June 30, 2008
Prosthetic scrotums and other things that annoyed me this week
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Movie Monday: Get Smart, Kung Fu Panda & Hulk
*This post contains spoilers for Get Smart, Kung Fu Panda, and The Incredible Hulk*
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Get Smart: Went to see Get Smart, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was just really funny. I realized afterwards that one of the reasons that I liked it was because the comedies I see are often romantic comedies, or dramatic comedies that have really, really sad parts in the middle somewhere. Sometimes they're not even that sad, but in comparison to the laughs in the rest of the movie, they're sad. But I didn't have to deal with that in this movie. The whole movie was just funny, it made me laugh and iddn't make me cry and I LIKED that. I am a big fan of Steve Carrell, so he was the draw for me mostly, and I was happy to see a cameo by Patrick Warburton towards the end. Also, Masi Oka (Hiro from Heroes) was in it, which I definitely enjoyed.
Kung Fu Panda: What a cute movie. I really liked the animation style, the animals and their fur, especially Tigress. Although I was left days afterwards trying to figure out what the heck animal Master Shifu was supposed to be. An old red panda? Some kind of raccoon? According to Wikipedia, he is a Red Panda. Ahhh... my favorite animal! How could I not like him? I laughed out loud several times, and was surprised at how many people were there a couple weeks after opening at a 9:30 weekday show. I really like Jack Black. I think he makes really fun movies and is a goofball and he is a draw for me to any movie. I would recommend this, although if you've got kids there are some scary parts. My friend's 4 year old did fine, but he did say that some parts were a little bit scary when the bad leopard was coming after Po, the panda.
The Incredible Hulk: My latest comic book movie fix. Have I ever mentioned that I love comic book movies? No? Well, I do! I liked this movie. I thought that Ed Norton did a good job. I liked that he was the Hulk but as a man, he wasn't huge. I thought Tim Roth was icky and scary as the Abomination, and I liked how in their hulked-out forms, Abomination was ugly and Hulk was still somewhat human looking and fairly good looking (you know, for a big muscular green anger monster). Good graphic representation. I also really enjoyed Liv Tyler in this. I think she brings something to movies, I like her because she's so much more normal seeming than a lot of Hollywood actors - she's pretty, but not in a model gorgeous type of way, and her body is real. I LOVED the Tony Stark cameo at the end, and it made me excited for future movies! I felt like this was a lot more memorable than the Eric Bana Hulk - I can't even remember who played the female lead in that. I loved the connection that Betty made with Hulk, it was real and a little bit beautiful. I definitely recommend this one if you're a comic book movie fan. Besides, what else do you have to occupy you until Dark Knight?
Movies I'm looking forward to seeing in the next couple weeks: Wanted (I am droooooling), Wall-E, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Hancock, Hellboy 2
Bonus: Cutest Kitteh Evar!
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Get Smart: Went to see Get Smart, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was just really funny. I realized afterwards that one of the reasons that I liked it was because the comedies I see are often romantic comedies, or dramatic comedies that have really, really sad parts in the middle somewhere. Sometimes they're not even that sad, but in comparison to the laughs in the rest of the movie, they're sad. But I didn't have to deal with that in this movie. The whole movie was just funny, it made me laugh and iddn't make me cry and I LIKED that. I am a big fan of Steve Carrell, so he was the draw for me mostly, and I was happy to see a cameo by Patrick Warburton towards the end. Also, Masi Oka (Hiro from Heroes) was in it, which I definitely enjoyed.
Kung Fu Panda: What a cute movie. I really liked the animation style, the animals and their fur, especially Tigress. Although I was left days afterwards trying to figure out what the heck animal Master Shifu was supposed to be. An old red panda? Some kind of raccoon? According to Wikipedia, he is a Red Panda. Ahhh... my favorite animal! How could I not like him? I laughed out loud several times, and was surprised at how many people were there a couple weeks after opening at a 9:30 weekday show. I really like Jack Black. I think he makes really fun movies and is a goofball and he is a draw for me to any movie. I would recommend this, although if you've got kids there are some scary parts. My friend's 4 year old did fine, but he did say that some parts were a little bit scary when the bad leopard was coming after Po, the panda.
The Incredible Hulk: My latest comic book movie fix. Have I ever mentioned that I love comic book movies? No? Well, I do! I liked this movie. I thought that Ed Norton did a good job. I liked that he was the Hulk but as a man, he wasn't huge. I thought Tim Roth was icky and scary as the Abomination, and I liked how in their hulked-out forms, Abomination was ugly and Hulk was still somewhat human looking and fairly good looking (you know, for a big muscular green anger monster). Good graphic representation. I also really enjoyed Liv Tyler in this. I think she brings something to movies, I like her because she's so much more normal seeming than a lot of Hollywood actors - she's pretty, but not in a model gorgeous type of way, and her body is real. I LOVED the Tony Stark cameo at the end, and it made me excited for future movies! I felt like this was a lot more memorable than the Eric Bana Hulk - I can't even remember who played the female lead in that. I loved the connection that Betty made with Hulk, it was real and a little bit beautiful. I definitely recommend this one if you're a comic book movie fan. Besides, what else do you have to occupy you until Dark Knight?
Movies I'm looking forward to seeing in the next couple weeks: Wanted (I am droooooling), Wall-E, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Hancock, Hellboy 2
Bonus: Cutest Kitteh Evar!
June 27, 2008
SYTYCD: Top 16 Results Show
As is often my first thought, WTF is with Cat's dress?? Who dresses her? Seriously, because I could use an awesome job on SYTYCD, and could do way better. What the hell is with that freaky ruffle? At least Mary was dressed normal...
Can I just say after the guest performance, I STILL love Hok. He is just so great.
I went three for three on my predictions this week! Woo! After the solos, my prediction is... Chelsea and Matt. I just didn't see enough heart in Chelsea's solo. And I feel like Matt's just not done enough to stay. But will the judges finally split a couple this week?
Insert: Another musical performance I don't care about, but find much less annoying than The Pussycat Dolls. Oooh, but that is pretty dress! And I would die if I tried to wear those heels. I would literally fall and break my bones.
Of course, again I am only 1/2 right. And the judges DID split up a couple this week! Thayne and Comfort are the new couple. Hm....
On a totally unrelated note, Sam went to bed without a pacifier on his own tonight. He's getting so big!
Can I just say after the guest performance, I STILL love Hok. He is just so great.
I went three for three on my predictions this week! Woo! After the solos, my prediction is... Chelsea and Matt. I just didn't see enough heart in Chelsea's solo. And I feel like Matt's just not done enough to stay. But will the judges finally split a couple this week?
Insert: Another musical performance I don't care about, but find much less annoying than The Pussycat Dolls. Oooh, but that is pretty dress! And I would die if I tried to wear those heels. I would literally fall and break my bones.
Of course, again I am only 1/2 right. And the judges DID split up a couple this week! Thayne and Comfort are the new couple. Hm....
On a totally unrelated note, Sam went to bed without a pacifier on his own tonight. He's getting so big!
Haiku Friday: Summertime, and the living is easy
My post is arranged
With haikus I wrote this week
Down at the bottom
Okay, maybe not easy, but easier! We had an amazing week. Sam was sooo good this week that it was amazing. I have been much more relaxed the last two weeks, and I think that's really affected him. I do feel sad that my emotional state over the last six months has been affecting him so much (along with all of the transition we've been going through). About two weeks ago, I think I hit the bottom. Ever since then, we've been getting some stuff done and I have been feeling A LOT better. I've been much more relaxed and happier and feeling less stressed out. Sam and I had a great time this week. He had a couple of difficult bedtimes, but during the days he was great. He was happy, less whiny, didn't have as much trouble with people coming and going, didn't cry when it was time to get back in the car after the outings we took. Yesterday we finally walked around the corner and I showed him the freeway overpass. I think it may have been the best thing he ever saw. He just held the bars and pointed and looked at the cars and trucks going by beneath us. Several cars and big trucks honked their hellos, which made him smile. We went to several parks this week, on Wednesday we went to a park nearby with lots of rocks on the beach, good for throwing into the water, and a railroad track. We saw a 'train' made of some equipment, with a whistle and all, and Sam loved it. So, I hope everyone had such a good week, and have a great weekend!
We sit together
On the rocky shore alone
Waves lap up at us
Throwing rocks, splash!
Sunshine warming our pale skin
Peaceful and soothing
You could sit for hours
Ridding the beach of all rocks
You would if you could!
Peace interrupted
A loud large family with
three boys and two girls
I can't look at them
Can't bring myself to believe
One day you'll be BIG.
June 26, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance: Top 16
Great show this week!
- Kherington & Twitch dancing Hip Hop: Her facial expressions were a little much for me at times. I thought it was a good job, but it wasn't the best hip hop I've seen and it didn't WOW me that much, but apparently the judges disagree. I do think Kherington did a good job though since it's not her style.
- Courtney & Gev dancing Rhumba: Holy crap that was SOME "dress" she was wearing! I was glad she realized her dress was caught on her shoe in the beginning, and she smoothly just got it free. I excpected the music to be faster, but what do I know about dance really? I thought it was pretty good, they did a good job and I feel like they get into character really well and are a very good match. I also did like it when Adam brought up that Gev is a hip-hopper, because I do tend to forget that. He's done so well so far!
- Comfort & Chris dancing Jazz: As soon as Tyce said African Jazz, I was excited. I love it when they put the African style into the routines. Also, that is like the one Marilyn Manson song I know, and I really like it. So when the song started I was excited and thought it would be great. I liked it, but all in all I did feel it was a little soft. But, my 2 year old was totally rocking out to the song, which was hilarious. I do agree with Nigel that I expected a little more from the choreography and that they could have hit it harder.
- Jessica & Will dancing Disco: I agreed, that was awesome at the end when he sort of slipped and then she moved to match him. I thought they were pretty good, they had that bouce, and I thought they danced it well, the first lift was really good, but some of the others weren't as good, and obviously there was the end. I thought that Jessica did shine, that she fit that disco style really well.
- Kourtni & Matt dancing Contemporary: I didn't personally particularly like the routine, but I thought they danced it really well, it was a different style of contemporary, and they danced it really well and got to show their technique. I'm not sure if it will keep them in or not with the voters because like Nigel said, I'm not sure that people will understand it as well. But I think they definitely deserve to stay on another week after their performance!
- Chelsea & Thayne dancing Quick Step: LOVED her dress. She has gotten to wear some good ones so far. Well, except that weird thing last week, but she looked so pretty. I really like her. I thought it was pretty good, but I sometimes have a hard time judging the ballroom routines because I can't always recognize the technique etc. I agree with Nigel, if Chelsea's personality doesn't show, we do lose her. I guess I have to just go with the judges, and I'm not sure they'll make it.
- Chelsea & Mark dancing Hip Hop: This was unexpectedly one of my favorite routines of the night. I loved her character at the end. I loved that it was a little bit less traditional hip hip, they were just great. I think they might be one of my top couples at this point. I thought she was so believable, it was just great. Also, it made Adam freak out which was hilarious.
- Katee & Joshua dancing Samba: HOT! That was hot. Seriously. Amazing. After last week and this week they are my top couple. She really pulled it out. So good.
