Last Blog Post. EVER!

Okay, perhaps ever in all-caps is a minor exaggeration. Anyways, I'm leaving here shortly. Here are a few final, and ever-so-random thoughts:

-The last episode of Office that I will see for two years was the premiere of season five. And given the ending of the episode, its kinda like the perfect series finale for me.

-Zupas is one of the greatest places to eat ever! Try it!

-I don't mind not going into a depression, but the government bailout of the economy kinda sounds like socialism to me.

-Best show on TV none of you are watching: Bones. Wednesdays on FOX at seven.

Here is my mission address:

Elder Andrew Russell Hansen
California Fresno Mission
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604

A friend of mine is going to have her own password to my Facebook account (so I won't have any access to it (not that I would anyway!)) to keep it updated with addresses as I move about in the Fresno area. My MySpace is gone though (in case anybody out there actually still uses MySpace) Peace out.

Life right before a mission

I write often on this blog about things like television, movies, etc. The truth is I want to write more about myself. I sit down all the time to write a blog thats more personal and more about whats going on in my life. But every time I sit down to type it out...the words don't flow.

The truth is, I don't know how I feel about things. My emotions appear to be all over the place. Talking to a few close friends of mine, I guess going through a rough time happens to some other guys too before they leave.

There are a few specific things that have been bothering me, but the crux of all of it is that I won't be here anymore very, very soon. There are things I want to do, need to do, that I don't have time to do. Things that need fixing, people that need seeing, and I don't see how I can do it all. The confusion regarding a general lack of time has caused me to completely butcher the concept of time-management.

On top of all that, I feel like I'm squandering the time that I'm here by worrying about all this stuff. But I can't not worry about it. I think its in my genes. I can be care-free regarding many things, but when I get uptight about something, I really get uptight about it. Like to the point were my mood is destroyed entirely and I can't focus on anything else. In this case, its my previously mentioned thoughts above.

I want to enjoy the time I got. I just gotta figure out how to accept that things won't be ideal before I leave. Gotta love OCD.

That guy

Its safe to say that I am a big fan of Joss Whedon-related works, particularly Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Its also safe to say that I often relate real life goings-ons to Buffy, and because of how relatable that show is to real life is why I believe it was truly such a magnificent show.

But I'm not here to discuss what a great show it is or why you all should be watching it instead of whatever it is your doing. I'm here to talk about the couple you see here. Buffy and Riley.

For most fans of the show, Riley is not among their most liked Buffy characters, and the least liked of any of her boyfriends. Never much understood that myself. This is likely due to the fact that I really could relate to Riley. I got him, and I got how he felt. I felt like I was watching my life only it was on a TV and it had vampires and I do not possess any where near the physical strength that Riley had. But other than that...I really just felt like he was me. Everything he went through with Buffy, I just got it. I am definitely the Riley, not the Angel of the story.

To people who understand Buffy, you probably just learned somethin bout me. For the rest of you, this will read just more like my usual rant about great TV. Which again, you should follow my tastes in television. I ain't gonna lie, I have FANTASTIC tastes in television. This could quickly turn into a rant about how amazing Battlestar Galactica and how ashamed you all should be about judging it, so I will go to bed now. Late, late.

Summer Movie Roundup

On Facebook I have an application called Movies. Its one of those Facebook apps that everybody has but your like the only person that regularly uses it. Okay...thats off topic and rant-ish. Anyway, here are my scores for the movies I saw this summer:

Iron Man 4 1/2 out of 5
Made of Honor 3 out of 5
Nim's Island 3 out of 5
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 4 out of 5
Kung Fu Panda 4 out of 5
The Incredible Hulk 4 out of 5
WALL-E 5 out of 5
The Dark Knight 5 out of 5
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 3 out of 5

Top 3 movies of the summer: The Dark Knight, WALL-E, Iron Man
Biggest surprise: Kung Fu Panda
Biggest dissapointment: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Oregon!

I have never once in my life ever thought about taking a trip to Oregon. Not once. I imagine that thats probably the way it is for most people. But seriously folks...Oregon is fantastic. Its beautiful, they have no sales tax, and Tillamook is there. Can it get better than that? I submit to you that it cannot.


It was such a great family trip. Emphasis there on the "family" part, as also there with us was my aunt and uncle, my cousin, his wife, and their two little kids. So as much as I loved being there in Oregon, having some space again is quite nice. But seriously, what a freakin amazing place. Oregon, who knew?

