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...

the soup.

Seriously.

LeslieIRL is quickly becoming my geekblogguru.  (Yes, that just became a word). 
I love her "Tangerine" posts so much that I've created a similar post to be a feature here!  
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 News: Warner Bros. Exec Says We "Need" A Wonder Woman Movie via The Mary Sue (Amen, brother)
• Favorite Facebook Post: "Be you!  We like you." - Rhette B (After I had to apologize yet again to for my sarcasm.  Glad my friends support my sense of humor).
• Favorite Tweet: "I've squeed like 34 times already.  I need to save my voice." - @girl_gone_geek (Jamila)
• Favorite Pin: 

  

  via Lisa Alderfer

• Favorite Song: "Electric Feel" by MGMT and "Still Into You" by Paramore
• Favorite Blog Post: Thanks to Lori over at GirlHero, I was named her first ever Geek Hero of the Week! 
• Something I Learned: Great White Sharks congregate in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in an area known as the "White Shark Cafe."

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

five senses friday #2.

Five Senses Friday is were I reflect on the last week through the senses.  This week has been quite the whirlwind.  Whew!  I am so happy that Friday is finally here!  
Here are some things from my world lately.  

Tasting::

 

A dirty chai from my favorite barist-o -- my nephew, Aaron.

Awesome cups of coffee in my Wonder Woman mug and too much Diet Coke.  I did so well for a while by just sticking to water, tea & coffee.  Now, the Diet Coke beast is back.  No bueno.  I'm also missing my Dirty Chai from CJ's in Denison...

Feeling::

from House of Hepworths

Slightly stressed from work.  Excited about one of my favorite weekends of the year -- Texas/OU weekend!  Hook'em Horns!!  I'm a bit intense about my Longhorns.  Disappointed that I won't be at the State Fair on game day tomorrow.  Hopeful that something magical happens and we pull off a win. (We're not looking so hot this season). Anticipation for the cool, fall weather!  Texas needs to cool off!  In love with the mister.  He's truly amazing.

Seeing::

Jax and his cute little face!  Ugh.  Through puppy training frustrations, he can still make me melt with that mug of his.  Punk.  
The mister and I also watched "The Purge."  I thought the concept was pretty cool.  He wanted to see more of the concept carried out beyond the walls of the home.  Either way, we both liked it.

Hearing::

"Best Day of My Life" by American Authors.  This is my "convince myself that this day won't kill me" song.  While I may start off listening to it in the mornings with a scowl on my face, it eventually grows on me.

 

Also, my father-in-law serenading the mister and I with his new guitar when we pulled into his driveway.  

Drive-in Acoustic Serenade courtesy of THE Tommy Henry.

Smelling:: 

Ahh.  The smell of deer corn and diesel fuel while setting traps.  (Yes, we're true Texans).  Fresh, cool air while driving through the pasture.  The first day that I needed a hoodie.  Unfortunately, also the last day.  C'mon FALL! 

 

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

 

watch this! wednesday

Today's post makes me smile. 

And because it makes me smile, I want to share the happy with you.  
We've briefly discussed my love for otters.  (Oh, I do love them.)

When I found this clip on Laughing Squid, I just died.  I watched it twice.  
Did I make my husband watch it, too.  Yes.  Yes, I did.  
So much cute.

In my opinion, this is a great way to kick-off our very first Watch This! Wednesday ::

change is a comin'.

Hi guys & gals! 

Do you remember in my niche post when I said that I wanted to work with my graphic designer friend, Andy Van Engen?  (Try #10.)

Well, good news!!  Andy is going to be helping me design my blog and all the goodies to go with! 

*squeeee*     <---------(that's my term of excitement).

With the new design update, will also come a new name!  I can't wait to see what comes of this.  I'm going to go run around the room and do cartwheels for now.  If I don't, I will wind up impaling you all with my many exclamation points of excitement!!

Happy Tuesday!

five senses friday.

Five Senses Friday is an idea I got from my awesome friend, Lauren, over at The Urban Hippie.  She has Five Senses Monday, where she showcases her sweet photography skills and weekly experiences.  
But, I'm a fan of alliteration and you get this on Friday!  Plus, this gives me the opportunity to share some of my favorite things I've found throughout the week.  Some from personal experience.  Some from the fabulous interwebs.  
So, let's get this party started:

Tasting::

While everyone else is busy talking fall and pumpkin-flavored everything, I indulged in the sweet, sweet flavors of cajun food.  There's just nothing like it, people.  
Bayou Jack's Cajun Grill recently opened on our downtown square and I became a happy, happy girl.  
Two words, folks -- Gator. Tail.  Aaaand drinks in mason jars.

Feeling::

Cuddle times with Jax.  The mister and I are on a journey with this new puppy training thing.  We've both done it before, but forgot all the stuff that we didn't like about it.  Stinkin' cute face!  Soo many feels...

Seeing::

Instagram: @jonacuff

This picture sent me into a spiraling mess of goo.  It is necessary that I inform you all of my admiration for otters.  Oh. My.  They are too much cute.  Do I want an otter to cuddle MY face!?  

Heck YES, I do!

One day I will take the time to explain my otter devotion...and you will love them, too.

Hearing::

I've had several songs on repeat this week, but this is FRIDAY and I'm feeling quite spunky.
May I recommend "Camilo (The Magician)" by Said The Whale?  My friend, Cory, recommended this little diddy and I was hooked instantly.  So, crank it up this weekend & think of me.

