#NerdsUnite: Nerdy Neutrons (Cats vs. Dogs)

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @ashleighmayes and @saintpepsi

@saintpepsi
That's right you crazy kids the Nerdy Neutrons are back. Been too long and I know you all have been jonesing for a fix. So this time we launch into Cats VS Dogs. See I know Ashley has a puppy that she adores. Well We have Frank the coolest cat sense people started using the phrase cool cat. So I'll start on why I am so much more a cat person than a Dog person. Starting with Dogs bark! I know it's a sign of warning and they are trying to protect their owners... Blah Blah Blah! Cat's don't bark and meowing is cute. I feel like I end up telling a dog to shut up way more often than I ever would a cat. When I come home to Frank it's a nuzzle and with his super soft long fur it's the most amazing feeling in the world. You just surrender to his desire to be petted. When I come home to my Roommates Girlfriends DOG! BARK! BARK! BARK! Before I ever even enter the house. No matter how long we have known each other. That dog will bark at anyone even its owners before they see it. It’s a mind numbing awful loud noise. Ashleigh your dog’s defense.

@ashleighmayes
My dog's defense? Easy one, Jordan! Otis is amazing. Simply put. Otis might bark, but I feel a MILLION times safer living alone with a dog, who can warn me when something's up outside in my ghetto neighborhood! On top of that, dogs are awesome because they wait for you to come home. They think about you all day. You're their one and only. With a cat it's like "Oh hey! There's my can opener. Now do your job!" Not only that, but my kitten is ALWAYS breaking things. She's ALWAYS trying to get to my bird. You may say it's instinct, but in that case, my dog should be trying to hurt cats, right? Nope! Otis is gentle and would NEVER chase a cat!

@saintpepsi
You want protection. Frank is all about protection. He left a dead baby bunny on my doorstep the other day when I was bringing a date home. You can imagine her assumed feeling of safety knowing we had a ferocious killer who guarded our house from cute woodland creatures. Actually, that girl didn't see it that way at all. That date didn't end so well. No girl wants to kiss a guy, that just handled an adorable dead bunny... Pretty sure that happened on Easter Sunday too. Also he killed the stray cat that lives on our block, as there was fur all over the road and frank looked like he had bathed in blood just sleeping all cute like near the fireplace. I just don't think I'd feel as safe with a dog. Not when we have a Ninja Death Machine. He makes a fantastic purring keyboard rest, a lap warmer, kitty paw alarm clock, and most importantly Frank doesn't smell like a wet dog. Just saying. Ok, not my most convincing paragraph.

@ashleighmayes
Well it's funny you mention smells....my dog knows how to go outside. Have you ever got a whiff of a full litterbox?? I have cats and love 'em, but why can't they use the toilet or clean their own box?? Cat litter is expensive for the good stuff and the cheap kind is terrible!! My Otis just needs a good tree or patch of grass!

@saintpepsi
My cat does a decent amount of his business outside. I will agree with you that a cat box and the not so subtle smell of ammonia is nothing good to walk past. Aside from the cuteness of cats. I gotta say I feel like you kicked my ass in this one. I suppose this is why dogs are man's best friend and cats are small assumed gods. I won't be changing my tiger stripes to a spot over one eye and a wagging tale just yet but I concede this battle to you dearest Ashleigh. Your dog seems to fall in the realm of a pretty powerful companion. Still I think you'll have to meet Frank, before making your final assessment. Until then I give this battle to you. All hail Ashleigh the canine capitalizer. Man, I really thought I had this one in the bag and you threw my bag in the river.

@ashleighmayes
I see where you're coming from. To argue against myself, cats are far less needy than dogs. When I leave, my Otis barks and barks and barks. My neighbors have complained before! With my cats, I'm just a can opener! This is a bad thing AND a good thing! They don't care if I leave!! But they greet me just as my dog does when I get home. In this instance, I think we can agree to disagree and call it a tie. There's a reason that man domesticated each, and to each their own. Good battle, my friend. Good battle.

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Ashleigh on twitter ... and don't miss her blog over yonder!

And click here to follow Jordan on the twittah!

#NerdsUnite: I finally felt ... protected

God, I can't STOP writing about Antonio and everything that went down. (click here to read what happened this weekend and the follow up phone call after we decided to romantically call it quits.) He's SUCH a motivating influence in my life. 

My heart is doing a lot better today as my head has finally cleared up and I can view the situation in a more logical manner. The conversation initially hurt just because it came as a complete shock to my system. It's the second time in my life actually that I had been in love and then had to instantly wake up. (See the mentalist here.) I don't EVER want to put those two in the same category, but it was the energy from the mentalist that launched this brand, and I can only imagine what this new energetic release from Antonio will provide back into the brand. 