June 24, 2008
June 23, 2008
The New Classics: Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years
I am stealing this meme from Maria. Who stole it from Avitable. Entertainment Weekly published a list of the top 100 movies of the last 25 years for their 1000th issue. I'm a huge movie fan and frequent movie-goer, so I thought I'd see what I need to add to my 'to see on DVD list'. Movies I've seen are in bold, my favorites have asterisks by them.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03)**
3. Titanic (1997)
4. Blue Velvet (1986)
5. Toy Story (1995)
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
7. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)**
9. Die Hard (1988)**
10. Moulin Rouge (2001)
11. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
12. The Matrix (1999)**
13. GoodFellas (1990)
14. Crumb (1995)
15. Edward Scissorhands (1990)**
16. Boogie Nights (1997)
17. Jerry Maguire (1996)
18. Do the Right Thing (1989)
19. Casino Royale (2006)**
20. The Lion King (1994)**
21. Schindler’s List (1993) (I own this, but am afraid to watch it...)
22. Rushmore (1998)
23. Memento (2001)**
24. A Room With a View (1986)
25. Shrek (2001)**
26. Hoop Dreams (1994)
27. Aliens (1986)**
28. Wings of Desire (1988)
29. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
30. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
31. Brokeback Mountain (2005)**
32. Fight Club (1999)
33. The Breakfast Club (1985)**
34. Fargo (1996)
35. The Incredibles (2004)**
36. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
37. Pretty Woman (1990)
38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
39. The Sixth Sense (1999)**
40. Speed (1994)**
41. Dazed and Confused (1993)
42. Clueless (1995)**
43. Gladiator (2000)**
44. The Player (1992)
45. Rain Man (1988)**
46. Children of Men (2006)
47. Men in Black (1997)
48. Scarface (1983)**
49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
50. The Piano (1993)
51. There Will Be Blood (2007)**
52. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988)
53. The Truman Show (1998)
54. Fatal Attraction (1987)
55. Risky Business (1983)
56. The Lives of Others (2006)
57. There’s Something About Mary (1998)
58. Ghostbusters (1984)
59. L.A. Confidential (1997)
60. Scream (1996)
61. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)**
62. sex, lies and videotape (1989)
63. Big (1988)**
64. No Country For Old Men (2007)
65. Dirty Dancing (1987)
66. Natural Born Killers (1994)
67. Donnie Brasco (1997)
68. Witness (1985)
69. All About My Mother (1999)
70. Broadcast News (1987)
71. Unforgiven (1992)
72. Thelma & Louise (1991)
73. Office Space (1999)**
74. Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
75. Out of Africa (1985)
76. The Departed (2006)**
77. Sid and Nancy (1986)
78. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
79. Waiting for Guffman (1996)
80. Michael Clayton (2007)
81. Moonstruck (1987)
82. Lost in Translation (2003)
83. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)
84. Sideways (2004)
85. The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)
86. Y Tu Mamá También (2002)
87. Swingers (1996)
88. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
89. Breaking the Waves (1996)
90. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
91. Back to the Future (1985)**
92. Menace II Society (1993)
93. Ed Wood (1994)
94. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
95. In the Mood for Love (2001)
96. Far From Heaven (2002)
97. Glory (1989)
98. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
99. The Blair Witch Project (1999)**
100. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999)
So, I've seen exactly 2/3 of them! Looks like I have a few more movies to add to my "movies to see list", although Ed Wood, Schindler's List and The Piano are already on there.
A Perfect Moment
My Mom got married on Saturday, to a wonderful man who makes her really happy. The wedding was great, they were married at a lake northeast of where we live, the actual wedding was in a meadow, framed on one side by trees and the other side by a lake and tree covered mountains. There was no civilization to be seen, just a group of family in friends and they said their vows and brought our families together. It was perfect. The reception was in an amazing group picnic shelter there with a big fire pit in the center, and a kitchen area with a stove and sink. Wine and beer and amazing food were had, the cake was cut, producing my favorite photo from the entire day, and the guests began to dwindle.
At 11:00 when we had to be out of the shelter, we headed to a smaller shelter with a fireplace and picnic table just across the dirt road from the cabins we were staying in, and down the road from where other guests were camping. We lit the fire, and there were eight of us just chatting, including my Mom and her new husband, and my sister and her boyfriend. He broke out his guitar and played and sang. Then he handed the guitar over to my Mom.
She sang a couple of songs, "Wildflowers" and another one. Listening to my Mom play the guitar and sing is an almost perfect experience for me. She has a truly amazing, beautiful voice and it takes me back to my childhood, listening to her play her guitar and sing. I thought she was amazing then, but over the years her singing has gotten even better after being part of a chorus for the last several years and practicing. I was feeling so peaceful, and could feel tears of emotion prickling at the back of my eyelids as I listened and felt the warmth of the fire in the middle of a dark night after a day of celebration.
"She got it from her captain when he sailed around the horn, bringing gifts from China to their Oklahoma home..." As soon as I heard the first chords, the first lyrics, sung by my newlywed mother, the tears began to flow. I sat with my eyes closed, swaying, feeling the warmth of the fire, feeling so peaceful as the tears ran in warm, salty rivulets down my cheeks. I wasn't sad, I wasn't happy, I was peaceful. So full of emotion from the day, happiness for my Mom and my new family, feeling content. Then I felt it. My sister, two years younger, sitting next to me snaked her arms around me and laid her head on my shoulder. I put my hand on her arm and leaned my head against hers and after a moment I could hear that she was crying too. We sat that way, emotions melding, in the perfect bond of our relationship with each other and with our Mom, until the music stopped.
Later, when saying goodbye to my Mom as she went to go to bed and get up at 5 AM to make the flight to a 2 week trip to Costa Rica (wish I was there!), I asked if she'd seen us. She said she hadn't, but her new husband had and it had brought tears to his eyes... A sweet end to a sweet and wonderful day.
* The song my Mom was singing was "In China or a Woman's Heart" by Kate Wolf.
At 11:00 when we had to be out of the shelter, we headed to a smaller shelter with a fireplace and picnic table just across the dirt road from the cabins we were staying in, and down the road from where other guests were camping. We lit the fire, and there were eight of us just chatting, including my Mom and her new husband, and my sister and her boyfriend. He broke out his guitar and played and sang. Then he handed the guitar over to my Mom.
She sang a couple of songs, "Wildflowers" and another one. Listening to my Mom play the guitar and sing is an almost perfect experience for me. She has a truly amazing, beautiful voice and it takes me back to my childhood, listening to her play her guitar and sing. I thought she was amazing then, but over the years her singing has gotten even better after being part of a chorus for the last several years and practicing. I was feeling so peaceful, and could feel tears of emotion prickling at the back of my eyelids as I listened and felt the warmth of the fire in the middle of a dark night after a day of celebration.
"She got it from her captain when he sailed around the horn, bringing gifts from China to their Oklahoma home..." As soon as I heard the first chords, the first lyrics, sung by my newlywed mother, the tears began to flow. I sat with my eyes closed, swaying, feeling the warmth of the fire, feeling so peaceful as the tears ran in warm, salty rivulets down my cheeks. I wasn't sad, I wasn't happy, I was peaceful. So full of emotion from the day, happiness for my Mom and my new family, feeling content. Then I felt it. My sister, two years younger, sitting next to me snaked her arms around me and laid her head on my shoulder. I put my hand on her arm and leaned my head against hers and after a moment I could hear that she was crying too. We sat that way, emotions melding, in the perfect bond of our relationship with each other and with our Mom, until the music stopped.
Later, when saying goodbye to my Mom as she went to go to bed and get up at 5 AM to make the flight to a 2 week trip to Costa Rica (wish I was there!), I asked if she'd seen us. She said she hadn't, but her new husband had and it had brought tears to his eyes... A sweet end to a sweet and wonderful day.
* The song my Mom was singing was "In China or a Woman's Heart" by Kate Wolf.
I Am Haunted
A few weeks ago, I saw someone walking downtown that I haven't seen in years. I didn't have time to stop and talk to him, as much as I wanted to, I was on my way to a friend's house and already running later than I wanted to. I haven't talked to him since before I got married. I don't have a phone number or e-mail address for him anymore. I found a profile for him on Yahoo but it's a couple of years old. But suddenly, I find myself wishing that I'd run into him every time I am in that area.
I am haunted. I've found in my life that when a big life change happens, ghosts from my past - of the way things used to be, of people I used to know and things I used to do - well up from inside me to haunt my thoughts. It makes adjustment hard for me. When I move, I tend to be followed by these thoughts almost to the point of being obsessed.
Sometimes, it's just a distraction. I think about this man I used to know. Why do I think about him in particular? It could be that he was the only guy I have ever dated and had a genuine friendship with. It could be that he made me feel good about myself, that he accepted me for who I was. It could be that we didn't have a serious relationship, but I could see how much he enjoyed spending time with me just as friends. It could be that he made me laugh, or that he was truly happy for me when I started dating the man who became my husband.
Sometimes it perplexes me. During the time I lived in Bellingham and attended poetry night at Stuart's, I was part of a community. A community of art, of creativity. I miss that in my life. I walk around downtown and wish that I could run into someone I knew, wish that I could carry on random conversations with people just because I recognize them from a place we both have a connection to. I have started to become very comfortable at the coffee shop I go to now to work, they're starting to learn my name and I'm starting to recognize people. But how do you go from a bystander to a participant? It's something that seems to elude me.
Sometimes it hurts. I moved to the new city and couldn't stop thinking about my friend who'd committed suicide because he'd gone to that college as well. Missing him grew to such a degree that I felt alone and sad. I wished so hard it hurt that he could be there now, be there for me to talk to one more time. There were times I actually thought that I saw him - on campus, or driving a car - even though I knew that it was impossible. I felt so disoriented and mal-adjusted in that new city that I went to a therapist a few times before it passed.
Sometimes it wakes me up. Moving back to Bellingham, I have remembered things I used to do when I lived here last. I used to write poetry, and attend poetry night at a local coffeehouse. I'd go there to write and sip herbal tea or a cappucccino during to fill my days. I would listen to the poetry at night and even work up the courage to read myself. Living in the big ciy, in the environment of technology and riches somewhere I lost my creativity. I lost that longing to spend time writing, to build my skills. In the back of my mind, I'd think about it, but here I remember that I can spend time on it, work on it and develop it.
There have been times when I wished I was free of these hauntings, times I wished that I wasn't such an emotional packrat, that it didn't hurt so much when I lost friends or lost touch with people, when I realized that I cared more than they did. There have been times when I wondered why I hold on so tightly when other people don't, why even over five years later there is a part of me that wishes I was still friends with people I used to work with. But then I realize that this is part of who I am. Being tied to people, seeing these ghosts, isn't necessarily easy, but it is all tied in to my ability to be so open with the people I am friends with, to let people into my life and mean something to me despite the fact that it might not last. It gives me the ability to love my husband and my son, and the friends that I hold truly dear - to empathize and be proud and let myself feel the joys and sorrows of those I'm close to. It's my life, and I love it.
I am haunted. I've found in my life that when a big life change happens, ghosts from my past - of the way things used to be, of people I used to know and things I used to do - well up from inside me to haunt my thoughts. It makes adjustment hard for me. When I move, I tend to be followed by these thoughts almost to the point of being obsessed.
Sometimes, it's just a distraction. I think about this man I used to know. Why do I think about him in particular? It could be that he was the only guy I have ever dated and had a genuine friendship with. It could be that he made me feel good about myself, that he accepted me for who I was. It could be that we didn't have a serious relationship, but I could see how much he enjoyed spending time with me just as friends. It could be that he made me laugh, or that he was truly happy for me when I started dating the man who became my husband.
