In Case of Zombies

Anytime I watch a disaster movie, I try to imagine what it would take to survive if I was in that situation. Doesn’t matter how the world is ending – rampant zombies, natural disaster, alien invasion – preparation will include me amongst those who make it out of there. After watching Children of Men, I had the chance to review my plan.

The People
Ideally, when the catastrophic event occurs I’ll have my loved ones nearby and we’ll survive together. You’ll also want to align yourself with a hero. Clive Owen will do nicely, but it’s up to you. And while it’s not nice to think about, having a few “expendable” people could be of assistance.

The Place
Because it seems like cities are a prime target for zombies and aliens, it will be harder to survive there. Also, as resources and hiding places get scarce you’ll have more competition. So an ambiguous country setting where we’ll go undetected and be able to grow vegetables is probably better for long-term survival.

The Stuff
There are certain things - like a full tank of gas, plenty of food and water, generators, and camping gear - that would certainly help. Also, the right outfit is crucial. Jeans, sneakers, a t-shirt and hoodie, plus a coat seem about right. One thing that is tough to decide: glasses or contacts? In the movies, there never seems to be anywhere to wash up, and you can’t put grubby fingers in your eyes. But then, glasses falling off leads to many character’s demise (see: Newman in Jurassic Park). I should probably just get Lasik.

But I don’t spend much time on these issues; the real business comes down to this: what I’ll have in my bag. Eventually, when things get desperate, you’re going to have to escape on foot. I know this because I watch a lot of movies. So if I’m ever on the run from zombies (or glaciers or the Fratellis), I’ll be needing a backpack with survival essentials:

Flashlight
Waterproof matches & a lighter
Knife
Rope
First aid kit
Snacks
Canteen
Extra clothes
Handy wipes/moist towellettes
GPS
Radio
Bandana
Dynamite

Natasha's Nerdy Adventures

What's an interest that Jon Stewart, Bill Clinton, and the Indigo Girls all share? Wordplay. If you haven't seen this movie yet, the folks at The Frisky Biscuit highly recommend it. Yes, a movie about cross word puzzles seems dull. But, this movie is surprisingly endearing, interesting, and laugh-out-loud funny. It centers around the annual crossword tournament in which a group of smarties compete to see who is the fastest and most accurate puzzler. Look out for the new hit song featured in the movie, 'If you don't come across, I'm going to be down'.

In other geeky adventure news, I'll traveling to Amsterdam next week. Coffeeshops, the Sex Museum, and the Red Light District aren't on the adgenda, though. This trip will be all about tulips, greenhouses, and cut flowers. I'll share updates in the next few weeks.

Ricky, Karl & Wes

In entertainment news, some of my favorites are at it again:

Season One of Ricky Gervais' Extras was released on DVD Tuesday. I'd seen a couple of episodes that my dad taped, but I can't wait to luxuriate in an Extras marathon. I'll watch that Ricky Gervais in anything, his laugh is irresitible.

If you've listened to the Ricky Gervais podcast, then you know good and well who Karl Pilkington is. He has his own book out, The World of Karl Pilkington. Some bits are transcripts from the podcasts, but it also has Karl's drawings - including his unique spellings. Can't be missed for the Ricky's baby vs. Steve's baby concept alone. And the cheeky sketch of Karl spying on his neighbor while doing dishes.

Wes Anderson is working on a new movie film called The Darjeeling Limited. How do I know this? There was a photo in a People magazine that was lying around at work. I can't find much info on it yet, but I'm sure it will be brilliant.

For entertaiment of a questionable quality: I've discovered the pleasure of singing the tune from Funny Face to your pets. Except substitute the words "funny face" with "fuzzy face". This variation could possibly be applied to stubbly faced boyfriends as well.

Team Gore

My last quarter at Auburn I had a class with this hippie kind of girl named Kathryn. She was really nice and bohemian stylish, and she was in my study group. Naturally that made me feel like one of the cool kids. She invited us to her apartment to work on a project, and there was a sign in her bathroom that changed my mind into thinking she was just a little too weird for me. The sign read, "If it's yellow then it's mellow if it's brown flush it down". I was having none of that.

Several days ago I noticed azaleas blooming. In January. So I figured it was time to check out the documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Now, I'd heard things, like it was shocking how bad the global warming had gotten. And that the film will change the way you think, and everyone needs to view it. After watching Al Gore with his slide show and evidence, and seeing photos of the decreased snow on Mount Kilimanjaro, and dear lord the polar bears...I am alarmed. I didn't expect to be so moved, that I need to urge everyone to watch An Inconvenient Truth. Plus the outrage at people denying this is a serious problem, and the worry, and the awareness that I need to change some things. I'm not venturing into bathroom signage like Kathryn, but I appreciate her good heart for being environmental even before Al Gore made it so clear.

Inventory

List of items purged during recent jewelry box cleanout:
-Bracelet with moon-shaped shell in center
-Gift card for out-of-business department store
-2 mood rings
-Assorted plastic bead necklaces
-Ear that Lady Buttercup removed from stuffed Alf doll
-Headband made of clear baubles and fishing line
-Pins apparently collected for freakish hat (moose, seahorse, bass fish)
-Necklace with huge metal butterfly
-Gold nugget pinkie ring

Carob Session

In a few weeks, Natasha is going on a business trip to Holland. A group of colleagues are going, so Natasha volunteered to email everyone's family and friends with photos and details of what they are doing each day. When she got the list of recipients, there was one thing that stood out enough to email me about it.

Natasha: I'm going to be emailing someone named Carob Session! There's an address on the list that says carobsession@---.com!

Ramona: Probably they meant Car Obsession. But whatever. From now on that dude is Carob Session.

Happy New Year

Hope you all had a lovely holiday. This Christmas was my favorite one yet. I spent it at Epcot and Disney with my parents and sister, and we stayed at the cozy, perfect Wilderness Lodge. Usually when the holidays are over I get a bit blue, so it's important to remember everything there is to look forward to. 2006 brought several changes and big adventures: vacations to Maine, D.C., and Florida, promotions at work, starting (and often ignoring) this blog, being an extra on a TV pilot. But best of all, I met Owen. Starting 2007 with this wonderful man makes me even more optimistic than ever. May 2007 bring you an abundance of happiness!