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.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
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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