Sometimes it perplexes me. During the time I lived in Bellingham and attended poetry night at Stuart's, I was part of a community. A community of art, of creativity. I miss that in my life. I walk around downtown and wish that I could run into someone I knew, wish that I could carry on random conversations with people just because I recognize them from a place we both have a connection to. I have started to become very comfortable at the coffee shop I go to now to work, they're starting to learn my name and I'm starting to recognize people. But how do you go from a bystander to a participant? It's something that seems to elude me.
Sometimes it hurts. I moved to the new city and couldn't stop thinking about my friend who'd committed suicide because he'd gone to that college as well. Missing him grew to such a degree that I felt alone and sad. I wished so hard it hurt that he could be there now, be there for me to talk to one more time. There were times I actually thought that I saw him - on campus, or driving a car - even though I knew that it was impossible. I felt so disoriented and mal-adjusted in that new city that I went to a therapist a few times before it passed.
Sometimes it wakes me up. Moving back to Bellingham, I have remembered things I used to do when I lived here last. I used to write poetry, and attend poetry night at a local coffeehouse. I'd go there to write and sip herbal tea or a cappucccino during to fill my days. I would listen to the poetry at night and even work up the courage to read myself. Living in the big ciy, in the environment of technology and riches somewhere I lost my creativity. I lost that longing to spend time writing, to build my skills. In the back of my mind, I'd think about it, but here I remember that I can spend time on it, work on it and develop it.
There have been times when I wished I was free of these hauntings, times I wished that I wasn't such an emotional packrat, that it didn't hurt so much when I lost friends or lost touch with people, when I realized that I cared more than they did. There have been times when I wondered why I hold on so tightly when other people don't, why even over five years later there is a part of me that wishes I was still friends with people I used to work with. But then I realize that this is part of who I am. Being tied to people, seeing these ghosts, isn't necessarily easy, but it is all tied in to my ability to be so open with the people I am friends with, to let people into my life and mean something to me despite the fact that it might not last. It gives me the ability to love my husband and my son, and the friends that I hold truly dear - to empathize and be proud and let myself feel the joys and sorrows of those I'm close to. It's my life, and I love it.
Movie Monday: Prince Caspian
I FINALLY got to go and see the new Chronicles of Narnia movie, Prince Caspian. It was amazing! I haven't watched the first movie since it came out, and I'd forgotten just how much I loved it. The visual effects are just stunning, I love all of the Narnian creatures, the centaurs and leopards going into battle. I love Aslan. There was pretty much nothing that I didn't like about this movie.
I was pleasantly surprised by the presence of Peter Dinklage, who is one of the main characters in the movie, the dwarf Trumpkin. I love Peter Dinklage, and he usually brings a lot to every movie he's in (if you haven't seen it yet, Death at a Funeral was excellent). He was just perfect as the grumpy dwarf, and I loved the relationship between him and Lucy. Lucy is my favorite out of the actors who play the Pevensie children, amazingly acted by Georgie Henley. She is just so adorable, but has this amazing wisdom about her - she's almost a leader among the children despite her young age.
If you liked the first Narnia movie, you'll definitely like this one, actually I can't imagine anyone I know NOT liking this movie. Definitely not for the younger set though, with the violence of the battle scenes.
I was pleasantly surprised by the presence of Peter Dinklage, who is one of the main characters in the movie, the dwarf Trumpkin. I love Peter Dinklage, and he usually brings a lot to every movie he's in (if you haven't seen it yet, Death at a Funeral was excellent). He was just perfect as the grumpy dwarf, and I loved the relationship between him and Lucy. Lucy is my favorite out of the actors who play the Pevensie children, amazingly acted by Georgie Henley. She is just so adorable, but has this amazing wisdom about her - she's almost a leader among the children despite her young age.
If you liked the first Narnia movie, you'll definitely like this one, actually I can't imagine anyone I know NOT liking this movie. Definitely not for the younger set though, with the violence of the battle scenes.
June 20, 2008
Brain Barf
I have so much stuff going around in my head right nowthat I can't even think. So, randomness it is...
- My Mom is getting married tomorrow! I am excited, I really like the guy she is getting married to and I think this one is it. Plus he teaches physics and calculus so I no longer have to worry about who the hell is going to help Sam with his math homework when he gets older.
- Sam is doing really well. I feel like in the last two weeks he's improved a lot. In the last couple of days, he's signed "more" several times, and has signed "help" to my Mom on two different days multiple times. I have more to say about this, but I am slightly incoherant right now.
- It was only like 75 out today, but I am freaking hot, and have been all day. What the hell?
- I stayed up way too late last night and work was hellish today, and stressful, so I feel a little bit like I'm going to collapse and fall asleep as soon as I hit the bed.
- There are currently 70 unread posts in my blog reader, down from over 100 this morning. Sigh...
- I am currently reading "My Year of Meats" by Ruth Ozeki. I'm about 3/4 of the way through it and I LOVE it. Parts of it are sad, upsetting, but it's so good. I will post about it when I'm finished and hopefully get some other people to read it!
All right, I'm just going to go collapse now. Hope everyone has a really great weekend!
SYTYCD Top 18 Results Show
I just got around to watching this week's results show. I liked the Shane Sparks routine (although Wade Robson is still my favorite!). When they showcased the four dancers, the three guys and Comfort, that was awesome.
Then Cat & the judges... Cat's dress was actually not too horrible, and Mary's hair is flat again... thank goodness.
Then we meet our bottom three couples...
Chelsea & Thayne (for some reason I called her Courtney in my last post... too many double names!). I really like Chelsea, so I was happy that she stuck around too. When Cat said "Jessica & Will, it's not you either" I said, "It's not them either? Oh fuck!". I thought they'd be in the bottom 3! I do like will though, so I'm glad he's sticking around another week. Susie & Marquis, no surprise there... I have never been a big fan of Susie. Chris & Comfort were the final couple in the bottom three, I guess I shouldn't be that surprised about it, I do feel Nigel's right that they haven't had much of a chance to show what they've got. My predictions weren't perfect, but hey, two out of three ain't bad!
One thing I really like is how they're having guest dancers on the results show. I could usually do without the musical guest, but it's cool to see different styles of dance showcased by really great dancers!
After the bottom contestants danced for their lives, I was thinking that it would be Susie and Chris going home. Susie just isn't versatile enough. She looked sexy doing her style, but I don't know much about if she has good technique or not, I feel like she needs to be more. Marquis solo was AMAZING! I don't usually love the solos that much, but he was great. Chris just didn't do it for me.
Then the judges made their announcement... Susie & Marquis are gone, another couple out and all of the other couples stay together. I am not sure I agree with sending Marquis home, but I'm not a judge, so oh well! Can't wait to see what happens next week.
Then Cat & the judges... Cat's dress was actually not too horrible, and Mary's hair is flat again... thank goodness.
Then we meet our bottom three couples...
Chelsea & Thayne (for some reason I called her Courtney in my last post... too many double names!). I really like Chelsea, so I was happy that she stuck around too. When Cat said "Jessica & Will, it's not you either" I said, "It's not them either? Oh fuck!". I thought they'd be in the bottom 3! I do like will though, so I'm glad he's sticking around another week. Susie & Marquis, no surprise there... I have never been a big fan of Susie. Chris & Comfort were the final couple in the bottom three, I guess I shouldn't be that surprised about it, I do feel Nigel's right that they haven't had much of a chance to show what they've got. My predictions weren't perfect, but hey, two out of three ain't bad!
One thing I really like is how they're having guest dancers on the results show. I could usually do without the musical guest, but it's cool to see different styles of dance showcased by really great dancers!
After the bottom contestants danced for their lives, I was thinking that it would be Susie and Chris going home. Susie just isn't versatile enough. She looked sexy doing her style, but I don't know much about if she has good technique or not, I feel like she needs to be more. Marquis solo was AMAZING! I don't usually love the solos that much, but he was great. Chris just didn't do it for me.
Then the judges made their announcement... Susie & Marquis are gone, another couple out and all of the other couples stay together. I am not sure I agree with sending Marquis home, but I'm not a judge, so oh well! Can't wait to see what happens next week.
June 19, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance: Top 18
All right... I'm kind of re-thinking the TV Tuesday thing. Here's why: I feel like my posts get outdated. If I blog about SYTYCD then wait until the next Tuesday to post it, who is even going to care anymore? I may keep TV Tuesdays in the fall for regular serial shows, but for reality shows especially, and for now, I'm going to post more often.
So, here is my take on last night's SYTYCD, and predictions...
First of all, what the hell is up with Mary's outfit? It's bizarre. It looks weirdly street-walkerish or something.
So, here is my take on last night's SYTYCD, and predictions...
First of all, what the hell is up with Mary's outfit? It's bizarre. It looks weirdly street-walkerish or something.
- Courtney & Thane dancing Jazz: Liked the music, didn't like the routine. I haven't been very impressed by jazz yet this season.
- Mark and Chelsea dancing Argentine Tango: I liked it! I am really starting to like Mark, he's so unique and does so well in character. I loved the lift at the end, and again thought the music was great.
- Jessica & Will dancing Hip Hop: He was good, she wasn't believable to me. Also, I kind of hate what Nicole Scherzinger does with her voice and the music was distracting to me.
- Kourtni & Matt dancing Foxtrot: Matt was good, very well suited to that type of dance, Kourtni was okay but again I didn't believe her quite as much as I did him. It was pretty but I wasn't that impressed.
- Courtney & Gev dancing Contemporary: I thought it was BEAUTIFUL. I felt like they were in character well. I'll tell you what, this show has changed my opinions about contemporary dancing, and let me see how it can be. There have been more than one contemporary routine that have moved me to tears.
- Katee & Joshua dancing Broadway: I agreed with Nigel, he's a freaking POPPER and he did THAT! It was awesome! I think seeing it on camera took a little a way - I bet it was amazing live. I love them together, they're an unexpected duo and work together really well!
- Susie & Marquis dancing Salsa: I thought it was unfortunate that Susie overheard the choreographers comment ("Shes not really a salsa dancer, she's a street salsa dancer"). I think it probably took away some of her confidence. Dude, that was some fast-ass footwork. I feel like they did a GREAT job for having to learn a routine like that, I wouldn't make it two seconds in.
- Kherington & Twitch dancing Viennese Waltz: The story that the choreographer told before just added that much more to the routine. It was beautiful, and she was GORGEOUS. I love them as a couple, and they were one of my favorites of the night, maybe my favorite in the competition so far.
- Comfort & Chris KRUMP: I liked it. Chris impressed me, he did so well! I do agree with Nigel, it's passion that gets rid of agression and I didn't feel that in the routine. I didn't feel the nitty gritty of what krump should be, but I think it was good for what it was, I think Chris was good, and I think it will get them through to next week.
June 17, 2008
TV Tuesday: SYTYCD, Fringe, Hell's Kitchen and Holy Frakkin' BSG!
*SPOILER ALERT*
*This post contains spoilers for So You Think You Can Dance, Hell's Kitchen, In Plain Sight & Battlestar Galactica. Review of Fringe DOES NOT have spoilers.*
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Fringe: I had an opportunity to see part of the first episode this week. I gotta tell you, I FREAKING LOVE IT already. I will start praying now that it won't be cancelled... it is X-Files-ish. But by JJ Abrams! I love him so. Here's the description from TV.com: "FBI agents Olivia Dunham and Peter Bishop are faced with a rapidly spreading unexplained phenomenon of the threatening kind. In an attempt to stop the spread, they enlist the assistance of Bishop's estranged father, the institutionalized scientist Dr. Walter Bishop." Watch it. Love it. Premieres September 9 on FOX.
