Can't believe that it's been so long since I posted here. My life has been incredibly busy, but 5 months?! Time goes by faster and faster the older I get. Why is that?
I'm getting used to not having enough hours day. I actually surrendered to it during this holiday season. What else could I do? No amount of trying to be efficient with my time by working on my laptop while on the way to and from work ever got me caught up. During the last couple weeks before my Christmas break, there were a few days that I was operating with less than 4 hours of sleep banked - not good.
I've learned to let some of the little things go and I'm starting to get rid of STUFF. Time to get my house in order - both figuratively and literally.
I feel some New Year's resolutions coming on...stay posted!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
My favorite thing about summer...
…is usually the movies. This hasn’t been the greatest summer for movies, but it hasn’t been the worst, either. It’s been awhile since I have posted a movie review, but that doesn’t mean I haven't seen any movies. It’s been an incredibly busy summer so far – details will follow in subsequent blog entries (now that things are quieting down). This may be overdue, but here is my take on what I’ve seen in the last month…
TOY STORY 3 – I own the DVDs of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 and several different toys based these movies. I have two Woody dolls (one talks and the other has a guitar and sings), one talking Buzz doll, a talking Jessie doll, a poseable Bullseye, Mr. Potato Head and Rex. I guess that you can surmise from this that I LOVE TOY STORY! Anyway, you can imagine how excited I was about this movie opening! What’s even better is that Wild Thing loves the Toy Story almost as much as I do. So Ron and I were excited to take Viliamu to see this movie on opening weekend. I can’t be objective about what I’m going to say here – because I LOVE TOY STORY, but this movie did not disappoint me in the least. I loved it!!! Ron and Viliamu loved it, too. I laughed and cried and thought that it was a wonderful way to wrap up the story. In fact, I will ask Wild Thing if he wants to see it again this weekend...I hope he does! It's going to be a long time until the DVD comes out. It's a definite must to own!
ECLIPSE - The Twilight Saga movies are a guilty pleasure of mine. I have been looking forward to this next installment for a long time, too. (Not as much as Toy Story, though). I got to see it with Mandi and Beckie so that made it even more fun. For fans of the series, you will really enjoy it! Of course, there is no way to put in every detail in the books, but I think that the script writer did a great job of capturing the essence of the story and featuring the highlights. I am still and will always be on Team Edward. Not that Jacob isn't nice to look at... The fight scenes are pretty great and the love scenes are hot without being too hot for teens. Loved it! Can't imagine how they are gonna make a PG-13 movie(s) out of the last book...good luck, Melissa!
KNIGHT AND DAY - Not a fan of Tom Cruise anymore. He just got a little too weird over the last few years. HOWEVER, that being said, when I saw the trailers for this movie, I was just interested. So Ron and I went to see it and here's the deal - this movie is not gonna win any awards, but it's not as bad as the critics have made it out to be. It's a fun summer flick! Tom and Cameron have pretty good chemistry, even if the story was a little hokey. Wait til it comes out on DVD but it's fun to watch.
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT - Annette Bening and Julianne Moore as a lesbian couple with two teenage kids who arrange to meet their sperm donor dad without letting their moms know. It's a very good movie - really funny in spots, uncomfortable and very sentimental in others. It's also quite a bit sexier than I was expecting. Mark Ruffalo is the "dad" and he is not afraid to show his derriere! Hmmmmm. I think this is probably a pretty good representation of one type of family. At any rate, I think it's important for all types of family to be represented in entertainment and the media. See it if you can deal with Mark Ruffalo's bare butt!
A SINGLE MAN - Saw this one on PPV this last weekend. Colin Firth was nominated for an Academy Award for this portrayal of a middle aged gay English professor who is dealing with depression after the death of his partner of 16 years. He was really good in this film. It's a sad movie and I wasn't thrilled with the way it ended, but it was really worth watching. It's set in 1963 and it was pretty groovy in parts. Julianne Moore was in this one too and she is always just great.
LOST IN AUSTEN – A friend from work recommended this mini-series to me. He had been watching it on PBS. It was originally created for British TV, I think. It's the story of an English woman who is obsessed with "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. She is unhappy with her life until the day that Elizabeth Bennett shows up in her bathroom after having come through a secret door in the wall. OK, so you have to let go a little bit and just get into the story but I loved it! It certainly made me want to see "Pride and Prejudice" again. I found it by Googling Lost in Austen. Really, if you have the chance, check it out. You might be able to find it at Netflix. The only down side is that there are only 4 episodes.
So that's it for now - will try to see Grown Ups, The Last Airbender and Despicable Me soon. I'm also looking forward to Inception, Eat Pray Love, The Sorcerer's Apprentice and The American.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Adjusting to the empty nest...AGAIN!!!
Someone failed to mention to me before I had children, that being a parent would mean enduring a lifetime of "letting go." Just when I thought that I had it all figured out and had adjusted to my girls being grown and out of the house, I find myself back at the beginning again. No, that's not quite true. I do have more experience with the letting go now so it doesn't hurt quite as much...sort of...
At least now I can look beyond my feelings of loss and focus on how much I admire the strong, independent women that my daughters have become. They are each doing something in their lives that I was never strong enough or brave enough to even attempt. I am proud for whatever part Ron and I had in helping them to become the intelligent, confident and adventurous people they are. It would be selfish on my part to dwell on how much I miss them. I have decided instead to live vicariously through them. I will still worry about them because I am their mother and that's what I do, but I will also delight in their experiences and marvel at their determination.
Today while my youngest is flying to South Africa for a 3 month stay, I refuse to be my normal "Nervous Nelly" self. Instead I am happy for her and proud of her for doing what she has wanted to do for so long. I am also very grateful that she is traveling with someone who loves her and will help to keep her safe. (Thanks, Branden!) So, no tears today...just excitement...but between you and me, I will be relieved when 3 months from now she is back home telling me stories about her adventures in South Africa.
Bon Voyage, Beckie! I love you!
At least now I can look beyond my feelings of loss and focus on how much I admire the strong, independent women that my daughters have become. They are each doing something in their lives that I was never strong enough or brave enough to even attempt. I am proud for whatever part Ron and I had in helping them to become the intelligent, confident and adventurous people they are. It would be selfish on my part to dwell on how much I miss them. I have decided instead to live vicariously through them. I will still worry about them because I am their mother and that's what I do, but I will also delight in their experiences and marvel at their determination.
Today while my youngest is flying to South Africa for a 3 month stay, I refuse to be my normal "Nervous Nelly" self. Instead I am happy for her and proud of her for doing what she has wanted to do for so long. I am also very grateful that she is traveling with someone who loves her and will help to keep her safe. (Thanks, Branden!) So, no tears today...just excitement...but between you and me, I will be relieved when 3 months from now she is back home telling me stories about her adventures in South Africa.
Bon Voyage, Beckie! I love you!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
A little bit of sparkle
After a day of shopping for graduation hootch in Sonoma, Napa and at BevMo, Ron and I decided to go to the movies. I wanted to see Prince of Persia, but we would have had to wait until 10 pm for the next available showing - NOT HAPPENING! So we opted to see Sex in the City 2 last night.
This movie is all about guilty pleasures. I watched the show way back when it was was on HBO and I loved it then. Yes, it was over the top, and almost always naughty, but it was funny and sad sometimes and there were little kernels of truths in it from time to time. I was sorry when it was over.
Then came the movies...I really enjoyed the first one from 2 years ago. It seemed to tie up some loose ends and give a proper ending to the series. It must of made some money, because they decided to make another one. This series has always been about the crazy fashions they put on Sarah Jessica. That was a big part of this movie - crazy outfits. There was a fabulous wedding with an amazing performance and all I will say here is "Liza with a Z!" But then, Samantha had to be especially crass and tacky and I'm pretty over all that. I did laugh out loud, but I hope that this is the end of the series. Enough is enough.
If you liked the series, you will probably like this movie, but you might feel guilty about it....I did and and I do!
