Saturday, January 30, 2010

It Isn't So Much Random, As It Is Planned

* So, we're heading off to Bolsa again to "sample their wares", and by "wares" I mean attractive waitstaff. I have planned ahead and will eat before I go, so I can just soak up the sights, a couple Sazarac's, and whatever desert looks good. Wish us giggling gals luck!

* "My Mom knows things about things... about houses" -The funniest thing said to me today care of "word-of-the-day" Jen. Who is she, Fletch?

*On the mother front: My mother asked me if I went home barefoot the other day because I had left my socks at their house. I wonder if she knew the definition of those words. Why would the absence of socks make me immediately bare foot? Is it impossible to wear shoes without socks? It made me giggle.

* My name is neither "facetious" not "sarcastic".
* Sunday's "What's up, Netflix?" is appearing today to make room for a new addition (to be revealed tomorrow respectively):
Whip It- 4 stars- This movie got a really bad rap when it came out. As far as first pictures go, this one is pretty good. Sure, there are moments where Barrymore showed indecision and naïveté; that's par for the course on a director's first film. The pacing could be tighter, but honestly, if you cut what needed to be cut, you'd have a MUCH shorter movie. Instead, I think it's best to focus on all the positives. The script is smart, without falling into the post-"Juno" (which is actually post-"Dawson's Creek") style of flowery/faux-smart writing. The camera also works well, taking you inside the track and skating right along with the derby girls. I wish some of the supporting cast had a bigger part, particularly Zoe Bell, Eve, and Alia Shawkat (who's watching Arrested Development reruns on IFC?). They really shined whenever they were on screen. Also nice, was Ellen Page coming out of her awkward shoulder slump long enough for us to believe she might actually be good at derby. You've got to understand- I love derby. I grew up watching it on TV and going to bouts. Is this a perfect representation? Hell no (no one checked IDs at try-outs? No one's asking for insurance cards?), but it tries real hard, and that's the point of the whole movie anyway.
Adam- 4 stars- This movie stars Hugh Dancy as a young man with Asperger's faced with living alone for the first time. Rose Byrne (TV's "Damages"- nowhere near as annoying here) moves in next door and "meet cute". I was worried this was going to be a made for Lifetime style movie and was pleasantly surprised when it turned into a thoughtful, yet funny and enjoyable, piece on life, growing up, and being different. We can identify with both characters- Dancy's socially awkward and shy, overtly honest young man finally growing up, and Byrne's optimistic romantic who finally meets the man who fills all of her perceived requirements only to wonder what she actually requires in the first place. Lovely.

St. Trinian's- 2 stars- The only reason this got two stars instead of one was for Rupert Everett in drag and I kinda think I know what they meant. Having not grown up in the U.K., I was unfamiliar with the St. Trinian's stories. Apparently it's a recurring story of misfit girls at boarding school that has cropped up on TV and the movies since the late '40's. The concept is stellar- what happens when you group together all the girls that have been expelled from every other school into a school run by a lazy, half-drunk headmistress? Chaos and comedy of course! Unfortunately, this movie took the concept from satire to farce, with none of the humor left in. It did very well in England (they're working on a sequel as we speak), but it just makes me sad to think about that. They lost me at distilling/bootlegging booze to Russell Brand; I turned it off half way through.

Little Ashes- 1 star- I didn't even finish this movie, and that's saying a lot! How anyone could take three of Spain's most interesting and influential artists and make it BORING (oh so boring), is beyond me. The reviewer who compared this to a poor Merchant-Ivory rip off is the most correct, though I think he was being generous with 3 stars. Can we finally be over Robert Pattinson? I can't say he's done well in any other role besides "Twilight" and that only requires what I call the "Keanu" school of acting. If this doesn't seal the nail in the coffin...

* And finally,


married to the sea

Friday, January 29, 2010

WWQTW? part three

This was a pretty sad week for Netflix... I can't seem to remember what I was doing instead of watching movies (especially considering I was under 12" of snow for much of it), but never the less...

Hex: Season 1- 4 stars- I've already made my feelings known about "Hex". I am a total geek for it. However, now that season 2 is not even available in the U.S.A., I'm at a bit of a loss. Don't make me threaten to write you a letter BBC!

Fingerprints- 2 stars- My sister recommended this movie to me. As much as I love her, I shoudl know better about taking her advice on horror movies. You see, she doesn't like them. All I have to do is mention "Nightmare on Elm Street" and she glares at me. For her sake, I will spare you the "Event Horizon" debacle of '97. Still, she really liked this and I kept promising to watch it. The main problem is it isn't scary, like at all. It also seemed as if I had seen this movie before, but I think it was just the predictable and unoriginal premise. Back in the 50's, there was a school bus vs. train accident, killing many of the towns children (see "The Sweet Hereafter"). Legend had it that if you parked on the tracks, the ghosts of the children would push you to safety (see any movie with ghost children ever made). Of course, nothing is as it seems and a damaged young girl (see "Sixth Sense", "Poltergeist") is the only one who can see the children. There's a twist ending you see coming a mile away, Lou Diamond Philips (the measure of quality. Whatever happend to him? I mean, he was La Bamba!) and a "Laguna Beach" star (who actually does alright acting). I actually started fast forwarding towards the end just to end the madness. So, not bad enough to stop watching, but so thankful for that fast forward button.


It's Always Sunny in Philidelphia- 4 stars- My friends have been on my case for a while for not watching this show. Truth is, it looked really stupid when it came out and I was not interested. After hearing about it for what seems like forever, and it's constant mention at parties; I finally gave in. I can see why my group likes this show. We are this show. Not since "Can't Hardly Wait" have I had so much fun matching the character to a real life person I knew. these guys are mental unstable, unintentionally racist, and not very nice people. Or are they? It seems like a peek into the male psyche that I've seen before while talking with my guy friends. The epsiodes are only 30 minutes, and each disc packs about 4 hours of shows; so it's perfect to zone out to. (The Nazi episode will stay with me forever- so bad!! i.e. so good!)

In conclusion, here is what has been suggested to add to my list of best and most influential movies. To follow our club, just look for the "WWQTW" title or post label.

Happy Watching!

