Best Birthday Card

Today is my bday, and the best card I received read as follows,

"I thought about running away and joining the circus....and then I realized that would be redundant."

Portland - the Place for Books

I spent most my time in Portland attending a conference. However, there was some time to ride the MAX lightrail and do a little shopping. One of the best places we went was Powell's Bookstore. Powell's is the largest bookstore in the world. It is independently owned and has new and used titles. If you spend more than $50, they will ship your purchase wherever you want. And of course, you can go on their website to make a purchase as well. I only saw a small part of the store due to time constraints. It was probably a good thing. Otherwise, I would have been severely lost and missed my dinner at Jake's (which is also definitely a place to go when in Portland).

My favorite things at Powell's? The notes pads that had reasons listed under different headings of "How to make me happy today," "Why we should have sex," "Things that get on my nerves," and "My mood today is..." I thought about purchasing any number of those note pads, but then I figured, if my husband can't read my mind after almost 20 years, why should I help him out with a note? He needs to keep up his mindreading skills. Can't make it too easy for him.

Loretta Lynn-Portland Oregon

Just got back from a conference in Portland, Oregon and this song kept going through my head...

Awesome Voicemail Greeting

13 year old Sonny Boy's most recent voicemail greeting on his cell phone -

"Hey, you've reached Caleb. I'm not here and that really sucks for you because you miss out on my awesomeness. You still get to hear my awesome message. Leave a message and you can talk to my awesome self later."

Special Puberty Moment

Sonny Boy has spent the last couple weeks loudly complaining about the fuzz on his upper lip. Yes, it was starting to look something like a mustache - but it wasn't really that bad. Now, I know every boy is supposed to be given his first shaving lesson from dear old dad, but when the opportunity arises...

He kept complaining the other night when his Goggy (my Mom) was in town. So Goggy and I took him into the bathroom, pulled out my lavendar scented shave cream, and taught him how to shave his 'tache. He was pleased afterwards. Of course, one day he will realize that was not a cool moment and probably complain about the strong-willed women in his life.

Goggy and I had a pretty good laugh afterwards.

Juno

I am so glad the movie Juno has stayed on long enough for me to get to see it. It's shameful how many movies I have wanted to see that leave the theaters before I can get there. Of course, the movies I prefer are not all those ridiculous rom-coms starring Kate Hudson, but smaller, independent films (and if they are British - all the better!). Last summer I started reading about Juno. It stars four of my fave actors - Ellen Page (one of the very few decent things about X3), Jennifer Garner (forever wonderful Sydney Bristow to me, and even sparkling as Electra), Jason Bateman and Michael Cera (who played father and son in the absolute gem Arrested Development for way too short a time on the small screen).

So I have been waiting to find time to get to the theater, and so thankful for all the awards and noms the movie is getting. And yes, it was well worth the wait. The story isn't really realistic (but hey - we all know Mr. Darcy doesn't exist, either), but that's beside the point. It's the characters and how they engage each other in the storyline that is so real. The acting is just superb, and there are plenty of laughs to be had. It is great to see a strong young woman in a lead role, especially since she is not perfect and finds herself in a difficult situation. It's even better to see parents who can support without being totally bananas, and even better yet to see a sweet, nerdy guy as the one a girl can't do without. Such a nice alternative from usual teen portrayals in the movies.

Yet, my heart is with the adoptive mother of the teenagers' unplanned baby. Jennifer Garner is always so compelling and real, but especially as the yuppie mom wanting to be a mother more than anything. In the midst of a world where fairy tales don't happen and love is by no means always easy, she provides the hope and foundation a child always needs. Wow.

Go see the movie. One of the best out there.

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent (the 40 days before Easter, minus Sundays which are mini-Easters). One of the ways to prepare for the celebration of Easter is to take on something extra (like volunteer work or daily devotions) or to give up something. I have given up meat, soft drinks, various food items, tv, and even gossip. This is the fourth time I am attempting to give up chocolate. I know that the third time is a charm, but I'm hoping it's four for me. We'll see how it goes, or how crazy my blog get.

The Funniest

New quote from Sonny Boy:

"The funniest thing I ever heard was when I said..."

No self-confidence issues there...

3 Strikes?

Do you think if you spill food or drink on yourself three different times during the day (or morning, really) you should be able to leave work and go home?

