Think about the time you spent day dreaming about that activity or job that you thought you really wanted. You maybe visualized what life would be like when you achieved those things. When you really got into the job, however, you discovered that it wasn’t what you visualized. Reality and fantasy are two different things.

“Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best,” and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn’t know what it was called. ~A.A. Milne

So sometimes the reality of eating the honey was OK, but it wasn’t as good as the idea of how the honey was going to taste. Some people do this with foods. Imagine the taste of some Cheetos chips. Think about the flavor, the crunchiness and feel the desire to be satisfied. However, after eating Cheetos, you may have a weird taste in your mouth, things are sticking to your teeth. And are you really satisfied? Most people aren’t, and yet here’s a bag of Cheetos. Maybe if you eat more, you’ll get the experience you thought you were going to get at the beginning. It’s not really there, it’s what you thought might be there. It’s what you hoped would be there.

Before we set our hearts too much on anything, let us examine how happy are those who already possess it. ~François Duc de La Rochefoucauld

However, there’s also a balance. Some things aren’t as bad as they seem to be. Sometimes the most disgusting job you ever thought you would do ends up being the most enjoyable and memorable. Some studies have shown that a janitor has one of the most satisfactory jobs out there. It may not be a dream job for most people, but then, what is your real dream? An office or the steady salary? Or where you hoping for a sense of accomplishment in a job well done? In this, you’d go home and feel good about the work you’ve done, knowing that somewhere out there, someone else may be helped or benefit from the work you’ve done that day.

My crown is called content, a crown that seldom kings enjoy. ~William Shakespeare

Think about what really makes you happy. Gardening costs little to nothing, and can make people very happy. Reading a book can cost nothing if you borrow books from the library. Sometimes to lower the cost of things you really want to do, you have to become more creative or network to get those items, but it can be done.

Most of the things we really like to do costs very little. Most of the things we don’t like or don’t really want costs a lot more. It’s value perception. I get a lot of value from reading a book that may have cost me nothing but a few minutes of my time to pick out from the library. However, I don’t particularly care for flying. I’m not afraid of it, but it’s not totally enjoyable to me. If the plane were a private jet and I was served cookies and milk instead of peanuts, would it make being up in the air more enjoyable? I don’t think I’d go out of my way to just get on a plane. I’d rather go in the back yard and garden.

Isn’t it cool when the days that are supposed to feel good, actually do? ~Jim Carrey

Yup. Everything will be in a container this year. Small ones. So if it can grow in a pot, I’ll be growing it. I’ve got everything from peppers to carrots to potatoes and maybe even some watermelon later.

And yes, there’s a kitty litter box in there. I was throwing these away! Now I’ll be using these to grow potatoes and tomatoes in. And more probably. I’m hoping to get some pepper plants outside soon.

These aren’t buckets. They’re just pretty clover growing in the yard. Real awesome. See a four leaf clover in there somewhere?

While I’m getting the website back up and running, I wanted to help Ray, (Praxxus55712 on YouTube) and participate in a seed giveaway. I have several seeds that I just can’t grow here or I’ve got so many that they’ll get too old before I get a chance to grow them. So my inability is your opportunity!

Don’t forget to visit Ray at his website at Voodoo Gardener.

With Ray and a few others, I’m offering a free giveaway of seeds and/or trade if you’d like. I know some of the others are growing ghost peppers and other types that I was interested in trading with. And if you’ve got seeds, just send them in the envelope along with your self addressed stamped envelope and I’ll send what I have.

You can also request your favorites. If I don’t have any by the time your envelope gets here, I’ll mail what I have.

I’m not completely together yet but there is another contest coming up soon. I am SO sorry about the past contests that got messed up due to technical errors on my part. I’ll try to make those up to whoever was participating.

So in the mean time, I’m trying to fix things up. I’m probably going to stop accepting requests for contests and reviews for a while. I think things have gotten a little out of hand as far as contests and requests for reviewed items that it hasn’t been as fun as it used to be. You all will still get honest reviews and I only pick and show things I really like. (I try to keep an upbeat and positive blog!) However now I’m just kind of… dunno. I guess I feel guilty when I don’t find the time to get around to posting reviews for things I liked and I’ll get backed up and meh.

So… goals for the upcoming weeks are to finish up the front page of this blog, find a decent theme for this blog and stick with it. And maybe get a photo post up about the new bucket garden. SOON! PROMISE

If you loved the cartoons like I did, this is pure icing on the cake. Especially for those who have often thought about fighting their favorite Cartoon Network villains. How are you going to stand up?

This game is suitable for ages ten and over, but older generations will recognize some of these true Cartoon Network heroes and villains.

Game play is smooth. Of course with any fighting game, my personal preference is to smash all the buttons and see what happens. That’s usually a random chance that I might actually win against the more adept younger generations who pick up on fighting sequences quickly.

Team play is the best feature of course. Playing in adventure mode or on one-off fights can lead to hours of competition. I think the best part are the phrases uttered by the characters. It cracks me up every time to hear Johnny Bravo say any of his familiar catch phrases.
Most people rave about this game not only because of the nostalgia that it brings to them, but the fact that they get to play as numerous of their favorite characters. It also helps to solving the question on what if a certain character fought a certain villain from a different cartoon.

The graphics are even nice on the Xbox 360 platform. Unlocking some characters allows for some surprise as to who you may get to fight next. It is actually fun as it helps in bringing on a challenge of figuring out unlocking secrets.

Sounds like a fun game? Well here’s your chance to win! We’re giving away one copy of Punch Time Explosion. To win one, leave a comment. We’ve set up Rafflecopter to give everyone a chance to win more opportunities, but if you don’t wish to use it, simply leaving a comment will enter you to win.

