Tag Archives: writing

Couch Potato Files Vol. 26

Whew – still a hot one here in AZ! Spring never even really sprung but the forecast looks like it’s going to cool off some at the beginning of April. Otherwise, we’re in for a long hot summer! I think I say that every year (for thirty years – yes, 3-0!) but this feels extreme. 

Casa Rushia is officially Easter-fied! Got some new decorations to add to the mix this year. My Easter haul is nothing like Halloween or Christmas though, it’s pretty minimal for me…and for my close friends and family reading this, you understand that statement. Christmas and Halloween are beyond normal at our house, seriously. I don’t even think the Griswolds top our holiday hot mess! 

I’ve been busy couch-potatoing, since there are sooo many new shows and movies out. I guess that’s the one good thing about it being hot outside. I can enjoy my AC and watch with my favorite sidekick, Alvin. He only opens up an eye from his couch-lounging when he happens to hear animals on the screen. He’s certain they’re invading and has to bark and leap up to check the perimeter. He’ll be 11 on April 4th and still zooms around like a puppy. He also wakes up from a deep sleep when he hears the fridge open and close and any crinkle of snack paper. He never misses out on a possible treat. I’ve been walking him much more since I have a lot of great time on my hands and he’s loving it…and doing better about not being so beat on the journey back home so I know the exercise is helping. The vet said he should lose a few pounds so trying to help him with that.

Anywho, here are some more recommendations from my growing list. Still chipping away at it so more to come in early April too!

The Comeback – HBOMax – Season 1-3

Lisa Kudrow’s quirky documentary-style comedy is back after Season 2 wrapped in 2014! Her cherished (IYKYK) character is unlike any other and the fans of this show must just be so tickled it’s back. I know I am and I’ve seen some of my favorite pop culture Insta accounts raving about it too. It’s tough to be another beloved character like Phoebe but she really is in this. And, much of the original cast came back too. Watch an episode a week through May 10 for eight total episodes.   

Zootopia 2 – Disney+

Ever since my sweets got too cool for school and stopped wanting to go see animated movies at the theater (or even watch them with us at home), my hubby and I have been missing out. So we decided to start watching them ourselves. The Zootopia sequel was great! I love when animated movies started including jokes for adults – not even sure when that started happening but when it did, I loved seeing them even more. I also think it would be fun if any of the Disney Parks incorporated some portion of Zootopia and maybe that’s already in the works. It’s such an awesome world to be a part of it, even for a bit. Super fun and cute!

Sunny Nights – Disney+/Hulu – Season 1

This show was originally released in Australia and the two main characters, who play siblings trying to conquer the tanning industry, are played by awesome comedic actors. I’m working my way through the eight episodes and it’s a ton of fun. Lots of laughs but also lots of action too. 

Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat – Prime – Season 1 (technically second)

I loved Jury Duty and when I saw the creators were coming out with a second season but this time as a company retreat, I was giddy! The premise is everyone is an actor EXCEPT one poor soul and so far this season is every bit as awesome as the original. The cast is full of unknowns too that likely will become more known after more people discover the show. It’s just like Punked on steroids with a splash of The Office. Eight episodes total that are all out now. Hilarious! 

Project Hail Mary – in theaters!

I achieved my goal of finishing the book before seeing the move but just barely! Both were excellent and lived up to the hype. It’s making bank at the theater and Ryan Gosling is just, well, Ryan Gosling. I think all studios know they can just print money now if he’s cast in anything. Next up for him is the starring role in a Star Wars movie (that Shawn Levy directed) so I rest my case. Go see this movie on the biggest screen you can – it’s actually at IMAX at AZ Mills and worth braving that crazy mall. We saw it on a Cine screen at the Chandler Mall and although it’s nice to pause a movie to run to the bathroom at home, there’s still nothing like seeing a movie at a packed theater on a Friday night and laughing, crying, cheering and clapping all together. 

Imperfect Women – AppleTV – Season 1

My favorite girls Kerry Washington and Elisabeth Moss are back in a new mystery thriller. It’s really great and I knew it would be. There are actors that you know will always be excellent in anything they’re in. My hubby gives me a hard time about that. He only watches shows if he’s interested in the show premise, not for the cast. Opposites attract AND more times than not, after he begrudgingly takes my advice and recommendation and watches the show, he loves it. I watch waaaayyy more than he does and he’s always OCD about having too many shows at one time but once in a while he’ll surprise me and tell me he finally watched something I recommended to him. We do watch some shows together but not many.