So You Think You Can Dance: I love this show so much. This week was the first week of the top 20 dancing. Here are my thoughts on the 10 couples:
Hell's Kitchen: Of course we can't resist Hell's Kitchen! The thing I find most amusing about the whole thing is that the Hell's Kitchen Chef Ramsey is totally just a character. When he goes on the winner outings with people he's nice, and every season there are moments of kindness. It cracks me up. So, we're down to four now after losing Bobby last week. I wasn't sad to see him go. At this point, I'm hoping that it comes down to Christina as winner. She's the most likable and I feel like she pays attention and learns.
In Plain Sight: This is a new summer show on USA with Mary McCormack from The West Wing. She plays a U.S. Marshal who deals with people in the Witness Protection Program. She's snarky and has a quirky family, it's been pretty entertaining so far.
Dirty Jobs: My husband started watching this show last year and at first I wasn't that into it, but I really like it! I think that Mike Rowe is hilarious, I love it how he always seems so reluctant and like it's a crazy thing to do, but he's still doing it. I definitely recommend it.
Battlestar Galactica: What the FRAK?? What does it MEAN? Why does EARTH have to be so difficult?! Is the whole planet wrecked? What happened there? Aaargh.... It was so good, it was amazing, when they found Earth, but I had this sinking feeling the whole time because I knew the show wasn't over so something else had to happen. And Holy Frak, I can't believe that Tigh just TOLD Adama he was a Cylon. Rip my heart out... Then, holy balls, he GAVE THEM UP. Adama falling apart? Almost too much for me to handle. And, what the hell are you trying to pull, Sci-Fi Network? What do you MEAN mid-season finale? After that horrible year long wait last time, now I have to wait until 2009 to see what happens? It makes me want to cry with frustration. Who is the final Cylon? She said they weren't with the fleet. Was she lying? Is it Baltar or Roslyn? Is it someone else who already "died" and we're going to run into them later somehow?
And now for some other random thoughts so my head doesn't explode... Thank goodness Chief's hair is growing back. Way to be the first one to jump right on that invite Tori... Dude, Katee Sackhoff is looking hot. Gaius Baltar makes me barf in my mouth a little. STOP SNIVELING! I read somewhere that she's going to be on Nip-Tuck for a while... weird. I guess I'll just have to keep watching it then!
*This post contains spoilers for So You Think You Can Dance, Hell's Kitchen, In Plain Sight & Battlestar Galactica. Review of Fringe DOES NOT have spoilers.*
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Fringe: I had an opportunity to see part of the first episode this week. I gotta tell you, I FREAKING LOVE IT already. I will start praying now that it won't be cancelled... it is X-Files-ish. But by JJ Abrams! I love him so. Here's the description from TV.com: "FBI agents Olivia Dunham and Peter Bishop are faced with a rapidly spreading unexplained phenomenon of the threatening kind. In an attempt to stop the spread, they enlist the assistance of Bishop's estranged father, the institutionalized scientist Dr. Walter Bishop." Watch it. Love it. Premieres September 9 on FOX.
So You Think You Can Dance: I love this show so much. This week was the first week of the top 20 dancing. Here are my thoughts on the 10 couples:
- Rayven & Jamie dancing Hip-Hop: It was so/so. I like Rayven because she's the oldest in the group and also she reminds me of the woman who plays Angela on Bones.
- Susie & Marquis dancing the Smooth Waltz: SO pretty! It was just so beautiful to watch, her dress was perfect (I want one!). I couldn't believe her legs when she did her extensions.
- Kourtni & Matt dancing Jazz: Eh. Didn't really like it. Thought their costumes were awful.
- Chelsea T & Thayne dancing Cha-Cha: She rocked! Also, can I just say that that purple outfit she was wearing may have been one of the most fabulous things I've ever seen?
- Chelsea H & Mark dancing Contemporary: Sometimes I just don't get contemporary, and other times I really like it. The routine that Mia Michaels choreographed for Lacey & Kameron last year made me CRY! So, I liked this, it was cute and I thought she was really believable, and I loved that bird thing that he did.
- Kherington & Twitch dancing Broadway: Twitchington! How could you not like that? I already liked her weird name, and she is cute and reminds me of Alison Mackey (Chloe on Smallville) They have great personalities for a Broadway routine. I always like the Broadway routines anyhow, and I agree with Nigel about how wonderful the spirit in her face is. Also that comment that Cat made about feeling 'almost normal sized' was hilarious.
- Comfort & Chris dancing Jive: Holy Legs Comfort!!! She looked awesome. They did a good job.
- Katee & Joshua dancing Hip Hop: I really liked this routine, although she kind of has chipmunk cheeks. I liked the story behind the choreography, it really drew me in to the performance.
- Jessica & Will dancing Tango: It was all right. The lift at the end was crazy.
- Courtney G & Gev dancing Disco: I agreed with Nigel that the bounce/Disco feel just wasn't uite there.
RESULTS SHOW:
- I LOVE Wade Robson's choreography. I wish I could see more every week!
- What the hell is with Cat Deely's wardrobe? That was one more ugly ass dress.
- What the hell is with The Pussycat Dolls? Are they for real? Also, did anyone else watch that show "Pop Star" on the WB where Nicole Scherzinger was part of that created band called Eden's Crush? 'Cause that's what I think of when I see her.
- I guessed Kourtni & Matt would go, but it was Rayven & Jamie. That flip Jamie did when he was dancing for his life was IMPRESSIVE. And I was sad that Rayven went because I liked her personality and wanted to see more of her. No change in the matchups since a whole couple got voted off this week.
- I just discovered BSYTYCD. Lordy. I'm gonna go explore it some more.
Hell's Kitchen: Of course we can't resist Hell's Kitchen! The thing I find most amusing about the whole thing is that the Hell's Kitchen Chef Ramsey is totally just a character. When he goes on the winner outings with people he's nice, and every season there are moments of kindness. It cracks me up. So, we're down to four now after losing Bobby last week. I wasn't sad to see him go. At this point, I'm hoping that it comes down to Christina as winner. She's the most likable and I feel like she pays attention and learns.
In Plain Sight: This is a new summer show on USA with Mary McCormack from The West Wing. She plays a U.S. Marshal who deals with people in the Witness Protection Program. She's snarky and has a quirky family, it's been pretty entertaining so far.
Dirty Jobs: My husband started watching this show last year and at first I wasn't that into it, but I really like it! I think that Mike Rowe is hilarious, I love it how he always seems so reluctant and like it's a crazy thing to do, but he's still doing it. I definitely recommend it.
Battlestar Galactica: What the FRAK?? What does it MEAN? Why does EARTH have to be so difficult?! Is the whole planet wrecked? What happened there? Aaargh.... It was so good, it was amazing, when they found Earth, but I had this sinking feeling the whole time because I knew the show wasn't over so something else had to happen. And Holy Frak, I can't believe that Tigh just TOLD Adama he was a Cylon. Rip my heart out... Then, holy balls, he GAVE THEM UP. Adama falling apart? Almost too much for me to handle. And, what the hell are you trying to pull, Sci-Fi Network? What do you MEAN mid-season finale? After that horrible year long wait last time, now I have to wait until 2009 to see what happens? It makes me want to cry with frustration. Who is the final Cylon? She said they weren't with the fleet. Was she lying? Is it Baltar or Roslyn? Is it someone else who already "died" and we're going to run into them later somehow?
And now for some other random thoughts so my head doesn't explode... Thank goodness Chief's hair is growing back. Way to be the first one to jump right on that invite Tori... Dude, Katee Sackhoff is looking hot. Gaius Baltar makes me barf in my mouth a little. STOP SNIVELING! I read somewhere that she's going to be on Nip-Tuck for a while... weird. I guess I'll just have to keep watching it then!
June 16, 2008
Movie Monday: The Happening
*SPOILER WARNING*
* This post contains spoilers for 'The Happening'*
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My Mom was nice enough to watch Sam all day on Saturday so we could get things done around the house and then go out and do something fun. We decided to go and see the new M. Night Shyamalan movie.
The Happening: The previews for this movie told me basically nothing about what it was actually about. I was immediately excited when I saw the first preview about 6 months ago as I've been a fan of M. Night from the beginning. I watched The Sixth Sense again recently and was reminded of how good it was. His last movie, The Lady in the Water, didn't get good reviews. I thought it was amazing. It was so well told and the story and characters, especially Paul Giamatti, touched my heart. It scared me, it was perplexing and it made me cry. Also, it included the phrase "Baby on the Half Tip" which I think of more often than I should. When The Happening came out the same things started to happen. Bad reviews, which I didn't read.
I go to the movies a lot. I am generally entertained by pretty much every movie I decide to watch, and I often like movies that don't get good reviews. I have problems with movie reviews because one, they often act like every single movie that's made should be a GREAT FILM and don't seem to understand the value of a movie being stupid, but still entertaining. Two, I don't like it when filmmakers or actors are pidgeonholed into one role. So, M. Night Shyamalan made a movie that didn't have as twisty an ending. That does mean it's less good than his first films, just different.
So, I went into this movie now really knowing what it was going to be about. The first thing that surprised me was that it was fairly gruesome. Think people offing themselves with whatever means are at hand, including guns, glass, knitting needles and giant riding mower type things... I was a little surprised. It was scary, it was unsettling. And it was basically about nature fighting back. Weird huh? In this day and age of global warming and environmental awareness, it's no suprise that authors and filmmakers are going to come out with books and movies that give us an idea of their point of view on the subject. M. Night does it a thousand times better than Michael Crichton did in "A State of Fear", but part of that might be that Crichton made a large argument for the fact that global warming doesn't exist, and I don't think that's realistic.
I do agree that it wasn't the best performance Mark Wahlberg has ever given - that his character was a little bit one-sided with the same emotions and worry coming out in every scene. But, he's still nice to look at... moving on... It might have been interesting to see what John Leguizamo could have done in the main role instead of his character being killed off by the toxin and leaving behind a small daughter.
I have been thinking about the movie since I saw it and trying to decipher what I really thought of it, but it's hard. I defintely think it's worth seeing, especially if you are a fan of M. Night Shyamalan and if you liked his last couple of movies despite the reviews. I think it's an interesting concept, and it would have been interesting to see it further developed (the movie is only an hour and a half long). The ending was somewhat abrupt. Interestingly enough, I've found that most of the bad fan reviews I've found on this movie don't have much to offer other than "this sucked" with nothing to back up their review, whereas the people giving it good reviews are saying why they liked it.
I enjoyed the tension as I sat there in the theater, and all in all I liked the movie. I wasn't disappointed about it, but there are lingering thoughts of what might have been. I loved the humor thrown in as Mark Wahlberg's character had a conversation with what turned out to be a plastic house plant. I agree with one review I read that said "original, creative, and intriguing". I liked it party because it was DIFFERENT. It wasn't some gory disgusting horror movie with no point. I feel that people need to look a little deeper at M. Night's movie's - yes, The Sixth Sense was about ghosts, but if that's all you got out of it, that's probably why you're not enjoying his more recent movies which actually require some thought, and can benefit from multiple viewings.
All in all, I give it a definite thumbs up, and I'll be waiting eagerly for the next installment in M. Night Shyamalan's awesome career.
