my longest (& possibly dumbest) vlog to date.

A couple months ago some folks and I came together and said...

"You know what? LET'S VLOG."

So we did. And it was good. Real good.

So now we're back for more. And we sure hope that you'll join us. We're talking about BUCKET LISTS this time around. Mine is HUGE. I tried to narrow it down to a few and still, I broke the vlogging rules and went beyond four minutes. I went for eight. That's even after editing, gosh darnsies. Of course, the first min and thirty seconds is me rambling about nonsense that has nothing to do with bucket lists, but eh... it could serve as some good back-story in the future maybe. Also, my sister Shannon makes an appearance in this one! Nevermind how I sound like some stage mom asking her questions like she's four.

CHEERS. (this vlog is whack. If I had time to re-do it I probably would. Please don't hold my cheese against me.)



PS Can someone please give me advice on how to get rid of those AWFUL bags under my eyes? Good Lord. Why do I get those so badly? It's not cute. PSS Poor Kevin. Let's pray he never finds this or else it's done. Psh, Curling my hair?! For some dude at the gym. And then vlogging about it. Who am I......

Cheese.

Don't forget to show my co-hosts some love and check out all the other vlogs/yay:

{Becoming What I Always Was // Hope Squared // Life as a Young Mom //  The Way I Am // Thoughts By a Petite Brunette}

Then link up! Because you can and you want to! FUN!!!

today i'm celebrating my favorite bloggers.

Ah, so I've got a fat list of things I've been meaning to write about, but since I'm a procrastinator through and through in EVERYTHING I DO, I'm putting off the list to participate in a link up today. And not just any ordinary link up... a pretty neat one, maybe you can join too... It looks like this one is open for a week. So how about it, eh?

After blogging for only a very short six months, I am smitten and amazed by the the people I have connected with. It's unreal... no pun intended (wink winksss). SERIOUSLY CRAY that after such a short amount of time, I wake up every morning feeling like I have a brand new circle of best friends, all of whom I've never met IRL. Best friends who are funny, clever, supportive, creative, inspirational, and as Alexandra Rosas might put it... just "fun-lovin'".

This post is an homage to them. To the human beings who keep me glued to my computer when I should probably be outside ice-blocking at the park. Then again, who needs Vitamin D when you've got friendships as golden as these....

I mean really.

My ultimate dream: that we'll ALL one day have a GIANT PICNIC.

With our laptops.

Just kidding.

No laptops. Just us and all our greatness. (+some vino & cheese)

But then later on our lap tops.

So we can blog about it all. #duh #youknow

This post is for a great few of my favorite bloggy friends.

Side note: There are so (SO) many bloggers in which I wanted to include in here. Seriously. I struggled to keep it at any sort of minimum, and still, I know that I fall short of mentioning so many. These are just the ladies (and one husband) who I have followed and kept up with on a daily basis since I first started this whole thing. Please, if I left you out... I'm sorry! I love you, and no doubt there will be a time and place SOMEWHERE where it is publicly expressed. This I promise!!

Let's get it started shall we....

(the link up asks)

Do you have any real life blog friends?

Ok before I even answer this one, I just have to say that when I first read this question (at 3 a.m.), I read it as "Do you have any real life friends?" to which I immediately thought, "I'm not sure about this link up... first question and they are already implying that I'm a loser with no friends? Hmm.. maybe they're just being cute and funny with this one? Or ballsy? Or honest? I mean..I have real life friends, sure. It just doesn't appear that way as of lately. I mean sisters count, right? All my real life friends live far away. I don't know about this question.. I don't think I like it. Wait a minute. Ohhh... it says do you have any real life BLOG friends. AHAHAH ! OK!!!"

food fashion and fun finds

The answer is yes. I have one BLOG friend in real life. Her name is Alisia and she is a darling. We worked together for a short time in Orange County at the fabulously fresh Seasons 52. Have you guys ever heard of that place? Pretty awesome. Sometimes miss it. Always miss the wonderful people I worked with, which included this young lady, who I'm so happy to have kept in touch with after we both split ways with said establishment. She just recently got married and moved to downtown LA, where I hope to meet her for some sushi again before I leave for the big apple. Word up, Alisia!