When I woke up this morning, I kept thinking about what it was about Antonio that made me so attracted to him. There's the obvious, he's incredibly attractive, and super intelligent - but there was something more than that as well. It was this thing he had in his eyes. This sparkle ... this comfort ... this ... protection. I'm totally tearing up right now about that. It's genuinely not easy being a people magnet. People have told me my ENTIRE life that they've just felt "drawn" to me. Sure, it's WONDERFUL that I can launch a brand, and keep people interested in what I'm doing ... but on a human to human level, I'm scared SHITLESS for my safety sometimes.

In the last year alone not only was I hit in the head with the brick, but I was also drugged at a bar. That's not even counting the fact that I was stalked as a teen, assaulted as an adolescent, confronted both two dudes trying to break into our condo, and a guy that tried to carjack me when I was 21. (That is all literally from just the top of my head, btw.) 

I've obviously created now this medium to be able to share all of my feelings when these events happen to me - but at the bottom line emotional core, it's still scary as FUCK being a people magnet. I'm always always always on guard. 

It wasn't until I was with Antonio though that I ever legitimately felt safe. There was NO doubt in my mind that if anyone came after me, not only would he beat them to a bloody pulp, but he'd make sure I was first and foremost okay. That level of safety I haven't felt in ... wow, I can't even tell you how long. It made me so happy!! Even my mom said today on the phone that being with Antonio was the happiest she's heard me be in a very long time if not EVER!!! 

I appreciate how strong you all credit me as being, but it's just a defense mechanism; I'm only strong because I've built up the muscle from all of these extreme life experiences. 

There is something to that that I need to explore more. It's not a physical thing -as is I know how to throw a punch, take a punch, fire a gun, and wield a knife - it's the emotional element and the little kid in me that still wants to just be taken care of. I finally found this guy that not only stimulated me EXTREMELY on an intellectual level, but that made me feel so safe on a visceral level. The dude was ALWAYS a few steps ahead of me on EVERYTHING. He thinks of absolutely absolutely absolutely everything. I still want that in my life as a quality in a mate. 

I'm excited to have lunch with him this week and go over some things, but also (if I can find a way tactfully to do this) I want to ask him where there are other "Antonios." I genuinely don't even think he owns a personal computer, but obvi these guys aren't online. He was a PERFECT gentleman in every manner possible, and genuinely everything I've been looking for in a guy. Like energy always attracts so where there is one ... hhhmmmmmmmmmm

#namaste

#NerdsUnite: The Ramblings of a Raconteuse (Oh, the horror, the HORROR!)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Helenna. We met on twitter not too long ao, and she's totes mcgotes one rad chiquita banana with a flare for all things flair! That's right, Helenna here is what we call an artsy fartsy nerd. She's a poet, into all things dramatic arts, and she's going to come on board to write each week about her love of said drama. Well not like actual drama drama, like some cat fight shit - but you get the idea. I only have one thing left to say ... HIT IT HELENNA!!! </editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @Helslevy

I’ve been under the weather this past week and have been getting caught up on a lot of movies that I’ve been meaning to watch lately.  As I type this, I’m downloading a flick from iTunes that I’d never heard of before, but could be potentially awesome called “Playback” with Christian Slater. And yes, it is in the horror genre.

I’m not sure why I’ve always loved this genre. It must have something to do with the fact that the first movie I remember watching was “Firestarter” with Drew Barrymore, which happened to be on TV the other day and is nowhere near as good as my childhood brain remembered.

Over the years I’ve seen a zillion horror flicks.  I often joke that I’m so not a girlie girl when it comes to movies.  I’d much rather watch a nail biting zombie flick, creepy sci-fi, or action packed CIA espionage type stuff over a romantic comedy.  Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and a place for all of it, and I certainly enjoy a great laugh out loud comedy or a tear jerker romance, but they usually wouldn’t be my number one choice.

So, I thought I’d share some of my favorite scary flicks with you all in case you are looking for something to pass the time…

In no particular order:

#1) Halloween (the original)

This is my all-time favorite horror flick.  Not really sure why since I’m not big into the slasher side of horror, but I just love this film!

#2) Poltergeist 3

There is something incredibly creepy about mirrors, and this film is fantastic at using them…I don’t want to give too much away, but this movie is my favorite in the trilogy.

#3) Cabin Fever

Cabin in the woods. Creepy stuff happens. ‘Nough said.

#4) Silent House

I just saw this movie a few days ago, and it is by far my favorite scary flick of 2012!  Elizabeth Olsen is incredible in it.