* This post contains spoilers for 'The Happening'*
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My Mom was nice enough to watch Sam all day on Saturday so we could get things done around the house and then go out and do something fun. We decided to go and see the new M. Night Shyamalan movie.
The Happening: The previews for this movie told me basically nothing about what it was actually about. I was immediately excited when I saw the first preview about 6 months ago as I've been a fan of M. Night from the beginning. I watched The Sixth Sense again recently and was reminded of how good it was. His last movie, The Lady in the Water, didn't get good reviews. I thought it was amazing. It was so well told and the story and characters, especially Paul Giamatti, touched my heart. It scared me, it was perplexing and it made me cry. Also, it included the phrase "Baby on the Half Tip" which I think of more often than I should. When The Happening came out the same things started to happen. Bad reviews, which I didn't read.
I go to the movies a lot. I am generally entertained by pretty much every movie I decide to watch, and I often like movies that don't get good reviews. I have problems with movie reviews because one, they often act like every single movie that's made should be a GREAT FILM and don't seem to understand the value of a movie being stupid, but still entertaining. Two, I don't like it when filmmakers or actors are pidgeonholed into one role. So, M. Night Shyamalan made a movie that didn't have as twisty an ending. That does mean it's less good than his first films, just different.
So, I went into this movie now really knowing what it was going to be about. The first thing that surprised me was that it was fairly gruesome. Think people offing themselves with whatever means are at hand, including guns, glass, knitting needles and giant riding mower type things... I was a little surprised. It was scary, it was unsettling. And it was basically about nature fighting back. Weird huh? In this day and age of global warming and environmental awareness, it's no suprise that authors and filmmakers are going to come out with books and movies that give us an idea of their point of view on the subject. M. Night does it a thousand times better than Michael Crichton did in "A State of Fear", but part of that might be that Crichton made a large argument for the fact that global warming doesn't exist, and I don't think that's realistic.
I do agree that it wasn't the best performance Mark Wahlberg has ever given - that his character was a little bit one-sided with the same emotions and worry coming out in every scene. But, he's still nice to look at... moving on... It might have been interesting to see what John Leguizamo could have done in the main role instead of his character being killed off by the toxin and leaving behind a small daughter.
I have been thinking about the movie since I saw it and trying to decipher what I really thought of it, but it's hard. I defintely think it's worth seeing, especially if you are a fan of M. Night Shyamalan and if you liked his last couple of movies despite the reviews. I think it's an interesting concept, and it would have been interesting to see it further developed (the movie is only an hour and a half long). The ending was somewhat abrupt. Interestingly enough, I've found that most of the bad fan reviews I've found on this movie don't have much to offer other than "this sucked" with nothing to back up their review, whereas the people giving it good reviews are saying why they liked it.
I enjoyed the tension as I sat there in the theater, and all in all I liked the movie. I wasn't disappointed about it, but there are lingering thoughts of what might have been. I loved the humor thrown in as Mark Wahlberg's character had a conversation with what turned out to be a plastic house plant. I agree with one review I read that said "original, creative, and intriguing". I liked it party because it was DIFFERENT. It wasn't some gory disgusting horror movie with no point. I feel that people need to look a little deeper at M. Night's movie's - yes, The Sixth Sense was about ghosts, but if that's all you got out of it, that's probably why you're not enjoying his more recent movies which actually require some thought, and can benefit from multiple viewings.
All in all, I give it a definite thumbs up, and I'll be waiting eagerly for the next installment in M. Night Shyamalan's awesome career.
June 15, 2008
What Just Happened
Justin takes plastic bottle of Sierra Mist out of freezer.
Justin: I left it in there too long.
Me: Is it frozen?
Justin: Not all the way.
Justin takes off cap and looks inside
Justin: It's not even -
Interruted by enormous pop and spray of Sierra Mist over our living room area, tiny chunks of Sierra Mist ice hit my shirt. The bottle is spraying as if we'd dropped in a Mentos and Justin's solution is to put the mouth of the bottle into his mouth and run like a crazy man into the kitchen as his cheeks puff out with pressurized soda and it foams out the sides of his mouth. He gets to the sink and we crack up hysterically.
Justin: I left it in there too long.
Me: Is it frozen?
Justin: Not all the way.
Justin takes off cap and looks inside
Justin: It's not even -
Interruted by enormous pop and spray of Sierra Mist over our living room area, tiny chunks of Sierra Mist ice hit my shirt. The bottle is spraying as if we'd dropped in a Mentos and Justin's solution is to put the mouth of the bottle into his mouth and run like a crazy man into the kitchen as his cheeks puff out with pressurized soda and it foams out the sides of his mouth. He gets to the sink and we crack up hysterically.
Weight-loss Weekend
I lost a lot of weight this weekend. No, I don't mean physical weight. I mean that after having the worst weekend I've ever felt last week, and a difficult week, and all of the things I was worrying about last time I posted, I feel like some of that weight has been lifted.
On Saturday, Sam stayed in bed until 10:30. What?! I'm not sure when he woke up, I think he was awake for an hour just hanging around in there doing who knows what. So Justin and I got to sleep in a little bit and then my Mom took Sam at 11:00 and kept him ALL DAY.
We got done all of our paperwork and documentation for the bankruptcy lawyer, now we can make an appointment to get the case started, which means we'll have a case number, which means that the credit card companies will be required to STOP with the dozens of phone calls a day. One thing that took up a good portion of that time was valuing all of our assets. This basically involves thinking of every single thing you own and how much it's worth. It's very weird to sit down and figure out how much your stuff is worth, and think about everything that you own. To basically place a monetary value on every physical thing in your life. The total was much lower than I thought. And it made me realize that even though I feel like we have a lot of stuff, even if we sold it all we would not be able to get out of this hole. We don't own anything worth more than a couple of thousand dollars. No property, no vehicles worth more, we're still paying the loan on our car, so that doesn't even count. It makes me feel more comfortable with the idea of filing for bankruptcy because we really do need a fresh start. We just don't have the means to rectify this situation.
Justin also got together almost all the paperwork to send in to the accountants for our taxes for last year. We're still going to pay someone to do our 2007 taxes because Justin was working as a contractor until December and there are lots of business deductions as well as medical deductions.
We also talked about making a schedule so that we have set nights where we each get time to ourselves, and set nights as 'date nights' so we can just hire a regular sitter and count on having that time together.
I think that some of the shock of other family things going on right now is wearing off a little bit. Sometimes we really do just need time.
Today, for Father's Day, we went to church down in Seattle. They did a slideshow from the Men's Mission Trip to Mexico that Justin went on a few weeks ago, and a couple of the guys shared their experiences. It was wonderful. And then the kids choir came in and did a couple of songs. After church we headed down to SafeCo Field for the Mariner's Game with Justin's Mom & her husband Rich, Justin's brother and his family, and a bunch of other family from Rich's side of the family. It went so much better than I thought it would! Sam ran around some, but he stayed in our seats, walking between us and climbing on our laps and eating fries and visiting with his grandparents for over an hour. We ended up leaving after the sixth inning, when the score was 2-2. I think I'll just pretend that was the end of the game, because after we left, the Mariners ended up losing 6-2.
Sam has also been talking a lot the last couple of days. He's been watching his Baby Babble DVD and talking along with it, and today he was talking up a storm in the car, learning the sounds and noises to make words. It is still frustrating, but I do feel like he's making progress.
I'm working on some things for this week, so come back soon...
On Saturday, Sam stayed in bed until 10:30. What?! I'm not sure when he woke up, I think he was awake for an hour just hanging around in there doing who knows what. So Justin and I got to sleep in a little bit and then my Mom took Sam at 11:00 and kept him ALL DAY.
We got done all of our paperwork and documentation for the bankruptcy lawyer, now we can make an appointment to get the case started, which means we'll have a case number, which means that the credit card companies will be required to STOP with the dozens of phone calls a day. One thing that took up a good portion of that time was valuing all of our assets. This basically involves thinking of every single thing you own and how much it's worth. It's very weird to sit down and figure out how much your stuff is worth, and think about everything that you own. To basically place a monetary value on every physical thing in your life. The total was much lower than I thought. And it made me realize that even though I feel like we have a lot of stuff, even if we sold it all we would not be able to get out of this hole. We don't own anything worth more than a couple of thousand dollars. No property, no vehicles worth more, we're still paying the loan on our car, so that doesn't even count. It makes me feel more comfortable with the idea of filing for bankruptcy because we really do need a fresh start. We just don't have the means to rectify this situation.
Justin also got together almost all the paperwork to send in to the accountants for our taxes for last year. We're still going to pay someone to do our 2007 taxes because Justin was working as a contractor until December and there are lots of business deductions as well as medical deductions.
We also talked about making a schedule so that we have set nights where we each get time to ourselves, and set nights as 'date nights' so we can just hire a regular sitter and count on having that time together.
I think that some of the shock of other family things going on right now is wearing off a little bit. Sometimes we really do just need time.
Today, for Father's Day, we went to church down in Seattle. They did a slideshow from the Men's Mission Trip to Mexico that Justin went on a few weeks ago, and a couple of the guys shared their experiences. It was wonderful. And then the kids choir came in and did a couple of songs. After church we headed down to SafeCo Field for the Mariner's Game with Justin's Mom & her husband Rich, Justin's brother and his family, and a bunch of other family from Rich's side of the family. It went so much better than I thought it would! Sam ran around some, but he stayed in our seats, walking between us and climbing on our laps and eating fries and visiting with his grandparents for over an hour. We ended up leaving after the sixth inning, when the score was 2-2. I think I'll just pretend that was the end of the game, because after we left, the Mariners ended up losing 6-2.
Sam has also been talking a lot the last couple of days. He's been watching his Baby Babble DVD and talking along with it, and today he was talking up a storm in the car, learning the sounds and noises to make words. It is still frustrating, but I do feel like he's making progress.
I'm working on some things for this week, so come back soon...
June 12, 2008
To quote Ming Ming, 'This is serious!': Bankruptcy, Babies and Burst Bubbles
Okay, so Sam is really not a baby anymore, he's a total toddler, but he'll always be MY baby and I liked the alliteration. I posted a while back about everything that's going on right now, and I thought maybe it was time for a little update on the serious side of things...
Finances: Justin and I have been doing a lot of thinking and researching, and praying, about our financial situation lately. We are not in a good place. After looking into all our options, and considering what we expect in the next 10 years of our lives, and how young we are, we have decided to file for bankruptcy. It's a big, scary word. And it makes me feel like I've failed. It makes me feel irresponsible, and like I am taking advantage of the system or something. I don't believe those things in my heart though. We were young, and apparently too wrapped up and ignorant to think that we could lose our income at any moment and be in this situation. It's hard to talk about, but I also want to put this out there for anyone else who is in the same situation and is feeling alone and scared. It is scary, but you are NOT alone.