And by the way , I have 298374837 real life friends (in case you're wondering. and by 2983749837 I mean 581 friends on Facebook.) 

Which blogger are you just dying to meet?

becoming what i always was

Well, this one is a no brainer. Although, I would like to meet basically every single person in this post along with all my loyal and supportive readers (YOU), there is one gal in particular that I'm dreaming of someday having sleep overs and tea parties with. And that would be: Miki! But nevermind the sleep overs and the tea parties. More like bank heists and jail time. Homegirl said something about us being twins that were separated at birth in hell... I know, it sounds whack (I, for one, have no idea what the hell she's talking about)....but I think she's on to something! The pair of us would definitely get into a lot of trouble while snacking on mass amounts of candy and making every single person laugh along the way.

No, but really. This girl is really funny. And smart. And an old soul. And she has freckles and bangs. So duh I love her! Pretty crazy to think that six months ago I stumbled upon her blog via Twitter. And now we're getting married. It's official. She DMed me her phone numba last night. If you know her, you're probably thinking, "but Punky, she's already married." And you're right. She is. But I'm pretty sure she also lives in the state of Utah. Which probably means she's mormon. Even if she says she's not. And well, you know how the mormons do. (Ok. So technically she would have to be a dude, and her husband Jared would have to be a chick for that point to be valid. So that I would become wife numero dos. I know. I'm confusing. And not funny. Whatever.)

Which blogger's closet do you want to raid?

These three. Definitely. Not only do these ladies have stylezzz that are note-worthy, but they are just absolutely beautiful. Each of them have this sort of glow (yes on the internet.. and IRL, I'm certain) that I absolutely admire. To me, these women define what it means to be beautiful. Cause to me, beauty is CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY, and KINDNESS.

I love you Alex, Rebekka, and Gentri! I pray for the day when I may have the opportunity to meet you.

And steal, I mean, borrow all your clothes.

she signed in red lipstick

she is red

gentri lee

You are stuck on an island, which blogger would you want to help you survive?

Oh, these two. For sure.

meg in progress

the alison show

Meg's love for food would ensure that we don't starve to death, and Alison's DIY attitude would promise survival in the craftiest of ways. Also, they are both hilarious women and would help the time fly pretty quickly before Jack and Sawyer's plane came a-crashin'. 

And just so you're aware exactly how COOL these ladies are, you should watch this. Alison is pretty much my vlogging hero. And now she's about to become yours too.

The first blogger you remember meeting and connecting with?

lemons avocados and the bay

Six months ago I sent Tammy a request to be my friend. And not on Facebook. It was via e-mail. I found her+her blog through Twitter and just really connected to her easy-going personality and her Southern Californian lifestyle... I'm a socal baby myself so the connection there was easy. And I really wanted to be her friend!! So like a little kid on the playground I asked, "Can I be your friend?" She said yes :) & the rest is history. Since then, Tammy has not only been a sweet pal, but a wise mentor. She definitely has this blogging business down and has been a complete God send in any and all advice I've needed. Tammy, I love you. You're the bestest. Let's go see Book of Mormom and bring a box (or five) of fruit by the foot in with us. 

Any blogger that you admire and look up to?

Oh gosh. So very many. And as time goes on, this list continues to get more colorful and intense. For right now though, I think I will go with the ones I first started reading that inspired me to start my own blog.

nat the fat rat

First up: Nat. Surely you've heard of this brilliant being before. I can't say I've had much social media exchange with her, as she's what I like to call "a big kid" in this blogging world, but sometimes I feel like I know her the best out of everyone I follow. There's just something very magical about the way she lets her readers into her world while simultaneously allowing each and every one of us to feel valued and appreciated for being a part of it all. I wanna know how to do that. Not to mention the fact that she's so darn pretty and so is her writing. I really freaking hope for the day that I may run into her in NY. I might just beg her and Huck to let me tag along on their cookie quest or swing swingin' adventures. Natalie, if you should by the grace of goodness read this, I would like to plan an accidental run-in with you. That's all I want for Christmas really, thanks.

