Quote

"We must travel in in the direction of our fear"

This quote spoke to me tonite.....

Jonah Hex Trailer Is Live!

Given the probable body count on this one, the trailer may be the only live thing!

:)

Go here.

 

At the grave of his family.  You know hard times are coming!

That isn't a friendly smile, pardnah!

And yep, those are dynamite crossbow pistols!

REPEATING crossbow pistols!

Megan Fox is a Femme Fatale in this one, a real pistol-packing mama.

But things don't appear to go so easy.

Really looking forward to this one.

The Image of Perfection

I say that I dabble in photography because I'm not confident enough in my abilities to declare myself a photographer. So the fact that I get 'Professional Photographer' magazine makes me feel all heady each month when I find it in the mail.

I pour over every beautiful image. Portraits are most intriguing to me.Remembering my own senior portraits and the relief in knowing that the photographer (then working with film, not digital images) would touch up any pimples that cropped up for picture day.

Now, I thumb through the award-winning senior portraits and see that technology is even kinder to graduates today. Their skin is airbrushed within an inch of a porcelain surface. Not a blemish in sight... nay not even pores in their skin!They (and babies... and family portraits) are treated with the same technology and the same critical eye as the models in our magazines. It's not just my photographer's magazine doing this, but almost every wedding photographer and portrait photographer in business. Some photographers limit the degree of their touch-ups. They offer different pricing scales ranging from simple touch ups to pure perfection.

It's a bit disturbing.

Last year when I took some newborn portraits for my friend, I wanted to touch up his flaky just-entered-the-dry-world-from-a-warm-wet-womb skin. She wanted some of his baby acne eliminated. It was easy to get carried away. Suddenly I realized, maybe that red mark isn't a blemish but a feature of his skin. Will this mommy look at his pictures in two years and think, "Gee he didn't have that mark when he was born. Where did that come from?"
So I gave her both the original and the touched-up images for posterity.

Where did this demand for perfection come from?

Last year when the media was all aflutter with Farrah Fawcett's death that famous poster of her was everywhere - like it was in the 70s. Her bright, cheerful fresh face, flecked with freckles and a flush in her cheeks suggesting she had spent the day in the sun.
As I watched one program, memorializing her life and career, publicity photos from the height of her career flashed on the screen. A big beautiful smile - drawing lines around her eyes. A sun-kissed face dotted with those sunny freckles, and ~gasp~ visible pores and shiny skin indicating this was a real live, breathing human being! A natural beauty. I thought...
"Those pictures would never be published today."

Today all we see is manufactured perfection. Then we wonder why we feel inadequate.

So I was pleasantly surprised last night when, in a phone conversation with McTwitchy - we landed on this topic - and he asserted that the pressure women get from the media today is absurd. The push to be uber-thin and flawless. That even fit and youthful teen stars have their waists whittled away in Photoshop for magazine covers.

It's a relief to know that he feels this way even though I've never really felt the pressure to be thin, because I have always been thin. Instead, I feel some pressure to be curvy (which is never going to happen. Works both ways ladies!!!). It tells me that he's a man with reasonable expectations.

Then, somehow this conversation turned to our first meeting - which he remembers and I don't. Our mutual friend introduced us at church three years ago. I think she told him that she wanted to make an introduction. I was with Mr. Burns at the time (which she was unaware of) so the introduction didn't stand out to me as it did for him.
But I am flattered that McTwitchy remembers details like just how long/short my hair was. It suggests that he found me memorable, and maybe even liked what he saw.

As we talked about the natural curves and fluff of real American women, he asked me if I didn't weigh a few more pounds when he met me that time in church. (shock!)
He tempered the statement by saying that I didn't look heavy, but I am clearly thinner now.
He's right. But I was stunned that he would even mention it.
However, I've worked in media my whole life so critical statements sort of roll right off of me. And when I say 'critical' I'm referring to the dictionary definition - not necessarily criticism.

I admitted that I carried eight extra pounds back then - and that with my small frame, eight pounds on me resembles 10-15 extra pounds on the average sized woman. I also assured him that I am at my regular weight now - which doesn't seem to matter to him.