This movie is all about guilty pleasures. I watched the show way back when it was was on HBO and I loved it then. Yes, it was over the top, and almost always naughty, but it was funny and sad sometimes and there were little kernels of truths in it from time to time. I was sorry when it was over.
Then came the movies...I really enjoyed the first one from 2 years ago. It seemed to tie up some loose ends and give a proper ending to the series. It must of made some money, because they decided to make another one. This series has always been about the crazy fashions they put on Sarah Jessica. That was a big part of this movie - crazy outfits. There was a fabulous wedding with an amazing performance and all I will say here is "Liza with a Z!" But then, Samantha had to be especially crass and tacky and I'm pretty over all that. I did laugh out loud, but I hope that this is the end of the series. Enough is enough.
If you liked the series, you will probably like this movie, but you might feel guilty about it....I did and and I do!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Hello Again...
It's been ages since I wrote anything here, but life happens, doesn't it? It's been a busy time at work and things are certainly getting busy at home as well because...
GRADUATION IS LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY!!
And in the meantime, there are plans to make and a trip to El Paso for a wedding. And then there is the touchy business of having to navigate the healthcare system in an effort to get some relief for my aging aching back...but that's another story.
As you know, one of my favorite stress relief activities is going to the movies. I have been going to some but haven't written any reviews for a while...So, I will try to think back and tell you a little bit about all the movies I've seen in the last couple of months.
How to Train Your Dragon - Animated 3-D story about a boy viking and his dragon...we took Wild Thing to see this movie last month. It was good enough to keep him and Ron interested. I thought it was very well done - it was done by Dreamworks and I would say that it's almost as good as a Pixar film. See this movie even if you have to borrow a 3 year old to take so you don't feel self conscious about sitting in the theater. It's good!
Date Night - Tina Fey and Steve Carrell in a silly movie about a couple that tries to spice up their marriage and then there's mistaken identity. Some funny situations in it but a pretty forgettable movie overall. There are plenty of other movies to see - skip it.
The Back-Up Plan - I was looking forward to this one because I really like the lead actor - Alex O'Loughlin. J-Lo and Alex have definite chemistry, but the movie was a disappointment because it was so predictable. I guess it's hard to come up with new ideas for movies. Oh and it was incredibly unrealistic because J-Lo was supposed to be pregnant with twins in this movie - when she was about to deliver the babies she looked like she was about 7 months along with one baby. Everyone knows that being pregnant with twins turns you into a person the size of a small house! ( I was, anyway!). Wait til this one comes out on DVD.
Babies - There was a lot of hype and build up to this movie around here and I was so excited for this movie to open. Ron wasn't at all excited but since it was Mother's Day weekend, he took me to see it. The babies in the film were absolutely precious, but the movie was not great. There was NO narration of any kind and the film just jumped around from one baby to the other without any rhyme or reason. so....eh...see it if you want, but you won't be missing much if you skip it.
Iron Man 2 - Love Robert Downey, Jr. He does a great job playing egomaniac Tony Stark. This movie was fun and flashy but not as good as the first one. I am not a science person, but even I know that the science in this movie was just silly. Gwyneth Paltrow was ok, but is Scarlett Johanson really that hot? I say that if you liked the first one, you should see this one because there will obviously be a 3rd one and you have to keep up with the story.
Letters to Juliet - There are people out there who are gonna call this a chick flick, but I REALLY LOVED THIS MOVIE! Probably not for the reasons that you might think. I can't tell you why I loved this movie so much without giving important stuff away. Let me just say that if you saw and loved the movie musical "Camelot" you will be so surprised. No, there is no singing in this...It's just a lovely, old fashioned romance. It made me very emotional and was just what I needed. I loved it! I said that already, didn't I?
In the Heights - is not a movie but the Broadway musical that won the 2008 Tony Award for the best new musical. The twinsies bought me tickets to this show for Mother's Day. We drove up to SF and saw it last Thursday night. It was really wonderful. The talent was amazing - great singing, dancing and acting all around. Of course, the music was Latin, so I loved it...Thanks, Babies!
I'm hoping for some GREAT blockbuster movies this summer...I am open to recommendations, so I'd love to hear from you...
GRADUATION IS LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY!!
And in the meantime, there are plans to make and a trip to El Paso for a wedding. And then there is the touchy business of having to navigate the healthcare system in an effort to get some relief for my aging aching back...but that's another story.
As you know, one of my favorite stress relief activities is going to the movies. I have been going to some but haven't written any reviews for a while...So, I will try to think back and tell you a little bit about all the movies I've seen in the last couple of months.
How to Train Your Dragon - Animated 3-D story about a boy viking and his dragon...we took Wild Thing to see this movie last month. It was good enough to keep him and Ron interested. I thought it was very well done - it was done by Dreamworks and I would say that it's almost as good as a Pixar film. See this movie even if you have to borrow a 3 year old to take so you don't feel self conscious about sitting in the theater. It's good!
Date Night - Tina Fey and Steve Carrell in a silly movie about a couple that tries to spice up their marriage and then there's mistaken identity. Some funny situations in it but a pretty forgettable movie overall. There are plenty of other movies to see - skip it.
The Back-Up Plan - I was looking forward to this one because I really like the lead actor - Alex O'Loughlin. J-Lo and Alex have definite chemistry, but the movie was a disappointment because it was so predictable. I guess it's hard to come up with new ideas for movies. Oh and it was incredibly unrealistic because J-Lo was supposed to be pregnant with twins in this movie - when she was about to deliver the babies she looked like she was about 7 months along with one baby. Everyone knows that being pregnant with twins turns you into a person the size of a small house! ( I was, anyway!). Wait til this one comes out on DVD.
Babies - There was a lot of hype and build up to this movie around here and I was so excited for this movie to open. Ron wasn't at all excited but since it was Mother's Day weekend, he took me to see it. The babies in the film were absolutely precious, but the movie was not great. There was NO narration of any kind and the film just jumped around from one baby to the other without any rhyme or reason. so....eh...see it if you want, but you won't be missing much if you skip it.
Iron Man 2 - Love Robert Downey, Jr. He does a great job playing egomaniac Tony Stark. This movie was fun and flashy but not as good as the first one. I am not a science person, but even I know that the science in this movie was just silly. Gwyneth Paltrow was ok, but is Scarlett Johanson really that hot? I say that if you liked the first one, you should see this one because there will obviously be a 3rd one and you have to keep up with the story.
Letters to Juliet - There are people out there who are gonna call this a chick flick, but I REALLY LOVED THIS MOVIE! Probably not for the reasons that you might think. I can't tell you why I loved this movie so much without giving important stuff away. Let me just say that if you saw and loved the movie musical "Camelot" you will be so surprised. No, there is no singing in this...It's just a lovely, old fashioned romance. It made me very emotional and was just what I needed. I loved it! I said that already, didn't I?
In the Heights - is not a movie but the Broadway musical that won the 2008 Tony Award for the best new musical. The twinsies bought me tickets to this show for Mother's Day. We drove up to SF and saw it last Thursday night. It was really wonderful. The talent was amazing - great singing, dancing and acting all around. Of course, the music was Latin, so I loved it...Thanks, Babies!
I'm hoping for some GREAT blockbuster movies this summer...I am open to recommendations, so I'd love to hear from you...
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Why I love facebook...
First let me say that I am NOT "addicted" to facebook. I wouldn't have withdrawal symptoms if I stopped checking my my wall every day. I don't get a headache if I don't log on to facebook. A couple people in my family have accused me of being addicted to it. One of my girls even called me a stalker!
I do admit that I love facebook and log on almost every day. How else am I going to stay in touch with my children, friends of my kids, family, friends from high school, college friends, people I used to work with, members of my wedding party who all live so far away from me? How else would I get to see pictures of my kids, or my friends kids and grand kids so quickly? How else would I have reconnected with old friends after years of not seeing or talking to them? facebook is a wonderful tool.
I admit that there have been times that I spent too much time on the computer checking on my facebook friends, but it is a nice way to get in touch with people. I have found causes to support, artists that I enjoy and I have a place to post photos and blogs that I want to share with everyone.
