Alright, this move has been a little crazy for my pop culture intake. A few more podcasts, less reading, and I didn’t see a single Oscar Nominated movie this year (but NEED to see Birdman & Boyhood!) Here’s what I have had time for…

Podcasts

This American Life – The 2 part episode on “Cops See it Differently” was really fascinating. This continues to be a hot topic in America and listening to police departments that are working to change was really interesting.

Ask Me Another has kept me sane while driving around and walking Hank. I love me some pop culture trivia and this always keeps me on my a-game!

The Nerdist – My Favorite Podcast celebrated their 5th Anniversary with a great live podcast, the Simon Helberg podcast was also great and made me want to check out his new movie.

TV

The Americans – my favorite drama of the past 2 years is BACK and has some crazy intense challenges this year. Converting their daughter, EST, turning a CIA agent’s daughter, it’s good stuff. I love this show.

Justified – if you don’t watch this show, you’ve missed out on a GREAT TV experience. Do yourself a favor and watch the second season wiht Margo Martindale. It’s one of my favorite seasons of TV ever. This is the final season of Justified and it’s all coming to a head with Raylan & Boyd and I am loving every minute of un-mustachioed Sam Elliott.

Parks & Recreation – That was PERFECT. Exactly what I wanted in the ending to my very favorite show of all time. I feel the need to fill the void in my heart with all the eggs and bacon.

Broad City, This Week with John Oliver, Black-ish, The Walking Dead, and Empire (holy woah do I love Cookie Lyon!), are all keeping me occupied in between unpacking and getting settled. What’s on your DVR that you’re loving lately?

Reading

The short answer is, NOTHING. But I did find my new comic shop down here and have secured a box so there will be no lapse in my comic book delivery, I know you were all worried (thanks dad!). Now that I have some reading nooks and the house is coming together I’m hoping to get a bit more reading done, my proximity to Powell’s demands it!

It’s time for a Friday Five this week- five things I’m loving. And since I’m new in town, these may be a bit specific, but will let you know what’s going on down here in Hillsboro…

1. My New House! We’re almost settled in, waiting on a few bookshelves and need to get pictures hung, but the house is coming together, and I’m loving my new office, and so is Hank!

2. Parks & Recreation– The series finale is next week and I am going to miss my favorite TV show like crazy. But these past few episodes have been INCREDIBLE, and the Johnny Karate finale this week was so great!

3. My Clients- They’ve been great through the transition period of moving, corporate housing, mail forwarding drama, and getting my work done. I’m a lucky gal!

4. No Tax- furnishing a house isn’t cheap and I’ve been in and out of Costco and Target way too many times in the past month, but tax free is pretty fantastic!

5. Amazing Weather– Holy wow this northwest “winter” is incredible! I know it’s global warming and it’ll be bad this summer, but right now, I love not wearing a jacket in February when I take Hank out!

What’s on your list of things you’re loving lately?

Well, November was an unstoppable Pop Culture Machine it seemed! I’d love to hear what’s keeping you entertained this month, here’s what kept me happy this month! Hopefully it helps keep you busy and entertained this holiday weekend!

Listening

Serial Podcast – Is there a more captivating podcast, or TV show for that matter, out there right now? Each Thursday morning a new podcast is delivered to my ear balls and my morning walk goes a little longer as I listen to this incredible story of a high school student’s murder and potential wrongful conviction. It’s RIVETING folks.

i, Kendrick Lamar- Since most of my music suggestions come from my dad, I shouldn’t be surprised when he LOVED the new Kendrick Lamar single, and now I can’t stop playing it.

Stevie Wonder- this is your friendly reminder I get to SEE STEVIE WONDER in concert in December and I couldn’t be happier!

Reading

Yes, Please – Amy Poehler’s book is so much fun! It was the perfect book for the plane, and I’m looking forward to finishing it this holiday weekend!

Entertainment Weekly- I love this magazine and probably don’t talk about it enough. Every Saturday morning with my cup of coffee in my big red chair, I get caught up on the week in pop culture. The 11/21 issue included Pitch Perfect 2, which made me VERY excited for the May movie release!

Watching

Homeland – Wait now, what just happened in that CRAZY episode this week? I don’t know who’s making it out of Pakistan alive, but it sure isn’t everyone who went in. And why the heck was Lockhart not blown up for being such an ass?

The Walking Dead– I know it goes without saying that I’m loving the show, but this season has been awesome, and I love the creepy hospital cop.

Christmas Vacation- Every year on Thanksgiving my in-laws watch Christmas Vacation, and I always love a chance to catch up with the Griswolds!

If you get my newsletter you know that my husband, dad and I went to Disneyland and California Adventures a couple weeks ago. It was SUCH A fun vacation- and here’s my top 3 rides:

1. Star Tours– I’m such a Star Wars nerd, this is and always will be, my favorite ride!
2. Radiator Springs Racers– This ride was a BLAST! And I’m so grateful for the Fast Pass so we didn’t have to wait in 2 hours lines to ride it! But that would’ve been worth it!
3. Indiana Jones- This ride is SO FUN, and one of the few rides we rode twice. It holds up with age and makes me miss Indy!