Uncomfortable as it may be, I'm chalking this up to him being A) observant B) realistic C) appreciative of what is before him and D) honest.
Moreover - it's refreshing to know that he doesn't subscribe to the media-generated beauty ideal. And that, ultimately... he sees my beauty.... inner - outer - all over.

It's not just him. Most men really do see past our societal influenced beauty standards.
Isn't that good to know?

Photo Credits 1) Professional Photography Magazine 2) myself and of Farrah Fawcett - general Google search.

The 5 Best & Worst Scorsese Films

I had planned to write an editorial piece on Martin Scorsese for the LAMBs in the Director's Chair series but time was not on my side this month. Still here are my picks for the best and worst Scorsese films:

The Best

The King of Comedy

I am not sure why this film does not get more love from the general public. In my opinion this is a hidden gem in Martin Scorsese's large canon of work.

Raging Bull

Still one of the best sports related films ever made. I remember first seeing this on the big screen at age 13 or so. The film was playing at one of the old historic theatres downtown as part of a Scorsese double bill. Even at a young age this film blew me away.

Taxi Driver

I came close to placing either After Hours or The Last Waltz here, but ultimately went with Driver. The film has been quoted to death so it does not have the same replay value as some of the other ones on the list. Still every once and a while it is good to revisit the dark mind of Travis Bickle.

Goodfellas

You knew this would appear on the list somewhere. With the exception of The Godfather series, ever other gangster film gets compared to this cinematic classic.

The Departed

I was tempted to put Mean Street in this spot but figured I needed a break from the Scorsese/De Niro pairing. I loved Infernal Affairs and I really like how Scorsese remade the film. Since I have not seen Shutter Island yet, hope to catch it in the next week or so, I would say this is the best film of his films with Leonardo Dicaprio.

The Worst

Gangs of New York

The beginning of the Scorsese/DiCaprio era also coincided with the tail end of Scorsese’s decade long “Give Me an Oscar” push. Daniel Day-Lewis’ Bill the Butcher is the only reason to watch this bloated mess.

The Age of Innocence

Love the casting, found the film to be rather dull on the whole. It also did not help that this came out when Ismail Merchant and  James Ivory were still at the top of their game.  There are far better period piece romances out there.

Kundun

The cinematography is fantastic but the film just did not live up to my expectation.

The Aviator

See Gangs of New York comments minus Daniel Day-Lewis. DiCaprio gives a good performance in the film but I walked away learning nothing new, or interesting, about Howard Hughes. To see a biopic done right go back up to Raging Bull.

Casino

I like it better when it was called Goodfellas...

My Parisian Love Never Developed

From Paris with Love

James Reece (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is the personal aide to U.S. Ambassador in France. Despite being good at his job, Reece dreams of becoming a secret agent. One day James finally gets the break he is hoping for when his boss orders him to drive an American agent, Charlie Wax (John Travolta), around the city. If Reece can successfully pull this task off, not to mention survive Wax’s shoot first ask questions later style, he will become a true agent. Unfortunately for Reece, Wax’s unorthodox methods may cause him to rethink the whole secret agent entirely. As the two men travel around Paris dismantling a drug ring, they stumble upon a terrorist plot that may just cost James Reece everything he holds dear. That is, of course, if Charlie Wax does not kill him first.

On the surface From Paris with Love had all the makings of a great “guilty pleasure” action picture. First you have Luc Besson, the man behind action cinema classics such as La Femme Nikita and Leon: The Professional, overseeing the production as producer. Add director Pierre Morel whose last film, Taken, was my top guilty pleasure picture of 2009. Finally, sprinkle in a little over-the-top John Travolta and you have yourself a rather tasty dish.

Sadly, and somewhat surprisingly, the ingredients never melt into a satisfying meal. The question then becomes who is to blame? The answer to which is not quite as simple. Luc Besson and Pierre Morel have proven, with their work on District 13, they can offer up action packed junk food that will fill you for several hours. The action in From Paris with Love, though uninventive at times, pretty much delivers fights and explosions you expect it to. The one of the good things about Morel’s movies is that he takes time to actually show the hand-to-hand combat. Instead of opting for fast paced cut scenes like many directors working today.