a blog about love

Then there's Danny & Mara. Oh, wow. These two. So ok. This is what happened. Before I even started my blog and before I even read any, I was trying to figure out what a blog even was. And once I got that part sort of figured out (barely), I started browsing the net for specific blogs to give me a better idea. At some point, I typed into my google search: a blog about love. And what do you know? Danny and Mara's blog titled, A Blog About Love popped up and then filled my screen. I read one post and then started from the very beginning and read EVERY SINGLE post that followed after it. These two have quite the story to tell, and boy do they tell it. With such beauty and such abandonment. My experiences do not compare, and I am probably nowhere near as wise as they are, but.. I do believe that my purpose in this blogging world is very similar to theirs, in that, I want to share the love. I want to encourage and inspire and offer up everything I've learned in my life so far. I want to make a difference in other's lives, however big or small that difference may be. Thank you Danny and Mara for inspiring me. For restoring my faith that true love does exist: that it doesn't always mean fireworks and a never-ending honeymoon: that it starts with self-love and prospers with RESPECT and finding someone who holds the same values as you. And that the practice of hard work and patience and compassion is necessary and indefinite in all the we do. Thank you for touching my heart in ways that obviously... I'll never be able to stop talking about!

donuts dresses and dirt

This lady, Sheri. Who has shown me the kind of support that has really made me feel special and loved and gifted in so many ways. Believing in yourself is important and it's really all you've got at the end of the day, but man it helps a lot to have a cheerleader or two every now and then. Well, Sheri is mine :) And that's without the fact, that I love her swagger-filled blog and also feel like she is the kind of woman, who I could hang out with, even if she's a little bit older than me... not by much tho :) 

As a blogger she inspires me because she really does give back and show love to everyone she encounters. I mean truly. You guys should all follow her on Twitter. You'll be amazed by HOW MUCH goodness she shares, and also you'll be amazed by the THE GOODNESS SHE SHARES. 

Sheri, you inspire me to keep at doing what I love. And to keep recognizing and sharing the work of others CONSTANTLY as I move along. Thank you for all of this. 

good day regular people

And then we have Alexandra. 

Who I stumbled upon about five months ago while I was doing some research about the great big Blogher conference. I happened upon a collection of THE VOICE OF THE YEAR videos... which is an incredible event that takes place at said conference, and in those videos, was Alexandra's piece. I shared it already on my blog before, but since I only had about five readers at that point in time, I must share the goodness with you again here today. I've watched this at least ten times. There are no words for how wonderful I think this woman is. And how blessed I am to call her a reader! She reads and she writes to me and she promises hugs this summer at Blogher 2012. And I'm just a happy girl for all of these facts. 

Who is the craziest or funniest blogger?

In no particular order:

greetings from texas

mish lovin' life

hope squared

There is a reality TV show for bloggers, who do you want to be cast with?

These two hooligans. We would have our own show called YES, WE THINK WE CAN DANCE or BAND OF BLOGGERS... where we basically make our own gangster music and then dance to it. 

It could work. I mean just check out these stills. These moves are SICK. (Tho not as good as Alison's if you watched the video above... Alison, will you be in our dance crew please?)

www dot COOL dot net

artsocial

nobody puts sarah in the corner

Favorite blog design?

secondhand sundays

Again. There are so many. How do you choose? Or how do you not choose and include all of them... when you make choices like I do to incorporate photos of each blogger with their names labeled? So much fun, but I have to go to work. So I'm going to only share 1 blogger who I actually just met via Twitter recently. I really like her.. and I hope she likes me too. But what I really reallllly like, is her blog design. It's pretty bangin'. Good job, Bekuh/can't wait to "hang" wit you some more. 

There's also Bethany who basically fits into all these categories. You can read all about her here. (Love you Bethany... thinking of you and wishing you well in Kuwait always! #glamgang )

And that's it! Like I said. So many other amazing friends I'm made in all of this (especially in the last couple months... you know who you are!), not a single one that deserves to be missed or not mentioned, please know this and that I love you all!!!!!! And I hope you'll join this link up as I think it's a really good one :)

I don't even know or follow the hosts of it... isn't that terrible?? Or maybe great. Because now I shall know them! Thank you Britt and Jessica!

what's in yo closet yo?

