APRIL THRILLS EDITION

It's that time again to listen to what I say... Just joking (Not really). Are you ready to begin? Well, away we go...

WHAT TO WATCH/WHAT I'M WATCHING/WHAT YOU SHOULD BE WATCHING:

1. Ingrid Goes West (2018) (an original movie streaming on Hulu) - this quirky indie reminded me of something that would've been put out in the '90's. It's about an unhinged girl desperate for love and friendship, and Aubrey Plaza's performance is terrific.

Here's a trailer...

2. "Mystery Team" (2009) (Available on Hulu) - This is Donald Glover, before Childish Gambino or his hit show "Atlanta". It's about three friends (all best friends from childhood), who are running a detective agency. It's geeky and charming... if that's your thing.

Here's a trailer...

3. "Jail Bait" (2011) (a web series originally streaming on CRACKLE)

I must confess that there is a special place in my heart for the comedian John Lehr. I loved him in "10 Items or Less", and he is especially funny in this webseries.

The premise? I'm glad you asked and here it is:

Jailbait is an American improvised comedy web series starring John Lehr as Oswald "Ozzie" O'Connor, a guy who accidentally buys drugs in a sting operation and is sent to prison. Ten episodes premiered on April 1, 2011 on Crackle.com

Here's an outtake from Episode One...

4. "Quickdraw" (2013 - 2014) (available on Hulu)

Another John Lehr vehicle. Sadly, it only lasted two seasons, but I think it was HIGHLY enjoyable. It was a HULU original series... I promise it'll leave you in stitches.

Here's the premise...

Great Bend, Kan., has had five different sheriffs in its brief history, and they've all been murdered. Which doesn't make good odds for the next man to take the job -- Sheriff John Henry Hoyle. A graduate of Harvard University -- as he is quick to point out to just about everybody he meets -- he does his best to bring the little-known science of forensics to the Wild West. Townsfolk are unimpressed with the new sheriff's credentials and ideas --it's his skill with a six-gun that makes the populace sit up and take notice. Hoyle and his reluctant deputy, Eli, pursue the criminals who have been plaguing the town; all the while, Hoyle tries to impress saloon/brothel owner Honey Shaw, who's tough as nails and tougher to impress.

Here's a trailer...

5. "The Magicians" (2015 - ) (available to stream on SYFY On Demand)

I have pushed this show upon you before, and I'm pushing it again. Season Three just ended with a hell of a cliffhanger. Catch up on this show before Season Four begins. It's like "Harry Potter" for adults.

Here's a trailer....

SPRING CLEAN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE:

Well, "Buzzfeed" has done it again with another cute article. I have posted the highlights, but feel free to click on the link and read the article in its entirety.

Here's the link:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/annaborges/no-clean-spring-clean?utm_term=.rjpQQp2zM#.iy7bbVxmW

1. Go through your contact list and delete anyone you don't — and definitely won't — talk to anymore.

3. Review all of your paid subscriptions using a service like Trim or Truebill, and then cancel the ones you don't use but are still paying for.

4. Reevaluate your goals to see if you're sticking with something out of obligation instead of actual desire.

Like, it's okay if you don't actually want to run a 10K or write a book anymore, even if it's been on your bucket list since you were 13. Ditch the goals hanging over you so they can stop causing you unneeded stress and guilt.

8. Check in with your relationships, and if things aren't going well, decide which need tune-ups and which you should ditch entirely.

Friendships have their ups and downs, but in general they should energize you more than they drain you. If there's a friendship that's not working for you, figure out how to give it some TLC (this post has some suggestions) and if you do need to end some relationships, here's how to break up with a friend like an adult.

9. Get a new system for dealing with your negative or anxious thoughts — because even if you can't get rid of them, you can tame them.

Some of my favorite suggestions I've picked up over the years:

• Give your negative thoughts a name so you can fight back (see above).

• Ask yourself what you'd say to a friend who expressed the same thoughts.

• Write your thoughts down to stop yourself from spiraling.

• Use a grounding technique, like counting things around you or noticing how each part of your body feels.

10. Toss old clothes or things that bring you guilt — like the pants that will fit again "one day" or the ukulele that you've been meaning to learn to play for three years.

Okay, so this borders a little on traditional spring-cleaning, but it's for your emotional well-being. Anything that comes with a condition for use is probably doing more harm than good.

11. Revamp your self-care routine to make sure it's actually making you feel better.

Since we sometimes label any indulgence as self-care, you might've lost sight of what really works when you have a genuine need to look after yourself and feel better. If you have a feeling your current routine isn't working for you, maybe try experimenting with some unexpected activities until you find the perfect combination you can whip out when you need it. These tiny self-care tips might be a good place to start.

12. Clean up your venting habits.

It's never a bad time to check in with yourself to make sure you haven't turned any of your friends into unwitting therapists. Ranting is good and cathartic in certain doses, but no one wants to be the person who complains all the time. That amount of negativity takes a toll on your mood.

13. Remove apps on your phone that you'd do better without or that you don't use anymore.

I haven't done an official study or anything, but I have it on good authority that a lot of people (okay, mostly my friends) who got rid of Twitter on their phones — or at least turned off notifications — enjoy life a lot more. Just something to consider!

14. And while you're at it, clean up your notifications to reduce distractions and stress.

Maybe the majority of your texts and group chats could stand to be on Do Not Disturb, while only the VIPs get notifications. Or maybe you just need to turn off push alerts from your chosen news app so you don't get caught off guard by bullshit while you're in a good mood.

UNTIL NEXT TIME, MY LOVELIES....