If you eliminate Besson and Morel, then the axe would fall on John Travolta but even picking on him is too easy. Sure Travolta is not at that outrageous, but entertaining, level that he was in John Woo’s flicks, Face Off and Broken Arrow; but I will say that Travolta did not have much to work here to begin with. I think both Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Meyers are victims of Adi Hasak’s awfully dull screenplay. I understand that you do not go into this type of film expecting an outstanding plot. Majority of the time you merely hope for at least a decent tale to justify all the butt-kicking. Unfortunately Hasak blunders the one element that is basic to all action comedies, and buddy flicks in general, which is to figure out who is the straight man and who is the comic relief.

If you look at films like Beverly Hills Cop, The French Connection, Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour, District 13, etc. they all have various degrees of this. One partner will always be slightly more wisecracking than the other. One partner is more of a “badass” than the other and so forth. The annoying thing about From Paris with Love is that Charlie Wax often tries to be everything rolled into one. Adi Hasak spent so much time ensuring that Charlie Wax has all the best lines that he never really develops the character of James Reece properly. Reece goes from straight arrow at the beginning to bumbling sidekick for the bulk of the movie. By time Reece reaches the point where he must make a crucial decision, you have lost interest in both Reece and the film as a whole.

Speaking of Reece’s decision towards the end, this is a perfect example of a good plot device wasted. While I liked idea of the twist, in theory, it ultimately falls flat as there is nothing in the story that sustains it. Things are revealed then forgotten about for another twenty minutes. In order for the climax to have any resonance whatsoever Hasak needed to build up certain characters far more than what we are given. Although this might be asking for too much from a film that cannot even get the basic components of a buddy action film right.

Movie Marketing Monday

Grown Ups

Despite my love for Salma Hayek, I refused to be tricked into seeing this formulaic comedy. I wish Adam Sandler would do more dramatic roles, or even quirky romantic comedies like Punch Drunk Love.




The Other Guys

This seems to be the better of the two comedies featured today. I hated Step Brothers but I must admit The Other Guys peak my interests a little. The film has the potential of being either really funny or just plain awful. I expect Will Ferrell to do his same old shtick but I am hoping Mark Wahlberg, Samuel L. Jackson, and Dwayne Johnson can provide the big laughs.

Figures

I've been applying to 5 jobs a week every week this year - waiting out a decision from the regional manager at my part-time job. (come on - decide already!)

There are very few job openings for my skill set. It's very frustrating.

This week, I found an opportunity to photograph babies every day and be paid well for it. I've been accepted through first round qualifications.
I must supply my own camera and laptop. (I don't have a laptop but it's about time for me to make that investment anyway)

And, if I am selected for training, I have to be available for a full week, a week from now - with my camera.

Guess what? Two days ago I sent my camera away for cleaning and maintenance. It doesn't come back for four weeks.

Figures!

(I figure I can rent or borrow a camera if it comes down to it.)

Sweet Agony

Being in like is more agonizing than being let down.

Yesterday, I was about to take a customer and her baby into the camera room, when my personal cell phone rang. I took a quick glance, saw it was McTwitchy and had to let it go to voicemail.
A huge smile spread across my face, and when my customer gave me a quizzical look I responded, "The boy just called. You remember what that was like, right?"

She smiled and nodded vigorously.

Now, don't think I'm ridiculously giddy. Just know he has given me enough feedback for me to know that this is still something good.

The agony is in waiting to see him again. It's killing me.
I'm fully prepared to feel foolish again if this thing peters out. But for now, I'm enjoying the agony.

(what really feels foolish is having this giddy, twitterpaited feeling as I'm about to turn 40! That's what makes me feel ridiculous!)

Out In Stores Now!

Jordan Weisman created the series and I wrote the books.  It's a YA adventure tale based in Mayan mythology that I think is some of the best work I've done.  My 12 year old is reading it now and telling me about the funny parts like I don't know about them.  That's kind of awesome.  I am now a writer my kid digs, but he kind of separates me into two people.

The book comes with the nifty little game you see here as well.  Chandler and I played it twice tonight.  He beat me both times.  I think he cheats, but I'm out for revenge tomorrow.

The books are in stores now, or you can order one from Amazon here.

