A few months ago a coworker recommended a show called Breaking Bad to me. He described it as a show about this middle aged chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and ends up cooking meth so his family will have money once he has passed away. Interesting--maybe I might watch it--if I have time...it didn't really sound all that gripping.
I had no idea how gripping it really was.
Bored one night, I flipped on Netflix and found Breaking Bad and watched the pilot. It was unlike any other show on television. I sped through all four seasons that are out as quick as I could and the plot consumed many of my waking hours.
Walter White
It tells the story of Walter White--a boring, middle aged, chemistry teacher who leads a painfully dull life. Until he's told that he is dying. Then he becomes highly sought after meth cook, and slowly the power, the money, and the ever present hectic and life threatening state being a drug lord can be gets to him--but not in a negative way. If you look closely, and look past his moments of fear, you'll see it. He likes it. No he loves it. He was born for it. The perfect character that you hate but really want to win at the same time.
Jesse Pinkman
And then you have Jesse. He starts out as your typical junkie-but you slowly see his character deepen and through it all you'll find yourself rooting for him--much more than Walter.
But besides all that, the show is fantastic for other reasons. The cinematography is incredibly stunning and the music fits and flows perfectly in every scene. There are so many times that the camera becomes a character of it's own. The use of point of view shots and time lases is beautiful.
Check out this POV montage (no spoilers)
I wish I could fully describe how groundbreaking this show is, but I can't so you'll have to watch it. I also searched for a good clip to share but most them have spoilers--so again, you'll have to watch it :)
Yeah, I've been a little MIA the month of December but here I am :) To celebrate the new year I think a slight 2011 recap is in order.
Kelley and Cameron
Ringing in 2011 the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a wonderful way to end the dreadful year of 2010 and welcome wonderful 2011. This trip also introduced Cameron and I to the Rockin Roller Coaster and we now have an unforgettable DVD of the experience.
Then came my first taste of a baking craze. Which eventually led to my teeny tiny cupcake business: The Cupcake Pub. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Paige for giving me the push I needed. Right in time for her gorgeous wedding.
Paige and Brian
And of course, weddings come with really fun bacherlorette parties.
Let's not forget that the final Harry Potter move came out this summer. Ahh what a night of fun, tears, and excitement.
I also was introduced to the Very Potter Musical and the Hunger Games this year. Wonderful :)
At the end of a summer filled with Sanford and the beach I bid farewell and good luck to Sage as she made the big move to Kansas. I myself moved back to Raleigh with Ashley and Anna.
Anna
And bought my dream car.
Phoenix
2011 was the year of several road trips, including a couple of trips to Busch Gardens. Trips that filled with roller coasters, scarecrows, hotels, and freezing our butts off.
Ashley, Emily, Kelley
Busch Gardens hit Ashley and I just right. I'm slowly pushing her towards roller coasters--even if I have to drag her kicking and screaming on every ride. She'll learn to love it. I also got to spend a lot of time with Kelley on these trips which I think was wonderful. In fact, this year in general led to many opportunities to grow closer with Kelley and Cameron on road trips.
Cameron
All in all it was a great year. And I look forward to the upcoming year :)