Yes, there are silly people who post TMI - let's use a little self censuring, people! And of course, there are those awkward issues regarding whether or not to accept friend requests from people that you don't know or don't remember or don't really like. Nothing is perfect.
Still, it's a great way to stay in touch. I have "chatted" with my daughters who all live in different cities and cousins who live across the country and around the world using facebook. How else would I have done that? A couple weeks ago, I got a message from a friend from Indiana whom we haven't seen in about 10 years. The family was in town on vacation and wanted to get together with us for dinner in San Francisco. It was wonderful seeing them again...all thanks to a message on facebook.
Yes, I'm a big fan.... but I can quit anytime I want to!
I do admit that I love facebook and log on almost every day. How else am I going to stay in touch with my children, friends of my kids, family, friends from high school, college friends, people I used to work with, members of my wedding party who all live so far away from me? How else would I get to see pictures of my kids, or my friends kids and grand kids so quickly? How else would I have reconnected with old friends after years of not seeing or talking to them? facebook is a wonderful tool.
I admit that there have been times that I spent too much time on the computer checking on my facebook friends, but it is a nice way to get in touch with people. I have found causes to support, artists that I enjoy and I have a place to post photos and blogs that I want to share with everyone.
Yes, there are silly people who post TMI - let's use a little self censuring, people! And of course, there are those awkward issues regarding whether or not to accept friend requests from people that you don't know or don't remember or don't really like. Nothing is perfect.
Still, it's a great way to stay in touch. I have "chatted" with my daughters who all live in different cities and cousins who live across the country and around the world using facebook. How else would I have done that? A couple weeks ago, I got a message from a friend from Indiana whom we haven't seen in about 10 years. The family was in town on vacation and wanted to get together with us for dinner in San Francisco. It was wonderful seeing them again...all thanks to a message on facebook.
Yes, I'm a big fan.... but I can quit anytime I want to!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Another Year Older...
I haven't written here for awhile - been very busy with work and moving Beckie from Santa Barbara to the LA area. Beyond that, I got tired of my silly little posts about movies. Didn't have the time to write about anything more important so I was only writing about movies. I will keep doing that when I feel moved to write about a really great or not so great film, but I want to go back to writing about things that are a bit more substantial. Besides, the movies we've seen lately have been pretty mediocre and not really blog-worthy.
So, happy birthday to me...I am 48 years old or 29 with 19 years of experience! Beckie and Branden drove up from Placentia to surprise me and Ronnie B spoiled me, as usual. I got phone calls from the rest of my Girlie Girls, my mom, my sister-the doctor, my dear cousins, Kevin, Kimi and Leah and even Martin! Got lots of posts from my fb friends, too! To top it all off, we picked up my Wild Thing last night for a sleepover and took him to see "How to Train Your Dragon" today. The movie was great and it's been a really super weekend, even though it's been raining all day.
Big things have been happening in my life and to the people I love. I will concentrate on writing about those things in the near future. For now, I just want to express how grateful I am for all the blessings in my life - a wonderful husband, children and family - great job and a very comfortable home. All in all, life is good!
So, happy birthday to me...I am 48 years old or 29 with 19 years of experience! Beckie and Branden drove up from Placentia to surprise me and Ronnie B spoiled me, as usual. I got phone calls from the rest of my Girlie Girls, my mom, my sister-the doctor, my dear cousins, Kevin, Kimi and Leah and even Martin! Got lots of posts from my fb friends, too! To top it all off, we picked up my Wild Thing last night for a sleepover and took him to see "How to Train Your Dragon" today. The movie was great and it's been a really super weekend, even though it's been raining all day.
Big things have been happening in my life and to the people I love. I will concentrate on writing about those things in the near future. For now, I just want to express how grateful I am for all the blessings in my life - a wonderful husband, children and family - great job and a very comfortable home. All in all, life is good!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Wonderful "Wonderland"
The only negative thing I have to say about watching this movie yesterday is that the 3D showings were all sold out so we saw it in 2D; otherwise, I loved it. I am a big Tim Burton and Johnny Depp fan, however, so I may be fairly biased. I am always amazed by the way Burton so completely creates his visions on the big screen. You can really SEE him in every scene from the colors chosen for the costumes to the way the branches on the bare trees look like gnarled hands. Wouldn't it be something to see what goes on in his head? Every so often he lets us in when he makes another movie. Brilliant!
I believe this is the 7th film Burton and Johnny Depp have made together - they must have been brothers in another life because they seem to understand each other in a very particular way. Although Johnny has made plenty of great movies without Tim, his career wouldn't have been the same without him. Can you picture anyone else as Edward Scissorhands? Nope.
Good movie! Of course, it was darker than the sanitized, animated Disney version. Ron watched the movie with me but didn't completely get it because he didn't know the story. Even so, he gives it a "mild thumbs up. " I recommend this film to everyone to loves Burton & Depp, everyone who who loves the story of "Alice in Wonderland." Good stuff - I will be going back to see it again and hopefully in 3D next time!
I believe this is the 7th film Burton and Johnny Depp have made together - they must have been brothers in another life because they seem to understand each other in a very particular way. Although Johnny has made plenty of great movies without Tim, his career wouldn't have been the same without him. Can you picture anyone else as Edward Scissorhands? Nope.
Good movie! Of course, it was darker than the sanitized, animated Disney version. Ron watched the movie with me but didn't completely get it because he didn't know the story. Even so, he gives it a "mild thumbs up. " I recommend this film to everyone to loves Burton & Depp, everyone who who loves the story of "Alice in Wonderland." Good stuff - I will be going back to see it again and hopefully in 3D next time!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
If I had my way...
Tomorrow is Oscar night! Since we have lived in California, Ron and I have been much more tuned into Hollywood and the movie industry. You know how I ADORE the cinema! So now, especially since our time is our own, we really make an effort to see all the nominated films before the awards. We did very well this year and saw everything except for "A Single Man"-Colin Firth was nominated for Best Actor and "The Messenger" - Woody Harrelson nominated for Best Supporting Actor. We didn't see the documentaries or the foreign films, but most of that I have to do on my own time.
Just like everything else, the awards have gotten political. Maybe it's always been that way. I just get the feeling it's gotten worse in the last few years. Oh well, I still buy into the whole thing. What I wouldn't give to be a member of the academy so that I could vote. Not that it would make any difference...I used to vote for the American Idol but that didn't work either. ANYWAY, I can vote here. So, if I had my way, here is who win tomorrow night...
Best Supporting Actor - Christopher Plummer in "The Last Station"
Best Supporting Actress - Penelope Cruz in "Nine"
Best Actor - George Clooney in "Up in the Air"
Best Actress - Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia"
Best Director - Lee Daniels for "Precious"
Best Animated Feature Film - "Up"
Best Picture - "Avatar"
Here is who will really win...
Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz in "Inglorious Basterds"
Supporting Actress - Mo'Nique in "Precious:
Actor - Jeff Bridges in "Crazy Heart"
Actress - Helen Mirren in "The Last Station"
Director - James Cameron for "Avatar"
Animated Film - "Up"
Best Picture - "The Hurt Locker"
So let's see what happens!
Just like everything else, the awards have gotten political. Maybe it's always been that way. I just get the feeling it's gotten worse in the last few years. Oh well, I still buy into the whole thing. What I wouldn't give to be a member of the academy so that I could vote. Not that it would make any difference...I used to vote for the American Idol but that didn't work either. ANYWAY, I can vote here. So, if I had my way, here is who win tomorrow night...
Best Supporting Actor - Christopher Plummer in "The Last Station"
Best Supporting Actress - Penelope Cruz in "Nine"
Best Actor - George Clooney in "Up in the Air"
Best Actress - Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia"
Best Director - Lee Daniels for "Precious"
Best Animated Feature Film - "Up"
Best Picture - "Avatar"
Here is who will really win...
Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz in "Inglorious Basterds"
Supporting Actress - Mo'Nique in "Precious:
Actor - Jeff Bridges in "Crazy Heart"
Actress - Helen Mirren in "The Last Station"
Director - James Cameron for "Avatar"
Animated Film - "Up"
Best Picture - "The Hurt Locker"
So let's see what happens!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Movies, Movies, Movies
It was a full weekend for us. Time is running out for Ron and I to see all the Oscar nominated movies before March 7th. We finally got around to seeing two important films and one piece of fluff.
Precious - I'd been told repeatedly that I needed to see this movie. I knew, however, that it would be one of those films that I only saw once. Child abuse is a difficult topic and something painful to watch and acknowledge. It was painful to watch but it was a very well-written and honestly acted story. Now I know why Mo'Nique has won a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors' Guild award for Best Supporting actress. She was horrifying and excellent as the abusive mother. Gabourey Sidibe was very good as the abused, illiterate 16 year old girl. This was a hard movie to watch but truly well done and worth seeing. Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz surprised me - they did very well in their small roles and Paula Patton was inspiring as the teacher. Go see this movie if you haven't already. (Dana, I should have listened to you about taking Kleenex!).
Invictus - I love Morgan Freeman. He's exactly the kind of guy I would want as a dad or granddad. He just seems so wise and warm. He was the perfect actor to portray Mandela and he did it beautifully. I don't love Matt Damon - I can't honestly tell you why, I just don't. He's a good actor and kinda cute, but something about him leaves me flat. He was good in this movie, though. I enjoyed Morgan Freeman more than I enjoyed the movie - there was way too much rugby in it for me. Maybe I would have liked the movie more if I understood rugby. I just found myself squirming and wincing every time someone got hit on the field - it's a brutal game like football where the only protective equipment used appeared to be mouth guards. I wanted more about Nelson Mandela and less about rugby. It's definitely worth seeing but not one of my favorites.
Valentine's Day - So many known actors in this - ok, too many knownactors in this movie. This was a cute, funny, mostly feel good movie. My main complaint is that there were far too many threads running through the film - too many little stories to keep track of. If Garry Marshall had just cut half of the little story lines out, he could have spent more time on the really special ones. My favorites included Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Patrick Dempsey, Jessica Alba, Eric Dane, Bradley Cooper, Julia Roberts, Emma Roberts and George Lopez. For me, they could have left out Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biehl, Anne Hathaway, Topher Grace, Queen Latifah, Shirley MacClaine and Hector Elizando. The Taylors (Swift and Lautner) were cute and funny. My favorite was the child actor Bryce Robinson who played Edison - just adorable. There were a couple of surprises toward the end that ultimately made the movie satisfying even though the very end was totally predictable. I liked it for the most part, but it was a total chick flick. Go see it at your own risk!
Precious - I'd been told repeatedly that I needed to see this movie. I knew, however, that it would be one of those films that I only saw once. Child abuse is a difficult topic and something painful to watch and acknowledge. It was painful to watch but it was a very well-written and honestly acted story. Now I know why Mo'Nique has won a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors' Guild award for Best Supporting actress. She was horrifying and excellent as the abusive mother. Gabourey Sidibe was very good as the abused, illiterate 16 year old girl. This was a hard movie to watch but truly well done and worth seeing. Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz surprised me - they did very well in their small roles and Paula Patton was inspiring as the teacher. Go see this movie if you haven't already. (Dana, I should have listened to you about taking Kleenex!).
Invictus - I love Morgan Freeman. He's exactly the kind of guy I would want as a dad or granddad. He just seems so wise and warm. He was the perfect actor to portray Mandela and he did it beautifully. I don't love Matt Damon - I can't honestly tell you why, I just don't. He's a good actor and kinda cute, but something about him leaves me flat. He was good in this movie, though. I enjoyed Morgan Freeman more than I enjoyed the movie - there was way too much rugby in it for me. Maybe I would have liked the movie more if I understood rugby. I just found myself squirming and wincing every time someone got hit on the field - it's a brutal game like football where the only protective equipment used appeared to be mouth guards. I wanted more about Nelson Mandela and less about rugby. It's definitely worth seeing but not one of my favorites.
Valentine's Day - So many known actors in this - ok, too many knownactors in this movie. This was a cute, funny, mostly feel good movie. My main complaint is that there were far too many threads running through the film - too many little stories to keep track of. If Garry Marshall had just cut half of the little story lines out, he could have spent more time on the really special ones. My favorites included Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Patrick Dempsey, Jessica Alba, Eric Dane, Bradley Cooper, Julia Roberts, Emma Roberts and George Lopez. For me, they could have left out Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biehl, Anne Hathaway, Topher Grace, Queen Latifah, Shirley MacClaine and Hector Elizando. The Taylors (Swift and Lautner) were cute and funny. My favorite was the child actor Bryce Robinson who played Edison - just adorable. There were a couple of surprises toward the end that ultimately made the movie satisfying even though the very end was totally predictable. I liked it for the most part, but it was a total chick flick. Go see it at your own risk!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Ron & Laura and the Valentine's Day Curse
Our first fight ever was on Valentine's Day 1980. Well, it wasn't really a fight - more like a misunderstanding, but it started a tradition of not so happy Valentine's Days for us. We were seniors in high school and it was our first Valentine's together. Sometime before THE day, I had made a silly comment like "you don't have to get me anything for Valentine's..." YOU know I didn't mean it, but HE didn't get it. So, of course, on THE day, I showed up at school with a card for him and a big red bow that I put on my head (I know. Very lame, but I was 17 - ok?) Anyway, I gave him the card and a big kiss symbolically giving him ME. Then I waited...nothing...I can only imagine what was going on in his head.
"But she said that I didn't need to get her anything! Fiddle!" (He used to say "Oh, Fiddle!" when he was upset - that was his kind of swearing. He has gotten a little more colorful over the years!).
I can tell you what was going on in my head. I couldn't believe that he didn't get me ANYTHING. Didn't he read the boyfriend handbook? He didn't get me anything on Valentine's Day? Wow...he must not really care... Why didn't he read my mind and realize I did want some gesture of his undying love? I tried unsuccessfully to act like my feeling weren't hurt. In his defense, his dad was a pitiful role model on romance, so what did he know?
Everything got smoothed over the very next day when Ron showed up with a poem that he wrote on lined notebook paper just for me. That's all it took! I WAS loved after all...I still have that folded piece of notebook paper and cherish it to this day...
Ever since that first Valentine's Day, Ron has tried to redeem himself but something has gone wrong...like when he decided to take me out to dinner but didn't make reservations, so there was no way we'd get in...or the time he had my diamonds reset into a new wedding ring and the jeweler made a mess of the setting....or the time he got me a coffee mug and it was actually a birthday sentiment on the cup...or the time that he took 5 year old Mandy & Becky to pick something out for me, but ran out of time to take Jenny and she got her feelings hurt...he just couldn't win.
After awhile, I think he got more and more resentful of this "made-up" holiday. He did successfully get me flowers once or twice but it made both of us feel badly for him to spend the ridiculously inflated amount of money for flowers that were going to die in a week or so. I have since let him know that I really DON'T want flowers or chocolates for Valentine's. In fact, I finally did grow up and realize that he didn't need to get me anything for this silly holiday at all. I publicly apologize to him for all the stress and grief that my silly expectations have caused us over this day.
We have spent today playing with our Wild Thing and plan to go to the movies after we drop him off with his mama. It has been a lovely day and there isn't one card, flower or chocolate in sight. Ron is a great guy, a wonderful husband, father and Buddy - He's my Valentine every day of the year and I'm lucky to have him!
"But she said that I didn't need to get her anything! Fiddle!" (He used to say "Oh, Fiddle!" when he was upset - that was his kind of swearing. He has gotten a little more colorful over the years!).
I can tell you what was going on in my head. I couldn't believe that he didn't get me ANYTHING. Didn't he read the boyfriend handbook? He didn't get me anything on Valentine's Day? Wow...he must not really care... Why didn't he read my mind and realize I did want some gesture of his undying love? I tried unsuccessfully to act like my feeling weren't hurt. In his defense, his dad was a pitiful role model on romance, so what did he know?