 

Smelling::

Puppy breath.  Pink Chiffon from Bath & Body Works. Swagger by Old Spice (the mister, not me.  I promise.) Rain...finally!  But mostly dog...


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

Also, in my efforts to be a legit blogger, I've joined Bloglovin. 
I hear that's the thing to do...

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

the niche: who am I?

The amazing Leslie of LeslieIRL posted an awesome list of questions for writers to find their niche.  What a perfect way for me to introduce myself to you and do a little self-discovery at the same time!  Thanks, Leslie!  You get 20 brilliance points for this one!  
And awaaaay we go.....  

1. What is one of your favorite words, that you have never heard any one else that you know of describe themselves as?
Peachy.  I know other people say it, but it's my favorite "how are you?" response.  It makes me happy.

2. If someone was to search for your blog in Google, and you could rank on the first page for 5 keywords, what would they be?
Geekery.  Random.  Awesome.  Unicorns. Happiness. 

3. What is your favorite adjective? Especially one to describe the way a person is.
Awesome.  I know i use it too much.  It's not original....I just love it.

(Google images)

4. Think of your favorite movie character, comic book character, or cartoon character, that you self-identity with. What are a couple of words you would use to describe their personality? What color would you describe them as?
I absolutely love Wonder Woman.  She is super-awesome, fiery and brave.  She does what she wants.  Her color is definitely red.

5. What color are you?
I am yellow.  Happy & bright, yet not everyone's favorite. haha.  

6. What are you the most knowledgeable about? What would other people say you are the most knowledgeable about? When is the last time you went on a really good rant about something?
Music & useless pop culture information.  Other people would probably say music.  My brain is full of music trivia and info.  It's my "thang."  It's been a while since I had a really good rant.... I think I'm due.  

7. If you had to design a business card right now, and could only have 3 words on it, what would those words be?
Awesome. Random. Geekery.  

8. Your blog is a food. What food is it and why?
Ice cream.  It makes everyone a little happier.  Even if you're lactose intolerant, you still want it.  

9. If you could plan a photo shoot for your professional head shot, what would you be wearing? What piece of clothing, jewelry, or accessory would you wear that screams you?
Wonder Woman t-shirt. Sunglasses. Toms.   

10. If you could collaborate with any blogger, artist, or person, who would it be, and what would you bring to their table? 
Honestly...my friend, Andy Van Engen, is a pretty sweet graphic designer.  I would provide never-ending kazoo solos & piles of easy mac to work with that guy to create something awesome.  Also, to work musically with the guys from Knox Hamilton.  Oh yeah.  

11. Pick a tagline for yourself. Or a few. 10 words total, for your identity, and niche.
Mayor of Awesometown. Unicorn tamer. & just plain rowdy. 

12. If you could copyright one item, food, object, or animal, and when people see it they would think of you, what would it be? It will help if this object is not already associated with someone else.
Unicorns!  Oh, I love unicorns.

(deviantART)

13. Your blog is an animal. What animal is it, and why?
Umm....a unicorn. Unicorns are the rare epitome of awesomeness. 

14. You have to pick 2 emotions that your blog will make people feel. What are they?
Happy & connected. 

15. Someone who reads your blog writes you an email, expressing that your blog caused them to do something, or feel something, or think about something, or try to make something, and it makes you so happy to know this. What did it cause them to do?
I love, love, LOVE when I get these emails.  I especially love it when I encourage people to be comfortable with who they are and actually begin to love themselves.  Most of all, I want people to laugh, be happy and enjoy life. 

16. What’s your favorite mythical creature, and why?
Well, of course....a unicorn. Second place would have to go to zombies.  Oooh...or maybe the Phoenix!  

17. Your blog is referred to someone that you admire by a friend. They use these 2 words to describe your niche.
Humorous Geekery.  

18. You can only use one social network to promote your blog, forever. Which one do you choose and why?
Twitter.  It's just superior.  

19. You would love it if this store posted your blog’s business cards on their front counter.
ThinkGeek headquarters. :)  

20. If you had to pull an Emma, and take a photo of yourself looking down from your chin of your feet and the ground, where would you choose to be standing, what would you choose to wear, and why?
Wearing Toms by the lake.  I love to be near the water...and Toms don't leave my feet.

Not MY Toms....but you get the idea.  (Google)

21. What are you most passionate about? What would other people perceive you as being most passionate about? Are these things different?
Music/photography & volunteering for American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.  I have been involved in Relay for 8 years now.  You can help out by making a donation towards my goal! 

22. You have to choose a celebrity to do a poetic reading of your favorite blog post, with the perfect voice. Who is it?
Steve Carell.  I love that man.

(Google)

23. What image on someone else’s blog have you seen that you love?
LeslieIRL's "Word To Your Unicorn" image. LOVE!  

24. You can only blog from one location for the rest of your life. Where is it?
My couch.  It's oh, so comfy & near the family.  Unless there comes a day in the near future that the mister and I buy a new house with my very own office!  Oh, joy! 

25. You walk into the Internet cafeteria. You see tables with every blogger ever. You sit down at the table with these 5 bloggers.
Cory Copeland. Cassi Clerget. Maggie Creamer from sometimes you need that.  Lauren Nelson from the urban hippie. Steph Cortes from nerd JERK.  

26. You have to decorate your online bedroom. What is the pattern on your bedspread? What poster is above your bed? And what CD is in the CD player?
Yay!  The bedspread is black with the Wonder Woman logo.  The poster above my head is of Mr. T riding a unicorn.  The CD is playing "Camilo (The Magician)" by Said The Whale.