Steel Magnolias – Paramount+

When I’m missing my parents, I flip on our DirectTV movie channels and I always find an old favorite. This one I can never not watch. The movie celebrates its 37th anniversary this November. My ma and I watched it over and over and over again. I knew in 2025 when we watched it for the last time that she really wasn’t well or all the improvements that seemed to be helping were mostly false. It was right before I moved her into her new assisted living apartment and she was barely acknowledging all the funny lines from our favorite cast. It was a strange moment in time, like many moments I have from that 5-month experience, but at least we got to watch it together one more time. I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again – when I look at the movie guide and I see an old favorite of ours, I know she’s here with me or my pop is or both. Same with music in my car. It’s silly but I believe it. This movie is also technically kind of an Easter flick since the holiday occurs twice in the storyline so there you go – watch it this Spring and laugh and cry like I do every time!

Cross – Prime – Season 1-2

I’ve had a helluva time getting through this show but it’s good. My attention span is just limited sometimes for shows that are kinda slow. I love the main character though so I need to finally finish Season 1 so I can move on to Season 2 that came out recently. It’s based on James Patterson’s beloved character in many of his books. Morgan Freeman of course played him in a couple movies and even Tyler Perry – both excellent with the character too. I guess because it’s sort of a procedural cop drama that it’s tougher to get into…and my phone distracts me. But, I’m sticking with it. Sixteen total episodes and it’s been greenlit for Season 3.

RJ Decker – ABC/Disney+/Hulu – Season 1

So I rarely and I mean RARELY watch ANY network television shows. There are just too many great shows on streamers that don’t have their strict guidelines (i.e. they can say and do (mostly) whatever the fuck they want!). BUT, when I saw that Ben from Felicity was going to be starring in this show, based on Carl Hiaasen’s awesome book, welp, I had to give it a watch. It’s Florida fun and Scott Speedman is great, in all his Aloha-shirt-wearing hotness. It’s Spring Break Lauderdale for crime 24/7 for this PI and full of Florida man (and woman) crazies. Comes out weekly on Tuesdays, next day on Hulu, for a total of nine episodes through April 28. Looks like it’s doing pretty well in the ratings too so maybe it will see the light of day for a Season 2.

Young Sherlock – Prime – Season 1

I’m a Sherlock sucker. I watch anything and everything from whatever era of his life they create. Love him! This show is pretty fun and Guy Ritchie is the creator so it’s full of lots of fun action and slow-mo camera work. It’s a solid origin story. Eight episodes out now and not officially greenlit for Season 2 but industry rumors and my Magic 8 Ball say it’s likely going to get another season. So buckle up and enjoy!

Stay cool (if you’re in AZ) and anyone else that’s reading this elsewhere that’s actually getting a true Spring, good for you! Take lots of flower pics for the Gram!

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Couch Potato Files Vol. 24

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!

Scream 7 – at theaters now!

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!  

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Couch Potato Files Vol. 22

I turned 48 on January 28. It was the first birthday without my ma but I convinced myself that both my parents were celebrating with me. In all likelihood they were or at least smiling down at me and happy I was having a good time like I always do for my birthday.

It’s also the first birthday I’ve felt older – not mid-life crisis, fuck me my life is over older, just older. Maybe it’s because of all that I went through with my ma in 2025, maybe it’s because my daughter is halfway through her first year of college or maybe it’s because my hubby and I will be married 23 years this October. I do feel like I’ve unlocked my unhinged era though. With all that’s happening in our country, why not – best time to be even more crazy and give even fewer fucks. And, I think I’m just really, really tired, emotionally, mentally and physically. 

Well, that was all kind of deep and depressing but the fingers type what they type sometimes. 

Here are some recos to get your February off to a smashing start. Happy Groundhog Day!

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires – a book!

I’m really slow at reading the pile of books I’ve enjoyed purchasing since I spend way too much time watching TV shows, movies and doomscrolling social media. BUT I enjoy listening to books through Audible during my work commute and on roadtrips. I just finished this one at the end of January and it’s a wild ride. If you’re a fan of the south and vampires, check it out. I dug it!

Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! – HBO Max, two-part documentary

Mel will be 100 this June and still is sharp as a tack. What a life and career he’s had! Everything covered was so nostalgic. His movies are legendary like him. The footage that Judd Apatow collected and the interviews he pulled off were all fantastic. Everyone loves Mel so I’m sure they all jumped at the chance to participate. Definitely a walk down Memory Lane for this Gen Xer.