Part Three: Fin (in no particular order)

Princess Bride
A River Runs Through It
Shawshank Redemption
Sleepless in Seattle
Lord Of The Rings
The Great Gatsby
Pride and Prejudice
American Psycho
The Count of Monte Cristo
It's A Wonderful Life
A Christmas Story
Forrest Gump
Dark Knight
Fight Club
American History X
To Kill a Mockingbird
Full Metal Jacket
The Green Mile
Cool Hand Luke
The Big Lebowski
Stand By Me
Goonies
Crash
An Affair to Remember
(500) days of Summer
Tootsie
Patton
The Notebook
Airpane!
Alice in Wonderland
Blazing Saddles
Spaceballs
Boogie Nights
The Breakfast Club
JFK
Die Hard
Driving Miss Daisy
Steel Magnolias
Fried Green Tomatoes
Edward Scissorhands
Mary Poppins
Romeo and Juliet
Million Dollar Baby
Annie
Noises Off
Clue
Full Metal Jacket
Requiem for a Dream
Hotel Rwanda
Gladiator
Heat
Donnie Darko
Children of Men
Rosemary's Baby
Dead Man
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Inglourious Basterds
Reality Bites
The Professional/Leon
Last Temptation of Christ
Rushmore

WWQTW? part deux

Here is the completion of the original 215 movies on my most influential list . The additional selections as voted by it's members will publish next Sunday. As always, feel free to leave your opinion.

Happy Watching!

Part Two: The Turn (in no particular order)

Lost Horizon
Mr Smith Goes to Washington
Rebecca
Henry V
Breathless
The 400 Blows
The Exorcist
Dog Day Afternoon
The Turning Point
Ordinary People
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Terms of Endearment
The Big Chill
Amadeus
The Grifters
Mississippi Burning
The Crying Game
Fargo
L.A. Confidential
Good Will Hunting
Elizabeth
Traffic
The Hours
Chicago
Mystic River
The Departed
Lost in Translation
Brokeback Mountain
Good Night, and Good Luck
No Country for Old Men
Michael Clayton
The Naked City
Carrie
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Baby Doll
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning
Quadrophenia
Last Year at Marienbad
Jules et Jim
Zulu
Das Boot
Wings of Desire
Rashomon
Au Revoir les Enfants
The Commitments
Delicatessen
Amelie
Trainspotting
All About My Mother
Belle du Jour
Run Lola Run
Lock, Stock, and 2 Smoking Barrels
American Beauty
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Malena
Life is Beautiful
Amores Perros
Monsoon Wedding
Y tu Mama Tambien
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Shaun of the Dead
Pan's Labyrinth
Persepolis
Suspiria
The Thing
An American Werewolf in London
Battleship Potemkin
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Clerks
Gilda
Them!
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Fahrenheit 451
Midnight Cowboy
Jason and the Argonauts
El Mariachi
Some Like it Hot
Plan 9 From Outer Space
Boondock Saints
eXistenZe
Hard Eight
The Sweet Hereafter
Nowhere

So Funny, It's Scary

Have you seen a Brink's Home Security commercial recently? They're hilarious! While I understand that there is nothing funny about home invasion, you have to admit, these commercials cannot take themselves seriously. Here, let me give you an example:



Mind you, I missed the part where he had snuck into her house party to case the joint, but still. Come on! He knows she's home. Did he not see the alarm pad next to the front door? No one at the party knows who he is? Alarm bells didn't ring in her head that he was a stranger? Oh wait, no, she checked her brain at the door when she installed the home alarm. Ugh! How often do burglars try to break into an occupied house? What's better is he looks at her, she looks at him, he breaks the window, then runs away. What was the point???

If someone can tell me why this commercial isn't funny, I'd love to hear it. And, don't tell me because it's about burglars. You want to tell me that was a serious and dramatic piece of commercial excellence? Next, you'll tell me it's safe to swim in shark infested waters.

Please.

WWQTW?

As I mentioned earlier, I've been asked to head/host/create a monthly movie night for a bunch of my girlfriends based on the best and most influential movies of all time. The movies that you can quote and a reasonable person should get what you're saying. The movies referenced on "The Simpsons". The movies that win awards and spawn other great filmmakers. The movies that take you from a good to a great "Jeopardy" contestant.

Not a small task. However, I sprang to action! Anything that involves movies, list making, and educating my friends I'm all over.

I made my selections from AFI, the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and my Netflix. Then I slimmed the list even more by removing movies that were unavailable to rent, that were dated (in a bad way); as well as a few other gems just to see if anyone would catch them. Tricky, I know. Finally, I forced myself to stop when I hit 215 movies. This list was sent to those participating in the club (as well as my folks) who were asked to mark each as "Seen it", "Want to see it", "Don't care", or "Own it". There was also space for them to include whatever movies they felt deserved to be on the list.

When you hear a number like 215, it seems daunting. I mean, at one movie a month, that's 18 years worth of movie watching not even counting the add on's. Certainly, we are not going to watch every single movie on the list. The goal, as I see it, is to watch a select few then offer further viewing selections.

Several people have asked to see the list, so I will blog it here for your entertainment over the next two Sunday's. I will also blog about our meetings, discoveries, and thoughts. If you think I've left something off, please let me know. The list of additional titles will publish in three weeks. Happy Watching!

Part One: Epilogue (in no particular order)

Citizen Kane
The Godfather
Casablanca
Raging Bull
Singing in the Rain
Gone with the Wind
Lawrence of Arabia
Dr Zhivago
Schindler's List
Vertigo
Wizard of Oz
City Lights
Star Wars
Psycho
2001: A Space Oddyssey
The Graduate
On the Waterfront
Chinatown
ET
High Noon
All About Eve
Apocalypse Now
The Maltese Falcon
3 Days of the Condor
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Annie Hall
King Kong
Bonnie and Clyde
The Philadelphia Story
A Streetcar Named Desire
West Side Story
Taxi Driver
The Deer Hunter
M*A*S*H
Jaws
Rocky
American Graffiti
Nashville
Gosford Park
Cabaret
Network
Unforgiven
A Clockwork Orange
Saving Private Ryan
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Silence of the Lambs
In the Heat of the Night
The Wild Bunch
The Apartment
Reds
Spartacus
Titanic
Easy Rider
Platoon
12 Angry Men
The Sixth Sense
Pulp Fiction
Sophie's Choice
Goodfellas
The French Connection
The Last Picture Show
Do The Right Thing
Blade Runner
Toy Story
Ben-Hur
Miracle on 34th Street
Hoosiers
Norma Rae
Philadelphia
Glory
The Sound of Music
The Color Purple
Dead Poet's Society
Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind
Braveheart
Rain Man
Silkwood
Thelma & Louise
Serpico
Harold and Maude
Fame
The Way We Were
Wuthering Heights
When Harry Met Sally…
Ninotchka
A Star is Born
Last Tango in Paris
The English Patient
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Sense and Sensibility
Looking for Mr Goodbar
Dirty Dancing
Grease
Alien
Bambi
Groundhog Day
Scarface
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Back to the Future
The Searchers
Caddyshack
The Usual Suspects
Seven
Kramer Vs Kramer
In Cold Blood
Judgment at Nuremberg
Little Women
Brick
Dazed and Confused
Night of the Living Dead
Lonesome Dove (TV Movie)
Casino
Cleopatra
The Thin Man
Mutany on the Bounty

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

It's National Make Graygrrrl Happy Day!