Lindsay Lohan's dad called the sheriff on her

E s \ tempo par Un'altra moitié prodezza dei Lohan Michael. Justo esta tarde Lindsay \ 'papá s, bajo un legítimos premisa sorprendentemente, logró convence dos Diputados Alguacil vaya con él a' s casa \ Lindsay comprobar sobre su hermana Ali, Segun TMZ: Estamos \ dijo Ali fue en el apartamento y Diputados hablo con Esso. Je Deputati e di sinistra è stato Tues permesso Ali Rimane avec Lindsay. \ '

Dog Tired...

I know tonight what they mean by dog tired...but I may be too tired to sleep! Ha!

We are welcoming a rainy day here...smells so fresh and wonderful! Even a little thunder was heard....kinda nice since it seems we hear it so seldom!

Have a great Friday!!

Recycled Material Cannot Mend Broken Embraces

Broken Embraces

For many directors, and audience members, there is a fine line between showing your appreciation for other’s works and overindulging in it. This is why so many people have issue with Quentin Tarantino’s films. Depending on the viewer, the originality in Tarantino’s productions can be loss amongst all his numerous winks and nods to specific genres. Pedro Almodóvar is another director, similar to Tarantino, who constantly injects his film with various references to films he love. The majority of which can be found in classic films from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Yet unlike Tarantino, Almodóvar has been more subtle about his approach, and many would say, more successful as well. Still, even a master like Pedro can fall into the realm of overindulgence as is the case with his film Broken Embraces.

Mateo Blanco and Harry Caine (Llíus Homar) share more than just a love for movies and writing. In fact they share the same body. Things are complicated even further by the fact that Mateo Blanco died fourteen years earlier. Despite Harry Caine’s, and his producing partner Judit (Blanco Portillo), best attempts to keep the circumstances surrounding Mateo’s death secret; the emergence of a young director, Ray X (Ruében Ochandiano), threatens to blow everything out of the water. Both Harry and Judit are forced to confront issues regarding Mateo’s affair with a wannabe actress named Lena (Penélope Cruz). Lena’s beauty is enough to make even the strongest man weak. Anyone lucky enough to have Lena, like Mateo and wealthy business man Ernesto (José Luis Gómez), find it extremely hard to let her go.

The thing about Broken Embraces is that the majority of it feels like a mishmash of scenes taken from better films. Heck, Almodóvar even lifts...err...reworks a scene from his own superior film, Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. While part of me was happy to see Cruz’s take on the film’s particular scene; the nostalgic moment did not enhance anything to Embraces overall plot. The film would still reach the same levels had it not been included.

This is not to say that Broken Embraces is an awful film... it is just a disappointing one. It plays more like comfort food than it does a truly satisfying meal. It is as if Almodóvar got so caught up in making a Hitchcockian film that he opted to just recycle his already well used plot devices to save time. All the classic Pedro Almodóvar themes (e.g. secrets, paternity issues, forbidden love, murder, etc.) are on display but they never excite the way you would expect it them to. The bulk of the film centers on a mystery fourteen years in the past. Unfortunately the mystery is one that will easily be solved by anyone who is familiar with Almodóvar’s previous works. It also does not help that he lays on the melodrama extra thick for this outing.

Granted even an average Almodóvar film, such as this, is still more engaging than the best works of lesser directors. The cast try their best to raise the film to the levels we have come to expect from Pedro. Penélope Cruz and Ruében Ochandiano are especially good in their respective roles. Yet even the performances can only go so far. Broken Embraces is a serviceable trip down memory lane for Almodóvar lovers but it hardly rivals his best works (i.e. All About My Mother, Volver, Talk to Her). If anything the film left made me want to revisit Almodóvar’s earlier films, such as Woman on the Verge, Live Flesh, Matador, etc., which were far more satisfying than this film.

Wednesday's Scattered Thoughts

Wow, the days seem to be flying by...hope my blogging friends are all having a great week!

Update on Biggest Loser...I was so glad that Sunshine didn't get sent home last night. Of course, down to the final few, so it is harder to see them go at this point! Next week someone will go home that I won't want to leave, for sure....I hope they soon have makeover week. I want Darius (is that his name) to get a new hair cut!!! Michael, too!