The Ten things blog

This has been circulating blogs for a long while, decided I would finally do it...

TEN things you wish you could say to TEN different people right now:
1. I have no idea what to write here to you, I have so many things I could say to you. But ultimately, I can't even write what I wish to say most. But we'll be fine, I know it.
2. I don't see you much anymore, but I still consider you one of my best friends. I talk to you more than I do with most people.
3. The past between us makes me uncomfortable around you. I don't know how to act when you're around.
4. You have been one of the few consistant friends I have had, but sometimes I wish there was more to our friendship than that.
5. You really saved me man. My life is completely different because of your influence and friendship.
6. What happened to you? I don't know how to help you anymore.
7. You were young and I was a stupid high school senior. I'm so sorry.
8. I will never know how to explain things to you and I probably won't get the chance. I hope you're well.
9. You have got a path again. It wasn't the one I expected but I'm glad your moving in a direction that works for you.
10. You've always been around whenever a Little 'cease or Subway run is needed, or a serious conversation. I'm glad things are going well for ya.

NINE things about yourself:
1. I'm generally easy going, but there are some things that I am fiercely uptight about.
2. I love seeing new things in the world.
3. Sometimes I prefer very much to keep to myself.
4. Occasionally I enjoy a lot of company.
5. I don't enjoy my work quite as much as I used to.
6. I am a mate drinker.
7. I play video games. Its the truth.
8. I have way too many favorite TV shows.
9. I'm OCD yet my room is always a disaster.

EIGHT ways to win your heart:
1. Honesty.
2. Respect.
3. Loyalty.
4. Good music tastes.
5. Good self-confidence and ambition.
6. Tolerance for my nerdy-ness.
7. A passion for life.
8. A love of something Joss Whedon related.

SEVEN things that cross your mind a lot:
1. Is this what growing up is like?
2. Why can't I let go?
3. Am I really ready?
4. Who am i?
5. Why did you write that?
6. Why does my phone suck so much?
7. Why does my head hurt?

SIX things you wish you never did:
1. Let my music skills drop off.
2. Did stupid stuff in high school.
3. Stay up too late sometimes.
4. Not stay up late enough sometimes.
5. Not do enough with my social life at times.
6. Bought an ice cream treat thing from the ice cream man even when my mom told me not to.

FIVE turn offs:
1. No Respect.
2. No care at all for cleanliness or appearance
3. Lack of dedication.
4. Lack of self confidence.
5. No tastes for quality movies/tv shows.

FOUR turn ons:
1. Humor.
2. Kindness.
3. Open-minded.
4. Zest for life.

THREE smileys that describe your life:
1. :-)
2. -_-
3. :^D

TWO things you want to do before you die:
1. Go to europe.
2. Get married.

ONE confession:
1. I had a massive Mountain Dew addiction once.

BSG = Holy Crap (Spoilers!)

Um...wow. The family finally got around to getting together to watch the Battlestar Galactica finale on the DVR. And uh...wow.

Seriously...wow.

There are insane finales and then there are INSANE FINALES.

Battlestar's mid-season finale (they had to split the season into two because of the writer's strike and the second half won't air 'till 2009) had about the craziest ending ever. Very Planet of the Apes-esque.

How can they possibly continue the show at this point? Where does it go from here? I have no idea but I'm super excited to find out.

Also if you have yet to watch this show because it's science fiction and because it's called Battlestar Galactica, you're missing out big time! Watch it! (PLEASE)

"Things have changed for me..."

Life is moving right along.

Wow.

I can't believe how far I've come. Everything I've been able to experience in these past nineteen years. They were pretty good years. I will give them that much.

But I feel like I, Andrew, have become a very different person just within the last couple months. I feel like I've grown up fast. Had to make a couple tough choices. Had to make a lot of preparations. I think I'm finally growing up.

It's scary. I will say that about growing up.

I have changed a bit. I don't know if the new Andrew fits into places that the old one didn't. I'm also trying to be more honest with myself and everyone I deal with.

Again, it's all very scary. But it's all very empowering, knowing that I'm maturing.

So I guess in that regard I'm still a teenager: I can't make up my mind.

May Commentaries Part Tres (Short)

I just have one thing to say for my last may commentary

This season of LOST made the show awesome again!