Everything got smoothed over the very next day when Ron showed up with a poem that he wrote on lined notebook paper just for me. That's all it took! I WAS loved after all...I still have that folded piece of notebook paper and cherish it to this day...
Ever since that first Valentine's Day, Ron has tried to redeem himself but something has gone wrong...like when he decided to take me out to dinner but didn't make reservations, so there was no way we'd get in...or the time he had my diamonds reset into a new wedding ring and the jeweler made a mess of the setting....or the time he got me a coffee mug and it was actually a birthday sentiment on the cup...or the time that he took 5 year old Mandy & Becky to pick something out for me, but ran out of time to take Jenny and she got her feelings hurt...he just couldn't win.
After awhile, I think he got more and more resentful of this "made-up" holiday. He did successfully get me flowers once or twice but it made both of us feel badly for him to spend the ridiculously inflated amount of money for flowers that were going to die in a week or so. I have since let him know that I really DON'T want flowers or chocolates for Valentine's. In fact, I finally did grow up and realize that he didn't need to get me anything for this silly holiday at all. I publicly apologize to him for all the stress and grief that my silly expectations have caused us over this day.
We have spent today playing with our Wild Thing and plan to go to the movies after we drop him off with his mama. It has been a lovely day and there isn't one card, flower or chocolate in sight. Ron is a great guy, a wonderful husband, father and Buddy - He's my Valentine every day of the year and I'm lucky to have him!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow....
...or is it "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today"? That's probably really the right way to say it but I am guilty of being a terrible procrastinator. To illustrate my point, I will confess to you that today, February 7th, I finally organized and put away all the Christmas decorations. I feel badly, but at least it's done.
I would have finished yesterday, but Ron and I decided to have a movie day. We started with "When in Rome" starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel. The funny thing is what I really wanted to see was "From Paris with Love" with John Travolta. Ron got his foreign cities mixed when he was buying the tickets - oh well. So it was a romantic comedy instead of action adventure...bummer. You know that I love a good romantic comedy, but unfortunately this one was pretty silly. The lead actors were cute but the story was just ridiculous. At least we only paid matinee prices on the tickets.
Next up was "Dear John" with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried. This is a drama/romance based on a Nicholas Sparks book. **SPOILER ALERT** If you don't want to know how this movie ends stop reading now. I didn't want to see this movie because I am fed up with the way the Nicholas Sparks always kills one of the lovers in his stories...A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle, Nights in Rodanthe...I'll forgive him for The Notebook, because the lovers in that story lived a long life and then poetically died in each other's arms. So, I just knew he was going to kill one of these kids off before the end of the movie. I was wrong - there were some unexpected turns in this story and I was pleasantly surprised. The actors in this film are both talented, beautiful young people and this was an easy story to watch. I liked it. Besides that, I may give Nicholas Sparks another shot - his next story is called "The Last Song" and Miley Cyrus is in it...hmmmmm...I don't know about that.
Last but not least, we decided to watch "District 9" on pay per view since it's up for Best Picture this year. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I was surprised to find myself really absorbed by the story even though it had quite a lot of blood and goo in it. The story was very interesting and the characters were compelling. I found myself rooting for Wikus, the alien and his son....I don't think it merits a Best Picture nomination, but it was a very entertaining movie - you should see it. Just know that you really have to pay attention and be prepared to read the subtitles if you want to know what the aliens are saying. Really, good movie.
Next week there will be lots to choose from...Valentine's Day, The Wolfman, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Besides that we still need to see The Hurt Locker, Precious, An Education, and A Serious Man, and The Last Station. Maybe I'll get to see From Paris with Love after all.
Right now I am going to switch my focus to Super Bowl XLIV - as much as I like the Colts and Peyton Manning, I'm going to say sorry to all my friends back in Indiana, but C'MON SAINTS!!!
I would have finished yesterday, but Ron and I decided to have a movie day. We started with "When in Rome" starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel. The funny thing is what I really wanted to see was "From Paris with Love" with John Travolta. Ron got his foreign cities mixed when he was buying the tickets - oh well. So it was a romantic comedy instead of action adventure...bummer. You know that I love a good romantic comedy, but unfortunately this one was pretty silly. The lead actors were cute but the story was just ridiculous. At least we only paid matinee prices on the tickets.
Next up was "Dear John" with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried. This is a drama/romance based on a Nicholas Sparks book. **SPOILER ALERT** If you don't want to know how this movie ends stop reading now. I didn't want to see this movie because I am fed up with the way the Nicholas Sparks always kills one of the lovers in his stories...A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle, Nights in Rodanthe...I'll forgive him for The Notebook, because the lovers in that story lived a long life and then poetically died in each other's arms. So, I just knew he was going to kill one of these kids off before the end of the movie. I was wrong - there were some unexpected turns in this story and I was pleasantly surprised. The actors in this film are both talented, beautiful young people and this was an easy story to watch. I liked it. Besides that, I may give Nicholas Sparks another shot - his next story is called "The Last Song" and Miley Cyrus is in it...hmmmmm...I don't know about that.
Last but not least, we decided to watch "District 9" on pay per view since it's up for Best Picture this year. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I was surprised to find myself really absorbed by the story even though it had quite a lot of blood and goo in it. The story was very interesting and the characters were compelling. I found myself rooting for Wikus, the alien and his son....I don't think it merits a Best Picture nomination, but it was a very entertaining movie - you should see it. Just know that you really have to pay attention and be prepared to read the subtitles if you want to know what the aliens are saying. Really, good movie.
Next week there will be lots to choose from...Valentine's Day, The Wolfman, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Besides that we still need to see The Hurt Locker, Precious, An Education, and A Serious Man, and The Last Station. Maybe I'll get to see From Paris with Love after all.
Right now I am going to switch my focus to Super Bowl XLIV - as much as I like the Colts and Peyton Manning, I'm going to say sorry to all my friends back in Indiana, but C'MON SAINTS!!!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Playin' hooky and going to the movies...
Every once in awhile it feels good to take a day off from work and just relax. No rushing around. No stress. Yesterday was that day for us. On my “To Do” List for the day…
1. Sleep in - Ron and I did just that – I slept in until 7:30 am! That never happens to me anymore – Ron didn’t come downstairs til about 9 am.
2. Relax – Stayed in my pj’s til 10:30 – a real lady of leisure!
3. Movies – Thought about trying to squeeze in 3 movies but then decided that 2 would be enough. Decided to see “Legion” & “The Lovely Bones.”
“Legion”
I have to admit that I do enjoy this genre of movie…end of days, biblically apocalyptic, and the fate of the entire human race depends on one reluctant savior that is in the middle of a crisis of faith…”The Seventh Sign” with Demi Moore and Michael Biehn; ”The Prophecy” with Christopher Walken and Eric Stoltz; “End of Days” starring He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named (the present governor of California –used to love him and now I REALLY don’t) are 3 of my favorites. I usually watch these on cable late at night when Ron has already gone to sleep. He agreed to see “Legion” with me because we went to college with one of the actors…Doug Jones. Actually, we were at Ball State University at the same time he was. I was his fiancé’s RA and Ron and I did actually attend Doug and Laurie’s wedding. I am quite sure he would have a difficult time remembering us. Nevertheless, we do feel connected to him and keep up with his career. Some of his credits include “Pan’s Labyrinth” as Pan; Abe Sapien in the “Hellboy” movies; “Fantastic 4 – Rise of the Silver Surfer” as the Silver Surfer. The sad thing is that he is usually unrecognizable in these roles. Anyway, Doug is in “Legion” as the Ice Cream Man. We went to see this movie to see Doug. He was on screen for about 60 seconds…really, that was it. He was scary but it was 60 seconds. There were some well known actors in this film – Dennis Quaid, Charles Dutton, Kate Walsh and Paul Bettany as the angel Michael. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a whole lot of backstory or substance to this movie. The scariest part was when a sweet looking little old lady spouted profanity, climbed the walls, crawled across the ceiling and then took a big bite out of one of the customers in the diner where the majority of the action was set. The angels Michael and Gabriel were quite beautiful but weren’t featured enough – they had amazing razor sharp wings! That just wasn’t enough to make this a good movie and I’m sorry that I can’t recommend it…
“The Lovely Bones”
I had heard about how wonderful this book was from my daughters a long time ago. I only read this book about a year ago. It really touched me. It was so tragic and horrible, but also beautiful in some ways. It never occurred to me that anyone would try to make a movie based on this book. The subject matter in this movie is also tragic and horrible, but parts of it were beautiful in many ways. The acting was excellent – Susie Salmon is played by Saoirse Ronan – a wonderful young actress. Mark Wahlberg is also fantastic as is Rachel Weisz. Stanley Tucci was so good as the murderer, he is nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor this year. He was seriously creepy and evil. This film is director Peter Jackson’s interpretation of the book. Some people are probably not happy about some of the liberties he took with it, but I thought it was very well done. I would certainly recommend this movie with the warning that it’s not a ‘feel good’ movie. When it was over, Ron and I just sat there for about 10 minutes while the credits rolled. It sucked the energy out of us, but it made us think.