Shrinking – AppleTV, Season 1 – 2, 22 episodes; Season 3, eventually 12 episodes; greenlit for Season 4

Such a great feel-good show that’s back for Season 3…and already greenlit for Season 4. It’ll make you laugh and cry all from the same scene and dialogue. I really love it. The cast chef’s kiss! I mean, C’MON Harrison Ford doing comedy is always, ALWAYS superb. But the whole cast together creates a really special show. If you haven’t checked it out, it should be top of your list.

Fallout – Prime, Season 1, eight episodes; Season 2, eventually eight episodes; greenlit for Season 3 

Back for Season 2 and Walton Goggins is still the best thing about the show. I visibly gasped over a scene in a recent episode – no spoilers – but it was crazy and made me worry for his future on the show and I’ll leave it at that. It’s closing in on being a wrap for Season 2 already. Time flies!

Bridgerton – Netflix, Season 1-3, 24 episodes; Season 4, eventually eight episodes; greenlit for Season 5 & 6 (at minimum) 

As I type this, I’m wearing one of my most-recent Tar-jay purchases – a Bridgerton sweatshirt. I’m soooo glad this show is back for Season 4, even if they’re only giving us Part 1 now and Part 2 later in February. I’m ready for all the tea to be spilled!! It’s one of the few shows my daughter and I watch mostly together or together-adjacent but we can at least talk about it. The following for this show is huge so if you haven’t already jumped on the horse-drawn carriage, what are you waiting for?! 

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Couch Potato Files Vol. 20

My vacation was awesome. Maybe it was more awesome than it really was, since I have had the shittest year, BUT I do believe it likely was one for the record books. My hubby and I had a great time in the Whale’s Vagina (a.k.a. San Diego) and we packed in as much fun as we could for a full week. The weather was glorious – even with their humidity, I could live with 70s temps for the rest of my life. When I win the lottery, we’re headed to buy whatever is available on Coronado.

Speaking of, I took my ma and pop to Coronado to swim with the fishes, not mob style. I found an old film container of my pop’s ashes recently in our kitchen junk drawer. He’s been “moving” with us across three houses. So it was only fitting that I discovered him so he could be with my ma. I honestly don’t remember if there’s more of his ashes at my ma’s house BUT will find out soon in September when we head out there. Not looking forward to it BUT making good progress on finding quick sale buyers to just be done with it. Anywho, you didn’t come here to read more about these woes – that’s what my therapist is for.

Here’s some interesting tidbits of shows and movies I’ve been digging since my last post.

And Just Like That… – HBO Max

I am really bummed that the masses, other than me and some really vocal influencers, basically shit on this show so bad that they didn’t want to make more than three seasons. Keeping the momentum of the OG SATC series was near impossible – plus, it was a different show all together. It’s funny how people can’t just separate them entirely and like them for different reasons. They came with pitchforks to destroy this one. I really enjoyed it and was just so happy that some piece of that world was back, all these years later. So, as we close in on the last episode ever dropping tonight, I thank Carrie and team for pulling off a Round 2 and doing it for us grateful fans.

The Naked Gun – at a theater near you

There’s a movement of hate for reboots and sequels of past favorites that’s also gaining momentum. I do think Hollywood has gotten a bit lazy, just remaking old things like new again, BUT there’s a time and place for some of the nostalgia to come back full circle. This movie is exactly that and as funny as ever. Liam and Pamela were fantastic AND that they’re dating in real life is the cutest Hollywood story since anything and everything Pedro Pascal. Pamela is having a moment, after getting drug for years as being nothing more than a slut. It’s nice to see that she’s actually really talented and showing all the haters that they can eat shit. She’s also laughing all the way to the bank. So I say good for her. Keep having your moment and ride it out! 

Wednesday – Netflix

The hype for this show coming back for Season 2 has been off the charts. Did you read about the stupid woman who sat in the Wendy’s drive-thru for FOUR hours to get the special chicken nuggies with the Wednesday purple sauce and skipped taking her kids to Universal Studios?! Influencers sure know how to influence – feels a bit excessive. I leave a drive-thru if there’s more than a car or two. No patience for that. Anyway, the new season is great – only four episodes in Part 1 with Part 2 dropping September 3.