Want to be automatically entered to win in now and future contests? Subscribe to me via Twitter or friend me on Facebook.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I intend to try to keep the blog online as long as possible even if I have to use one of these very plain WordPress designs. Forgive the lack of color.

Also, some images failed to be imported. I won’t be able to get to those for a while. Sorry!

Although this may seem a game for younger kids, it’s actually a game that can be enjoyed by the entire family. If anything, this could bring nostalgia as to when you were a child who was excited for Christmas. Since it’s on the Nintendo Wii platform, there shouldn’t be a problem with the entire family playing along in completing the games so Santa can be on time for the night on Christmas Eve. The game is full of action and they have even tossed in a bit of dancing. No need to sit still with this game, it’s designed for you to get up and play.

The game offers 25 levels of play with missions that you can play in story mode. Story mode gives you the opportunity to play against other players. Price wise, this is an inexpensive game that can bring fun and holiday cheer to everyone. No matter what your budget is for Christmas, you should consider this game to help keep your family within the Christmas spirit. The graphics even look pretty good for a game within its price range. It does in a sense kind of remind you of the the movies. 

Most people really love the Santa Clause is Coming to Town game because of the fact that for a game that costs less than $20, it’s really enjoyable and also has great graphics. The most you can play is two players on the game; however, you always have the support of your family to help you in case you’re stuck on what to do next. Also, it’s fun to have that rush on helping Santa get prepared for the night of Christmas Eve. You’ll probably be more amazed that even your Grandparents will be into the game too as it does help bring on the Christmas spirit no matter what age you are.

Want to give this game a try? Sign up to win your own copy of Santa Claus is Coming to Town for the Wii. Follow the directions below to be part of the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We got Sing4 here and I have to tell you, I suck. I’m a terrible singer. However, there’s a little girl here who loves to sing.

Me: La la *offkey* blah la lalala.

Her: *lovely angels singing Ke$ha*

It’s kinda like that. Only more realistic and, you know, lots of music.

I think the problem I have is I don’t know the words to many of the songs. I know there’s the words there but some songs I haven’t heard of. But the kids know them so there you go.

In addition, there is a special Sing4 YouTube Contest that concludes January 31, 2012. One grand prize winner will be selected to perform as the Opening Act at the Songwriters Music Series: Chicago edition to benefit VH1 Save The Music Foundation in 2012 plus win $10,000 in cash & prizes. Contestants can choose from four featured Sing4 contest songs by Rihanna, Train, Carrie Underwood and Daughtry. After selecting one of the four songs, contestants will videotape themselves performing it, post their performance by logging on to www.youtube.com/sing4 and uploading their video. Famous YouTube artists are already getting involved. Videos will be judged on originality, talent and creativity.

Sing4 Contest Video Sharing

So to get the Sing4 party going, we’re giving away one copy of Sing4. You can use it to win the cash and prizes. And it’s for a good cause, so hey, if nothing else, do it for the music.

All you have to do to enter to win is to follow the steps below. A winner will be selected by next Monday, Dec. 12th, 2011.

So are you excited yet? Because I totally am. I can’t wait to see the videos. Some people have already started. So hurry up and post yours and get people watching.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Available Platforms: PS3 & XBOX 360
ASIN: B004YVOCV4
Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches ; 3.7 ounces
Media: Video Game
Release Date: November 15, 2011

This is my review of this awesome new video game. I have to say, it’s been a while since I’ve sat down to play anything this big in a while. Hopefully my experience transfers to those who may have been playing a lot of the newer games coming out.

First, I wanted to thank Ubisoft again for sending me the game to try out. Ever since I read Felicia Day’s comments about the game and saw the gameplay online, I have been very anxious to try this one.

For anyone in the game world, there’s a lot of great games that have been coming out, and among them a few really shine through on the promises made. Assassin’s Creed is one of those that was worth the wait of development.

Revelations has an incredible story that fits in with the other Assassin’s Creed story lines. You won’t need to play the other three in order to understand this game and the story line, though. (Not easy for someone like me who has to play games in order. My one terrible OCD trait.)

Graphics are, needless to say, expected to be awesome in the games created today, and this one doesn’t hold back. What I like is the use of color so everything is not in the same shade of brown, as in some games. This one was actually bright, and it made me happy.

The cut scenes showing the story progressions are pretty long, but they’re moving the story forward very well, so well worth watching. As a reader/writer, I guess I’m very interested in the story. So games with a good story are important to me.

And what I love best is that it wraps up all the other Assassin’s Creed games. All of them. I love stories, but I also love stories with endings. I want to know the conclusion. While there’s some open to interpretation elements at the end, so there’s some opening to a sequel, I still feel it was enough closure to be happy.

The Final Legendary Chapter – Experience the final chapter of Ezio?s epic adventure in story-driven gameplay.
Upgraded Arsenal Of Weapons And Enhanced Abilities

New! – The new hookblade boosts free-running, bombcrafting provides endless levels of gameplay customization and Superior Eagle Senses enhance game performance.

Award-winning Multiplayer Continues to Innovate – All new online characters, modes, and maps build upon an award-winning online multiplayer providing infinite replay value and competitive gameplay.

Added-Value Bonus Gameplay – New! – For the first time in franchise history, experience a game within a game, featuring hours of Animus-dedicated gameplay in an Assassin?s Creed spin-off.

If you haven’t purchased Assassin’s Creed: Revelations yet, you’ll probably be interested to know that on Tuesday, December 13th, 2011, Amazon.com will be having a Gold Box Sale for the game. Here’s the link to get Assassin’s Creed.

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.