Favorite stuff from 2009

// January 7th, 2010 // fun

While all I talk about lately is photography and have completely stopped writing about family, life and entertainment, I felt like taking a break from all the pictures and writing about something different. Been working on this post here and there for a little bit now.

Last year was interesting to say the least. It was our first entire year with Lyla so things changed. Suddenly going to see every movie disappeared from our lives. Sure, we got out here and there, but nothing like in years past. I also might need an entire hand to count the number of movies I saw by myself on the way home from work because I knew Jina wouldn’t want to see those and when we DID have a sitter, we should see something we both like.

So what we did do was continue to watch TV. In fact, that became easier as the year went on and Lyla learned to go to sleep by 7pm every night.

Of course, even then we had a hard time keeping up with shows, so RENTING movies became something of the past, because on Friday or Saturday nights, we had all kinds of TV shows to catch up on.

There are only so many hours in the day right?

I’m still going to tell you my favorite movies from the year, plus TV shows and whatever else comes to mind.

Favorite TV Shows

This is my favorite medium right now. I know people out there think it’s nothing but trash, but when you compare it to movies these days, the production, the writing and the quality is sometimes better than what you get on the big screen.

So my favorite shows in different categories, because I just can’t do an overall top 10 list.

Dramas:

1. Lost – Of course, and now the final season is upon us
2. Mad Men – I urge you to rent the first season and see if you like this show. It’s amazing.
3. Dexter – Utterly fantastic
4. Battlestar Galactica – Ended in 2009, only went four seasons, a great series to watch on DVD!
5. Friday Night Lights – This show is one of the best on TV and sadly does not get the ratings it deserves.
6. Breaking Bad – Dark show but Bryan Cranston is so good.
7. Rescue Me – This past season was lighter and funnier than ever
8. Fringe – A great new sci-fi show to replace the hole in my heart from the X-Files long ago.
9. Burn Notice – On the USA network, love this show
10. Life – Got canceled, but dang I loved that show

Comedies

1. 30 Rock – So good
2. Chuck – This is sort of a comedy drama, but I find it hilarious and a great show
3. Modern Family – Best new comedy on TV!
4. Better Off Ted – From the creators of Arrested Development.
5. The Office – A down year for the show…it may be on its way out unless they refresh something

Reality

1. Top Chef – Oh yeah, LOVE this show!!!
2. Amazing Race – A mainstay, quality and fun every year
3. American Idol – What can I say, I still enjoy this show
4. Hoarders – Holy crap this show is disturbing. Check it out on A&E sometime.

Favorite Movies

A tough category, but here the best of what I actually saw in 2009. It’s almost a list of ALL I saw.

1. Moon – A pure, fantastic sci-fi film. Rent it!
2. The Informant – Loved Matt Damon!
3. District 9 – Interesting movie with a message
4. The Hangover – Funniest film I’ve seen in years
5. Star Trek – A great reimagining!
6. 500 Days of Summer – Unique romantic-comedy
7. Sherlock Holmes – Action packed slueths!
8. Avatar – The story was cheesy, 3D was amazing!
9. Up – First movie we saw with Lyla
10. Watchmen – I can’t believe this came out in 2009, seemed much longer ago
11. Funny People – A great Adam Sandler movie

Favorite Other Stuff

Favorite Game: Settlers of Catan

Favorite Vacation: Thanksgiving in Jefferson

Favorite Book: Ender’s Game

Favorite Comic Book: Amazing Spider-Man

Favorite Graphic Novel: Sandman

Favorite Song: Very Loud, Shout Out Louds

Favorite Website: Wunderground.com

Favorite Social Networking Service: Twitter

Favorite New Toy: Canon Rebel XSi

That’s about all I can think of…what were some of your favorites in 2009?