Things I’m Loving 7.10.2017

Things have been crazy lately and I haven’t been updating as much as I’d like… Side-note: How is it already July?!

To Watch: Rick & Morty & Mad Men

Rick & Morty

Alright, alright. It’s taken me literally years to get on the Rick & Morty train but I’m so glad to finally be aboard. The first time I watched a few episodes I was determinedly “meh” about the entire show, until my brother-in-law forced me to give the adventures of mad scientist Rick and his grandson another chance.

Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the show centers on the sci-fi adventures of Grandpa Rick and his teenage grandson Morty. Rick, a scientific genius, is often dragging Morty to different planets and galaxies while his daughter (Sarah Chalke) and her husband (the AMAZING Dr. Spaceman, oops I mean Chris Parnell) deal with many of the consequences of their space adventures back on Earth. The show is funny and really well written; my favorite episodes have to be their take on Inception (Lawnmower Dog) and the John Oliver guest starring Anatomy Park.  

The new season of the Adult Swim cartoon comes out later this month and you can watch the trailer here.

Mad Men

Oh Mad Men. With a ton of traveling over the past few months–along with the addition of Mad Men to Hungarian Netflix–rewatching one of my favorite shows of all time became an absolute necessity. I never thought watching the show back in Ladson, SC that I’d be rewatching episodes on trains through London or Amsterdam or on a flight to San Francisco, but here we are.

Mad Men follows the life of Ad Executive Don Draper from the 1940s-1970s (thankfully the show ended before bell-bottoms became a thing, so we were spared Don in 70s dress for the most part). Don, with his questionable history and ever-constant unfaithfulness, is the hero/anti-hero of the show. I love Don but my favorite characters are his first wife Bettie (the underrated and often vilified January Jones), his protege Peggy (the amazing Elisabeth Moss), and his drunken boss Sterling (the dapper John Slatterly).

I could write an entire piece on the unfair treatment shown to the cold Bettie Draper, often listed as one of TV’s worst mothers of all time, but also someone with one of the most fucked up childhoods and treatment as a woman during this time period. As the seasons progress, Don makes similar mistakes over and over, as does Sterling. The progression of Peggy from secretary (“the men who make these machines made them simple enough for a woman to use”) to Copy Chief is one of the most important story-lines of Mad Men. Not to mention her roller-skating in the final season is one of the greatest scenes of the show.

If you haven’t watched it, I’d definitely recommend (clearly, considering that I could apparently write an entire post just on the show). However, I skipped the last two episodes of the final season this time around, because, ugh.

To Play: Fight Songs: The Music of Team Fortress 2 

So incredibly nerdy, I know. Team Fortress 2 is probably my all time favorite game (turning 10 this year!) and I was so excited to see that they were publishing the ridiculous and yet amazing music from the game on a two disc vinyl set. The cartoon-y sequel to Team Fortress Classic (a game I played with my sister wayyyyy back in the day) is known for its fun maps and distinct characters. Chris and I have been listening to the soundtrack non-stop; a few of my favorites are Right Behind You, Rocket Jump Waltz, and Dapper Cadaver.

Bonus video: Meet the Spy which includes my all-time favorite quote: “Pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today.”

To Do: Gardening

I started a small garden bed this year and am so excited that things are actually growing! I have a few tomato plants, pepper plants, a zucchini plant, and a bunch of herbs. I’ve found that tomatoes grow almost horizontally here (like a bush) so it has been a little difficult making sure my pepper plants have enough room; right now I feel like they’re in a “back off me bro!” stage.

My goal was to make my own paprika. I’m not sure I’ll have enough peppers this summer, but I’m hoping that next year I can have a few of additional beds to accommodate more plants!

To Eat: Hot Cheetos with Lime

Oh man, so apparently Hot Cheetos with Lime have always been a thing, I just never knew of their existence until I visited California. Here in Hungary, we not only don’t have Hot Cheetos readily accessible, but even the regular cheetos (KETCHUP FLAVORED) don’t ever quench that Hot Cheeto hunger. I was able to bring a bag back with me; although when they forced me to check the carry-on bag containing this love of my life (thanks a lot Air Canada), I had a mini mental spazz attack. Thankfully they made the trip.

Related: 23 Symptoms of Being Addicted to Hot Cheetos.

Related: Cheeto that looks like Harambe sells for $100,000.

Watching: Better Call Saul Season 2