All in all, we accomplished what we set out to do - we had a calm, relaxing, stress-free day. Playin' hooky was just what we needed!
1. Sleep in - Ron and I did just that – I slept in until 7:30 am! That never happens to me anymore – Ron didn’t come downstairs til about 9 am.
2. Relax – Stayed in my pj’s til 10:30 – a real lady of leisure!
3. Movies – Thought about trying to squeeze in 3 movies but then decided that 2 would be enough. Decided to see “Legion” & “The Lovely Bones.”
“Legion”
I have to admit that I do enjoy this genre of movie…end of days, biblically apocalyptic, and the fate of the entire human race depends on one reluctant savior that is in the middle of a crisis of faith…”The Seventh Sign” with Demi Moore and Michael Biehn; ”The Prophecy” with Christopher Walken and Eric Stoltz; “End of Days” starring He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named (the present governor of California –used to love him and now I REALLY don’t) are 3 of my favorites. I usually watch these on cable late at night when Ron has already gone to sleep. He agreed to see “Legion” with me because we went to college with one of the actors…Doug Jones. Actually, we were at Ball State University at the same time he was. I was his fiancé’s RA and Ron and I did actually attend Doug and Laurie’s wedding. I am quite sure he would have a difficult time remembering us. Nevertheless, we do feel connected to him and keep up with his career. Some of his credits include “Pan’s Labyrinth” as Pan; Abe Sapien in the “Hellboy” movies; “Fantastic 4 – Rise of the Silver Surfer” as the Silver Surfer. The sad thing is that he is usually unrecognizable in these roles. Anyway, Doug is in “Legion” as the Ice Cream Man. We went to see this movie to see Doug. He was on screen for about 60 seconds…really, that was it. He was scary but it was 60 seconds. There were some well known actors in this film – Dennis Quaid, Charles Dutton, Kate Walsh and Paul Bettany as the angel Michael. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a whole lot of backstory or substance to this movie. The scariest part was when a sweet looking little old lady spouted profanity, climbed the walls, crawled across the ceiling and then took a big bite out of one of the customers in the diner where the majority of the action was set. The angels Michael and Gabriel were quite beautiful but weren’t featured enough – they had amazing razor sharp wings! That just wasn’t enough to make this a good movie and I’m sorry that I can’t recommend it…
“The Lovely Bones”
I had heard about how wonderful this book was from my daughters a long time ago. I only read this book about a year ago. It really touched me. It was so tragic and horrible, but also beautiful in some ways. It never occurred to me that anyone would try to make a movie based on this book. The subject matter in this movie is also tragic and horrible, but parts of it were beautiful in many ways. The acting was excellent – Susie Salmon is played by Saoirse Ronan – a wonderful young actress. Mark Wahlberg is also fantastic as is Rachel Weisz. Stanley Tucci was so good as the murderer, he is nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor this year. He was seriously creepy and evil. This film is director Peter Jackson’s interpretation of the book. Some people are probably not happy about some of the liberties he took with it, but I thought it was very well done. I would certainly recommend this movie with the warning that it’s not a ‘feel good’ movie. When it was over, Ron and I just sat there for about 10 minutes while the credits rolled. It sucked the energy out of us, but it made us think.
All in all, we accomplished what we set out to do - we had a calm, relaxing, stress-free day. Playin' hooky was just what we needed!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Extraordinarily Mediocre
Decided to see "Extraordinary Measures" on the way home from work last night. Dinner and a movie. All things considered, maybe we should have just gone home, ordered a pizza and watched Ghost Whisperer. We went to Chili's cuz we haven't been in quite awhile. Tried the chicken tacos off the new items menu - YUCK! May be another while before we go back again.
So then it was on to the movies. Encountered an unruly mob of 9 or 10-ish year old boys, about 12 of them at the concession counter - eeeewwwwwww.... but finally sat down to see the movie.
We had seen and heard so many promos for this movie on TV and radio, Ron and I were absolutely compelled to see it. It wasn't a bad movie - it just wasn't great. Brendan Fraser was the lead and he was just ok - something about his performance was insincere. Keri Russell was good but had very little screen time. Harrison Ford did a great job portraying Dr. Robert Stonehill, a great scientist and a huge ass. The best thing about this movie was that it gave me hope about the real advancements that are being made in medicine. I would like to imagine that there will be a cure for cancer, diabetes, MS and other diseases in my lifetime.
Maybe after dealing with the cold, wet weather, a crummy dinner and awful pre-teen boys I was not in the mood to see this movie. At any rate, here is my bottom line on the film - Wait til it comes out on DVD. I think you would find out as much or more about Pompe Disease by looking it up on the internet.
So then it was on to the movies. Encountered an unruly mob of 9 or 10-ish year old boys, about 12 of them at the concession counter - eeeewwwwwww.... but finally sat down to see the movie.
We had seen and heard so many promos for this movie on TV and radio, Ron and I were absolutely compelled to see it. It wasn't a bad movie - it just wasn't great. Brendan Fraser was the lead and he was just ok - something about his performance was insincere. Keri Russell was good but had very little screen time. Harrison Ford did a great job portraying Dr. Robert Stonehill, a great scientist and a huge ass. The best thing about this movie was that it gave me hope about the real advancements that are being made in medicine. I would like to imagine that there will be a cure for cancer, diabetes, MS and other diseases in my lifetime.
Maybe after dealing with the cold, wet weather, a crummy dinner and awful pre-teen boys I was not in the mood to see this movie. At any rate, here is my bottom line on the film - Wait til it comes out on DVD. I think you would find out as much or more about Pompe Disease by looking it up on the internet.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Happy Birthday to YOU, but Congratulations to US!
Twenty-two years ago on this date, our babies were born. Every year since then we have celebrated their birthdays with them, but it didn't work out for us to be in Santa Barbara this year. Hopefully, we'll have a little get together next month.
Anyway, when I was at work today, somebody congratulated me on my daughters' birthdays. It seemed a little odd for a minute to be congratulated for Mandi & Beckie's birthday, and then I really thought about it. We did it! We successfully navigated all the childhood illnesses, pre-teen dramas, middle school madness, high school craziness and then the college years...we are this close to having survived it all! Our daughters are all adults - intelligent, well-adjusted and truly good people. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I am really proud of my daughters and who they are becoming.
We are starting to plan for Mandi & Beckie's graduation now. It's going to be a big event and we are really looking forward to it. I know they are the ones who have done all the school work, but it's going to feel like a big accomplishment for us, too.
So, Happy Birthday, Girls! (But Yay! for us, too!)