I feel like the only thing I have accomplished today is giving the high school girls I teach something to laugh about. I couldn't write on the board (how hard can it be to write "work"), couldn't come up with words ("Now what is that word that means something like assimilate?"), and spilled diet coke down my sweater. At least they enjoyed class...

Sweet Smell of Defeat

Loyal readers know I have been fascinated by Sonny Boy's wrestling this season - a sport beyond my comprehension. I missed his tournament last Saturday (Hubby was there), but here is a synopsis of a phone conversation:

Mom - How did this first match go, honey?
Sonny Boy - I lost.
M - Well I'm sure you did your best. You seem okay about it.
SB - I didn't get pinned until the last few seconds. I was wrestling a girl. (pause) She's hot.
M - Oh?
SB - Yeah - all the other guys on my team want to wrestle her too, but she's not in their weight class.
M- Well, I'm glad you got to wrestle her sweetie. Hope your other matches go better.

Tendonitis Cure?

I have been dealing with tendonitis in my right hand for a full year now. I have tried all sorts of things - my chiro does laser treatment, a tennis elbow thingy when playing and using the computer or doing some housework, really cutting down processed foods (love my Wheat Thins), and just not using my hand. I had blamed tennis for the bulk of the problem, but I have not played in over a month now and am still having issues.

So last week a co-worker said I should eat 9 golden raisins, soaked in gin, each day. Well, I figured, it couldn't hurt. I have been doing this for a week, in addition to all my other little tricks. Any opinions on this?

Heath Ledger

I have always been a sci-fi/fantasy fan. (probably started with Star Wars when I was 10 years old). 10 years ago a fantasy show called Roar lasted about 6 episodes. I loved the show, but was probably the only person in the country who was watching it. It was written and produced by Shaun Cassidy (yes, the former love of my life when a pre-teen). It centered around a Celtic prince in Roman ruled Britain. The prince had such an incredible presence. I found out he was played by a young Aussie, Heath Ledger. When I discovered he was only 18 years old, I was stunned. So much talent for one so young.

He came into the mainstream not much later with 10 Things I Hate About You, one of the few teen movies out there that is a real gem. But I think most of us will always value his work in Brokeback Mountain the most.

Ledger was found dead in his apartment in NYC yesterday. The cause of death is unknown as of yet, but there is speculation it was an accidental overdose of sleeping pills. He leaves an ex-fiance, the talented actress Michelle Williams, and a 2 year old daughter. He was only 28 years old. It's such a tragic story - to leave family and loved ones so unexpectedly, and for all us not to be able to enjoy his gifts in the coming years. My heart goes out to his loved ones.

Morning Talk

Listening to the local pop radio station this morning (can't do NPR every morning), I heard this interesting tidbit. Apparently, a woman called the police because she couldn't get her husband to stop talking. Hmmmm......

Atonement - the Movie

A few years ago, my Asheville book group read Ian McEwan's Atonement at the suggestion of Edgy Mama. I only read it that one time, but it is one of those stories that I just couldn't forget. I was curious how it would be adapted to the big screen, and recently was able to see for myself how this was done.

The story is about a writer's search for atonement after a fiction she creates in 1935 as a 13 year old girl. This fiction destroys lives around her. Does she have the courage to atone for this terrible thing she has done? Will others be able to overcome the harm done to them by her actions?

The movie itself is beautifully and wonderfully done. The acting is superb. I have been a huge Keira Knightly fan for years. I wrote off James McAvoy as that deer type creature in Chronicles of Narnia -boy was I wrong. He brought me to tears several times in the movie. And the different incarnations of Briony (the 13 year old at the beginning of the movie) - each of the actresses were brilliant. Her self-righteous attitude and rigidity were matched in the posture and facial expressions of the actresses. The score matched the acting (with staccato typing throughout) in a perfect manner. Much has been written about the large war scene on the French shores. The intermixing of the story from small British countryside to a large scale international scene was quite moving.

This movie deserved the Best Picture Golden Globe in won last night. It is an interesting and thought-provoking story. The characters feel so real and immediate. It is a story that stays with someone. I was so uncertain this story could be brought to the big screen in a manner consistent with this wonderful book, but it was done. Definitely one of the best pictures (if not the best) of the year. My grade - A

The New American Gladiators

Just a little over a month ago, I recounted my love for the classic American gladiators from the early '90s. Due to the writers' strike, reality tv is more and more of a reality, but I was pleased when NBC premiered the new American Gladiators last night. Kids and I had been anxiously waiting.