Or National List Day, whichever you prefer (it would be advantageous of you to prefer the one that makes me happy). Thanks Genius Pending for bringing this fine day to my attention!

Things That Bring Me Down:
- People who don't recognize this day was made for me
- The end of Coco
- Only wanting Chick-fil-a on a Sunday
- When the phone cord gets tangled up in itself
- How only my computer in the office seems to be possessed by demons
- Children singing (although to be fair, this should really go in the "shit that creeps me out" category)

Top 5 CD's Playing in My Car This Month:
- Lady Gaga
- Tiger Army
- Drive Time German disc 3
- Air Born Toxic Event
- Pine Hill Haints

Things That Make Me Happy:
- snow days (come on Texas- this week seems prime for one)
- The words "pie", "pamplemousse", and "ausgezeichnet"
- This guy:
- Getting the final Jeopardy question correct (Seriously, how did all three contestants not know the answer to this: Category- 19th Century Literature. Answer: Chapter two of this novel begins, "My eyes were not to be deceived. I was indeed awake and among the Carpathians")
- Cooking
- Movies
-Unexpected presents
- Travel
- baby goats
- gnomes

Saturday, January 23, 2010

What's Up, Netflix?

This was a busy week for videos at my house! I can't believe I watch all these, nor that I was good and clearly stayed home more thus saving me money- no gecko required! Anyway, until I can think of something clever for my Sunday lists, we're doing movie reviews. I will also publish the essential movie list I'll use for our new movie club once it is complete (come on gals- get me your surveys).


Paranormal Activity - 5 stars- Uh... This movie scared the bejesus out of me. Why did I decide to watch this in the middle of the night? How does my vintage apartment know exactly when to settle, throwing open my wardrobe doors? How do my neighbors know to exit the loud and cranky gates of our shared courtyard whenever a door opens on screen? Freaked. Me. Out. PS- I like the original ending, but understand why they choose what they did. Nerd Fact #2056: They (i.e. bad idea makers) are working on a sequel they plan to ruin much the same way they ruined "Saw"- by not using the original writer/director. In a funny turn- The director will be "Saw V" director David Hackl which PA beat at the box office. What a bunch of losers.

My Sister's Keeper - 3 stars- This movie was well made if you consider the source material. The novel is written in a series of interior monologues and shared memories. Not easy stuff for a feature length film to do! The hoopla about the ending (they changed it) when the movie came out is unjustified. This new uplifting ending works just as well, although it does paint the protagonist (an 11-year old girl) in a selfish and morally ambiguous light. It reminded me of books I read when I was younger by Lurlene McDaniel (a lot of organ donation, terminal illness, etc.). The other problem with adapting this book is that it's pretty long, however I'm not sure I would have missed certain things if I hadn't read the book prior.

Ghosts of Girlfriend's Past- 4 stars- No, that is not a typo. I watched this with the folks and we all laughed several times and thought it was adorable. Sure, it's another McConaughey man-child with obvious lady problems movie, but the supporting cast (particularly Jennifer Garner and Emma Stone) are excellent. The writing is clever, and at about 90 minutes, it's just long enough. Basically, the perfect guilty pleasure movie.

Spring Breakdown- 1 star- I should have known! Netflix tried to warn me (our best guest for Graygrrl... 1.5 stars), but I didn't listen. I couldn't- it has Parker Posey! This was one of the stupidest, infantile (in a bad way), poorly written movie I've ever seen. No wonder it never got a theatrical release. *BARF*

Taking Woodstock- 3 stars- This movie would have gotten 4 stars if it didn't drag on and on (and yes, I realize it's an Ang Lee venture and that's par for the course). Once it got going, the story of a sleepy town in upstate New York with the run down summer motel complete with half crazed immigrant owners and their closeted son, really illustrated the beauty of the concert that forever changed a generation and the world of music. Demitri Martin (stand up extraordinaire) makes a decent narrative film debut, though slightly stunted in all the wrong areas. As a comedian, his timing is good but the pauses he takes between line readings (which work when he's playing guitar on stage and singing about pterodactyls) doesn't quite work here. The supporting cast is great though, especially an unattractive Liev Schreiber dressed in drag (so wrong and so right. PS- is that what he's really packing? Way to go Naomi!). I recommend to those who love Lee's previous English language work, are fans of drugs, orgies, or late 60's rock.

I've Loved You So Long- 5 stars- This Golden Globe best foreign language nominee and BAFTA winner stars Kristen Scott Thomas as a woman just released from prison who moves in with her estranged sister and her family. Thomas is utterly breathtaking in her plainness and perfect French. The key to the film lies in the crime she committed- murder, but of who and why? (I have to say, I figured it out a bit early, but was still riveted to see how it would/if it would, be revealed to others) I love, love, loved this movie. It's a French ode to early '00s Independent American Film making. A must for everyone.

[side note: Dear Netflix Users- If you are still holding on to a copy of "Four Christmas'" please return. It's the end of January. If you haven't watched it yet, you're not going to! That is all.]

I'm Still With Coco and Other Random Bits

* Last night was the final episode of "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien". If you missed it, you can check out clips from Hulu . I've included the clip of Conan's emotional farewell speech from the end of the show below. I kinda teared up- then he made it better by playing "Free Bird" with all celebrity band: Will Ferrel, Beck, Billy Gibbons, Ben Harper, and the Tonight Show Band.
[side note: That was Ferrel's pregnant wife dancing along in the background. They made out during musical breaks- hilarious!]







A classy guy all the way... I totally needed a hankie.

* List-O-Rama Sunday will have a new theme: What's up, Netflix? This week was hit or miss with Netflix... First- I feel shame for Netflix that Red Box has movies available that that have a "very long wait" online. I used Red Box for the first time ever this week. I just couldn't wait for Netflix to send me "Paranormal Activity"- come on! Anyway, this week I watched several movies, both good and bad. Check out my blog tomorrow for full reviews.