Happy Birthday week in our family...to three sisters (one is sister in law, but i say sister), niece, great nephew, and more!!!

Have a great (foggy here) day!!!

I Feel Much Better Now

Post-Edit

That's better.

I called him last night and left a message asking how his trip went. You see, I've been simmering on a slow boil for almost a week, because he said he'd call when he returned... which should have been a week ago.

Some friends suggested that I call him, but initially my pride prevented me. He's supposed to pursue me. I thought he liked me. Why should I have to remind a man that I exist? Wah.

This morning, I received a text from McTwitchy saying he extended his trip for a week and a half because he picked up some freelance work with a friend there. He'll be back on Saturday.

As Jinxie said, and I paraphrase... it's not like he was being a jerk.

Now I'm looking forward to seeing him. I really am.
Also, now I know that this is part of his personality. He's spontaneous. He gets wrapped up in his work and doesn't call lots of people! At this point, I'm willing to see how it goes.
I have no intentions of changing him. But he has already told me that he wants to manage his time better - so if I see him working on staying in touch - it's worth it to hang in there.
If not... well hey - he's just not right for me.

But I am really looking forward to seeing him again. I feel much better!

A Nugget. Post-edit

When I replied to his text, which was a promise to call either before or after he gets home, I urged him to "Call soon... I miss talking with you."
I wanted to let him know that I miss him, without sounding mushy or over-dramatic. Yet belying a sense of urgency - which any good man should appreciate.

He replied that he wanted to talk to me too, and gave me an acknowledgment that I shall not share here... except to say, it was the nugget that I needed. Just a little something that speaks to his interest in me and appreciation of me.

That was all I needed. Just a nugget.
He is worthy of my thoughts and energy.

No Excuses

I'm entirely conflicted.
I could be upset that he hasn't called me yet. Or, I could call him and just say, "Hi, how was your trip?" I haven't decided yet.

I'm conflicted because I find myself making excuses for why he hasn't called. He runs his own, one-man business from his home, and having been gone for an entire week it's reasonable that he needed to get back down to business and make sure the money is coming in. Then it was quickly the weekend, and he couldn't assume I was free.

I tend to make excuses for men who don't behave as I expect them to behave.
I certainly did that for Mr. Burns.
But, I am reminded... men don't think like women. So my expectation is completely irrelevant.

I saw his friend at church yesterday, and when she asked how things were going, I told her I haven't heard from him since he came back from his trip. She replied, "That's totally McTwitchy. He's a workaholic. I don't hear from him forever then he'll call suddenly, saying how busy he's been."

I am reminded that there is a reason some men over 40 aren't married. If it's just because he hasn't figured out how to woo yet... I guess I can give him the benefit of the doubt.

But no excuses.

After all this time, I've lost some interest in him. (Guys, you gotta strike while the iron is hot!!)
But talking with Kikr, I was reminded of just how much I enjoy time with him.

I think I'll be calling him at the end of his work day today.

If you have an opinion, feel free to share it!

Movie Marketing Monday

Marmaduke

Marmaduke is an unfunny comic strip that I routinely avoid on a daily basis. So I guess it is fitting that I plan to avoid the movie adaptation as well. Speaking of adaptations, is there really no books left for Hollywood to adapt? Does this mean a Family Circus movie is coming down the pipeline?




The Kids Are Alright

Finally a new film from Lisa Cholodenko! This looks to be her most mainstream film to date. The fact that Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo are in the film is an added bonus.

The Losers Hit The Big-Screen On Friday!

Based on a bestselling Vertigo Comics title, I can't wait for this ensemble action/treachery flick.  Gonna be a blast.

More info and trailer here.

No Thumbs Up from Me!!

Hubby and I rented a couple movies and watched them ...neither one tripped my trigger! "The Informant" ...we both said was B-O-R-I-N-G. And, it said humorous? We didnt' laugh. Maybe we just didn't get it? We could barely tolerate it.


Tonight we watched The Men Who Stared at Goats. My husband said he enjoyed it. I did not. He laughed a few times. I did not. Oh, well.

I had to tape Army Wives so I won't know what happened on there until I watch it now. I am thinking it would have been way better than the movie!

