On Friday, February 13 I slammed my laptop shut for a TBD amount of time and quit my 7+ year job. It felt great – like winning the mental health lottery! It was long overdue and while I’ve never quit a job without having another job waiting in the wings, I’m not worried about finding a new one at all. Taking a break has been really nice, especially after the dumpster fire that 2025 was. And, all the support and encouragement I’ve received from my friends and family has kept me smiling from ear to ear about my decision. Everyone has congratulated me on putting myself first and getting a much-deserved vacation from the chaos. I’m certain my ma is proud, too. She was my biggest cheerleader, always.
Speaking of my ma, February 15 was nine months since she passed away. I continue to have a love/hate relationship with the calendar and my Timehop app. The Universe (LinkedIn – no joke!) helped connect me with the cousin of her long-time best friend that I had lost touch with so that was a really nice surprise.
Alright – how about some TV and movie recommendations? I’ve been collecting a few…and the beauty of not having a job means I can really catch up on A LOT since I tend to leave a few unfinished to move on to the next shiny object. It’s a bad habit BUT I’ve gotten better, even if my hubby continues to pick on me about it! He’s OCD when it comes to his TV shows (and most things in life) so can’t leave anything unfinished. I prefer to be a bit sloppy sometimes!
Pretty in Pink – Paramount+ (and at some theaters too!)
Today, February 28, is the 40th anniversary of my favorite John Hughes movie! I’ve seen it a thousand times and listened to the soundtrack even more – I even fired it up on my TV as I write this post. It was a favorite of my ma and pop’s too. I once saw Jon “Duckie” Cryer in the Portland airport and to this day, I’m convinced no one else recognized him. The TSA agents were more interested in talking me out of my pink box of Voodoo Donuts. I just kept looking around the line with my mouth open, trying to catch anyone else’s eyes and everyone was like a group of zombies, stumbling through to get to their gates. He smiled, knowing I saw him and I didn’t want to be an asshole and chase after him for a photo and autograph. Seeing him was enough. I also read Andrew McCarthy’s Brat: An 80’s Story and wished he would have written even more. He actually has, just not about that era of his life. This book has so many great stories and behind the scenes nuggets about this movie and others – highly recommend it if you’re a fan! Anyway, throw on some Otis Redding and watch this movie, STAT!
Yes, I know it’s the 7th installment of this horror franchise but IT’S THE 7TH INSTALLMENT OF THIS HORROR FRANCHISE! It’s been around for 30 years – 3-0! It’s by far my favorite horror series AND this latest movie is truly a love letter to fans, right down to scene selections, O.G. characters, music, the works. I loved it! When you’re in a crowded theater on a Friday night and you’re clapping, laughing, jumping in your seats and gasping all together, you know you’re in the right place. There’s nothing like it! I’m a big fan of watching anything and everything at home but I still LOVE going to the theater, too – it’s by far my favorite pastime. If you’re a fan like me, don’t wait to watch this at home. Fork over some cash for the theater! It’s sooo worth it!
Bridgerton – Netflix, Season 4 Part 2, four episodes, out now
So worth the couple weeks’ wait and a great wrap to one of my favorite seasons – I mean BENEDICT, C’MON. I love this show like the masses do but it’s also the only show that my sweets and I watch together, making it extra special. I made some tasty Betty Crocker scones too! Walmart has them AND for lazy bakers like me, super easy to make.
Vanished – MGM+, Mini Series, four episodes
Kaley Cuoco found her niche, after years of comedy, in international thriller or rather pure thriller type shows. This one is fun and keeps you on the edge of your seat…and only four episodes so it’s a very quick watch, too! If you’re like me, sometimes you want to feel like you’ve checked off your list and shorter series are the best for that. You can get MGM+ through some other streamers, like Prime, since they’re sister studios. I love her, no matter what she’s in. But she really does play dramatic characters well!
56 Days – Prime, 8 episodes, likely one and done? But unsure
Another wild young adult show, based on a book. Lots of twists and turns clear to the end. Dug it and its steamy craziness!
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters – AppleTV, Season 2, Episode 1 (& weekly for 10 episodes total)
For me, this show is about seeing Kurt Russell and Godzilla in the same universe. It’s so much more than that though AND it ties into some of the movies. It’s really well-done and movie-level for a TV show. It’s Apple though and like Jurassic Park, they spare no expense!
Paradise – Disney+/Hulu, Season 2, Episode 1 – 3 (& weekly for 8 episodes total)
Probably the most anticipated show to come back a quick year later and it’s every bit as great as Season 1 – I mean, the shock factor isn’t there any more as it was in the initial season BUT it’s excellent. Some great new characters/celebs joined the cast too!
The Night Agent – Netflix, Season 3, 10 episodes
Every season is as twisty and full of political espionage as the last – love it! The poor lead dude is always in the thick of it and running for his life, saving others along the way. It’s green lit for a fourth season too. It’s a really fun and wild ride every season!
The Last Thing He Told Me – AppleTV, Season 2, Episodes 1 – 2 (& weekly for 8 episodes total)
Jennifer Garner, being a badass – that should be all you need to know to watch it, especially if you are an Alias fan like me! I mean I named my sweets after her character in that show – no joke! It’s based on books and produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine company. It’s mysterious, thrilling, the works. Dig it!
Love Story – Disney+/Hulu, Limited Series, Episodes 1 – 5 (& weekly for 9 episodes total)
Growing up I was obsessed with JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette’s love story and equally crushed when their plane went down – I was glued to my TV for days, like I was with O.J. and his white Bronco. Ryan Murphy has captured the 90s era of their love story perfectly, right down to the soundtrack of every episode. It’s beautiful and I cherish every minute of it – so nostalgic and wonderful. I read that the Kennedy family didn’t want it made, similar to most of the other families that never want Ryan to make shows about them. It’s history but I can understand since their family has been riddled with soul-crushing tragedy forever. I still love it though and am glad he made it! What can I say, I’m a Hollywood whore!
Enjoy all your couch-potatoing and hope you find something here that you love too!
From Rushia With Love 