* Jennie's Word of the Day: Hectic (alternate choice: hungry)

* So, a Dallas area golfer found a chupacabra. I gotta tell you, this thing did look crazy weird, but not like any chupacabra illustration I've ever seen. You tell me, what does this look like to you?

(answer at bottom of page)

* The insomnia is back. I could feel it was coming. It's like a person who's broken a bone and can tell when it's going to rain. As I write this, it's 6:13 AM. I've already watched two movies and a "Millionaire Matchmaker" marathon. (Dude- a guy totally had a monkey attached to him and licking his head! I laughed for 30 sec. That is grade "A" comedy!).

Our book club book for this month was "The Brief History of the Dead" by Kevin Brockmeier. I can't tell you how much I loved it. In the afterlife, Luka lives his second life in peace and quiet. But then the residents of The City begin disappearing. On Earth, Laura finds herself trapped in the Antarctic with no contact with the outside world. How do their stories connect? What's the point of it all? LOVE! Anyway, I brought this book up because there is a passage that describes insomnia in the most truthful and honest description I've ever read.

…her mind, let's face it, was the problem. Her mind was a roulette wheel, rattling and spinning in endless circles, and there she was standing beside it…
That was what insomnia was, after all- an excess of consciousness, and excess of life… The only way to fall asleep was not to care whether you fell asleep or not: you have to relinquish your will. Most people seemed to think that you fell asleep and then started dreaming, but as far as Minny could tell, the process was exactly the reverse- you started dreaming and that enabled you to fall asleep.

This is exactly what it's like. In order to fall asleep, I must begin to dream, or daydream as I usually think of it. Only then is my mind able to transition from mile a minute to slumber. What the above passage and book fail to mention is the inability to stay asleep. The mornings I'm surprised by my alarm because I've slept soundly are few and far between- they're also damned exciting. Usually, I wake up 3-4 times in the night which is a lot when you only average 5 1/2 hours of sleep. Surely there must be a better way to shut off the brain for a short while...




Friday, January 22, 2010

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie! OY! OY! OY!

Last night, Jennie "Word of the Day", her mother, and I went to see Eddie Izzard at the AAC. It was awesome!!!


Awesomeness #1- Our seats. With the exception of the tall girl with a rather bulbous head sitting in front of me, they could not have been more perfect! We were on the floor, in the "second" section (it was hard to tell where the front section ended and the back section began) in row "S". The stage was set up like an ancient tomb with hieroglyphs, cuneiform, Latin, Celtic, and neanderthal cave paintings written along the bottom. There were three GIANT screens, so the big head in front of me mattered even less.

Awesomeness #2- Merchandise you actually want to buy. Of course there were the requisite tour tees, but he also had mugs, DVD's, hats, beanies, bags, jackets, programs, etc. I birthed a kitten the second I walked up to the counter- joke tees. It seems redundant, but the best thing about Eddie, a stand up comic, are his jokes. They're smart and burrow into your brain, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash them at parties, work, or at the bar on your unwitting friends. A red tee read: "I'm covered in bees!" And, it was. I was so tempted to get this one, as I say that one a lot. Another read "I'm Jeff Vader", however once my eyes rested on the next shirt I knew I was done for:
The theme of this tour was the history of the world- not a lot to talk about in 2 1/2 hours! My favorite running joke of the night involved a velociraptor, usually wearing a hat. He gets caught speeding, writing poetry, organizing religion. Hilarious. Oddly, there are no photos of a raptor wearing a Dr. Watson type hat, but I did find this. A pretty good second:


I am CONVINCED there is a movie (possibly cartoon) featuring a velociraptor dressed in turn of the century garb. Or I might be thinking about "Dinosaurs" from Saturday morning cartoons...

In closing, Eddie Izzard is my homeboy and I heart him very much. If you have never seen him, put "Dressed to Kill" on your Netflix queue ASAP. It's okay, I'll wait. Do it now!

If you are familiar with him, get thee to a show next time he's in your town. In future, I'll probably pay a bit less for tickets so I can sit in chairs with cup holders in the stands (and not have to worry about large heads), then on the floor in folding chairs. With the giant screens, it may have been nice to see more and brag less.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Golden Globes, You Crack Me Up, or What I Did Last Night

Last night was the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards. You know how excited I've been getting and last night did not disappoint! I got together with a bunch of ladies, including shine and gofahne , to watch the show, stuff our faces, and drink ourselves silly. The spread was definitely cheese heavy (never a complaint mind you). I made two kinds of crostini- one with pepper goat cheese, tomato, and arugula; the other with regular goat cheese, Provencal turkey, arugula, and a honey balsamic vinaigrette. They were scrumptious if I may say so myself. I wish I could take soul credit for their creation, but that really goes here and here .

How did my predictions go? Ok, I'd say- 13 out of 25. My highlights:

* Ricky Gervais. Most of the blogs and entertainment sites slammed him, but we thought he was funny. I loved that he shilled his own DVD's, kept drinking beer from the podium (which lead to his best joke/introduction: "I enjoy a drink as much as the next guy... unless the next guy is Mel Gibson"), and shameless lambaste of any and every celebrity. That being said, did the Globes benefit from having a host this year? I don't think so.

* Robert Downey Jr's "all me" acceptance speech. I've always wanted someone to get up there, thank no one but themselves, and get off the stage. We got that, kinda, with Downey's funny speech. A definite YouTube moment.

* Mo'nique's speech. Not the god part (though someone did point out she was the only one who thanked god. Finally!), but the part at the end about speaking out about abuse and violence. "It's now time to tell, and it's okay". A lovely sentiment for anyone out there dealing with similar situations as in the movie "Precious".

* "The Hangover" wins best comedy. It never occurred to me to pick it- I thought there was no way in hell a raucous "frat-boy" movie would win. Wow! What a game changer. This opens the door for other "R" rated comedies to be recognized for the entertainment they provide.

* Can someone please shut James Cameron up? I'm still pissed he won Best Director (shouldn't he have just gotten a science & technology award? We're really praising the tech, the 3D, not his directing style. This should have gone to Tarrantino or Bigelow (it's about time a woman won, and if any were more poised to do so, it's her). Also, GET A HAIRCUT, HIPPIE! I know you've got the money to head to Supercuts. You look ridiculous.

* Outfits- i.e. The Horror. I was surprised at how few train wrecks there were this year. Little misses here and there (I'm not even going to talk about Cher and Christina Aguilara's "clothes").