Here's how I explained it in an e-mail to my stepmom: Right now, we are considering filing for bankruptcy protection. It's a scary thing to consider, but it would also give us a fresh start... no debts. It would affect our credit for 7 years, but honestly the things we're already doing with trying to turn in our leased car and settling our credit card debt are affecting our credit just as much. I hate this. I don't know how it happened. Well, that's not true. What happened was that Justin had a REALLY great job for two years that paid a lot of money, and then it was suddenly gone. We had paid off our credit card debt completely after selling the condo, and it built up again. I do feel a little bit better about the fact that a lot of it was medical expenses and things like plane tickets to come visit there, and not just frivolous expenditures like we built up the last time. But that doesn't really make a difference now. I do know that I'm SO glad we are not living in Seattle anymore. I feel like the culture there was one thing that encouraged all that spending... everyone needs the newest, the biggest, the most advanced, and shopping is an ACTIVITY. While I am really frightened at the idea that we might have to file for bankruptcy, I am also looking forward to leading a SIMPLER life. It's all I want. I don't want a lot of STUFF around me. I just want to live, spend time with family, work with Sam on whatever he needs help on. I don't want the newest shiniest car or a new wardrobe all the time. I want to wear jeans and t-shirts and go for walks in the woods and let Sam play in the dirt. I hope that this will be a new start for us. We let things get out of control. We spent because money was power and we HAD IT. We were irresponsible in some ways. We didn't save up money. We didn't consider what would happen to us if Justin lost his job. We took it for granted. Never again. Justin and I had a conversation the other day and he's going to start looking for a new job in earnest now, and I'm going to help with searching and cover letters since that's my area of expertise. If he gets a job with health insurance, and we file for bankruptcy, we'll be fine. We're not using ANY credit cards anymore, although we will keep a couple with zero balances since we'll need to build our credit again. We will start putting some money into savings. We're young and we can recover from this, and use the knowledge... even though we gained it the hard way, which sucks. It's just so hard when no one talks about it. It's one of those hush hush subjects, and that just makes it harder. I go from being happy that we can start new to being ashamed that I can't pay the bills and that we let this happen in the first place. I'm glad we can try to get back on track now while Sam is young and doesn't really know what's going on. I want to teach him to be responsible and when he's old enough, I hope he can learn from our mistakes.
Homes: Justin finally taked to his Dad about our situation and moving in with him. He's cleared some trees since last time we were there, and is still working on getting the permits to build the addition, but it looks like things are progressing - just VERY slowly. It takes some stress off me to know that we will have a place to go, and that despite the conversations we've had, Justin's Dad does still seem to be planning for us to come there. In regards to our current home our neighbors CALLED OUR LANDLORD AND TATTLED ON US. Because our yard hadn't been mowed. WTF? I mean, okay, I get that it was too long and we hadn't been keeping it up. But Justin had been out of town and our lawn mower totally sucks but it's not like we could afford to go out and buy a new one. We could have explained that to them if they'd bothered to talk to us first instead of just running to the house owners. Who does that?? In any case, Justin borrowed a lawn mower from his Dad and did the whole yard yesterday. The grass underneath the long grass is sort of yellowish and spotty, so I hope the neighbors enjoy looking at THAT.
Sam: Still not talking. We finally got in touch with the hospital and Sam has his speech evaluation on July 3 and his occupational therapy evaluation on July 15. I have noticed some improvement in some areas. We went to the zoo last week, and although it might not have been apparent to outsiders, he actually was doing a lot better job of listening to me and not running away and making me all out chase him as much. He's also getting better at using a spoon, he has scooping down, but still can't get it to his mouth most of the time without tilting the spoon and dumping his food. For some reason, he fights with me now when I try to make him eat at the table (my own fault for not making him eat at the table much since we moved), so we need to work on that. I noticed yesterday that he was using more purposeful sounds - we were watching a train video and he pointed and said the same word repeatedly. I couldn't understand it, but it obviously meant something. He is whining a lot, but I'm just trying to communicate with him more and let him show me what he wants/needs instead of just whining at me.
Other: I am probably going to see a therapist, even if it's only for a little while. The last 6 months have been the hardest time of my life, and I'm having trouble coping with all my emotions and stress by myself. I also think that at least for the time being I may need to up my dosage on my anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication.
In addition to the things I talked about below, it's only been a few months since Justin started working outside the home, which has been an adjustment for Sam and I, and my Dad and Stepmom are getting a divorce, which is just very difficult.
I am also dealing with a situation right now where I'm learning things that I didn't know before about someone that has been in my life for a long time, and my views are having to adjust, and it's been a real struggle for me. I can't go into it here any more than that, if you know me and want to know more in order to support me, you can e-mail me.
My wonderful mother has been very, very helpful and supportive this week, and I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel here. After Saturday, when we make a regular schedule, work on the garage a little, and finish getting all the stuff together for our 2007 taxes and filling out the paperwork for the bankruptcy lawyer, I think I will feel a lot better. I also need to acknowledge that Justin has been very supportive, especially this week after I've talked to him about how I'm really feeling and what I need for him to support me.
Finances: Justin and I have been doing a lot of thinking and researching, and praying, about our financial situation lately. We are not in a good place. After looking into all our options, and considering what we expect in the next 10 years of our lives, and how young we are, we have decided to file for bankruptcy. It's a big, scary word. And it makes me feel like I've failed. It makes me feel irresponsible, and like I am taking advantage of the system or something. I don't believe those things in my heart though. We were young, and apparently too wrapped up and ignorant to think that we could lose our income at any moment and be in this situation. It's hard to talk about, but I also want to put this out there for anyone else who is in the same situation and is feeling alone and scared. It is scary, but you are NOT alone.
Here's how I explained it in an e-mail to my stepmom: Right now, we are considering filing for bankruptcy protection. It's a scary thing to consider, but it would also give us a fresh start... no debts. It would affect our credit for 7 years, but honestly the things we're already doing with trying to turn in our leased car and settling our credit card debt are affecting our credit just as much. I hate this. I don't know how it happened. Well, that's not true. What happened was that Justin had a REALLY great job for two years that paid a lot of money, and then it was suddenly gone. We had paid off our credit card debt completely after selling the condo, and it built up again. I do feel a little bit better about the fact that a lot of it was medical expenses and things like plane tickets to come visit there, and not just frivolous expenditures like we built up the last time. But that doesn't really make a difference now. I do know that I'm SO glad we are not living in Seattle anymore. I feel like the culture there was one thing that encouraged all that spending... everyone needs the newest, the biggest, the most advanced, and shopping is an ACTIVITY. While I am really frightened at the idea that we might have to file for bankruptcy, I am also looking forward to leading a SIMPLER life. It's all I want. I don't want a lot of STUFF around me. I just want to live, spend time with family, work with Sam on whatever he needs help on. I don't want the newest shiniest car or a new wardrobe all the time. I want to wear jeans and t-shirts and go for walks in the woods and let Sam play in the dirt. I hope that this will be a new start for us. We let things get out of control. We spent because money was power and we HAD IT. We were irresponsible in some ways. We didn't save up money. We didn't consider what would happen to us if Justin lost his job. We took it for granted. Never again. Justin and I had a conversation the other day and he's going to start looking for a new job in earnest now, and I'm going to help with searching and cover letters since that's my area of expertise. If he gets a job with health insurance, and we file for bankruptcy, we'll be fine. We're not using ANY credit cards anymore, although we will keep a couple with zero balances since we'll need to build our credit again. We will start putting some money into savings. We're young and we can recover from this, and use the knowledge... even though we gained it the hard way, which sucks. It's just so hard when no one talks about it. It's one of those hush hush subjects, and that just makes it harder. I go from being happy that we can start new to being ashamed that I can't pay the bills and that we let this happen in the first place. I'm glad we can try to get back on track now while Sam is young and doesn't really know what's going on. I want to teach him to be responsible and when he's old enough, I hope he can learn from our mistakes.
Homes: Justin finally taked to his Dad about our situation and moving in with him. He's cleared some trees since last time we were there, and is still working on getting the permits to build the addition, but it looks like things are progressing - just VERY slowly. It takes some stress off me to know that we will have a place to go, and that despite the conversations we've had, Justin's Dad does still seem to be planning for us to come there. In regards to our current home our neighbors CALLED OUR LANDLORD AND TATTLED ON US. Because our yard hadn't been mowed. WTF? I mean, okay, I get that it was too long and we hadn't been keeping it up. But Justin had been out of town and our lawn mower totally sucks but it's not like we could afford to go out and buy a new one. We could have explained that to them if they'd bothered to talk to us first instead of just running to the house owners. Who does that?? In any case, Justin borrowed a lawn mower from his Dad and did the whole yard yesterday. The grass underneath the long grass is sort of yellowish and spotty, so I hope the neighbors enjoy looking at THAT.
Sam: Still not talking. We finally got in touch with the hospital and Sam has his speech evaluation on July 3 and his occupational therapy evaluation on July 15. I have noticed some improvement in some areas. We went to the zoo last week, and although it might not have been apparent to outsiders, he actually was doing a lot better job of listening to me and not running away and making me all out chase him as much. He's also getting better at using a spoon, he has scooping down, but still can't get it to his mouth most of the time without tilting the spoon and dumping his food. For some reason, he fights with me now when I try to make him eat at the table (my own fault for not making him eat at the table much since we moved), so we need to work on that. I noticed yesterday that he was using more purposeful sounds - we were watching a train video and he pointed and said the same word repeatedly. I couldn't understand it, but it obviously meant something. He is whining a lot, but I'm just trying to communicate with him more and let him show me what he wants/needs instead of just whining at me.
Other: I am probably going to see a therapist, even if it's only for a little while. The last 6 months have been the hardest time of my life, and I'm having trouble coping with all my emotions and stress by myself. I also think that at least for the time being I may need to up my dosage on my anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication.
In addition to the things I talked about below, it's only been a few months since Justin started working outside the home, which has been an adjustment for Sam and I, and my Dad and Stepmom are getting a divorce, which is just very difficult.
I am also dealing with a situation right now where I'm learning things that I didn't know before about someone that has been in my life for a long time, and my views are having to adjust, and it's been a real struggle for me. I can't go into it here any more than that, if you know me and want to know more in order to support me, you can e-mail me.
My wonderful mother has been very, very helpful and supportive this week, and I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel here. After Saturday, when we make a regular schedule, work on the garage a little, and finish getting all the stuff together for our 2007 taxes and filling out the paperwork for the bankruptcy lawyer, I think I will feel a lot better. I also need to acknowledge that Justin has been very supportive, especially this week after I've talked to him about how I'm really feeling and what I need for him to support me.
TV Tuesday: Special Top Chef Thursday Edition!
*SPOILERS for last night's Top Chef Finale*
STEPHANIE! STEPHANIE! WOOOO!
For a minute there, I was a little worried that Lisa was actually going to win. I told Justin if she won I was going to poke myself in the eye. I would have been happy with Richard too, I actually really liked him, but I can't say I'm sad to see Stephanie win. Despite her times of low self confidence, she was usually pretty calm and pleasant and had a very good attitude. Plus, first LADY to win Top Chef -you go! It's the first time I've actually liked the winner much in all four seasons.
Also, hey Richard... I need some bacon ice cream. Like, yesterday.
STEPHANIE! STEPHANIE! WOOOO!
For a minute there, I was a little worried that Lisa was actually going to win. I told Justin if she won I was going to poke myself in the eye. I would have been happy with Richard too, I actually really liked him, but I can't say I'm sad to see Stephanie win. Despite her times of low self confidence, she was usually pretty calm and pleasant and had a very good attitude. Plus, first LADY to win Top Chef -you go! It's the first time I've actually liked the winner much in all four seasons.
Also, hey Richard... I need some bacon ice cream. Like, yesterday.
June 11, 2008
Sarah McLachlan, Laurell K Hamilton and Caffeine Jitters
I am unable to write a coherant longer post right now (see bullet #1) so here are some random things I am thinking about right now.
- I usually order a 12 oz mocha, but modify it to a single instead of a double. Today I decided to just go with the double and I am out of control. I can't concentrate (hence not getting enough work done and flitting around on people's blogs instead) and I'm kinda hyper and shaky.