Platonic – AppleTV

Back for Season 2, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as besties is what the show is all about. Seth’s wardrobe is if Adam Sandler gave a few more fucks and cared a little more about brands (and logos) BUT still dresses however he wants. Check it out – you’ll understand what I mean. It’s fun and hearing Seth laugh is always a treat. It’s like Eddie Murphy laughing – you want to laugh too since it’s contagious. Rose is just a comedic genius too – so, so funny. And, the two of them together really, really work. Her husband is an awesome actor too, big Hallmark hunk but has had other parts since rising to that fame. 

Smoke – AppleTV

Episode 9 is out now and wraps the series…and I haven’t watched it just yet but if it’s anything like the other eight previous episodes I’m gonna hold on to my butt. Taron Edgerton really is a special actor – his resume proves that. I think my favorite character though is played by John Leguizamo. Just a likeable fuck-up that’s crucial to the plot and that the writers gifted with a lot of great dialogue. He’s pretty great in most everything he’s ever been in.

Fill in the Blank Reality TV – streamers, cable, etc

I tend to turn the TV on when I’m on vacation and find some truly terrible shows just to have on in the background in my room. I did that again on our recent trip and watched some Botched, Real Housewives of Orange County and Storage Wars. I’ve either watched them some over the years, like Storage Wars, or know of them of course because of their popularity. Always highly entertaining but I still don’t think I can really commit to much with all the other TV I watch, however tempting it always is. Cheers to all of you that do religiously watch any of it. 

Alright, that’s a wrap for this installment of watch what I watch and give a shit about what I give a shit about. Hope you find something of interest and if not, thanks for reading anyway. 

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Couch Potato Files Vol. 18

July must have had someplace to be because we’re already closing in on the end of the month. I’m actually ok with that. That means we’re that much closer to our turrible and long hot Arizona summer being over AND that much closer to getting the fuck out of here and going on vacation. We haven’t gone much of anywhere this year, since there was a lot to take care of with my ma, so my hubby and I are hitting the road soon to sunny (and cooler) San Diego. It’s been a few years and man, I can’t wait. Plus, it’s my daughter’s maiden voyage, staying home alone, and taking care of her fur brothers. Hopefully she won’t burn the place down but honestly, if that happened, it wouldn’t surprise me. Not because she’s not responsible – she is very much so. I just wouldn’t put it past this shitastic year and being on our BINGO card. I’ve knocked on a lot of wood while writing this up so yeah, no worries. It’s all fun and games. 😉

Alight, enough about that, today is FIN-NALLY Shark Week!! Happy 37th to this great week of Discovery Channel TV (HBO Max too) and enjoy watching all the fun. It’s gonna be FIN-TASTIC! Some weeks/years have been better than others, depending on the celebrity hosts, so we’ll see how this year measures up. I’m SO READY! Along with that, here’s some other goodness to watch at home or at the theater. 

The Summer I Turned Pretty – Prime

The third and final season just started this week, dripping out two episodes and then one a week for a total of eleven through September 17. Stretching out the end of this heart-felt series as best they can and man, the love triangle is already off and running once again in just the first two episodes. I envy all the awesome authors who have had their books turned into popular shows or movies. There are so many now! Perfect material and sure beats studios just resurrecting a classic and trying to reboot it. Don’t get me wrong – some reboots are fun but the majority just feel like Hollywood’s being lazy. When you think about the mounds of books with original content that could be adapted for the screen, the sky’s the limit. 

Too Much – Netflix

I was jumping for joy that this show finally hit Netflix on July 10 and I resisted the urge to binge it. Still watching it, actually, and what I’ve seen so far is everything I hoped it would be and then some. Megan Statler is a comedy gem and bravo to Lena Dunham for recognizing her talent and writing this show just for her…and putting herself in it as a really fun cameo! It’s also nice to see Will Sharpe flex his acting muscles and be something more than Aubrey Plaza’s door knob of a husband on White Lotus. He played it well but his character in this show perfectly meshes with Megan’s crazy. 

Live Aid 40th Anniversary Docuseries – CNN

July 13 was the 40th Anniversary of Live Aid and CNN put together a great four-episode docuseries about how it all came to be. The episodes are being dripped out on Sunday nights and so far what I’ve seen has been fantastic. It’s soooo nostalgic! Seeing some of the most legendary performances, like Queen, is going to be awesome. The footage is perfect! And, fun fact: Phil Collins performed in both London AND Philly. He flew on the Concord to make it to both! If you’re a fan of music and so, SO many huge bands and musical acts, this is worth the watch.