#5) The Thing 

I love the original, and I love the remake.  I say, watch them back to back.

#6) Nightmare on Elm Street, 1984 

This movie is just made of 80s awesomeness.  There are a couple of scenes in this film that will be embedded in my brain forever.

#7) The Horde 

This is French zombie film that my husband and I started to watch as a joke because the beginning seemed so crappy, but then it turned into a freaking amazing zombie film!

#8) 28 Days Later

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE.

#9) Dawn of the Dead, 2004 

I love all of Romero’s zombie films and could have listed all of them here, but if you were to only watch one, I’d say make it this one.

#10) Resident Evil 

Seeing a theme here….?  I do love a good zombie flick, and this is one of the best.

and bonus: #11) Ponty Pool

Ponty Pool has probably the most interesting take on the zombie genre.  It’s a purposely slow moving film, but it is SO worth it.  Absolutely brilliant!

I have probably 100 more movies I could have listed like REC, The Shining, Paranormal Activity, The Ring…but if you’re new to the genre, this is definitely a good list to start with!

Happy horror watching!

Until next time,

from “Zombie Helenna” on a bike…

#xoxo hels

tweet me at: @helslevy

browse me at: helennasantoslevy.com

email me at: contacthelenna@gmail.com

#RealDeal: I finally talked to "Antonio" last night - here's what he had to say

Wow, what a wild roller coaster of emotions this past 36 hours has been. 

So, first of all if you haven't read the latest on Antonio you can click here. Bottom line, we met at Comic Con had this massive whirlwind romance that ended up with both of us in love but him respectfully ending it. 

Yesterday took everything out of me. Even writing that piece, I was genuinely still struggling to breathe. I didn't understand why Antonio said we couldn't be together, and why this couldn't happen. I had SUCH strong feelings for him - hands down the MOST that I've had for anyone since literally before I started this site. He was so smart, so accomplished ... it was the first time in my life I truly felt intimate with someone without actually being intimate on a physical level. We had become extremely, extremely close in the last month and I could actually hear my heart break when he told me that we couldn't be involved romantically anymore. 

Due to genuine shock, I was still not entirely sure why everything was happening. He kept saying he wasn't well, and he wasn't good for me, that he would suck the life out of me before I've even entered into my prime - but I had no idea what any of that meant. 

While writing yesterday's story out, I sent him a text. 

He didn't answer for a few hours, but while I was at rehearsal yesterday for the stage show (next show THIS FRIDAY AT 8PM!!!) he texted me back saying he was sleeping but that he was waiting to talk to me. 

I didn't get back to him for a few more hours after that, but when I came back home I decided to call him and of course, it went to his voicemail. 

I waited a few more hours and called a few more times, followed by a text asking if he was awake. He then responded with the fact that he was with his friend but he would call me at 10:30. 

Now at this point I had only had about 3 hours of really crappy sleep from the night before, and I genuinely felt like the biggest piece of shit ever. Staying up til 10:30? YEEAAHHH not sure that was going to happen. 

I did my best to stay awake - I did jumping jacks, sit ups, I was DETERMINED to speak to him. I didn't want to have yet another sleepless night wondering what went wrong and if there was anything I could do to change his mind. 

At 10:35 he calls. 

I stare down at his name on my iPhone and take a deep breath. This isn't going to be easy, but it needs to be done, I thought. 

I then answered. We are both quiet, but I can hear he is at a party of some sort. 

How was your day, he asked? 

Horrible, I replied. 

Yours? 

Same. 

I say nothing. 

Antonio then goes, why did you leave like that? Do you know how horrible you made me feel? I felt so rejected. 

I then LEAP up from the couch saying YOU'RE being rejected? Wait, what?! 

I was crying there Jen, and you didn't do anything. You just left. I wanted you to stay, I wanted to talk. 

I was HYSTERICAL at the time. I was barely even breathing, I got so dizzy when I was sitting in your room that I had to sit down because I was afraid I'd pass out. 

This isn't just about you though Jen. I didn't WANT to do this, I HAD to do this and I feel like you just slapped my heart on a rock. This decision didn't only effect you. 

Why did you HAVE to do this? I don't understand. 

You're about to be in your prime, Jen. If I take you away from what you are doing right now, you will regret the years that I will suck out of you. I don't want to get married again, I don't want kids. I work a high stressful job and I know I am in my later years in life. You're just getting out the gate. 

I then thought about it, and wondered if I really did need to get married and if I really did need kids. I LOVE this person, how is that not enough? 