- On the way here I was listening to the new Sarah McLachlan CD, a 2nd Rarities, B-Sides and Other Stuff compilation. I haven't blogged about it for a while, but Sarah is my favorite singer, and I have all of her CDs, including a recording of VH1 Storytellers, a homemade duets CD, and a recording of one of the concerts I saw her at. My favorite track on this new one so far is her duet with Cyndi Lauper of Time After Time. It's a little weird, and pretty awesome.
- I just started reading "The Harlequin" by Laurell K Hamilton. She's one of my favorite authors, and this is the 2nd most recent book in her Anita Blake series. I just bought "Blood Noir", which is the newest, and I plan to eat through them in record time. So bad, but sooooo good.
- If you want to learn about how to make the perfect cake for your family, go here. My favorite post of the day.
- Last week I was driving through downtown on my way to get on the freeway and head to Seattle, and I saw an old friend/boyfriend of mine who I would really like to talk to. In fact, probably the only guy I've ever dated that I continued a true friendship with and would like to still be friends with. I didn't have time to stop and catch him, but now every time I come downtown I hope that I'll see him again. Only time will tell.
- Helping plan my 10 year high school reunion is sort of kicking my ass. I have so much on my mind already, and I need to get on some reunion stuff SOON.
- My Mom is totally awesome. I was so stressed out on Monday that I was talking (crying) to her about everything and so she took me out to dinner and drinking with some friends of hers. The next day she spent the whole day hanging out with me and Sam, and she's taking him this Saturday all day so that Justin and I can buckle down and get some paperwork done and our taxes together and our house cleaned and make a schedule for our family so things will run a little more smoothly.
All right, I think I'm going to explode if I just sit here any longer, so I'm going to go for a little walk to try and get some of this energy out before heading home to the fam.
June 10, 2008
TV Tuesday: Battlestar, Fear Itself, Top Chef
Justin's been watching that new show In Plain Sight, but I haven't gotten around to the first 2 episodes yet, so I'll have to save that for next week. We're also watching Criminal Intent again. Why is Vincent D'Onofrio so creepy?
*SPOILER ALERT: Contains spoilers for the shows in the title*
Fear Itself: We just watched this new NBC summer show last night. From what I understand, it's sort of Twilight Zone-ish in the way that it's a different story each week. This one was about Vampire creatures. It wasn't bad. A little predictable, and the ending was nothing special, but for now I'll keep watching it.
Top Chef: Woah man. I was disappointed that Antonia got sent home instead of Lisa. I feel like she got sent home for undercooked peas. I just can't see Lisa winning the whole thing, I feel like they really just brought it down to Stephanie v. Richard. And I actually really like both of them, so I'll be happy either way. They're both much more likable to me than anyone else who's ever won in the past. Can't wait for the finale.
Battlestar Galactica: Finally watched it on Sunday. It was good! I keep wondering how many episodes are left. Dude, they BLEW UP THE HUB! Which is kind of a reminder to me that the show is indeed ending, because that's kind of huge. All the Cylons are mortal! Who is the final Cylon? What is Adama going to do when he finds out Tigh is a Cylon? Did Tigh really impregnate the Six? BTW, eeewwwww.... I hate it when he sees her as his wife, it's so freaking creepy. How could she be pregnant if they're both Cylons? Why didn't she let Baltar die? What does it meeeeeeean? When Baltar was lying there telling her what he did, I was sort of wondering if she was going to reach in and rip his guts out. When will they find Earth? Can Cylons and Humans co-exist now? I freakin' love it... I'm sad it's ending but I feel like it will also be gratifying, and maybe they'll decide to do some more movies for us.
*SPOILER ALERT: Contains spoilers for the shows in the title*
Fear Itself: We just watched this new NBC summer show last night. From what I understand, it's sort of Twilight Zone-ish in the way that it's a different story each week. This one was about Vampire creatures. It wasn't bad. A little predictable, and the ending was nothing special, but for now I'll keep watching it.
Top Chef: Woah man. I was disappointed that Antonia got sent home instead of Lisa. I feel like she got sent home for undercooked peas. I just can't see Lisa winning the whole thing, I feel like they really just brought it down to Stephanie v. Richard. And I actually really like both of them, so I'll be happy either way. They're both much more likable to me than anyone else who's ever won in the past. Can't wait for the finale.
Battlestar Galactica: Finally watched it on Sunday. It was good! I keep wondering how many episodes are left. Dude, they BLEW UP THE HUB! Which is kind of a reminder to me that the show is indeed ending, because that's kind of huge. All the Cylons are mortal! Who is the final Cylon? What is Adama going to do when he finds out Tigh is a Cylon? Did Tigh really impregnate the Six? BTW, eeewwwww.... I hate it when he sees her as his wife, it's so freaking creepy. How could she be pregnant if they're both Cylons? Why didn't she let Baltar die? What does it meeeeeeean? When Baltar was lying there telling her what he did, I was sort of wondering if she was going to reach in and rip his guts out. When will they find Earth? Can Cylons and Humans co-exist now? I freakin' love it... I'm sad it's ending but I feel like it will also be gratifying, and maybe they'll decide to do some more movies for us.
Another Makeover
So, I changed my template again. I got some really good advice from Maria, who was nice enough to tell me that my sidebars were too crowded (which I agreed with). Hopefully I've improved that situation. I've switched to a three column template, and I am still using one but I also wonder about the advantages of doing a three column vs. a two column.
Also, I decided that I wanted to reply to all the comments left on my blog, but when I get the notification e-mail from blogger, it just comes from no-reply address unless the person has chosen to put in their e-mail address. Is there a way to reply to these comments that's easier than going to their profile/blog and hoping they have an e-mail link there? Is there a way for me to change it so that blogger requires that they enter an e-mail? Also, if you left a comment before yesterday, I did try to reply but I am so dumb that I didn't realize I was sending e-mails to noreply-comment@blogger.com. I wonder where they went? So sorry. If you do it again I promise I will actually reply like a smart person.
I promise I will not just post about blogging all the time, because this is not a blog about blogging. But I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing, and am finding that this is a good way to get some advice!
Also, I decided that I wanted to reply to all the comments left on my blog, but when I get the notification e-mail from blogger, it just comes from no-reply address unless the person has chosen to put in their e-mail address. Is there a way to reply to these comments that's easier than going to their profile/blog and hoping they have an e-mail link there? Is there a way for me to change it so that blogger requires that they enter an e-mail? Also, if you left a comment before yesterday, I did try to reply but I am so dumb that I didn't realize I was sending e-mails to noreply-comment@blogger.com. I wonder where they went? So sorry. If you do it again I promise I will actually reply like a smart person.
I promise I will not just post about blogging all the time, because this is not a blog about blogging. But I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing, and am finding that this is a good way to get some advice!
June 9, 2008
Movie Monday: FAIL
I fail at Movie Monday this week because I DIDN'T SEE ANY! If you know me, this may be shocking to you. I almost went to the movies twice yesterday, but that didn't happen. Justin was out of town for four days, so no opportunity to go to movies. Hopefully this week will be more promising.
I changed my template again. What I REALLY want is for someone to make me a custom template, but I do not have the money to pay anyone to do that for me and lack the knowledge to do it myself bit time. There was something about the one I was using that was nnoying me, this one's lighter and the sidebars are better. Also, I figured out how to move my widgets, which I didn't do last time, so I didn't have to re-do all of them, because that would have made me want to poke my eyes out with a fork. I'm trying to work out how to put a picture in my header and make it the right size etc. to fit the template. So, maybe soon I'll have a picture up there.
I have been reading Jennifer's series on advice for blogging, and stumbled into the world of networking sites, signed up for Good Blog, Technorati, and AllMediocre, then stumbled upon Stumble Upon. Oh my GOD. I could spend hours and hours and hours stumbling. It could take over my life! Maybe I should set a 'stumble limit' for myself - only five stubles per session! I also have Google Analytics set up, which is sort of silly because only like two people read my blog - my highest day 21 whole people came here. But I like seeing how people got here, it is interesting and makes me laugh.
Well, I'm supposed to be working right now so I better go do some of that...
I changed my template again. What I REALLY want is for someone to make me a custom template, but I do not have the money to pay anyone to do that for me and lack the knowledge to do it myself bit time. There was something about the one I was using that was nnoying me, this one's lighter and the sidebars are better. Also, I figured out how to move my widgets, which I didn't do last time, so I didn't have to re-do all of them, because that would have made me want to poke my eyes out with a fork. I'm trying to work out how to put a picture in my header and make it the right size etc. to fit the template. So, maybe soon I'll have a picture up there.
I have been reading Jennifer's series on advice for blogging, and stumbled into the world of networking sites, signed up for Good Blog, Technorati, and AllMediocre, then stumbled upon Stumble Upon. Oh my GOD. I could spend hours and hours and hours stumbling. It could take over my life! Maybe I should set a 'stumble limit' for myself - only five stubles per session! I also have Google Analytics set up, which is sort of silly because only like two people read my blog - my highest day 21 whole people came here. But I like seeing how people got here, it is interesting and makes me laugh.
Well, I'm supposed to be working right now so I better go do some of that...
June 8, 2008
Good News!
Are you tired of reading the regular news, or have you stopped all together because it's so utterly depressing? Well, here's some GOOD NEWS. If only...
June 6, 2008
Lustful Sloth
Apparently, I'm lazy and horny. Can those really co-exist very well??
Discover Your Sins - Click Here
| Greed: | Very Low | |
| Gluttony: | Low | |
| Wrath: | Low | |
| Sloth: | High | |
| Envy: | Very Low | |
| Lust: | Medium | |
| Pride: | Very Low |
Discover Your Sins - Click Here
My Internet Exploded
With possibilities and entertainment, that is! I have this new addiction... it started about six weeks ago. I discovered Google Reader and then I started random clicking people's blogrolls. I now have about 75 blogs in there. The awesomeness is there is almost always something to read. But then comes the time when I can't read for a couple days and have 150 POSTS to read! Aaaagh! Today I finally finished reading them.
One of my new favorites is Sweetney's new Linkblog. It entertains me, while at the same time saving me the time of finding random internet awesomeness on my own. You should check it out. If you like cool stuff, that is. Maybe you will discover something like this:
I am SO there.
One of my new favorites is Sweetney's new Linkblog. It entertains me, while at the same time saving me the time of finding random internet awesomeness on my own. You should check it out. If you like cool stuff, that is. Maybe you will discover something like this:
I am SO there.
June 5, 2008
Book Club Turtles
Technically, it's not Friday yet, but I am SOOOO ready. Not that the weekend actually really means anything since I don't work a normal work week. Justin left on Wednesday morning at 4 AM to go to Mexico with some of the men from church to build houses. I stayed at Violet's house since her husband is also on the trip. We hung out, and it rained, and rained and rained. Today we went to the zoo as we were planning even though it was raining on and off. Here is one reason I love Kiki (Violet's 6 year old daughter):
Kiki, Alex (her 4 year old brother) and I were standing around watching the turtles swimming. Alex pointed out that there were 3 turtles swimming with their heads together sort of in the middle at the bottom of the pond.
Me: What do you think they're doing?
Kiki: Maybe they're having book club.
Me: Book club? Maybe... what would they read?
Kiki: Keeping turtles alive book.
