
If you don't, proceed with caution, friends. You'll be hooked soon enough.

five senses friday #8.

Five Senses Friday is were I reflect on the last week through the senses.  Here is my week in review.  Enjoy!

Tasting::

You may get tired of the coffee references.  My apologies, but coffee is the life source to this kid.  It will forever be enjoyed...especially in a geeky mug.  I have a geeky coffee mug obsession.  
Definitely looking forward to all the tasting I will be doing on Thursday!  Wooo!  Bring on the fat pants!

Feeling::

Accomplished after the Color Run.  Excited about a possible trip to Trader Joe's tomorrow.  Anticipation to get home today and see if my very first Loot Crate has arrived yet.  Ugh!  It's killing me, people!

 Also, feeling super awesome driving the mister's new truck!  Rawr!!! 

Seeing::

Super awesome photos from the Color Run website...of yours truly!!!  Apparently, the photographer was my friend.  :) 

Hearing::

Everyone talking about going to see Catching Fire last night, and I didn't go! Waahh!  I will have to convince the mister that we need to brave the crowds!

Smelling::

 

Kid you not, I can already smell the scents of Thanksgiving.  Yummy food.  The smell of my Granny's house.  The cool, fall air.  Mmmm......


What were some of your experiences this week?  Feel free to play along in the comments, find me online or post your own blog!

the soup.

The Soup includes a mixture of all the lovely things that made me *squee* this week! It’s got my favorite geek news, social media posts, and anything other delicious thing that makes me happy. 
So, awaaay we go! 

• Geek Newsy Things: Wonder Woman’s Name Pops Up As Female Leads Test For The Man of Steel Sequel at The Mary Sue & Online Video Submissions Now Open For Star Wars Episode VII Casting Call at Nerd Approved.
  
  Online Video Submissions Now Open For Star Wars Episode VII Casting Call
  Read more at http://nerdapproved.com/movies/online-video-submissions-now-open-for-star-wars-casting-call/#X45rZR7M5JlPDgG7.99
  Online Video Submissions Now Open For Star Wars Episode VII Casting Call
  Read more at http://nerdapproved.com/movies/online-video-submissions-now-open-for-star-wars-casting-call/#X45rZR7M5JlPDgG7.99
  Online Video Submissions Now Open For Star Wars Episode VII Casting Call
  Read more at http://nerdapproved.com/movies/online-video-submissions-now-open-for-star-wars-casting-call/#X45rZR7M5JlPDgG7.99
• Favorite Facebook/Instragram Post:

  

  "This is our 'We miss Amber Henry' face." - from my good friends, Melissa & Emily in Iowa.

• Favorite Pin:
• 
  
  
• Favorite Song: "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark" by Fall Out Boy
• Favorite Blog Post:  "Before Hitting Publish:  A 10-Point Blog Post Checklist" at Sillygrrl.
• Something I Learned: Doctor Who was originally an educational show, with episodes set in the future to teach kids about science and episodes set in the past to teach them history.
• Wants of the Week: 

  

  Seriously.  I already love Monopoly, but The Walking Dead Monopoly: Survival Edition!?  Sold.

  
  
  
  

  

  LOVE this Wonder Woman Backpack with a removable cape! WANT!!

  

  I love coffee mugs…and this Goonies mug needs to find a place in my home.

  
  
  What are some things that made you squee this week?  Hit me up or share in the comments.
  
  
  

the soup.

The Soup includes a mixture of all the lovely things that made me *squee* this week! It’s got my favorite geek news, social media posts, and anything other delicious thing that makes me happy. 
So, awaaay we go! 

• Geek Newsy Things:  Thor’s Jaimie Alexander Fans The Flames Of Rumorville By Talking About Warner Bros. Superhero Films & Wonder Woman at The Mary Sue and "Star Wars: Episode VII" Gets An Official Release Date at Nerd Approved. 
• Favorite Facebook/Instragram Post:  I'm thankful that my friend, Sophia, sent me a virtual Starbucks red cup cheers from California.  I can't say that I was thankful for her song choice -- "Friday" by Rebecca Black.  Ugh, earworm.

• 

  
  
• Favorite Tweet: "Shout out to @theradwagon!  One of the few RL people that can handle me on twitter." -- @jayosy (My friend, Joss, in California)  <--- She's pretty awesome by the way, which deserves a follow in my opinion.
• Favorite Pin:

  

  (imglove.com)

• Favorite Song: "Miss Jackson" by Panic! At The Disco
• Favorite Blog Post:  "The Littlest Turtle" at Daddy's Little Prop.  So. Much. Cute.
• Something I Learned:  One of the most popular marching songs for the Russian Military is the Spongebob Squarepants theme song.
• Wants of the Week: 
  
  LOVE this GameBoy Coffee Mug from This Is Why I'm Broke.  I think that seeing the "Game Over" at the end would make me even more distraught about having no coffee.
•  
  
  My, oh my!  So much want for this Michael Kors bag.  Ugh.  Give me your money!
  

  

  Seriously!  The cold weather is here and I live with Mr. Polar Bear.  I would rock one of these Star Wars Onesies in a heartbeat!
  
  

  

  
  As a proud girl with a gun, I love these target posters!  These are even better than the zombie targets that have been around.  I might need to order some and go warm up my Glock! 
  
  What are some things that made you squee this week?  Hit me up or share in the comments.
  