Anyway, when I was at work today, somebody congratulated me on my daughters' birthdays. It seemed a little odd for a minute to be congratulated for Mandi & Beckie's birthday, and then I really thought about it. We did it! We successfully navigated all the childhood illnesses, pre-teen dramas, middle school madness, high school craziness and then the college years...we are this close to having survived it all! Our daughters are all adults - intelligent, well-adjusted and truly good people. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I am really proud of my daughters and who they are becoming.
We are starting to plan for Mandi & Beckie's graduation now. It's going to be a big event and we are really looking forward to it. I know they are the ones who have done all the school work, but it's going to feel like a big accomplishment for us, too.
So, Happy Birthday, Girls! (But Yay! for us, too!)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Beautiful Pandora
I am a little put out with Ron because he saw "Avatar" with Beckie over the holidays while Mandi and I went to see "New Moon." (Yes, I had already seen New Moon, but it's something that Mandi and I HAD to do). Anyway, his appraisal of the movie was lukewarm and I lost my sense of urgency to see it. Boy, did we disagree on this movie!
I saw this movie in 3D (Ron didn't) and maybe that made a big difference. It took me a few minutes before I stopped feeling a little dizzy after I put on the 3D glasses, but I settled in for the almost 3 hour movie. I totally bought into the whole thing! It was just BEAUTIFUL! Yes, the bad guys were pretty stereotypical, and it's sad that there was another movie about ugly Americans and their need to destroy and dominate. I had a good idea where the story was going and how it would end. Even so, I was completely captivated. Avatar won't win any acting awards, but it wasn't about that. The planet Pandora is the winner - the special effects were beyond anything that I've ever seen. I will definitely see this movie again and make Ron open his mind and his eyes and put on his 3D glasses!
Even though I saw this movie this year, it was released last year, so I am revising "My Top 10 Movie List"of 2009 to include Avatar. Oh yes! If you haven't seen it yet - GO! And pay the extra for the 3D glasses - it is SO worth it!
I saw this movie in 3D (Ron didn't) and maybe that made a big difference. It took me a few minutes before I stopped feeling a little dizzy after I put on the 3D glasses, but I settled in for the almost 3 hour movie. I totally bought into the whole thing! It was just BEAUTIFUL! Yes, the bad guys were pretty stereotypical, and it's sad that there was another movie about ugly Americans and their need to destroy and dominate. I had a good idea where the story was going and how it would end. Even so, I was completely captivated. Avatar won't win any acting awards, but it wasn't about that. The planet Pandora is the winner - the special effects were beyond anything that I've ever seen. I will definitely see this movie again and make Ron open his mind and his eyes and put on his 3D glasses!
Even though I saw this movie this year, it was released last year, so I am revising "My Top 10 Movie List"of 2009 to include Avatar. Oh yes! If you haven't seen it yet - GO! And pay the extra for the 3D glasses - it is SO worth it!
Friday, January 15, 2010
I don't mean to complain...
Apparently, it takes me just over two weeks to start missing my girls. Since they were all home over the holidays, I was happy to be able to spend some individual time with each of them. I am certainly a bit biased when I tell you that they are amazing people and I am proud to have had even a little bit to do with the way they have turned out. I’m sure I would like them even if they weren’t my kids! Mandi went back to Santa Barbara on December 28th and then on the 30th Jenn flew back to DC and Beckie drove back to SB.
So, here we are, half way through January, and I‘ve been feeling crummy all week. This is partly because I tweaked my back during a CPR/first aid training last weekend, and (I figured this out just now), because I miss my girls. I know this from the little pangs I get when I call one of them and she doesn’t answer or when I do get one of them on the line and she isn’t able to talk for very long.
Honestly, I am past the point of needing them to live in my house. In fact, I have started to enjoy the fact that when I choose to clean house, it stays clean. (Except when Baby Hurricane aka Wild Thing comes for a sleepover). And sometimes, it’s kind of nice to have the place to ourselves. What’s the best thing about having an empty nest? Why, naked breakfast, naked lunch and naked dinner, of course! Right about now, the girls would be saying “Eeeeewwwwwwwww!” I’m just kidding, though. We only have naked breakfast on the weekends!
Anyway, I MISS my daughters. I miss seeing their beautiful faces and hearing their sweet voices. I miss going shopping and going to the movies and having late night talks and playing Scrabble and drinking coffee…together. I don’t want them to feel badly; I’m just being honest and saying what IS. Before they came into the world I had no idea that I would love anyone so much and I had no idea how much it would hurt to be away from them. It’s so strange to be the parent of adult children. I find it much harder that when they were young and living at home.
(Deep Sigh)
I really don’t mean to complain. I guess I am still adjusting. I am grateful that I did have that time with them over the holidays and I’m fortunate that they still call home and visit when they can. I’ll get used it all one of these days…right?
So, here we are, half way through January, and I‘ve been feeling crummy all week. This is partly because I tweaked my back during a CPR/first aid training last weekend, and (I figured this out just now), because I miss my girls. I know this from the little pangs I get when I call one of them and she doesn’t answer or when I do get one of them on the line and she isn’t able to talk for very long.
Honestly, I am past the point of needing them to live in my house. In fact, I have started to enjoy the fact that when I choose to clean house, it stays clean. (Except when Baby Hurricane aka Wild Thing comes for a sleepover). And sometimes, it’s kind of nice to have the place to ourselves. What’s the best thing about having an empty nest? Why, naked breakfast, naked lunch and naked dinner, of course! Right about now, the girls would be saying “Eeeeewwwwwwwww!” I’m just kidding, though. We only have naked breakfast on the weekends!
Anyway, I MISS my daughters. I miss seeing their beautiful faces and hearing their sweet voices. I miss going shopping and going to the movies and having late night talks and playing Scrabble and drinking coffee…together. I don’t want them to feel badly; I’m just being honest and saying what IS. Before they came into the world I had no idea that I would love anyone so much and I had no idea how much it would hurt to be away from them. It’s so strange to be the parent of adult children. I find it much harder that when they were young and living at home.
(Deep Sigh)
I really don’t mean to complain. I guess I am still adjusting. I am grateful that I did have that time with them over the holidays and I’m fortunate that they still call home and visit when they can. I’ll get used it all one of these days…right?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Abbreviated Weekend
Had to go into work yesterday for CPR and First Aid training (which was necessary and fine) but still, it really shortened my weekend. I am very stingy with my weekend time. It's usually reserved for my boys, Ronnie B & Wild Thing, movies, and whatever cleaning, sewing, other fun stuff I want to squeeze in between 5 pm on Friday and 11 pm on Sunday. I'm feeling a bit pressed since I didn't get my Saturday morning sleep-in time.
Celebrated Ronnie B's birthday after work on Friday by going to see "Leap Year" and going to a sorta gourmet burger joint called "The Counter." The movie was a sweet little old fashioned romantic comedy that I did enjoy even though there wasn't a lot of substance to it. Amy Adams was cute and Matthew Goode was very easy to look at. I knew exactly how it was going to turn out so there was no big surprise at the end. The best part about the movie was that it appeared to be filmed in Ireland and the scenery was gorgeous. So, if you like a sweet but totally predictable romantic comedy - you can wait til it comes out on video...Oh and the burger was pretty good...
Still haven't seen Avatar yet, but got lots of stuff to squeeze into what's left of my weekend...
Celebrated Ronnie B's birthday after work on Friday by going to see "Leap Year" and going to a sorta gourmet burger joint called "The Counter." The movie was a sweet little old fashioned romantic comedy that I did enjoy even though there wasn't a lot of substance to it. Amy Adams was cute and Matthew Goode was very easy to look at. I knew exactly how it was going to turn out so there was no big surprise at the end. The best part about the movie was that it appeared to be filmed in Ireland and the scenery was gorgeous. So, if you like a sweet but totally predictable romantic comedy - you can wait til it comes out on video...Oh and the burger was pretty good...
Still haven't seen Avatar yet, but got lots of stuff to squeeze into what's left of my weekend...
Monday, January 4, 2010
"Do not resent growing old….many are denied the privilege…."
