Greetings from Pittsburgh! I am sitting in my cousin's room, typing, watching Ellen, and waiting to go to the Carnegie Museum. We've been seeing the town, hanging out with my relatives and playing with my cousin's two-year old. Her best new trick is to hop into a cardboard box and then have her Uncle Ben carry her around the house like a box of books. Very, very cute.
Oh, and it looks like Little Miss Sunshine isn't coming out for a couple more weeks. What's with that?
Movie of the Day: Beauty and the Beast. Tee hee.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Road Trip
I am off to the East this afternoon. Pittsburgh await!!! I'll try to blog while I'm gone.
Movie of the Day: Little Miss Sunshine. My favorite from Sundance. Comes out this week!!! Be ready to laugh and laugh.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Blind
When I was a little kid, I used to pretend I was blind. I would try to get ready for bed without having the light on. I would try to brush my teeth and what-not with only a crack in the door created by putting the waste basket as a door-stop. It was a sliver of light, just enough for a weird 8-year-old to get around.
I also shared a room with One in a Million Saras for ten years and my bed was next to the light switch. I would ask if she was ready for me to turn it off and sometimes I would do it no matter her answer (big sisters have to torture little sisters once in a while). Any way, when she'd protest, I would tell her to pretend she was blind. Poor kid.
She did have a nightlight that, oddly, my parent plugged in between her bed and the wall. Well, one night, Rick a big stuffed raccoon from Shirt Tales, got wedged between her bed and the nightlight. It singed his tail quite nicely and luckily didn't start on fire. No more night light.
To this day, I can get around fairly well in the dark by memory. I probably bump into things more in the daytime!
Movie of the Day: At First Sight. Val Kilmer is blind and Mira Sorvino falls for him.
I also shared a room with One in a Million Saras for ten years and my bed was next to the light switch. I would ask if she was ready for me to turn it off and sometimes I would do it no matter her answer (big sisters have to torture little sisters once in a while). Any way, when she'd protest, I would tell her to pretend she was blind. Poor kid.
She did have a nightlight that, oddly, my parent plugged in between her bed and the wall. Well, one night, Rick a big stuffed raccoon from Shirt Tales, got wedged between her bed and the nightlight. It singed his tail quite nicely and luckily didn't start on fire. No more night light.
To this day, I can get around fairly well in the dark by memory. I probably bump into things more in the daytime!
Movie of the Day: At First Sight. Val Kilmer is blind and Mira Sorvino falls for him.
Friday, July 21, 2006
VH1
Have you noticed that you have to get up early to catch any actual music videos on VH1 or MTV? They have supplementary channels that play videos, but you can't really get them with basic cable. Drat.
So, I catch videos on Sunday mornings when I'm up and on days like today when I wake up earlier than planned.
There was a weird/cool video by Death Cab for Cutie, who I think I've heard of before, but can't be sure. It was quirky enough to make me wonder if the rest of the album is similar to it and if so, maybe I'll buy it.
It's a risk shopping by one song, but usually I like the whole thing.
Movie of the Day: Camp. Drama. Drama. Drama.
So, I catch videos on Sunday mornings when I'm up and on days like today when I wake up earlier than planned.
There was a weird/cool video by Death Cab for Cutie, who I think I've heard of before, but can't be sure. It was quirky enough to make me wonder if the rest of the album is similar to it and if so, maybe I'll buy it.
It's a risk shopping by one song, but usually I like the whole thing.
Movie of the Day: Camp. Drama. Drama. Drama.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Random
Random things I think about:
1) Where do the letters go when you type too soon for a login and have to start over? Where? Makes me think of Monsters, Inc. for some reason.
2) Why can't I dry one hand on a towel if only one is wet? I have to get the other one a little wet too.
3) Why are there HUGE ants running around my house at random? Did the ant spray only work on the little ones and the big ones have evolved to be immune to common chemical killers?
4) How am I going to find a guitar for my friend Rick to play at church on Sunday?
5) How many days in a row can I eat dinner in the same restaurant (third night tonight)?
6) How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
Movie of the Day: Monsters, Inc. So cute.
1) Where do the letters go when you type too soon for a login and have to start over? Where? Makes me think of Monsters, Inc. for some reason.
2) Why can't I dry one hand on a towel if only one is wet? I have to get the other one a little wet too.
3) Why are there HUGE ants running around my house at random? Did the ant spray only work on the little ones and the big ones have evolved to be immune to common chemical killers?
4) How am I going to find a guitar for my friend Rick to play at church on Sunday?
5) How many days in a row can I eat dinner in the same restaurant (third night tonight)?
6) How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
Movie of the Day: Monsters, Inc. So cute.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Nursing Home Humor
I was out with a bunch of friends from my covenant group last night and we were telling funny nursing home stories.