Drop – Peacock

I missed this when it came out at the theaters back in April. Again, just a lot going on with my ma at the time. I really LOVE anything that Blumhouse produces and that the awesome Meghann Fahy starred in it too, double-bonus. It’s a lot of fun – some-edge-of-your-seat fun and some good ol’ fashion jump scares too. AND it’s only 1 hour and 35 minutes. Is it just me or have feature length movies just gotten waaayyyy too long? I mean, I get it, it’s tough to tell your story in under 2 hours but rise to the challenge and try. And maybe studios think they have to make movies pretty long so that people can justify paying to go see one at the theater? So they gotta give them their money’s worth? I think time IS money and I’d rather see a really well-produced flick in under 2 hours any day. Now, sometimes you want more and it’s justifiable. There’s just a lot of fluff to movies though that maybe could have made it on the cutting-room floor and the final product tightened up some. Just saying. Anyway, have some summer thriller fun with this one!!

Superman – at a theater near you 

I’ll admit it. I was really worried about this one but I secretly had high hopes that James Gunn wouldn’t fuck it up. There was soooo much riding on it, especially after the disappointment of finding out that Henry Cavill would no longer be part of any future DC movies…at least at this point. This movie honors the legacy so well and has just the right amount of James Gunn magic and campiness that makes it work perfectly. I couldn’t have been happier. Maybe I need to start going to movies with lower expectations – it’s just not in me though. I literally LOVE movies so I can always find something good, no matter if it was a box office bomb or not. This one just had REALLY big shoes to fill. I’m ecstatic to see it again. It was a major slam dunk for James’ reign as King of DC. 

Bachelor in Paradise – ABC & Hulu

It’s been over a decade since I’ve watched ANY of the Bachelor seasons. My daughter used to love to watch it when she was little and make fun of all the crazy girls and guys. My hubby and I decided to give this one a go and man, it’s been entertaining. Still jam-packed with drama and we still root for the heinous to be roseless and booted from the island. The “Paradise” seasons add even more crazy to the episodes – the producers are clearly working over time, making it as messy as possible. It always reminds me of UnREAL. Basically a fictionalized version of how these types of shows are made, and all the terrible things they do behind the scenes to make for great ratings, and OMG – it was sooo good. Constance Zimmer is forever my spirit animal after seeing that show. She plays such an awesome bitch. Love her!

I Know What You Did Last Summer – at a theater near you.

Slasher Summer Fun, check! Hoping to capitalize on the Scream and Final Destination reboots phenomenon, here’s another one from the same teen slasher film era. It was pretty fun, with throwbacks/Easter eggs to the originals AND of course some of the stars too, along with fun newbies. If you are a fan like me of the OG, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how they included Sarah Michelle Geller, since she of course had a really legendary death in the original. Not quite as great as Scream, since that will always win the top prize IMHO, but still a fun watch. And, no spoilers, but stick around to see the post-credit scene. They’re hoping enough people showed up to this one so they can make more.

That’s all she wrote. I gotta get back to watching some more old Shark Week episodes to prep for tonight. Remember, like SpongeBob always says, Chum is Fum. 

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Couch Potato Files Vol. 16

It’s nearly July 4th and we’ve entered the half-way point of 2025. I really wish I was on our annual summer vacation right now but I’m happy I’ll be home to watch the Hot Dog Eating contest, Jaws, fireworks (on TV because it’s hot AF) and the new Jurassic movie – Summer Blockbuster Season is officially here! 

We pushed our annual Summer trip to early August. With everything with my ma, I’ve just wanted to hide out and run away from all of it so really looking forward to blowing this popstand soon(ish). I’m also really hoping for less tears, less deep sighs and less anxiety and more laughs, more fun and more calm for the second half of 2025. I’d also like to get off the Struggle Bus any time now. I’ve been a passenger for awhile, driving in circles with no real destination. So here’s to better – not the best but just better and trying to enjoy the journey as much I can. 

I’ve slowly but surely been turtling my way through the huge pile of shows and movies that have been waiting in the wings for me to care about again. I’m still really, REALLY bad about not finishing some shows, similar to my reading habits, as I’ve gotten older, but we’ll see if  I can cross a bunch off my list over the next few months. The NBA playoffs and season are over too, freeing up some more of my viewing time. BIG congrats to OKC. What a great group of dudes! Ok, all that being said, here’s some shows and movies that I have finished or are in the process of watching.