I was thrilled when I saw that Laila Ali was one of the hosts. She is so way cool. But then there is Hulk Hogan as the other host. He is just so way annoying. He particularly annoyed me when announcing the first men's event. The women had already completed an event, so he introduces the men while saying, "And NOW we are ready to get serious!" Because of course in his mind the women's events aren't as serious as the men's'? Don't know if Laila heard that, but I bet she could kick his overtanned and bleached hide in a heartbeat.

Overall, I enjoyed the competition. My fave new gladiator is Crush (see picture). It is nice to see women on tv who actually are a normal size (most the female gladiators weigh around 150), and then to have such great muscles. The male gladiators were just a little scary (6'9 and 290 pounds? - who wouldn't be scared?).

The events were fun, the competitors sassy and energetic, and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Every Monday at 8pm I have something to keep me entertained. We'll see how it goes...

2007 Multimedia Faves

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - just a wonderful ending for one of the best series ever written - definitely the best on this list

2. Children of Men - I read the book years ago and still can have nightmares about it. I was unsure how the movie would compare - some marked differences, but held true to the theme and very good in its own right. Clive Owen was superb and the world created was so real and so frightening.

3. Waitress - truly wonderful little independent movie with tons of laughs (and Andy Griffith!)

4. Transformers - a big budget popcorn movie that did not disappoint - loads of fun!

5. Confessions of a Memory Eater by Pagan Kennedy - not written in 2007, but when I read it. The novel has so much to say about truth, relationships, memory and reality - keeps one thinking long after the book is put back on the shelf.

6. On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan - short novel about a young couple's wedding night in the early '60s - quite thought provoking.

7. Smile by Lily Allen - I know Amy Winehouse gets all the press, but this was definitely the best song of the year (and especially by a young Brit woman).

9. Robin Hood on BBC America - I keep watching and watching the reruns - wonderful adaptation of an old (and sometimes tired) story. Jonas Armstrong and Lucy Griffiths have great chemistry and breath life into the main characters; interesting stories, dialogue and fun.

10. Moonlight - CBS (new shows whenever the writer's strike is over); modern day vamp in LA with sexy Australian in the lead alongside spunky young Brit (how can others do American accents so well, and we stink - with the exception of Gwyneth Paltrow and Renee Zellwegger?)

11. 30 Rock and The Office - the two best sitcoms on tv, hands down

12. Gilmore Girls - the final two seasons were not the best, but they sent them off well, and for that - I will always be grateful

Ginger Bread House Redemption!

Each year, it is part of my family's tradition to make a ginger bread house. And since I am insane, I choose to do this completely from scratch. I blame that book, Anne of Green Gables and a Christmas Treasury, which first led me to believe I could be just like Anne and make this easily and even have it look like her beloved farmhouse. Yeah, right.

This blog has chronicled past failures. And since Christmas is about grace and redemption, we have succeeded this year in the best Rio ginger bread house ever! Note Princess in the cutting and baking aspect. And then here is the final product. I keep looking at the house on its high perch (far away from cats and dogs), admiring such a thing of beauty. Ahhhh......

Breaking the Christmas Code

One of my childhood Christmas memories is the way my Mom would label Christmas gifts. Presents would be wrapped under a tree with a series of odd letters on them. For instance, a package of purple socks might have been wrapped for me with the label "BDOFCIPAIKIYFCT." These letters would stand for "Because Donny Osmond's favorite color is purple and I know it's your favorite color too." That way Mom knew the present was for me and not for my brother - even though Jerry and I had no clue whatsoever. Pretty good.

I have continued the tradition with my own twist. I usually put one word that reminds me of that particular child. One present under our tree is labeled "TIGHT" because Sonny Boy's wrestling uniform is tight. Another is labeled "RED" because Princess' Chinese name before she came home with us meant red, hot, popular. (Yes, we did choose a different Chinese name, because who wants a teenage daughter one day whose name means red, hot and popular?)

Princess started getting into making and wrapping presents last year. She decided to try her own codes. Well, this year she has trumped both Mom and me. She has been taking Chinese language all semester and her labels are written in Chinese characters. I only hope the package that smells like chocolate is for me.

Time for Doggie Elves now too

Check out our elf doggies!

thanks Office Max

Office Max has a wonderful dancing elf program, with elves that look amazingly like my family. Check it out!