Why don't we just take things slower then. I don't know if I want those things either - 

Antonio then cuts me off. 

Yes you do, Jen. And there's nothing wrong with it, it's just not who I am. We are already wedded in my mind. That is already done. For the rest of my life you will have a place in my heart, but we just can't be romantic. I want you to know Jen that I will speak so VERY highly of you, and help you with your business or anything else you want. Do you know what my three best friends said about you at the BBQ? They UNIVERSALLY said "don't let this one go." I don't want this Jen. This decision isn't about wants, it's about what you need to be who you are. 

I then realized in that moment that he truly did love me and this was one of the most selfless acts I had ever seen. 

He's right, I thought. He totally could have just strung me along for 6 months, or 6 years. Where would I be psychologically? physically? Our entire courtship up until this point had been COMPLETELY transparent so he knew what my goals were and he knew what I wanted. For me to give that up would be denying a piece of myself. He's not rejecting me because he doesn't want me, or I did something wrong - he is being selfless in saying that we can't be together because we have different goals. 

You're going to do circles around me Jen, I know that. You're going to be some massive executive in a few years and all I'm going to do is smile. I'm just the first Jen. I'm just the first of many that will come into your life like this. 

I then remembered the text he sent me before our very first date ... 

This was BEFORE our very first date. He's also said to me a handful of times how out of his league I was. He wasn't even saying it from a lack of confidence, he was saying it from this extremely genuine place of love and honor. 

I never take no for an answer so we talked for about 30 minutes and I tried to get him to change his mind. I then realized however that this was like me saying to him, I am going to eat Fruit Loops for the rest of my life and him telling me that he wants Lucky Charms for the rest of HIS life. Neither of us are in the wrong, we are both merely speaking our personal truths and that needs to be respected.

Antonio didn't do this because he didn't care for me - it's the exact opposite. He loves me, he loves me very very much, and unfortunately you have to do what's best for the ones you love even if it means you'll get hurt in the process. 

We then agreed that we are going to get together sometime this week to talk things over.

I realize now even my text to him was very juvenile. "Why did you do this? I don't understand." Antonio didn't have a choice either. He is merely doing what he thinks is best for me, and while I don't think I agree I have to respect that he is intellectually speaking always 3 steps ahead and I have to trust that he knows best. 

You have a friend for life, Jen. I will be there for you and if anyone messes with you or your business I WILL go after them for you. Anything you need, Jen. Anything. 

And that my friends is true love. 

I will not let this situation harden my heart and in fact, I'm ELATED I allowed myself to get so close to another person and not just a website. My relationships in general have been LIGHTYEARS ahead of where I have been for most of my life. Antonio is another piece of my dating journey that I have yet to understand or comprehend. I can genuinely say I am a better person because he came into my life, and I am excited to see where our new friendship is going to lead. I can't have him out of my life, but I also learned that I need to empathize more with people and not just cut them off when they've hurt me. I'm like a turtle - when things bother me I COMPLETELY retreat. I used to do it with Noah too actually. We would get into a fight and I would just leave. That's not healthy and that's not a good way to be. I can better myself by learning how to compose myself enough to converse and to understand that other people are hurting too. Despite being a lifecaster and consumed in my own existence morning, noon, and night, everything isn't always just about me. 

Alrite nerderinos, I am giving myself exactly one week to grieve then I'm getting right back on the wagon dating wise (fortunately work wise my schedule is super busy this week with oodles of fun stuff). Afterall, it's not how many times you've fallen ... but how many times you've gotten back up. 

#thatisall

Thank you for everything Antonio. You are a very special person and I will ABSOLUTELY always love you. xoxo 

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

My boyfriend got the job! He’s getting 20-30 hours a week! We are super happy! Even with the new job life has been slightly more difficult with the boyfriend being without for two weeks. We are definitely a little behind but we have been moving bills around so we can make sure to pay "on time".

He started this week and already has been scheduled for 26 hours next week. So we will catch up slowly but surely. In order to make ends meet we have been pet sitting a lot and I’ve been making jewelry to stock my etsy shop. It’s a lot of work to create, take photos, edit said photos, post on etsy, etc. whew!

Ive also got a few klout perks for moo cards that I need to use for my businesses: my pet sitting business and my blog/etsy shop. I'm hoping to share some creations next week as I’m busy with pet sitting, kennel duty, my pets, and all that other stuff I mentioned.

Oh and since I'm no longer managing social marketing for my boyfriend’s old job I’ve been working on helping family and friends with theirs. I'm no expert but I figure since I'm fairly successful I should be able to give them a few tips.

Hope everyone is doing well!

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Lindsay on Twitter!