  
  
  

the soup.

The Soup includes a mixture of all the lovely things that made me *squee* this week! It’s got my favorite geek news, social media posts, and anything other delicious thing that makes me happy. 
So, awaaay we go! 

• Geek Newsy Things: A Potato Tribute to Wonder Woman and WB's Greg Silverman Skirts Around Wonder Woman Rumors at The Mary Sue   
• Favorite Facebook Post: 

  

  (via The Dork Side)

• Favorite Tweet: "I am the uneven drawstring on the hoodie of life." - @grantmeawishh
• Favorite Pin: 

  

  (Tumblr)

• Favorite Song:  "Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood
• Favorite Blog Post:  "Why Edward Scissorhands and I Would Be Best Friends"
• Something I Learned: In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to use milk crates for anything besides milk.  The unauthorized use of milk cases can induce a fine of $300 or imprisonment for up to 90 days.  (There must be a lot of Pinterest users weighing the pros and cons on this one. haha.)
• Wants of the Week: 
  
  
   
  Super awesome superhero hoodies by thelittlestbat.  I love this BatGirl hoodie! 
  
  
  
  I pretty much want every Funko Pop toy ever made, but I'm really digging the ninja turtles!  
  They would look awesome on my desk at work!
  
  If it were possible for coffee to be more magical, it would definitely be more magical 
  if it came from this squee-worthy unicorn mug from LennyMud.
   

  

 This seriously made me squee out loud...

What are some things that made you squee this week?  Hit me up or share in the comments.

amber's army of awesome.

When I worked for a newspaper while living in California, my friend Dan made me the coolest thing for my desk.  

A stand-up paper doll of Mr. T. 

He looked just like this. (nickdye.com)

This was the most awesome thing that I had ever seen.  And it was mine!
It was then that I began crafting and creating what I affectionately called, my "Army of Awesome."  They are the defenders of the desk.  The warriors of the work station.  Everyone should have one.  

Just think, if you could form an army with any fictional character, person or animal, who would defend your world....er, desk?  It doesn't matter whether they have super strength or are primarily armed with a sharp tongue.  You can choose anyone you want.  That's the beauty.

For inspiration, I present to you:

Amber's Army of Awesome Top 20

1.  Chuck Norris.

(davemhuffman.com)

How anyone can have an army without recruiting THE Chuck Norris, is beyond me.  He's invincible.  True story, bro.

2.  Han Solo.

(darth.wikia.com)

 Why?  He always shoots first.

3.  Wonder Woman.

(wonder-woman.wikia.com)

In a world of ordinary mortals, she is a Wonder Woman...with her indestructible, golden lasso of truth! 

4.  Katniss Everdeen.

(bookriot.com)

She's tough.  She's smart. She's brave.  She hunts AND she's a pretty mean archer.

5.  Bruce Lee.

(fanpop.com)

The man brought martial arts to mainstream western cinema.  Not good enough?  Four words:  The. One. Inch. Punch.

6.  Nacho Libre.

(facesoflions.net)

What he lacks in skill, he makes up with heart and determination.
 
7.  Batman.

(batman.wikia.com)

 He is 1/3 of my "Holy Trinity of Superheroes."  I'll have to expand on that at another time.

8.  Iron Man.

(comicmix.com)

 Another member of the "Holy Trinity of Superheroes."  I have to admit that a lot of my obsession comes from Robert Downey, Jr.'s portrayal of Tony Stark.  Yum!  Plus, he can shoot fireballs out of his hand...so there's that.

9.  Megan (Bridesmaids)

(visualhollywood.com)

 I believe that Megan would take a bullet for me.  I just know she would.

10. Louise Belcher.

(bobsburgers.shoutwiki.com)

 Louise is adventurous, sarcastic & spunky.  Her words alone are weapons.

11.  Rebel Wilson

(blog.zap2it.com)

I'm honestly not sure why, but I feel like she would beat the junk out of anyone that messed with her. 

12.  R2-D2.

(theoldrobots.com)

You always need a good support team.  He's mine.  I love him.


13.  Yoda

(collider.com)

 One of the most renowned and powerful Jedi Masters in galactic history.  Enough said.

14.  Hit Girl 
 

(protagonist.wikia.com)

A young but effective vigilante.  Hardened.  Sarcastic.  Well-versed in blades & guns.
   
15.  Mr. T
 

(disney.wikia.com)

A "no excuses" straight-shooter equipped with mad wrestling skills and the look of intimidation.  Plus, he rocks a Mohawk.

16. John McClane

(playmakeronline.com)

A wisecracking, no-nonsense New York cop with an itchy trigger finger and a never-say-die maverick spirit…who resembles my husband.

17. Percy Jackson

(conkwright.clarkschools.net)

A half-blood with the powers and might of the Greek gods behind him?  Couldn't hurt.

18. Optimus Prime

(transformers.wikia.com)

A brave & powerful leader with a strong sense of justice and righteousness. That, and he's  a truck.

19. Beatrix Kiddo

(killbill.wikia.com)

Kung Fu master/killing machine equipped with the “Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique.”  Boom.

20. Tony Montana 

(empireonline.com)

Hey, everybody needs a "bad guy."

So, who would make up YOUR "Army of Awesome?"  Any changes I should make?  Leave me a comment or post your own blog and let me know!  

I'm always looking for more recruits...