* Martin Scorsese's Acceptance Speech. All the haters need to quiet down! I loved his speech. It's nice to hear a little reverence for the past, especially the man for which the award was named (Cecil B. DeMille). Surely there are hundred's of people out there for whom a history lesson is needed. I know several of the people I watched with learned something from the speech. For those in the know, what do you expect from him? He is film. This would be like asking Quentin Tarrantino to not reference movies when he speaks. Impossible!

* On the TV front, I couldn't believe "Glee" won, though I'm also not surprised. Best actor/actress drama was also a surprise. Julianna Margulies really deserved some recognition, who would have thought she'd get it with fellow nominees like Glenn Close, Anna Paquin, and Kyra Sedgwick? Michael C. Hall finally won for "Dexter"- it seemed like a lost cause and another surprise!

The best part, of course, was talking with friends about movies and TV- a dream come true for me! I'm not sure how it was suggested, but we are now starting a movie club- all the films you MUST see (the real classics, the ones that influenced filmmakers and entertainment of today, the ones most referenced, etc). I'm going to get started on my list. I anticipate it taking longer than expected. Suggestions?

Friday, January 15, 2010

Diary Entry #3: Maybe Not Very Random

* Thursday was lovely, spent with my folks at the movies for my Mom's bday. We saw "It's Complicated" (it was, I give it 3 stars but my parents would probably give it 4 1/2).

* My new obsession is Diet Snapple Peach Tea. Try it- I think it's even better than original Snapple which is often too sweet. Plus, you learn fun facts from the caps. Today's fact #705: Every ton of recycled paper saves about 17 trees. Not very interesting, sorry.



* The countdown has already begun on this blog- Golden Globes Sunday at 7 central! As of now, we have about 13 fabulous people confirmed for the watching party. I have never had so many people want to watch an awards show with me. I hope they know what they're getting themselves in to. See, I'm there to watch the show, eat snacks, drink champagne, and talk during commercials. I don't mind a bit of comment about attire, celebrity level of drunkenness, etc. while the show is on, but if I have to "shush" you.....

* Last night I went to a waxing party (yes, it is exactly what you're thinking). I'd never been to one and was a little nervous. I was only getting my brows did and I knew all the ladies there, but still... It's nerve racking to have someone new ripping the hair from your body. Thankfully, there was wine. The best part was hanging out with my girls, waiting our turns for torture, and drinking heavily. Of course, hilarity ensued. Example: "Berries, cream, nuts... Nuts and berries, very creamy, but I don't want another one cause you can't shoot cream all night". I have no idea what they were talking about, but I prey it wasn't food related. Also overheard, "Oh lord! What would she have looked like as a man". Again, no idea. After this, it gets a bit hazy... This was my first time out of the house in about 2 weeks due to illness, the first time drinking in as long. I may have overdone it.

* Jennie's word of the day: (she just gave me a face when I asked her.) "Uh.... I got nothing". Sorry Jen, that's more than one word. I'm going with "uh". Enjoy!

* Is it just me, or has The Tonight Show with Conan O'brien been the best it's ever been this week? Controversy works well for him. I have never laughed so hard. The interview with Ricky Gervais was genius. I can't believe (or I can) that he slammed NBC so hard considering he's hosting the Globes on the network Sunday, or not.





* I got into a conversation with some friends last night about crying at the movies. I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but I've become a "sniffler". Tears well up and I have to dab my eyes, trying to cover up that I'm crying a bit. There was a shift in my chemical make up, giving me more "feminine" characteristics. I don't mean that in an odd, or transsexual, or whatever, kind of way. Just that I have never been a very good "girl". I didn't play wedding. I didn't like romantic comedies (still not a big fan, but they have their time and place). Now, I get teary watching "(500) Days of Summer". Forget about "The Notebook"- though I'm almost proud to say I don't cry until the very end, and only that one time.



When I was younger, there was only one movie that made me cry. Just watching the trailer made me hold me breath. "Heavy" is one of my favorite movies of all time. I'm not sure how it missed my "Best Movies You've Never Heard of List", perhaps I wanted to keep it to myself. It is the first movie by James Mangold (Girl, Interrupted, Copland, Identity)- one of my hero's. It's the story of a small town, or more specifically, a dive bar/diner run by mother and son (Pruitt Taylor Vince, who turns up in everything now). Vince is overweight and anti-social. He's in love with the new waitress (Liv Tyler), but can't bring himself to do anything about it. Flitting in and out is Deborah Harry (I KNOW!!) as the sassy, slutty, waitress who thinks she deserves to be in everyone business. When the mother dies (Shelley Winters), Vince has to learn to stand on his own two feet, even if that means creating a major SNAFU. I makes me cry every time, I can't help it. Perhaps it planted the seed way back in '95 that I was a real live girl.

What's weirder to me, or more disturbing actually, is that I have no emotional response to actual events. Dog died? uh huh. You have cancer? That sucks. My attitude is sympathetic at best. I have no idea when I became "unfeeling", though I suspect I always was. My psyche is most interested in itself and how things pertain to it. I guess crying at movies is the only way I can remind myself I'm not a sociopath. That works right? Right?

* BAFTA (British Academy Awards) have published their long list nominations. Check it out. They take place Feb. 21st (smack between the Globes and the Oscars). I am super excited about who's on this list. I can't wait to find out when BBC America is going to air the show.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Two Movie Reviews and the Bizaar World of Text Messaging

Being sick should have given me plenty of time to think of new topics of discussion for this blog. It didn't. All it did was feed my hypochondria (seriously thought I'd coughed up brain matter at one point) and give me an appreciation for "healthy living"- whatever that is.


I did see two amazing movies this week- "The Young Victoria" starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend (I'd like to "friend" him, if you know what I'm saying), and Paul Bettany. It was wonderful. I didn't know anything about Queen Victoria except that she reigned England for a super long time (turns out she was the longest reigning soverign- 63 years!), was the namesake for the Victorian era (awesome for art, architechture, and industry), and the urban legend about Prince Alberts piercing (probably not true). Turns out she lived a fascinating life, and as portrayed by Blunt, seems to come alive. She is definitely my 2nd runner up for the Golden Globes.