Can You Dig It? Roasted LAMB

Some quick LAMB links for you today:

The latest edition of Pitch the LAMB is out. This edition asks bloggers to come up with plot ideas for the Slasher genre.

LAMB Casting is re-casting the film The Color Purple. Be sure to vote for which casting choice you like the best.

The LAMB Acting School 101 on Johnny Depp is now up. See what other bloggers think of Depp and his various films.

Stump the LAMBs is testing your knowledge of the film The Fugitive. Deadline to enter is April 24, 2010.

Lastly, submissions are still being accepted for the LAMBS in the Director’s Chair # 7 on Martin Scorsese. Please make a point to submit any articles or reviews you may have on Scorsese’s larger body of work. Deadline for submissions is April 27, 2010

Spring Palette

Took these outside my house today....Flowers are coming up all over. I think this winter made the colors look even more vibrant than ever before.

Everything is beginning to wake up.

I love April, and not just because of my birthday.


I leave or Canada on Friday for my second fishing trip with my dad. I also will be turning 25 up there. There will also be a full moon on my birthday...I'll pretend that means I will have a very full 25th year.

Hope spring is beginning to show wherever you are.

Heidi Montag will have huge problems with her huge implants, doctors say

Us Weekly has assembled a team of the best plastic surgeons in the field to discuss the inclusion of bad fake boobs Heidi Montag on the move. Except not really, they are the only doctors in the folder without going would be to do with Heidi, as they say and not something that someone with the power of sight had not noticed. In essence, the fund is "obvious," said Dr. Heidi have serious health

Watch Doctor Who Season 5 Episode 3 Victory of the Daleks Live Online

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Not Much To Buy At The Joneses' Home Sale

The Joneses

I recently read an article on people who stand in line for hours to purchase the new Apple Ipad…only so that they can destroy it. They claim to be making a statement but, by paying for the product, are those customers really rebelling against the system? The idea of fighting against consumerism is at the heart of Derrick Borte’s The Joneses.

The arrival of Kate (Demi Moore) and Mike Jones (David Duchovny), along with their kids Jenn (Amber Heard) and Mick (Ben Hollingsworth), in an upscale suburban neighborhood causes quite a stir amongst the residents. Living in a lavish house, with all the cutting edge clothing and gadgets, it is easy to see why The Joneses quickly become the toast of the town. It seems everyone, especially neighbors Larry (Gary Cole) and Summer (Glenne Headley), want to emulate Joneses lifestyle. Despite their seemingly perfect exterior, the Joneses may not be the ideal family they appear to be.

The Joneses is one of those films that work best if you go in not knowing too much. While writer/director Derrick Borte creates a brilliant premise, he unfortunately fumbles with the overall delivery. The film wants to be both a satire on consumerism and a romantic comedy, the latter of which is what ultimately hurts the film.

Since Borte must continually keep the romantic subtext flowing, The Joneses never reaches the biting satirical level that it really should. This is a shame since both Cole and Headley steal every scene they are in. The odd thing about The Joneses is that the film itself plays like one long product placement commercial. Maybe this is Borte’s way of emphasizing how easily it is for us to be swayed by marketing. Still, it is tough to take Duchovny’s speech, on our constant obsession with things, seriously when every other moment you are being shown the latest Audi vehicles.

I will say that The Joneses is one of those moves, similar to Up in the Air, that will benefit greatly from its timely release. The world is still trying to get out of the recession and, now more than ever, companies are trying their best to get ever last consumer dollar. If Borte had gone for a more cutting satire The Joneses could have easily been one of the better films of the year. As it stands, you will leave The Joneses slightly disappointed and with a desire to buy something.

Hmmm...

Leo

You'll finally open up about your innermost hopes and dreams this week, though the whole thing will be pretty hard to hear with everyone laughing so damn hard.

(I love these horoscopes from the Onion....don't you?)

Anticipation

Life has been a bit uneventful this past week as the object of my affection was out of town.

I'm not sitting around pining for him though. I managed to spend lots of time with girlfriends.

One friend got engaged during Holy Week, another had a birthday... there hasn't really been a dull moment.

Friday night my friend Kafi and I went to a party hosted by one of my favorite online stores... ModCloth.com!