May Commentaries Part Dos (long)

So all the new stuff for the next TV season have been announced. I won't see any of these shows for a few years, but here are some of my thoughts...

FOX

Fringe
Fringe is a new show by J.J. Abrams (creator of LOST). Its sort of looks like a cross between Lost and The X-Files (which admittedly, I have never seen).

Overall, it looks very promising, but you never know how a show like this will turn out over the course of an entire season.

Still, if you are into science fiction or Lost, it would be worth checking out. Premieres on FOX in the fall.


Dollhouse
Dollhouse is the new show by Joss Whedon, creator of some of my all-time favorite shows (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly).

Dollhouse is a show about a group of people (the dolls) who are essentially programmed to carry out different tasks. After completing their task, the dolls memories are wiped. The show is about the doll Echo, who begins to retain memories.

Looks super promising. Everything about it looks great. Look for this show on FOX next January as a lead in show for...


24 is finally coming back! After not coming out this past season due to the Writer's Strike, season seven of 24 will be back next January.

I think that ultimately the strike worked in 24's favor. The problem with season six was that the plotting just sorta started sucking it up partway into the show. Hopefully the extra time gave the writers and producers of the show to get the plotting straight this time.

In addition to the airing of season seven, November will also be host to a 2 hour 24 TV movie, which I guess will serve as a prequel to January's season. Has Jack running around in Africa, so it should be pretty sweet.

I'm also very glad that Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Bones got renewed. Terminator's first season was very good and I'm interested to see where the show goes from here. Bones is an excellent CSI-like show only it's a little less gross and very funny. Highly recommend both. Especially Bones. Seriously.

THE CW

The only shows I watch on CW are Smallville and Reaper. Smallville's lackluster finale has me scared for where it goes with it's eighth season (also rumored to be it's last season). I can't stress enough how excited I am that Reaper is back though. Reaper is a fantastic show thats both cool and hillarious! You all should have been watching it, but now thats it renewed you'll still have a chance!

NBC

Untitled Office Spinoff
Unfortunately we know pretty much nothing about The Office spin-off. But lets talk about what we do know. We know it airs on NBC early 2009 after they finish their Super Bowl Coverage. And...oh....thats it.

We know for sure it will not star Dwight. There have been plenty of rumors pointing to the show revolving around Andy, but nothing about the show's plot has been officially announced yet.

Returning shows I'm looking forward to are of course the original Office and 30 Rock. As I noted in my last blog entry, I'm really worried about what is going to happen on The Office when it comes back. Very scared. On the other hand, 30 Rock's finale left me with the impression that this excellent show can only get better.

ABC

Scrubs
The rumors were true, Scrubs will be moving to ABC for its eighth and final season.

What?! Man it's totally crazy! I have heard a lot of mixed things from different Scrubs fans. Some excited that it gets to keep going, others just want the show to die already.

If I was going to be here, I would be tuning in to Scrubs on ABC this fall.

Lost will have it's 17 episode fifth season starting next January. The show started dragging a little bit in it's second and third seasons (though the last part of the third season was very good), but I have really enjoyed Lost this season. It's become an excellent television show again, and I'm excited for more Lost!

I also occasionally watch the ABC show Boston Legal. It's a law drama that occasionally can be super serious and occasionally a little too silly, but I enjoy it. If you like law shows, you ought to check it out too.

CBS

The only CBS show that I watch is How I Met Your Mother. It is a fantastic comedy that you all should be watching. And everybody needs to watch it. So do it!


Thanks for reading this very long entry! I will have at least one or two more commentary entries coming, so stay tuned!

EDIT: (Blogger appears to be hating me today because weird formating errors keep showing up in the post. If you are getting any of those I apologize)

Commentaries (contains spoilers!)

The Office Finale

It seems like people liked this episode a lot more than I did. I mean...it was really funny, but the second half of the episode just got a little to frustrating for me. I don't want Jan to come back, I don't want Andy to propose, I want Michael to get together with Holly, and I want Jim and Pam to get engaged. None of that happened. Its like they were going out of their way to ruin the lives of the characters of this show. Nothing good happened for anybody in this episode. It was funny, but it just left the show in such a weird place.

Smallville Finale

Like most Smallville fans, I was really disappointed with the finale. Smallville always has some of the most intense and crazy finales, and this one was pointless and anti-climactic. I really want Lana to not come back this time. I swear that in every finale they leave it up in the air whether she is going to come back, and I really just want her to go away. Anyways...it had a couple good moments, but ultimately it was very dissapointing.