The Bear – Season 4- Hulu

I’ve attempted to get my hubby to watch this show with me since Season 1 Episode 1. He watched that debut episode and it was so chaotic, full of anger and anxiety that he couldn’t stick with it. Maybe that’s why I like it so much. It’s crazy. The filming and choices the creators have made are always fantastic, not to mention the cast and special guests that pop-up often. I don’t think I ever really cared about that sort of thing until seeing a show that pulls it off so well. It’s just a beautiful hurricane. I watched the last episode of Season 4 on Sunday. There are rumors this may be the final season and I’d be ok with that. It had a natural wrap to it, like they planned it to possibly be exactly that, but it could go on for more too. Still kills me, and I’m sure all its competition, they entered all the awards shows as a comedy. It’s way more drama than comedy and I don’t think they can even really claim it being a dramedy but good for them. Whatever works and gets you those very deserved trophies. 

Fun Fact: I see Jeremy Allen White posts on the Gram walking with big bundles of flowers all the time. Just this morning I reposted a set that had some context to them. He has a flower market near his home and he likes to get new flowers weekly so that he can arrange them around his home with his daughters. I mean, the Top Dad Award goes to Yes Chef!

The Gilded Age – Season 3 – HBO Max

In its third season and doling out the episodes weekly like old school days, this show is Bridgerton-like but not as many laughs and not as much smut. Awesome period piece show with society dramarama and trying to fit in, along with some historical elements peppered in that make it feel very legit. The consultants on set clearly made sure they made it as real as they could. There’s some really top-tier cast members too, including Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski. Talk about star-power with that trifecta. I’ve been following Carrie for a long time. One of my favorite short-lived shows was The Leftovers, another HBO Max show. It only lasted three seasons, based on a popular book, or maybe that was enough – I don’t know. I remember wanting more but that they did get to tie things up pretty well, knowing it may only last three seasons. I loved the cast so much and the show premise, as sad and fucked up as it was. Check it out if you haven’t already. I also think Carrie has a deep connection (and long-lasting contract) with HBO since she’s also in the latest season of White Lotus. I’ll write about that another time (since I need to really dig in on all the Mike White awesomeness and not feeling like diving deep today), while wearing my DIFF White Lotus colab sunnies.  I waited for MONTHS for them to arrive and they finally did! As my daughter jokes, I’m super extra, like guac. 

Smoke – Apple TV

Smoke is a brand new show starring Taron Egerton along with Jurnee Smollett that just dropped on AppleTV. If you’re familiar with Backdraft, one of Kurt Russell’s very best, this show has a similar premise but man, there’s two episodes so far and a MAJOR plot twist has already been introduced! There will be nine total episodes through August 15, dripping them out weekly, again, old school style. That’s what AppleTV does for all their shows. Unpopular opinion – I’m old and still kind of like that. With as much as I watch (and the rest of my social butterfly calendar that keeps me away from being a 24/7 couch potato) I appreciate a weekly show AND if I decide to let it ride and pile up some, I can binge a few episodes too. So best of both worlds. Can we also talk about how awesome Taron is for a sec? I’m always, ALWAYS impressed by actors who can change their accent for a role. I know it’s kind of part of the gig but it’s crazy to me, especially when some of them have very thick accents. How do they do that?!  It’s so cool. If you’re a Taron fan like me, check out his other AppleTV show Black Bird with the awesome and soooo talented Paul Walter Hauser. Do yourself another favor and follow Paul on the Gram. He’s a hoot and I love his posts. 

Stick – Apple TV

This new Owen Wilson feel-good comedy is a lot of Ted Lasso and a dash or two of Tin Cup. I watch it and cry mostly because I know it’s something my pop and ma would both have loved to see and Owen is just such a charming and genuine goofball. I watched him on Hot Ones and I’m convinced his character in all his roles is really his persona in real life or something pretty close. The show is excellent and so much fun to watch, in between my tears. 

F1 – at a theater near you

F1 is a movie to see on the big screen – it was made for it! And if you can, see it at IMAX! I tried and was a fucking idiot and bought the wrong tickets BUT I still saw it on a Harkins Ciné screen which is bigger. 

I’m pop culture obsessed, as is very apparent here and on all my social channels, and I read that Apple and the producers considered Tom Cruise for Brad Pitt’s role but decided to not cast him because it would have been too risky. Tom is always pushing the envelope of potential death (see Mission Impossible, Top Gun, etc) and the studio was like, nah, maybe not. Then, I watched/listened to Brad on Dax Shepard’s podcast and he said that it was the first racing movie where they allowed the stars to be insured and really drive the F1 cars…that on average race at 180 MPH. He said he told them that if they weren’t able to get behind the wheel of the real deal then he was out.  Brad also has an over-priced line of clothing. Aside from how pretentious that site looks and the prices are, he does seem like a cool and chill dude. I’m sure Angelina and his kids would say otherwise but George Clooney probably would still testify for him and that’s all that matters. 