Their writers were in town for a writers conference, and if you check out their website you'll understand why creative writing is so important to their product descriptions.
We met some of the writers and I told them that they're like J. Peterman for Anthropology type clothes!
Here's ModCloth's blog post about the event. As a registered shopper on their site, I was sent an email invite to the shindig! And my friend and I got some free stuff! I got the. Coolest. Earrings. I'll try to feature them here soon.
It was awesome!

On Saturday, I met a group of girlfriends for dinner and had a killer eggplant sandwich!

But back to the object of my affection.
Before he left to visit his family for a week, he said that he'd call me when he gets back.

I'll admit I was bummed that I wasn't going to hear from him, but I reasoned that we've only been seeing one another for about three weeks, and it's expected for him to compartmentalize his family visit separate from anything that is going on with me.

All my girlfriends agreed. I decided that I would just wait and see what happens when he gets back. (sometime today)
That is, until my friend's new fiance said he thought it was weird that McTwitchy would not even text me while he's gone. Then I bummed out a little.

But I have been thinking it's still not as much of a red flag as the many red flags Mr. Burns waved at me over the years.

After we had been dating more than a year, Mr. Burns went back East to visit family, and as I drove him to the airport, he said, "Don't be mad if I don't call you while I'm away."
WTH? That is NOT okay!
I replied, "I won't get mad. I'll just know that you're not thinking about me."

Mr. Burns argued that I was projecting or something... and I said no, you don't ask me to write you a hall pass for not calling while you're gone!!! And why would you want to? If you love me at all, you should miss me, even plan to miss me... and can't help yourself from calling me!

It should have been perfectly clear then that he didn't really care for me.
But we tortured ourselves for another year or so after that! Ugh.

Please learn from my mistakes ladies!!

Meanwhile, I don't want to have expectations on McTwitchy. But I also don't want to make excuses for him like I did for Mr. Burns.
So I'm just going to see what happens when he's back, and we'll go from there.

My feelings for him have been tempered over the past week that he's been gone. I'm a little less twitterpaited... but I am still feeling the pitter-pat of excitement that hopefully I'll see him again soon.
I'm just not counting on it.
And I think that's healthy.

Non-SUPER Heroes?

Pure guilty pleasure, and I can't wait!

More info and trailer here.

Weekend Wanderings...

Did you have a good weekend? I did, I needed the break and respite! I cleaned house Saturday, which always makes me feel better for some reason! I planned to go to work that afternoon, but opted to stay home and just relax with hubby. We had gone to see the Wizard of Oz high school musical production on Friday night, which started the weekend off great! In the afternoon, we watched "Inglorious Bastards". I am not sure I would recommend it but hubby liked it. I am not usually liking Quentin Tarantino films, I guess. For example, I never liked Pulp Fiction or any of the Kill Bill movies. Oh, well. Saturday night I walked to mass, and that always makes for a good feeling for me. We ordered Chinese and watched "Did you Hear about the Morgans?" It was cute, I laughed a lot...so thumbs up!! (Of course, Hugh Grant is one of my favs...no worries, though, Ashton, I still love you mostest!)

Sunday we had breakfast with friends, and that is always nice. I baked an apple pie and we visited a while with our good friend and messed around on computers. Then, I bucked up and came into work a while. I could've worked for hours, but decided to go home and cook supper...grilled elk steak on the grill, sauteed mushrooms, had yummy veggies, etc. It was nice.

I got in exercise over the weekend, too. I ended the weekend by watching the return of "Army Wives"...lovin' that show again, and glad it's back. It was a nice weekend, but as always, too short!

Have a good week!!!

Movie Marketing Monday

Movie Marketing Monday looks at the movie trailers and/or posters that caught my eye recently.


Salt

Angelina Jolie in a summer action flick. Do I really need to say more?




The Expendables

Yes this movie looks bad, but just take a moment to think about the casting. Where else are you going to see Stallone, Li, Statham, Willis, Lungdren, Rouke, and Arnold in the same film? If only they could have gotten Van Damme in the film...

The New Granddaughter!

Meet Elliot Alexis, my first granddaughter.  Born 4/8.  She was 6 pounds 9 ounces, 19 inches long.  And she screams like a banshee, according to Chandler.  :)

Not for Me!!!