Hey dudes. So, today's the big day. Today you get to meet MY CLOSET thanks to a link up some kidzzz and myself organized to showcase a few of our belongings. It wasn't limited to just articles of clothing, but for my presentation here, I decided to go with just that. Please bear with my vlogging skills as they are still blooming (ever-so slowly) as well as the quality of the vid--my dang mac fan has a loud mouth. Also, bear with the fact that I am ridiculous... and that my fashion sense is confusing. What can I say.. I like random shit. Finally, if you're interested, this particular vlog comes with a fun drinking game. It's called: have a drink every time Punky says the word "cool." Warning: hangover most likely to follow. Cheers!


My partners in hoarding: Miki, Emily, Justyn, and Jazmine. AND KJERSTIN who I didn't mention in the vid... sorry Kjerstin. ahhhh! Fail. (love you) (I was drunk when I was recording that whole thing and forgot.) (Just kidding. I wasn't drunk.) (I was just scared to pronounce your name wrong. True story.) (please don't hate meeee!) Check dem beezys out + everyone else and then link up yourself, yo's! It'll be open all week! 

Friday's Lettahzzzz

Happy Friday everyone. I hope you have something epic and sweet planned for the weekend... for your moms. I'm still trying to figure out my plan of attack. It's going to have to be clever since I work in the restaurant industry and don't get the luxury of having holidays off EVER. Sorry Mom, for like the 28347th time. I'm working in clever ways to show you how much I love you. If only Mother's Day wasn't the only day of the year we get the official opportunity to do that.

Anywho. I have so many things lined up to post about, but tonight I'm takin' a break from the essays and participating in a link up! It's a rare thing, I know, but since I'm in the process of trying to host link ups of my own, it only seems right that I support the link ups of others. Especially of bloggers I heart and adores! Like the lovely Ms. Ashley.

Without any further ado: Friday's Letters.

Dear 2012. You are one speedy mofo. I can't believe it's already May. And Wow. In less than three months I will be relocating to the other side of the country. Every time I forget, I have that nifty little counter on the right over there to remind slash SCARE THE CRAP out of me. It's all happening. So fast.

Dear Readers. You continue to overwhelm me with your sweet words and your genuine support. My faith in myself and my writing abilities has heightened to new levels and I have all of you to thank for that. I'll never stop expressing my gratitude. Really. Never. You all empower me !!!

Dear Neil Patrick Harris. I just love you. I'm currently making my way through the second season of How I Met Your Mother, and you just make me smile nonstop. Such a talent. And kind of a heart throb? Are you sure you're gay in real life? My birthday is on July 24th. Maybe on that day you can play Barney at my birthday party, or give your sexual identity a second thought.. just for my case/just for like an hour. Really, I just want to make out with you. Or high five you really hard. I'll take the latter if that's all I can get. You're just awesome. The end.

Dear Punky's AFI Film Club Members. Hola! You guys all set to watch One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest this weekend?? FYI you can stream it on Netflix ! I can't wait to hear what you all think about the film. To anyone reading, join! I will be posting my own thoughts/review on Monday for you all to comment on/link up! YAY movies!

Dear film titled Tiny Furniture. I've been hearing so many great things about you. I think I will most def watch you this weekend as well. Any of you guys seen it? It's the same writer responsible for the new HBO series Girls. Any of you guys seen that show? #iwishihadHBO

Dear Book of Mormon. You are an AWESOME musical. Thank you Tammy for the divine introduction. SEEING IT live on Broadway this summer. Weee!

Dear Marina & the Diamonds. I am so excited to purchase and listen to your new album so soon so soon. Prolly tomorrow because this little gal can.NOT.wait.

Dear homemade baked pies at work. I don't like the way you stare at me. Cut it out. Especially you, chocolate fudge brownie pie. Damn, you looked especially good tonight. I guess technically I was doing all the staring. Allow me to rephrase: I don't like the way you look so scrumptious. Seriously. Cut it out.

Dear me. Congrats on not eating any pie tonight. Way to stay strong until you got off work and hit up Ralph's for some Cheez-its and some life saver gummies. Wah, wah. At least the cheez-its were reduced fat?