I also saw "The Hurt Locker" last night. Wow. What a picture. Did you see "Generation Kill"? You like war movies that aren't "political"? Rent this immediately. You certainly need to check this movie out. Kathryn Bigelow, director, is nominated for a Golden Globe (only the 4th time in history) and stands a chance to win. Why? She made a "male" movie in a sea of "chick flicks". Bigelow has made a career out of this type of "against cast" movie making- "Near Dark", "Point Break", "K-19: The Widdowmaker". In a recent interview (I believe with Entertainment Weekly) she expressed a desire for the time when her work will be recognized for it's weight and talent, and not on the novelty of her being a woman. Here here! I too am not a big fan of "chick" movies. I hope Bigelow wins if for no other reason that it would be awesome (2nd time- go ladies!), but because it would help open doors for other female filmmakers who want to avoid cliche boy-meets-girl movies in favor of "boy-meets-war"/horror/sci-fi/awesome movies. She's certainly carving the way in stone for those who will come after her and I would love to see her get a little help in that arena.

"The Hurt Locker" isn't so much a "war movie" or even a movie about war. It's about soldiers, about fear and sweat and machismo. It's a slice of life- the last 38 days in the rotation for Bravo company's bomb squad. Jeremy Renner is excellent- the right mix of dangerous and mortal. The cinematography is another character in itself, putting you right in the action. I bet this movie was something to see on the big screen.

That being said, I would still like to see Quentin Tarantino win.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If I could say one thing about my friends, it's that they're hilarious. If I could say two things, it's that they're hilariously weird; especially when it comes to text messages. In (odd) honor of my new favorite blog (see here), I've decided to reprint some of my favorites for your pleasure.

August 1, 2009 (in response to what I'm doing that night if I'm at home and not out as usual)

K- lemme guess lone star in hand with a napkin over the label half pack of luckys at some resident bar?

Me- nope. at home

K- What you have a guy over? Entertaining the masses? Getting all sophisticated on me? or just poor?

Me- poor. drinking martini and watching movies

K- Just checkin Figured it wasn't boons farm for you. If it was I was going to have to make a d [Dallas] flight to remind you that you are better than that.

Me- You are a good friend.

Okay, that may not be funny, but it is weird that he knew what I would be drinking, how I would drink it, etc. I guess I'm predictable.

August 19, 2009
(random response to a question i don't remember posing)

S- Is the answer Jesus?

The best come from my friend J. The man has the brilliant mind of an autistic 13 year old (please don't send letters- I mean that as a compliment. Plus, it's kinda funny so lighten up!). A sampling:

August 27, 2009
J- I used semen to defend a baby eagle from a snake. So does that make me eco friendly?

Notice how craziness seems to culminate in August?

October 21, 2009
J- I need to hide some semen somewhere on you. It's for a trick im learning.

Me- maybe you should just pull a rabbit out of a hat, but you must have a cape for it to work

J- A cape. Of course. Do you think I don't know the basics of [auxillary] magic and its teachings. Jeez.

In response to my recent illness:
J- Try cutting off the edges of your sandwiches. That should start the healing probes.

Me- Here i thought my cat had put a fatwah on me

J- Is that greek for shoelace?


It's now occuring to me that I should have focused on the "probes" protion of that text.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Pass the Canapes, The Globes, or How I'll Spend Next Sunday Night

As you know, I'm obsessed with awards season- The Golden Globes, SAG, The Independent Spirit Awards, The Oscars, The Tony's, etc. etc. etc. Next Sunday, the fun begins with the Golden Globes- one of my favorites as everyone is schnockered and can never find their seats. This year there will be a host, the first time in 15 years, in the guise of Ricky Gervais. If you saw him at the Emmy's, it should be hilarious. However, I'm a bit nervous about it. Part of what I liked about the Globes telecast was that there wasn't a host- no one to pull focus, no rambling monologues, no bad jokes or puns. Hopefully, Gervais will prove formidable.

I'm even more excited as we are having a watching party with a bunch of my best girlfriends. Nibbly bits, wine, champagne, oh my! I can't wait. Now I just have to figure out what to make...
I always pick my winners in advance. For the Oscars, my predictions are usually 90% or better (I still can't tell you what the difference between sound editing and sound mixing, so sue me if I get those wrong). Anywho... I've picked my winners for the Globes and want to share them with you today. I want to see how well I do (without the benefit of cheating), and I'm not working next Sunday, so I won't be able to post them then. So, on goes my guru turban, and let's get predicting!
(The "~" indicates who I think will win. In some instances, a "*" will indicate who I really want to win or who may be the upset)

Best Picture
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
*Inglourious Basterds
Precious
~Up in the Air

Best Actress- Drama
Emily Blunt- The Young Victoria
Sandra Bullock- Blind Side
Helen Mirren- The Last Station
~Carey Mulligan- An Education
Gabourey Sidibe- Precious

Best Actor- Drama
Jeff Bridges- Crazy Heart
~George Clooney- up in the Air
*Colin Firth- A Single Man
Morgan Freeman- Invictus
Tobey Maguire- Brothers

Best Picture- Comedy/Musical
~(500) Days of Summer
The Hangover
It's Complicated
Julie & Julia
Nine

Best Actress- Comedy
Sandra Bullock- The Proposal
~Marion Cotillard- Nine
Julia Roberts- Duplicity
Meryl Streep- It's Complicated
*Meryl Streep- Julie & Julia

Best Actor- Comedy
Matt Damon0 The Informant!
Daniel Day-Lewis- Nine
~Robert Downey Jr- Sherlock Holmes
*Joseph Gordon-Levitt- (500) Days of Summer
Michael Stuhlbarg- A Serious Man

Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz- Nine
Vera Farmiga- Up in the Air
~Anna Kendrick- Up in the Air
*Mo'Nique- Precious
Julianne Moore- A Single Man

Best Supporting Actor
Matt Damon- Invictus
Woody Harrelson- The Messenger
Christopher Plummer- The Last Station
Stanley Tucci- The Lovely Bones
~Christophe Waltz- Inglourious Basterds

Best Director
*Kathryn Bigelow- The Hurt Locker (I must root for any nominated woman in this category! Bigelow is only the 4th female director ever nominated- none has ever won!)
James Cameron- Avatar
Clint Eastwood- Invictus
~Jason Reitman- Up in the Air
*Quentin Tarantino- Inglourious Basterds

Best Animated Feature
Cloudy w/a Chance of Meatballs
*Coraline
Fantastic Mr Fox
The Princess and the Frog
~Up

Best Foreign Language Film
Baaria (Italy)
Broken Embraces (Spain)
The Maid (Chile)
A Prophet (France)
~The White Ribbon (Germany)

Best Screenplay
District 9
The Hurt Locker
It's Complicated
Up in the Air
~Inglourious Basterds

Best Original Score
~Up
*The Informant!
Avatar
A Single Man
Where the Wild Things Are