Sinners – still at theaters but coming to streamers this week!

Sinners will be on streamers soon and we finally saw it over the weekend. Wow – crazy and bravo to Ryan Coogler and also Michael B. Jordan for playing twins! Again, I saw a post and article that they put him in some new camera gear to pull off the filming of that. Long way from side by side merged screens that looked super janky but we loved it anyway because move magic, duh. 

I think if Ryan was trying to channel some Jordan Peele and join him in the horror ranks of Hollywood, he achieved that, along with having some legit real-world messaging too, also another technique that Jordan has perfected. I always feel like Jordan gives me a “The More You Know” vibe with all his flicks but waaaayyyy deeper. So check, Ryan, I think you did it and all the love and support you’ve gotten from the world and box office about the movie is a testament to that too.  

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

So not a show or movie but a podcast that I like to watch and listen on YouTube. I’m trying to introduce more podcasts to my routine since there are so many good ones, like Good Hang with Amy Poehler. She’s got a great line-up of interviews and is so funny and genuine. It’s a good time and always great conversations. I watch/listen while working. It’s been a nice change and I highly recommend it! 

I recently got to see Amy with Tina Fey on their tour and it was a major bucket list moment. It had been a really rough day, the day I had to get everything set up with hospice for my ma and one of my best friends was with me and we managed to still make it to the show that night. I think I laughed harder than maybe their jokes and stories really were that funny, overcompensating for all that I’d been experiencing for months or maybe slightly unhindged, like Tom Hanks in The Money Pit. There’s a scene where he laughs so hard, physically and loudly, when a bathtub falls through the floor, like to the degree of choking himself – it’s just one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen and I still laugh ’til I cry to this day when I rewatch it. I think I was close to that level of outward crazy laughing without irritating the fuck out of all our seatmates. Laughter truly is the best medicine or like Dolly Parton’s character Truvy in Steel Magnolias said “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” Enjoy your 4th celebration and GO JOEY CHESTNUT!

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Couch Potato Files Vol. 15

Grief is a real motherfucker. As I texted one of my best friends the other day, some therapist is going to have a really great fucking time “unpacking” all my grief, whenever I get around to seeing someone. And, if they use the word “unpacking” when talking to me about what all I’ve gone through with my ma, I think I’ll deck them. But yes, I do still have my sense of humor – laughter is the best medicine after all and who cares if that’s cliché to say. Cliché can be fun.

Tomorrow, May 16, will be five months since I had an intervention with my ma at her home in Cherry Valley and started on this health and medical journey with her, with multiple hospital visits, moving her to Arizona, getting her lots of medical help includind a large list of doctors and specialists, rehab with physical and occupational therapists, an awesome new apartment at an assisted living community, the works…only to have her recently on May 1 decide to throw in the towel and be done. And by done I mean she decided to stop taking meds and receiving on-going treatment and just call it quits. Enter hospice and end of life arrangements. 

A huge part of me is mad as hell since I never wanted her to give up or thought she would but I’m also equal parts sad as hell that I have no idea how she really feels, how depressed she really is to think there’s no way out but to be done and that she’s likely relieved to have made the ultimate decision to stop trying and go back to not being a burden to me and our family.

Ironically her decision is a huge burden and everything we’ve gone through together has been a burden BUT as shitty as it’s been, I’ve been dealing with it all as best I can and I was really happy to see her progress and that she started getting healthier. Having her give up felt like a pretty big fuck you to the last five months but there’s no way but forward now. 

Aside from all the negative feelings that came rushing to me with her decision, there’s also a lot of positive feelings from it too. I’m relieved to not have to be the bad guy any more, barking reminders at her about all the things she needs to keep doing to get better and stronger. It was like having a three year old again, reminding her to eat more protein, brush her teeth, keep up with her exercises, ask for help to get to the bathroom before she had an accident and so much more. Now I can hangout with her and do my best to be there for her and enjoy her company in her final days. We can drink lots of Dr. Pepper, eat junk food and garbage, watch TV and just be together. 