Years ago when we were still living in Arizona, a friend told me that I would LOVE my 40’s. I was 35 or 36 at the time and she had just turned 60. I thought she must be out of her mind. Forty just seemed so old. Of course, I’m sneaking up on 48 now and my perspective has changed quite a bit. It’s funny to think now that I used to have an irrational fear of getting old.
It occurred to me recently that I have been working with seniors for 15 years now. Aside from being a mom and wife, working with these older folks has been the most rewarding part of my life. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to assist them. Part of the reward is working alongside other people who also honor and respect these aging seniors. It’s hard to find a bad apple among them.
Working with these people has given me a different perspective on aging. I certainly don’t dread it anymore. Even though my nest is empty, I am enjoying my life more than I could have imagined. I have learned that people are resilient and can survive the most difficult situations or illness and still find joy in life. In addition to this strength, there is a wisdom that comes with age. I’m really looking forward to the wisdom part! For now I seem to care less about what other people think of me mainly because I think I’m a decent person. There is less drama in my life because I’ve learned that you don’t die from telling the truth. My priorities have certainly shifted over the years.
I think, for the most part, that I am ok with my age now. There are a lot of “if I knew then what I know now” kind of thoughts mostly relating to diet and exercise – our girls nag us now about our poor diets and sedentary lifestyle. I know this is only out of concern and because they want us around for awhile longer. (We are trying to eat better, Girlies, really we are). I am ok with my crow’s feet and laugh lines because I’ve earned them. In the spirit of being authentic and true to myself I have decided that I am going to embrace my age. I am going to try to take better care of myself and be more mindful of the food I put in my body. I’ve also stopped coloring my hair. I can’t remember the last time I dyed my roots – we’ll see how long I can stand myself! I think I’ll be an interesting and funky (in a good way) old lady.
“Do not resent growing old…” Growing old is a privilege and it certainly beats the alternative!
It occurred to me recently that I have been working with seniors for 15 years now. Aside from being a mom and wife, working with these older folks has been the most rewarding part of my life. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to assist them. Part of the reward is working alongside other people who also honor and respect these aging seniors. It’s hard to find a bad apple among them.
Working with these people has given me a different perspective on aging. I certainly don’t dread it anymore. Even though my nest is empty, I am enjoying my life more than I could have imagined. I have learned that people are resilient and can survive the most difficult situations or illness and still find joy in life. In addition to this strength, there is a wisdom that comes with age. I’m really looking forward to the wisdom part! For now I seem to care less about what other people think of me mainly because I think I’m a decent person. There is less drama in my life because I’ve learned that you don’t die from telling the truth. My priorities have certainly shifted over the years.
I think, for the most part, that I am ok with my age now. There are a lot of “if I knew then what I know now” kind of thoughts mostly relating to diet and exercise – our girls nag us now about our poor diets and sedentary lifestyle. I know this is only out of concern and because they want us around for awhile longer. (We are trying to eat better, Girlies, really we are). I am ok with my crow’s feet and laugh lines because I’ve earned them. In the spirit of being authentic and true to myself I have decided that I am going to embrace my age. I am going to try to take better care of myself and be more mindful of the food I put in my body. I’ve also stopped coloring my hair. I can’t remember the last time I dyed my roots – we’ll see how long I can stand myself! I think I’ll be an interesting and funky (in a good way) old lady.
“Do not resent growing old…” Growing old is a privilege and it certainly beats the alternative!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Laura's Movie Lists for 2009
Before I list my best and worst for 2009, I have to admit that I didn't see every movie that came out over the year. Please don't be offended if your favorites weren't mine. Some movies just don't appeal to me and I won't go see them just to have something to write about. Also, I did not see any of the scary movies - generally, I enjoy a good scary movie, but my movie buddy doesn't see the point. One more qualifier - haven't seen Avatar yet - want to, but just haven't gotten to it. Maybe tomorrow before my "Wild Thing" comes to visit. So, here is my year end review of movies...
Laura's Favorite Movies of 2009
Movies that I WILL watch over and over if the opportunity presents itself
Movies that I WILL watch over and over if the opportunity presents itself
1. Up
2. 500 Days of Summer
3. Away We Go
4. Julie & Julia
5. Whip It
6. Star Trek
7. Avatar
8. New Moon
9. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
10. Where the Wild Things Are
2. 500 Days of Summer
3. Away We Go
4. Julie & Julia
5. Whip It
6. Star Trek
7. Avatar
8. New Moon
9. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
10. Where the Wild Things Are
10 BIG Disappointments
Movies that I was really excited about seeing and then left me flat!
Movies that I was really excited about seeing and then left me flat!
1. The Time Traveler's Wife
2. FAME
3. Angels and Demons
4. Terminator Salvation
5. 2012
6. Wolverine
7. Funny People
8. Public Enemies
9. Confessions of a Shopaholic
10. Everybody's Fine
2. FAME
3. Angels and Demons
4. Terminator Salvation
5. 2012
6. Wolverine
7. Funny People
8. Public Enemies
9. Confessions of a Shopaholic
10. Everybody's Fine
5 Awful Movies
Movies so horrible that I will never watch them again - REALLY!!
Movies so horrible that I will never watch them again - REALLY!!
1. I Love You, Beth Cooper
2. Old Dogs
3. All About Steve
4. The Informant
5. Couples Retreat
2. Old Dogs
3. All About Steve
4. The Informant
5. Couples Retreat
And 5 Guilty Pleasures
(I'm embarrassed but I can't help it - these made me laugh!)
(I'm embarrassed but I can't help it - these made me laugh!)
1. The Hangover
2. 17 Again
3. I Love You, Man
4. He's Just Not That Into You
5. The Proposal
There are several that I should have seen (Precious, Inglorious Bastards, Avatar, etc) that I will try to see once the Academy Award Nominations come out. If warranted, I will revise my lists.
Can't wait to see what 2010 has in store! See you at the movies!
3. I Love You, Man
4. He's Just Not That Into You
5. The Proposal
There are several that I should have seen (Precious, Inglorious Bastards, Avatar, etc) that I will try to see once the Academy Award Nominations come out. If warranted, I will revise my lists.
Can't wait to see what 2010 has in store! See you at the movies!
Reservations about Resolutions
I love January 1st. It's a day when we get to think about all the new possibilities for our lives - seems like a fresh start, doesn't it? It's also a day when we put pressure on ourselves to make grand pronouncements about our resolutions for the new year. I usually make my resolutions and then forget about them by mid January. I have decided to be realistic this year and not resolve to do things like "lose 5 pounds a month," - (wouldn't that be great, though!?). I'm excited about improving myself, but I want to set goals that I can attain - honest and realistic. So I will list them here and by doing so, maybe I will be more accountable and stick to them...hmmmmm...so, in no particular order...
IN 2010, I RESOLVE....
1. ...to be more mindful of the things I eat - less junk and red meat - and to cook more and eat out less - in general, to take better care of myself - which also means being less sedentary at home on the weekends - using the walking path by my house once each weekend if it's not raining. This goes for me AND Ron!
2. ...to be more organized at work and at home - this means keeping my desk clean at work and keeping chores from piling up at home. This includes downsizing by cleaning out my craft room and garage.
3. ...to keep in contact more frequently with family and friends.
4. ...to read more and to write here at least once a week.
5. ...to be true to myself - no more hair color...really. What you see is who I am.
In making these resolutions public, I'm hoping it will keep me on task. I also reserve the right to modify them as needed. Let's see how I do. OK, 2010, let's see what you have in store for us! It's gonna be a big year - I can feel it!
IN 2010, I RESOLVE....
2. ...to be more organized at work and at home - this means keeping my desk clean at work and keeping chores from piling up at home. This includes downsizing by cleaning out my craft room and garage.
3. ...to keep in contact more frequently with family and friends.
4. ...to read more and to write here at least once a week.
5. ...to be true to myself - no more hair color...really. What you see is who I am.
In making these resolutions public, I'm hoping it will keep me on task. I also reserve the right to modify them as needed. Let's see how I do. OK, 2010, let's see what you have in store for us! It's gonna be a big year - I can feel it!
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