30 Rock Finale

Hilarious! I wish that everybody watched this show. Its so good! This finale was so funny! (except that I skipped every scene that Tracey was on because of his current plot line in the show). And thats about all I have to say about that.

Law and Order SVU Finale

This season has had it's ups and downs, but this was a pretty good finale. A very character-based episode, which is always good. They left a couple characters on the bubble (Fin and Novak. Lake obviously isn't coming back) so it will be interesting to see what happens.

I also recently finished the video game Crisis Core : Final Fantasy VII for the PSP. Nothing like playing through seventeen hours of a game to see the main character (who you have become attached to because he is a great guy) get shot to death. Major bummer.

This concludes Part 1 of my May commentaries. Stay tuned!

"How do you feel?"

I think I'm okay. I mean...it's weird, sad and stuff...but I'm not super depressed and drowning myself in caffeine.

I feel fine.

Is that okay?

Misconceptions, misunderstandings, and another "mis-" word

Being someone who probably has obsessive compulsive disorder, I often worry about whether someone is getting my full meaning. Also being someone who has never been very good in social situations, I have trouble saying things the way I wish.

I sometimes just seriously feel bad for people talking to me. I can be really weird to talk to sometimes. Its...a strange combination. Kinda crappy.

-------
Notes on television *Spoilers*:

-Office : Jim has the ring. OH MY GOSH!
-How I Met Your Mother : Robyn and Barney... OH MY GOSH!
-Reaper : Comes back tonight. At 8. PLEASE WATCH!

Becoming

Becoming truly touched while watching a television show doesn't happen too often.

But last night while watching the finale of Buffy season 2 that happened to me. I was truly moved and saddened by the finale...it was beautiful and heartbreaking. And I...may have teared up a little.

And that ladies and gents, is truly great television. Moments like that are why I love television so much.

On another note, film legend Charlton Heston died. He probably wasn't the best actor of all time, but he was in a monumental amount of movies and he did some really great work.

My Dream

I have talked with some friends recently about my future, about whether to pursue the job that would economic stability, and certainly help me fit in well with my folks. On the other hand, it's always been my dream to be a film maker, or to create a television show. I would live to be a director in the biz. To create, to tell stories, to help people feel something. Thats what I want to do.

It has always been a dream of mine, but the reason it has been on my mind so much lately is that over the past couple weeks we have been making some silly movies at work. And it reminded me so...entirely of my dream. It has been simply fun. And editing them on my laptop has been great, though my power cable decided to crap out on me and I have to buy a new one which costs like eighty bucks (like...are you kidding me?!)

Anyways...I want to follow my dream. More now than ever. It just seems so daunting. And so very frightening to be honest.

Absolutely

Examining the behavior of people is very interesting. Have you ever just thought about the behavior of people? Look a little bit deeper at your friends, co-workers, and peers. It's simply fascinating...or scary, depending on the person.

One particular behavior of people is the changing of your personality depending on those who you are around. It's like we all take a set of masks around with us wherever we go, swapping them when the setting around us changes. I suppose the question that line of thought begs is whether or not we ever take off our masks at all. If you never take off your mask around any person, it means that nobody knows the real you, and your lying to everyone. If you never take off your mask period, it means that your even lying to yourself.

The word of the day at work yesterday was absolutely. Chris and I decided this because of how often we were hearing the word absolutely being spoken around the office yesterday. When...when are we absolute? When are we absolutely ourselves? What happens when we wear our masks so much that we forget the person underneath? Absolute. Meaning complete, perfect, pure and certain. Do we absolutely know who we are underneath anymore?

-------------

Regarding myself and being slightly less serious, I have been making a lot of purchases lately. Take that, bad-economy! No seriously, my brother and I decided to give ourselves Christmas and now it's time to start cutting back. We bought a new TV for the basement and I also bought like five new blu-ray movies. Its gonna be awesome, but I think I have reached my limit for a while.

"Rates!" Our rats are low first post!

After having multiple blogs across several sites, it seems I am the last to the Blogger/Blogspot party. But hey, it looks like there still is some punch left!

Anywho, my name is Andrew. This is my new blog, and I hope that somebody is actually reading this. Writing a blog that nobody ever reads (as my now no-comment myspace blog has shown me) gets old. So lets hope I get some visitors!