Dear gym. You know what this means. I'll be seeing you tomorrow morning no doubt.

Dear Ashley. I just wanted to say that. ( #theamandashow ) But since I'm here, I love your new hair. And your new get fit series are fantab. ------> Ashley is one fly chick, yall. If you aren't stalking her blog already, you should add it to your daily planner. Like now.

K. That's all.

LOVE/SIGN,
PUNKY J 

FILM CLUB: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

{ source }

YAY, here we go. 

First mini film review for Punky's AFI Film Club! (These will be posted by 6 a.m. every Monday morning...had a late start today because there was drama last night at work and this morning I was greeted by menstruation/the joy of cramps... you know how that goes.. LADIES) ANYWHO---

As a film lover myself, I am so PUMPED to be paying the classics attention/tribute and I am further thrilled that so many of you are joining me in the process :)

The first film drawn was John Huston's The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, starring Humphrey Bogart (lovvveee), Walter Huston & Tim Holt.

Obviously, if you guys watched my silly v-log, you saw how clueless/uncertain I was about this film when I pulled it outta of my fishy bowl. I was totally like, huh? Really, this is the first one?? Am I really sure about this whole AFI Film List thing? I could just say F it, and resume to my episodes of How I Met Your Mother or just put on the 'ol Life Aquatic---Nothing wrong with those choices of entertainment. After all, they're in COLOR.

Ha. I will be the first to admit that, although, I have a lot of respect for the foreign films, for the documentaries, for the old classics... it takes a significant amount of patience to sit down and actually commit myself to these genres. Not only do you have to really be in the mood for it, you have to really talk yourself into being in the mood for it. And I don't know why that is, STILL, when nine out of ten times, I finish such films and find myself saying Wow, that was really good. I'm so glad I watched that.

Well, that's exactly what happened here, boys and girls. I enjoyed Sierra Madre through and through. Not only was it really funny at parts, (totally LOLed several times), but it had a lot to say about the human condition and how money and wealth can control us in ways that are simply just E-VIL. Though the ending was very frustrating, I love the lesson that was unfolded--the harsh reality that so many things in life come and go (money especially), and that it's crucial to hold on and put value on the things that actually matter--you're own self-worth, your own sanity, and your loved ones. 

Such a beautiful message. I nearly started crying when Howard was reading the letter from Cody's wife. Doesn't that letter just say it all?? 

This was a good film. Really really. And Humphrey Bogart, wow, still such a hot hot man even when he's all gross and covered in filth. Oh, and crazy.

Fun fact: Have you guys seen There Will Be Blood? Did you know that the director of that film,  Paul Thomas Anderson, drew much of his inspiration from Sierra Madre? Totally makes sense, right? So many parallels. 

Also, my sis watched this one with me and when it was over said it totally reminded her of that one episode of the Twilight Zone with the guys who stole all those bricks of gold and then went to sleep for like a hundred years or so (purposely) so that they could live without having to run away from their crime. Do you guys know which episode I'm talking about? I'm pretty sure I've seen it a long time ago, but would definitely like to see it again now. 

Anyway yay. Here's how this will work. If you saw this film too and have something to say about it, post up (or comment below, whatevs you'd like!) Keep it simple, maybe three points about the film.

Possible prompts (ew--prompts, I shouldn't use that word. Reminds me of college...gross.) Possible questions to answer:

What did you like about this film?

What didn't you like about it?

Who was your favorite character?

Your favorite part?

What lessons did you take from this film?

Did this film remind you of any other films (classic or modern)?

Would you recommend this film to others?

Then at the very end of course, if you could slap on our club button, that would be RAD.

<center> <a href="http://www.punkyandthecity.com/p/film-club.html"><img border="0" src="http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i108/passthebrie/punkyfilmclubbutton.jpg "/></a></center>

Really trying to get the word out about our little club here---it's hard when my readership is still small, and when I KNOW that there's probably many JUST LIKE ME thinking, "ugh... classic films...? That just sounds like a chore." But it's not, people! These films have a level of charm all on their own that don't even compare to films that are being made now. Maybe force your brother or sister or husband to watch it with you, or dare I say, your parents?? Chances are your parents have seen some of these and would be stoked to watch them again with you. I know I'll be watching many of these with my Dad. He's a huge fan of the old-timers. 