Hilarious! We had a good time at the zoo. It was frustrating constantly yelling at Sam to come on, or to catch up, or to turn around, but he's definitely getting better at listening slowly but surely. There was much less chasing and more just telling him what to do. He had a fantastic time at the Zoomazium too, running around and climbing and looking at the fish in the tank. The ride home was less good... He woke up after napping for 30 min and then cried and screamed for 30 minutes. Once we got home I put in a movie and we cuddled on the couch until I put him to bed... still wearing his jacket because he freaked out when I tried to take it off. Whatever floats your boat, little man.
Tomorrow my sister is coming over to help pass the time and go for a walk with Sam and I, then to stay with him while I go and do some work. No plans for Saturday yet, but Sunday I'm heading back to Seattle for my book club and some hanging out Sam-free after being with him almost 24/7 for four days.
Kiki, Alex (her 4 year old brother) and I were standing around watching the turtles swimming. Alex pointed out that there were 3 turtles swimming with their heads together sort of in the middle at the bottom of the pond.
Me: What do you think they're doing?
Kiki: Maybe they're having book club.
Me: Book club? Maybe... what would they read?
Kiki: Keeping turtles alive book.
Hilarious! We had a good time at the zoo. It was frustrating constantly yelling at Sam to come on, or to catch up, or to turn around, but he's definitely getting better at listening slowly but surely. There was much less chasing and more just telling him what to do. He had a fantastic time at the Zoomazium too, running around and climbing and looking at the fish in the tank. The ride home was less good... He woke up after napping for 30 min and then cried and screamed for 30 minutes. Once we got home I put in a movie and we cuddled on the couch until I put him to bed... still wearing his jacket because he freaked out when I tried to take it off. Whatever floats your boat, little man.
Tomorrow my sister is coming over to help pass the time and go for a walk with Sam and I, then to stay with him while I go and do some work. No plans for Saturday yet, but Sunday I'm heading back to Seattle for my book club and some hanging out Sam-free after being with him almost 24/7 for four days.
June 3, 2008
TV Tuesday: Top Chef, SYTYCD, Battlestar Galactica, LOST
Here is the first installment of TV Tuesday!
*SPOILER ALERT* Spoilers for BSG & LOST
Top Chef: OMG, I am so happy about the final four!
So You Think You Can Dance: It's back! The flexibility, the popping, the horrible outfits (Seriously, Cat Deeley needs a new wardrobe person). I can't wait to see who makes it this time. I don't know why I love this show so much.
Battlestar Galactica: So good! I might be blind, but I didn't see President Adama coming. Also, Starbuck is looking so pretty with her long blonde hair. I'm getting really amped up for the end of this one. I don't want it to end, but I'm trusting some loose ends to be tied up and I can't wait to see what happens.
LOST: HOLY LOST SEASON FINALE! Oh my gosh. That was soooo good. Penny and Desmond reunited, it's actually happening right now as I type this. So good. I mean, of course there are still questions... what happened to the island? What happened to the people who stayed? What the hell did Ben do to move the island? I could not believe it when Jin came running out and the helicopter had taken off... I mean, obviously I knew he wasn't one of the Oceanic 6, but still. That was frakking awful. And WHAT did Kate promise to Sawyer? Oh my gosh, now they are landing on the island. The one with actual people! Man, the Lost producers, they delievered bigtime on this season finale, complete with sappy music overlay with no voices making me want to cry. But still, ending in mystery. Ah, Lost, how I love you...
*SPOILER ALERT* Spoilers for BSG & LOST
Top Chef: OMG, I am so happy about the final four!
So You Think You Can Dance: It's back! The flexibility, the popping, the horrible outfits (Seriously, Cat Deeley needs a new wardrobe person). I can't wait to see who makes it this time. I don't know why I love this show so much.
Battlestar Galactica: So good! I might be blind, but I didn't see President Adama coming. Also, Starbuck is looking so pretty with her long blonde hair. I'm getting really amped up for the end of this one. I don't want it to end, but I'm trusting some loose ends to be tied up and I can't wait to see what happens.
LOST: HOLY LOST SEASON FINALE! Oh my gosh. That was soooo good. Penny and Desmond reunited, it's actually happening right now as I type this. So good. I mean, of course there are still questions... what happened to the island? What happened to the people who stayed? What the hell did Ben do to move the island? I could not believe it when Jin came running out and the helicopter had taken off... I mean, obviously I knew he wasn't one of the Oceanic 6, but still. That was frakking awful. And WHAT did Kate promise to Sawyer? Oh my gosh, now they are landing on the island. The one with actual people! Man, the Lost producers, they delievered bigtime on this season finale, complete with sappy music overlay with no voices making me want to cry. But still, ending in mystery. Ah, Lost, how I love you...
June 2, 2008
Movie Monday: Indiana Jones, Speed Racer & Carrie Bradshaw
Starting this week, I've decided to do weekly posts for Movie Monday and TV Tuesday. Instead of randomly posting my thoughts about TV and movies I see during the week, I'm going to save everything up for Monday or Tuesday and make one post each week on each subject. That way I won't have a bunch of little posts clogging things up. This idea came to me partly because of Jennifer, and her awesome series on advice she's come up with for people trying to figure out what the hell we're doing on our blogs.
*SPOILER ALERT* Warning, contains spoilers for the three movies in the title.
So, here it is, my first Movie Monday!
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: I think I went into this movie a little differently than a lot of people seeing it, because although I've seen snippets of each Indiana Jones movie, I haven't seen them all, and the one that I saw all the way through was probably at least 10 years ago. In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It's true that I totally love the super versatile Cate Blanchet, and that I also have a weird fondness for Shia LaBeouf that might date back to when he used to be on Even Stevens on the Disney Channel. In any case, I went looking for an action movie with some laughs and some cool tricks, and I got it. Although, I am so dumb that through the entire movie I thought they were calling him "Mudd", not "Mutt". I didn't realize my error until the next morning when I was drinking a Dr. Pepper and it had an Indiana Jones can. I rock. I also enjoyed the weirdness of the Crystal Skull and the freaky crystal aliens. I did not, however, enjoy the scene with the ants. The ants that were so big that they looked like red grapes. You know what I'm not going to be enjoying for a while? RED GRAPES.
Speed Racer (IMAX): Justin and I got a babysitter on Saturday night (my awesome Mom), and went and saw Speed Racer at the IMAX up at the Colosus in Canada. It's less than an hour from our house, and a lot nicer than the theaters in Bellingham (stadium seating? what's that?). I don't know why all the critics were so down on this movie - I thought it was great! Okay, so I'm not the pickiest person in the world. I know the difference between a good movie and a good film, and I go to the movies to be entertained, not expecting every movie to be the next deep and thoughtful thing in the world. I rarely pay for a movie I don't find entertaining. I loved the graphics on this movie. I loved the feel of it. And most of all, I really loved the racing. I suddenly realized after watching it that I really enjoy things with races or car chases. It makes my adrenaline pump or something. The horse races on the show Wildfire, the pod races in Star Wars, the fast driving in Gone in 60 Seconds... I think it's awesome. Anyhow, I think this is a great movie for older kids - kids under 7 or 8 might not understand the past vs. present stuff, and there is some violence and a couple of swear words, but I almost missed them. Maybe ass and damn? Most of the violence was pretty cartoonish. Thumbs up from me... I'm always up for a movie tht's got something new visually, I want to see it just to know what's new.
Sex and the City: I was never a regular fan of the show, but I am not one to turn down a ridiculous girly movie, so I decided to take myself to this movie today to relax a little before hubby goes to Mexico for four days and I'm with the kid 24/7. It was just as I expected - a romcom with laughs, but also with a lot more tears than I thought. That's right, I am a freak of a sad sappy sucker. I cried probably over 10 times during this movie. How sad is that? Too much empathy... the horror of being left, basically at the altar, in front of 200 people. The protectiveness of Charlotte when Mr. Big tried to talk to Carrie and imagining how I would feel if that was my best friend. The sadness of Miranda at home on New Years Eve by herself. The reuniting of Steve and Miranda. I could go on. There was more. In any case, I liked it, and I think that anyone who really enjoys a good romantic comedy with ups and downs and some really ridiculous outfits would enjoy it too.'
*SPOILER ALERT* Warning, contains spoilers for the three movies in the title.
So, here it is, my first Movie Monday!
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: I think I went into this movie a little differently than a lot of people seeing it, because although I've seen snippets of each Indiana Jones movie, I haven't seen them all, and the one that I saw all the way through was probably at least 10 years ago. In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It's true that I totally love the super versatile Cate Blanchet, and that I also have a weird fondness for Shia LaBeouf that might date back to when he used to be on Even Stevens on the Disney Channel. In any case, I went looking for an action movie with some laughs and some cool tricks, and I got it. Although, I am so dumb that through the entire movie I thought they were calling him "Mudd", not "Mutt". I didn't realize my error until the next morning when I was drinking a Dr. Pepper and it had an Indiana Jones can. I rock. I also enjoyed the weirdness of the Crystal Skull and the freaky crystal aliens. I did not, however, enjoy the scene with the ants. The ants that were so big that they looked like red grapes. You know what I'm not going to be enjoying for a while? RED GRAPES.
Speed Racer (IMAX): Justin and I got a babysitter on Saturday night (my awesome Mom), and went and saw Speed Racer at the IMAX up at the Colosus in Canada. It's less than an hour from our house, and a lot nicer than the theaters in Bellingham (stadium seating? what's that?). I don't know why all the critics were so down on this movie - I thought it was great! Okay, so I'm not the pickiest person in the world. I know the difference between a good movie and a good film, and I go to the movies to be entertained, not expecting every movie to be the next deep and thoughtful thing in the world. I rarely pay for a movie I don't find entertaining. I loved the graphics on this movie. I loved the feel of it. And most of all, I really loved the racing. I suddenly realized after watching it that I really enjoy things with races or car chases. It makes my adrenaline pump or something. The horse races on the show Wildfire, the pod races in Star Wars, the fast driving in Gone in 60 Seconds... I think it's awesome. Anyhow, I think this is a great movie for older kids - kids under 7 or 8 might not understand the past vs. present stuff, and there is some violence and a couple of swear words, but I almost missed them. Maybe ass and damn? Most of the violence was pretty cartoonish. Thumbs up from me... I'm always up for a movie tht's got something new visually, I want to see it just to know what's new.
Sex and the City: I was never a regular fan of the show, but I am not one to turn down a ridiculous girly movie, so I decided to take myself to this movie today to relax a little before hubby goes to Mexico for four days and I'm with the kid 24/7. It was just as I expected - a romcom with laughs, but also with a lot more tears than I thought. That's right, I am a freak of a sad sappy sucker. I cried probably over 10 times during this movie. How sad is that? Too much empathy... the horror of being left, basically at the altar, in front of 200 people. The protectiveness of Charlotte when Mr. Big tried to talk to Carrie and imagining how I would feel if that was my best friend. The sadness of Miranda at home on New Years Eve by herself. The reuniting of Steve and Miranda. I could go on. There was more. In any case, I liked it, and I think that anyone who really enjoys a good romantic comedy with ups and downs and some really ridiculous outfits would enjoy it too.'
BONUS: Outbreak: So, I'm currently watching 'Outbreak' on DVD. I may not have blogged about it, but I am a big fan of disaster movies (ie The Day After Tomorrow, which I <3) and virus movies. First there is a very young Kevin Spacey. Then a young Donald Sutherland. Then suddenly...
Patrick Dempsey. With a fro. Ha.
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