Best Original Song
~"Cinema Italiano"- Nine
"I Wnat to Come Home"- Everybody's Fine
"I See You"- Avatar
"The Weary Kind"- Crazy Heart
"Winter"- Brothers

Best TV Series- Drama
Big Love
Dexter
House
~Mad Men
*True Blood

Best Actress- Drama
Glenn Close- Damages
*January Jones- Mad Men
Julianna Margulies- The Good Wife
~Anna Paquin- True Blood
Kyra Sedgwick- The Closer

Best Actor- Drama
Simon Baker- The Mentalist
Michael C Hall- Dexter
~Jon Hamm- Mad Men
Hugh Laurie- House
Bill Paxton- Big Love

Best TV Series- Comedy
~30 Rock
Entourage
Glee
Modern Family
The Office

Best Actress- Comedy
Toni Collette- United States of Tara
Courteney Cox- Cougar Town
Edie Falco- Nurse Jackie
~Tina Fey- 30 Rock
*Lea Michele- Glee

Best Actor- Comedy
~Alec Baldwin- 30 Rock
Steve Carell- The Office
David Duchovny- Californication
Thomas Jane- Hung
Matthew Morrison- Glee

Best Mini-Series/Made for TV Movie
Georgia O'Keefe
~Grey Gardens
Into the Storm
*LIttle Dorrit
Taking Chance

Best Actress in Mini-series/MFTM
Joan Allen- Georgia O'Keefe
~Drew Barrymore- Grey Gardens
~Jessica Lange- Grey Gardens
Anna Paquin- The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler
Sigourney Weaver- Prayers for Bobby

Best Actor in Mini-Series/MFTM
Kevin Bacon- Taking Chance
Kenneth Branagh- Wallander
Chiwetel Ejiofer- Endgame
~Brendan Gleeson- Into the Storm
Jeremy Irons- Georgia O'Keefe

Best Supporting Actress- TV
Jane Adams- Hung
Rose Byrne- Damages
~Jane Lynch- Glee
Janet McTeer- Into the Storm
*Chloe Sevigny- Big Love

Best Supporting Actor- TV
Michael Emerson- Lost
~Neil Patrick Harris- How I Met Your Mother
William Hurt- Damages
*John Lithgow- Dexter
Jeremy Piven- Entourage
Cecil B. DeMille Award- Martin Scorsese
So, come Sunday, we'll see how smart I am... and we'll see what's in store for the Oscars in March. Happy watching!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Saturday, I Knew You Well

Hola! I've missed you my lovelys. This week has seen me besieged by mucus and the wonder that is "z-pack", though I'm not sure the z-pack is doing anything but making my sinus' more annoyed at me. I could breath before, damn you! Oh well, two more days and we'll see what happens. I just want all the gunk out of my sinus' and soft palette so i can go about living, not convinced I'm one cough from becoming a zombie and unwittingly starting the zombie apocalypse.

* This week I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, both cleaning and cooking. I made brownies from scratch (thanks Nigella!), and took half to my buddy the firefighter and his band of brothers. They really did me a favor, as I was posed to eat an entire pan of brownies by myself and that is not the way to kick start my "healthy new year". The recipe is super easy, but I think needs some tweaking for American kitchen's so I will not post it yet.


I got a tour of the fire station as well- it's funny how they don't look at all like they do in the movies. His station was from the 50's and had a delightful layer of ash over many surfaces. There was a large kitchen, TV room/hallway (poor things, I'd pray for a run too if I had to watch "Meet Dave" all day), and the bunks where my friend had jerry-rigged a fan over his bed. I guess you can do what you want if a fireman or paramedic is standing by. A big "YOU"RE WELCOME" for the baked goods, any time!


I was also in charge of our monthly breakfast at work today and it was a big success! Yea! It's so nerve racking making something for the first time and feeding it to strangers. I made a breakfast casserole that was easy and delicious! Thank god too, since I'm pretty sure I'll be in charge of breakfast monthly from here on out. Now, I just need suggestions for next month- must feed 30.


* I just discovered this gem of a blog: Sleep Talkin' Man . She had me at, "Don't put the noodles and the dumplings together in the boat. They'll fight! The noodles are bullies. Poor dumplings."


* Jen's word of the day is: idiot strings


* I really don't want to talk to anyone all day- my throat hurts and now my left ear hurts. This sucks!


* I tried to watch the worst movie last night. "Rage" had all the trappings of a movie I would love: interesting premise (teen creates documentary for class at a fashion show when a murder occurs), great cast (Dame Judi Dench, Steve Buscemi, Dianne Wiest, Jude Law in drag!), and great director (Sally Potter- director behind the masterpiece "Orlando"). I really wish I had watch the trailer first or read more of the reviews on Netflix. To call this film experimental is an understatement. The whole film is told as rambling monologues in front of an ever evolving green screen. Why anyone would keep talking to some blogger when gun shots ring out is beyond me. Why the police detective looks (and sounds) like he just stepped out of "Super Fly" is beyond me as well. I didn't even finish watching. I kept skipping ahead, hoping a story would emerge that never did.


I try to like the super experimental, the avant-garde, half believing I'm supposed to as a cinephile, and half because I want to be a bit pretentious. Unfortunately, I usually don't. Von Triers "Dogville" was interesting, but I hate him and his pompous take on America (he's never even been here!). Todd Solondz gets the most press when he's pushing the boundaries of "decency" and "morality", I just usually get bored. I HEART Greg Araki, the best example of off-track film making that I like. Who can't appreciate a 6 foot T-Rex terrorizing SoCal teens? Or a disembodied head who likes to back talk? I know I can!


* Uh... Who knew there were so many actual actors in "The Omen" remake? I sure didn't, which is partially why I avoided it (also, because I don't agree with remaking perfectly good movies simply because you're bored and you think you can). Liev Schriber! Pete Posthlewaite! David Thewlis! Michael Gambon! Oh my! My verdict will be in tomorrow.


* I read today that the budget's for Army bases is being cut by as much as 40 %. While they are unsure of exactly where the money will come from, obvious cutbacks will come from sanitation and recreation. This annoys me to no end. I'm sure families on base can figure out how to mow their own lawn, but reducing trash collection is never a positive change. Also, families rely on recreation when loved ones are away to keep the sanity and entertain youngsters. If we cannot take care of our men and women in uniform- on base, overseas, retired- we shouldn't have so many and/or we shouldn't start something we can't support fully. Regardless of your feelings on the war, certainly we can all agree that those in service should be treated with the same dignity and respect we expect ourselves at work.

