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Green living, playful parenting and the pursuit of happiness

Me Time and My TV Boyfriends

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Benedict_Cumberbatch_filming_Sherlock_cropped2

After nourishment, shelter and companionship,
stories are the thing we need most in the world.

― Philip Pullman

 

Let’s get those disclosures out of the way: I’m a member of the Netflix Stream Team. This is a sponsored post. I didn’t take this photo of Benedict. This guy did and I’m using under the permissions of Creative Commons.

If you follow me on Instagram or are friends with me on Facebook, you know I spend a lot of time at CrossFit Riverfront.

You know I work a lot and seem to have more tech issues than the average bear.

You see me with the kids— going places, doing stuff, having fun. Usually.

On Friday and Saturday nights though, I need some me time to retain my sanity. I detach fully from work. I try to slow my brain down and rest my body.

And yeah, I indulge a bit. Because most of what ails you can be fixed with a glass of wine, a bag of sour cream and onion chips and a good story.

Because frankly, if mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy.

I’m into comfort TV. Aren’t we all? I like to watch and rewatch (and rewatch again), just like I love to reread. It’s like cozying up in an old tshirt and well-worn sweats. It’s hanging out with old friends.

You catch lines and happenings you didn’t before, parallels and little bits of foreshadowing that didn’t seem like much until after the fact. And with my favorite kinds of shows, you catch ALL KINDS of stuff you didn’t on the first go around simply because there’s so much to catch.

My favorite ME TIME TV TIME shows:

  • Sherlock. ALL THREE SEASONS NOW AVAILABLE. If you haven’t watched them, please just stop reading now and click through.
  • Doctor Who. Particularly pleasing because there are a lot of seasons. I warn you against binging too much at one time though, because that exponentially intensifies the feels.
  • Breaking Bad. It’s awesome when a show totally lives up to the hype. Breaking Bad, Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston… treasures, every one.
  • LOST. Enough years have gone by that I’m prepared to relive life on the island even though I know how disappointing it’s ultimately going to be. (Did you know Michael Keaton was supposed to play Jack, and be killed in the first episode?)
  • Star Trek: The Next Generation. I took a class in college called Concepts of the Soul that mostly consisted of watching TNG episodes. As a result Data is my favorite, but I’ll always have a soft spot for Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
  • The X-Files. One of the hottest couples in TV history, in my opinion. Very similar to Doctor Who in that there’s a strong overall story arc, but individual episodes are good (often outstanding) taken on their own.
  • Mystery Science Theater 3000. I saw all of these a million times as a teenager. I blame this series for my inability to keep the snark down while watching shows and movies at home, which I’ve now passed down to my kids, making the watching of mediocre movies a fast-paced, interactive experience. (I’ve linked to Gamera because I feel if you have to watch just one, that’s the most important.)
  • House. My favorite grump of a man.

 

I really NEED Netflix to add Friends to streaming. I’d probably spend a whole weekend binging on that trip down memory lane.

Looking at that list, you might think I’m really into sci-fi, but if I’m being honest a lot of the reason this list exists goes like this: Sherlock Holmes, the 10th Doctor, Sawyer, Jean-Luc Picard, Fox Mulder, Joel, Dr Gregory House. My TV boyfriends: the characters, not the actors. I have a serious emotional bond with each of them.

Eventually you have to start watching new episodes of new-to-you series, so I’ve caved to peer pressure and started Orange is the New Black. Other contenders, based on my FB stream, include Scandal, House of Cards, Game of Thrones (not currently on streaming) and The Walking Dead (not gonna happen, I don’t do zombies).

 

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Now all you need is some sour cream and onion chips. For me, that means Herr’s and no substitutes. Not a chip person? I feel very badly for you, but this recipe for pizza popcorn might be up your alley. (Confession: I actually bought sour cream and onion seasoning from the bulk section of a local market to add to popcorn. Cass chose white cheddar seasoning. Don’t judge.)

Tell me your comfort shows, your TV boyfriends/girlfriends, and if applicable, the moment when Benedict Cumberbatch went from being an interesting actor to a panty-dropper of a heartthrob for you. I haven’t figured out my exact moment yet, but by golly I’ll keep watching these episodes of Sherlock until I do…

Add These to Your Netflix Queue to Help Spark A Love of Math, Science, Nature

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seagull

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

― Carl Sagan

 

I’ve been working with Netflix as a member of the Netflix Stream Team; this month the theme was Science Fair inspiration. But to tell the truth, I couldn’t get into the idea of talking about our Science Fair ordeal this year— I tried— I’d much rather keep it upbeat 🙂 Maybe I’ll tell that story once time has taken out some of the sting.

BUT I do love Netflix as a prodigious resource to foster an interest in not only science, but math and nature. There are TONS of shows, movies and documentaries on Netflix that will help inspire a child’s curiosity and desire to learn; here’s a few of our favorites.

 

netflix for science, math, nature

10 Netflix Picks
to Help Spark a Love of Math, Science and Nature

 

The Magic School Bus

There are four seasons of field trips with Ms. Frizzle and the kids on the magical bus. I love the way she teaches real lessons beyond the classroom.

Wild Kratts

This is one of Cass’s favorite shows. Zoologist brothers Martin and Chris Kratt and their crew (complete with strong female characters!!) teach all about animals, habitats and “creature powers.”

Microcosmos (Le peuple de l’herbe)

A French documentary in which microscopic cameras and special microphones offer an up-super-close, breathtaking look at the world of insects and other tiny creatures.

The Blue Planet: A Natural History of the Oceans

Narrated by David Attenborough. Beautiful underwater footage. One of my favorite series ever ever ever, but I am super partial to the deep sea bits.

Mythbusters

A favorite for family members of all ages, although some episodes might be a bit much for littler ones. (A great intro to the concept of developing a hypothesis and testing your theory.)

The Life of Birds

Another David Attenborough. Another fantastic visual feast, coupled with epic storytelling.

Ken Burns: The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

True story: my senior year history textbook said, and I quote, Roosevelt pined to save the national forests. Horrible pun aside, this Ken Burns series tells that story (of which my hero John Muir was a major figure).

Nature

Nature is one of TV’s greatest treasures. You really can’t go wrong here, but I’ll give a special shoutout to Animal Odd Couples and A Murder of Crows.

 

These two aren’t currently available on streaming— do the DVD or add to your queue for when they become available to stream:

Dirt! The Movie

It’s been a while since I’ve seen this one, but I remember being enthralled by the passion the people interviewed had for the soil under their feet, and their efforts to preserve it.

Between the Folds

All about modern origami, which is a lovely art and a fascinating application of mathematics.

 

Now if only Netflix would add old episodes of Bill Nye the Science Guy! My older kids saw most of these on VHS thanks to the local library, but we don’t have a VHS player anymore.

 

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What are your kids’ favorite science/math/nature related shows?

What other documentaries have you loved on Netflix?