Ok, so they came out with this new Super Fast texting phone. You drag your fingers around to make the words, it appears. The commercial shows some guy beating the guiness book of world records for texting??? Give me a break!!! I can't even text a simple message. At first I blamed my Blackberry Pearl as being hard to text from. I now can't text from my Droid. I am texting impaired. Honest. Truly. It takes me a couple texts and then a couple more to clarify what I tried to text. Plus, the spell check chooses words I don't even want to use. I really am a klutz at texting. I need to attach a giant keyboard to my phone!!!

Yep, This Title Caught My Attention

Turns out it's a suspense novel for kids, and it has a very darkly twisted hero.  So I had to order it.  This book is the first of a trilogy.  Review will follow soon.

But I have to admit that I'm confused about the state of the kid's market for books.  Publishers seem to be confused as well.  Can we still treat them as innocents when there is evidence to the contrary?  Can we shield them from the darkness in the world when they need to know about it and seem as excited (at times) by it as my generation was of ghosts and monsters?

These are definitely interesting times.

Things I Have Been Reminded of This Week....

1.) My dogs adore me...
2.) I adore my dogs, they give me comfort and happiness...
3.) Even the best memories can be bittersweet...
4.) You never outgrow needing your mama...
5.) You never outgrow worrying about your children...
6.) Being a Grandma is the best thing EVER...
7.) Going to Weekly Mass makes my week so much better always...
8.) Jobs can be rewarding at the same time that you feel they are frustrating...
9.) True friends are the best...
10.) My husband can surprise me yet...
11.) No matter how old you are, it hurts to the core when someone you consider a friend talks in unfavorable light about you behind your back.
12.) Hearing from some from the past out of the blue is so rewarding...
13.) Laughter makes you feel better and younger...
14.) Don't be judgmental, remember you are not walking in someone else's shoes...
15.) God is ever loving and always forgiving...
16.) Exercise is not only for the body but the mind...
17.) Giving is always better than receiving...
18.) Sunshine warms the soul...
19.) Wine is good for you...:-)....
20.) Love yourself.

A facebook friend put this on her wall today:

Love all that you can, give all that you have, smile away your days, and dream away your nights.

I like this thought!! How about you??

Have a GREAT weekend!!!

Top 5 Wedding Films

As I will officially be handing in my bachelor card on Saturday, and keeping with this week’s marriage theme, today I will look at some of my favorite wedding related films.

Top 5 Wedding Films

Muriel’s Wedding
This film introduced me to the wonderful talents of Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths. The picture works on several different levels: it is a tale about friendship, a romantic comedy, and a great underdog story. Muriel’s Wedding also helped to make ABBA relevant again…though I am still on the fence as to whether or not that was a good thing.

The Best Man
Underrated gem in my opinion. Yes The Best Man has a few melodramatic moments in it, but nothing as bad as what you find in most Tyler Perry’s films. Despite its minor flaws, you cannot deny the overall charm of the film. Plus, I absolutely loved the casting in the film.

Rachel’s Getting Married
Some may be surprised to see this include in the list. Personally, I think the list would be bare without it. The rawness of the performances hits you like an emotional punch to the stomach. Yet there is a truth to the family dynamics, which makes this a film a must see. Weddings and funerals bring out the best and worst in families, and Rachel’s Getting Married is proof of this. Still, sometimes you need to see the worst before you can appreciate best of what family has to offer.

Four Weddings and a Funeral
You knew this had to make the list. I will take this film over the likes of Father of the Bride any day. Rowan Atkinson’s cameo alone is worth the price of admission. One of the few romantic comedies that will still have me laughing after multiple viewings.


 


Monsoon Wedding
Mira Nair’s film holds special significance from me. 2001 was the very first year I went to TIFF. After the events of September 11, 2001, there was an air of uncertainty at the film festival (would they cancel the rest of the festival?) and within the world in general (would there be more attacks?). The TIFF organizers decided to continue the festival; and Monsoon Wedding happened to be my 9 am movie on September 12, 2001. This joyous film was exactly the medicine we all needed to lift our spirits. It is a simple, but effective, reminder of the beauty that love and family bring to the world.