* Dear TV makers: Why is the previous season of __(insert name of show here)__ not available on DVD before the new season begins? Are you trying to make me crazy? I've been trying to catch up to Nip/Tuck for a couple years now to no avail. Season 7 started last week, and season 6 is still not available. What the french?? Quit mucking about and get on the ball. That is all.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

You Can Twitter If You're Lonely

Hello Sunday, you started out rough, got a bit better, then finished off with a big dose of crazy. I am over self-entitled people who think I should care about everything they have to say. Repeating your statement doesn't change my answer to it, nor does it change your statement. I will continue with my, "Please speak to my boss about that line" until the cows come home. You will not win. Leave me alone. But, enough about my crazy day; it's Sunday, a time for lists and hilarity!! Or, at least lists.

I set out to re-publish some of my favorite tweets from the past year. I though this would be a simple task. Certainly, there is a button for me to push that would show every original tweet I wrote. There isn't and I spend 2 days going through them all. Clearly, if I plan to do this again next year, I'll need to start a running tab.

*What the frak is "My Giant Head" & what is #tlc trying to tell us? 1/2/10

*It is too cold inside to be considered "inside" 12/26/09

*Must wash dishes so I can make Christmas Cake balls for tomorrow... wait... that sounded dirty 12/24/09

*Party balloons are the beach balls of winter 12/17/09

*I wanna have your babies, and by babies, I mean let's get a dog 12/13/09

*Dear Joggers- just because you're in a race doesn't mean you should race towards my moving car. I will hit you. That is all 12/13/09

*Why is Christina Aguilera preaching to me about DirectTV? Does she need me to set up her DVR?? 12/8/09

*Wonder if I tagged all my blog posts with "twilight", I'd get more hits. Experiment to commence in 3...2... 12/3/09

*so...sleepy...check for...gas leak... 11/5/09

*I was already smitten, but then John Cusack just said "abattoir" and I fell in love 10/30/09

*Love that for some reason Vikings is in the top trending topics. I keep imagining the Nordic, but I guess they mean football 10/25/09

*sad how sore I am, thanks Nola! You could have at least bought me dinner first! 10/29/09

*I'm pretty sure there's a pterodactyl outside my window 10/2/09

*If you don't know how to operate a door, you should just kill yourself now 8/29/09

*I just inhaled a piece of kleenex! It's like a lame low-budget horror movie 8/14/09

*Eating healthy food is driving me crazy. I actually dreamed I drank a coke & it was the best dream I'd had in weeks. Sad. 8/14/09

*I already don't want to go to work tomorrow. I'd call out, but I think they're buying us lunch. 7/30/09

*Why does @david_lynch have his own coffee? Do you open each canister and get a surprise? like a playing card or severed toe? 7/23/09

*How do you do tattooed guy w/eye patch walking down my street. Argh!! 7/22/09

*Remember Jason & the Argonauts? Those fighting skeletons? That's me, 3rd from the left 6/27/09

*What does one wear to gay bingo if you are neither gay nor enjoy bingo?? 6/20/09

*My left eye is trying to mutiny. I'm no good in a standoff 5/10/09

*left eye has joined forces with my stomach to make me slowly go crazy. I fear the mutiny will be successful 5/10/09

*The heavens opened and attempted to murder us all. Thankfully, only my pant hems suffered 5/2/09

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Party Like It's Still 2009

Happy 2010 peoples! From what I can remember, I had a good one. I'm just kidding, I remember every sordid detail. The evening started with a nap (yea) and a couple fried eggs and toast for protein and buffer against the impending doom of alcohol (not as delish as I'm sure some peoples NYE meals, but this is what you're working with if you haven't been to the store in several weeks). I picked up my gal Jennie and off we went to the liquor store with only 4 minutes to spare. I have never shopped for anything that quickly before in my life! I spend more time picking up smokes at 7-11.

We visited some friend's in the 'burbs- a bitch of a drive even on a good day, let alone a holiday with nothing by crazies driving about. We met some strangers, waited for familiar faces to arrive, drank vodka shots made with True Blood (vile stuff, like super strong Cointreau, but man, it did the trick), and made a mad dash to the city before the clock struck 12.

An open note to those who choose to live in the 'burbs- No, I do not want to come to your house. Ever. I don't like travelling north of 635, assuming it's a bleak apocalypse reminiscent of "The Road". I only travel "north of the border" for family and boys. Even the boys part is a bit of a stretch.... Can't they come down here where the fun is? So, in closing, don't get mad I'm leaving your party early. I made the trek because I love you and wouldn't miss your party. Now, I'm leaving. Kisses!

After dropping Jen at a bar, I made my way to an old friend's house for a "casual and low-key" party. You would think that by now I would know that "casual" and "low-key" are code for "who knows what the frak is going to happen, but you can bet someones getting molested in a good way". Thankfully, or not, there is some photographic evidence of the great time we had:




I left out the more risque pics for your protection. It was fun! I momentarily broke the TV (damned AT&T U-verse), saw a "blue moon", told a fireman that starting a bonfire in a Teflon pot was probably a bad idea, and drank too much champagne and prosecco.

The next day, I woke up a bit worse for wear, but better than others. Up at 2 PM, dressed and out the door before 3 PM to buy groceries and hopefully burn off some booze. Surprisingly, the grocery's were busy but not packed. I'm super excited about the brownies I'm going to make tonight (I've never made them from scratch and will document for all to see), and my yummy steak dinner that's also planned.

It's traditional to go meat free on New Years (or primarily meat free, depending on your house). We always had ham growing up, but as I haven't eaten pork in well over 10 years, that's out. The whole point of specialized foods is to ensure luck and prosperity in the new year. This is why people eat black-eyed peas, pork, fish, etc. When I was growing up, I asked my mom why I couldn't just have chicken.

"Because you can't eat anything that can look back on itself. It's bad luck. You want to have a good year, right?"

Kinda morbid really if you think of it, trying to eat things without necks... I stuck to tradition though and had the most delicious Boursin Cheese Souffle (from Central Market- seriously go get one right now if you live near a store), and blackened fish and salad for dinner. Truly, I don't know if I could have kept anymore down. Oh well... I'm not one for resolutions, they're so easy to break, but it certainly couldn't hurt to kick off the new year by eating better (minus the brownies, they totally don't count since they're from scratch) and making better choices in the food I eat. Don't get me started on food origins, that'll be another blog entirely for another time.

I hope everyone had a great party and good time. Now, here's to not mucking it up in 2010.
20sb