It wasn’t exactly the way I pictured finally having my mom living in Arizona but it’s so much better than her not being here. There’s relief in knowing she’s ten minutes from my house. There’s relief in knowing she’s getting really great and over-priced care. There’s relief in knowing that I did everything I could to help her.  My only regret is that I didn’t sign her up to see a therapist that may have been able to help and give her a more positive outlook on her health…along with some happy pills that could have been the difference in her giving a shit again…or just more of the same and adding to the long list of meds she didn’t want to take. All the nurses and some of the doctors were good about helping keep her spirits up, along with me being a drill sergeant and hammering home that she’s doing great and improving. Because she truly was, even if she didn’t feel like it. There were physical signs of improvement – I just couldn’t see or help her mentally.

And, just when I think I can’t cry any more, more tears show up – that grief, like I said, is a real bitch. I was watching a movie last weekend and one of the characters who had lost her husband said there was no timeline on grief, that she just hadn’t been ready to take her wedding band off yet or allow herself to be open to finding someone new. That pretty much sums up how I’ve felt about my ma. Grief is here to stay for the foreseeable future and I’m mostly equal parts mad and sad with a lot of anxiety and stress sprinkled throughout. I’m trying my best to not dwell on the current situation and focus on remembering all the good. Remembering how great my ma was and that she was larger than life and not the shell of herself laying in a hospital bed.  So here’s to my ma and being the best there ever was to raise me into the take-no-shit-nearly-50-year-old that I am. I hope I’ve been able to return the favor by being the best caregiver and daughter to her. 

P.S. Sooner than later I swear I’ll start writing again about TV shows and movies and end all this depressing shit. BUT, thanks, all three of you, for continuing to read my rambles, no matter the content. 

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Couch Potato Files Vol. 14

Happy First Day of Spring. Crazy that we’ve already made it to late March and that our hotter temps are already trying to show up here in Arizona. Please stay away, triple digits, for as long as possible!

This past Sunday, March 16, was two months since I started on this wellness path with my ma. In all honesty, it feels more like six months. The old saying time flies when you’re having fun doesn’t apply in this case. It’s more like time stands still when you’re dealing with anything in the medical industry and you have no patience left or never had it in the first place. 

It reminds me of when my pop had cancer and the eternity it took for my mom and him to get help at the VA hospital, especially when he was literally dying and the clock was ticking away. Have I mentioned what a shitty healthcare system we have? 

The moral of the current trajectory I’m on with my ma is be careful what you wish for. I wished for my ma to get better and to take better care of herself, only to discover the list of what needed to be taken care of was a mile long. It all really adds up when you haven’t seen a doctor in three decades. So we try to laugh about it, that she’s making up for lost time, while every doctor, nurse, therapist and specialist we see has their head spin when they see her list of ailments. It’s pretty remarkable she’s survived, as morbid as that sounds and is. The story you see around the web about the 100+ year old woman who drinks a Dr. Pepper a day and is still kicking reminds me of my ma. I bought her a shirt that says “Save Water. Drink Dr. Pepper.” for a reason. I took her a mini can every day to the hospital and I knew the days she was really struggling were the days she wouldn’t drink much of it. Same goes for at home now. 

In all reality, this dumpster fire of an adventure has been a real learning experience, not just about how cocky I can get with acting like I’m a nurse or doctor, since I’ve now read and experienced enough to maybe give nursing school a go or even med school – not really, just like to act like it. But, it’s more a learning experience about myself, my family, friends, and the medical industry. 

I’ve found that many can be empathetic or sympathetic and many are just assholes. I’ve learned that some people can’t dig in and help or even know where to start and that’s ok – maybe some just literally can’t and it’s not in their make-up as a human. Although it’s frustrating, I keep reminding myself that on a daily basis.

I also have learned that I don’t post on social media or write here on my blog to seek sympathy from others – it’s a coping mechanism since I love to write and this whole experience has given me A LOT of material. When I do finally take the time to book my own therapist appointment, I plan to provide whoever the lucky contestant is with the link to this blog. It’s the cliffnotes’ version of what they’re in for BUT they might also find some interesting TV and movie recommendations as a nice bonus.

This whole experience is still a giant PSA to take better care of myself and my family. There’s just no excuse and if depression takes over, seek help. I just really, REALLY wish my ma would have let me help sooner but there’s no take-backsies, especially when it comes to this shitshow of a situation – I’m just still so grateful I got to her before it was too late. And let’s be honest, it may be too late anyway but I’m glad she’s trying. Even as small as the improvements are every day, they’re still improvements. 

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