JOIN IN THE ON THE FUN!!!!

This week we're watching M*A*S*H (1970)

Get yourself a copy and join in on next week's discussion.

PUNKY'S AFI FILM CLUB.

(WHAT WHAT!!!!)

Punky's AFI Film Club is Now a Weekly Link-up!

Yay! This is my very first attempt at establishing my own blog link-up. And you know what would be nice? Success. 

And so I need your help, friends ! For one, if you'd like to join, JOIN! Go to the main CLUB PAGE and read all the deets. Please keep in mind that becoming a member doesn't mean you have to participate in every weekly link-up. I just think it to be neat to have a members list going so that everyone else can see who else is involved/interested and maybe even click onto each other's blogs. COMMUNITY BUILDING PEOPLE. THAT'S WHAT WE DO HERE. That and watch movies. And eat jelly beans. And blog about ALL OF IT.

For two, spread the news! Tell your bloggy friends. Maybe you don't care to get down with films made before 1990, but you have friends that might? It would mean a lot to me if you could suggest this little shindig to others who may be interested. In any way you can.. whether it's a tweet or on fbook. Or whatever. I'm asking for your help, as my readership is still growing and I don't have the channels in which to reach a lot of people all at once. 

For those who are already members. Thank you for your patience as I've been working hard to get all of this established and figured out!!!! We will officially have our first link up for Treasure of the Sierra Madre on Monday April 23rd. You can't wait!!! And neither can I :) 

Also, I made some buttons so if you wanna slap one on your blog, go for it! You can find the code for it on the main page. Stay tuned for give-aways as well!!! I will be giving away some cool films and film related things to members :) YUP YUP

HURRAH FOR FILM CLUBS!

friday's letters

Dear Readers. 

Wow, thanks for hangin' with that last post. It was gnar, I know. And we totally need some comic relief up in here. Like whoah. How about some of this:

Dear Members of my AFI Film Club.

I have a confession to make. I JUST signed up for netflix tonight. Which means... I may not get our first movie in on time. Which means that the first recap discussion that is scheduled to happen on Monday may get pushed to either Tues. or Wed. Eee. Please don't be mad at me. Please do continue to spread the word. The more members, the merrier!

Dear Pen That Exploded in My Server Apron and Then Stained ALL of the Clothes I Washed You With.

Curses on You. You didn't just ruin my favorite brown cardigan + about nine other articles of clothing or anything. I hate you. A lot.

Dear Sister.

I love you. A lot. Can you please stop being mad at me already so we can on a run tomorrow and bump Marvin Gaye in the car to and from? 

Dear Mad Men Fans Everywhere.

Settle the F down. Please.

Dear Young Man Who Tipped Me Generously Well Tonight.

Good form, son. And thanks. Also, was that your sister or your girlfriend you were with? Just curious.

Dear Kendal and Christina.

You gals are what true friends look like. Thanks for being in my life. Lets do this again soon:

(Maybe a little less wine next time for me. How come I always forget/ignore what a light weight I am??)

Dear Jelly Beans.

I miss you.

Dear Gluten.

I miss you too.

Dear THE VOICE.

Obsessed.with.you.

Dear Blake Shelton.

Lust you.

Dear New York.

I can't wait for you.

Dear God.

Please give me work in New York.

Dear Readers Part Deux.

Do you know of any work in New York? I can sing all of the states in alphabetical order and in perfect harmony. I'm also very punctual. And I bring bagels to work.

Dear Readers Part Trois.

I love you. Do you know that? Seriously, thank you so much for the incredible support you have shown me. That last post was really the most vulnerable piece of writing I have ever put out into the world. I feel totally naked still. And completely liberated. Thank you for the messages, the e-mails, the hugs, the tweets, the everything. It means the world to me.

Dear Blog.

Wanna go to Vegas and get married? Let's just do it. I wanna spend forever with you. Also, I wanna go to Vegas.

Dear Bed

Time for you.