Nursing home stories?!? Yep. My theory is that when you are there to visit a relative (in my case, my grandma), you have to look at things with a sense of humor or you'll go into a deep depression.
Mary had a good story, which I hope she'll tell in the comments section.
Here's mine:
About 5 years ago, my parents and siblings (one, the other, or both) would go to visit my grandma in the common room of her wing of the nursing home. She was still pretty with it and mobile, so we'd sit out there to chat. There were always other residents around to distract us when the conversation hit a lull.
One visit, a gentleman in a wheelchair kept slowly creeping towards the down ramp. When he hit the top, he'd lift his feet and "WEEEEEEEE" go gliding down. The nurse said he did that a lot.
The same afternoon, there was a woman who spilled her juice and fled the scene so she wouldn't get busted.
While all of this was going on, the nice Recreation Lady had a book of United States Trivia and asked questions from it. My grandma listened politely and tried to answer the ones she knew. Another man in a wheelchair (not the Ramp Guy), kept saying, in a deep gravelly voice, "Who. The. Hell. Cares.?" He also kept trying to take off his shoes and pants.
Now, as I said above, you might thing this is incredibly depressing, if you think seriously enough, but for someone visiting who is uncomfortable in their setting, it created quite the Sunday afternoon!
Movie of the Day: The Nutty Professor.
Nursing home stories?!? Yep. My theory is that when you are there to visit a relative (in my case, my grandma), you have to look at things with a sense of humor or you'll go into a deep depression.
Mary had a good story, which I hope she'll tell in the comments section.
Here's mine:
About 5 years ago, my parents and siblings (one, the other, or both) would go to visit my grandma in the common room of her wing of the nursing home. She was still pretty with it and mobile, so we'd sit out there to chat. There were always other residents around to distract us when the conversation hit a lull.
One visit, a gentleman in a wheelchair kept slowly creeping towards the down ramp. When he hit the top, he'd lift his feet and "WEEEEEEEE" go gliding down. The nurse said he did that a lot.
The same afternoon, there was a woman who spilled her juice and fled the scene so she wouldn't get busted.
While all of this was going on, the nice Recreation Lady had a book of United States Trivia and asked questions from it. My grandma listened politely and tried to answer the ones she knew. Another man in a wheelchair (not the Ramp Guy), kept saying, in a deep gravelly voice, "Who. The. Hell. Cares.?" He also kept trying to take off his shoes and pants.
Now, as I said above, you might thing this is incredibly depressing, if you think seriously enough, but for someone visiting who is uncomfortable in their setting, it created quite the Sunday afternoon!
Movie of the Day: The Nutty Professor.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Vacation Books
I'm starting to mentally pack my suitcase for my trip out East next week. Right now, I'm pondering which books to take with me. I'm going to be visiting relatives and driving there with my folks. Three plus days of reading in the car. What to take?
I'm trying to limit myself to soft cover books, to save on the lifting. Right now, my "stack to pack" has Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, Girls by Frederick Busch, The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde, and The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove by Christopher Moore. I suppose something serious should go along too. We'll see what strikes me when the time comes.
Any suggestions (serious or otherwise)?
I'm trying to limit myself to soft cover books, to save on the lifting. Right now, my "stack to pack" has Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, Girls by Frederick Busch, The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde, and The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove by Christopher Moore. I suppose something serious should go along too. We'll see what strikes me when the time comes.
Any suggestions (serious or otherwise)?
Wanna Learn Swahili?
I bought a computer program over the weekend that will allow me to learn French and 32 other languages. Swahili is one of them. So is Swedish, Hungarian, Latin, Punjabi, and many, many more. I've started learning French and now know colors and some basic words. It's fun!
Movie of the Day: With Honors. Learning is cool.
Movie of the Day: With Honors. Learning is cool.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Matter of Record
My favorite part of the Monday paper is the Matter of Record for marriage licenses. I can see who I know of this great big list without having to go through photos, etc. and without having to rely on the couple to submit it to the paper.
These days I usually see a lot of former students. I do the math on how old they are and then decide they are too young to be getting married. Anyone that I've ever taught is too young. Ha!
Today, there was a 19-year-old and her boyfriend (of a couple years). I have such a hard time believing they are ready for such a huge commitment. We'll see, I guess.
Movie of the Day: Father of the Bride. Cute.
These days I usually see a lot of former students. I do the math on how old they are and then decide they are too young to be getting married. Anyone that I've ever taught is too young. Ha!
Today, there was a 19-year-old and her boyfriend (of a couple years). I have such a hard time believing they are ready for such a huge commitment. We'll see, I guess.
Movie of the Day: Father of the Bride. Cute.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
News from My Basement
On a brief excursion from my basement to my main floor (which is currently at 86 degrees), I thought I'd give a State of the Basement Address:
My basement, i.e. my new apartment, is currently under construction. I'm getting a new ceiling in the rec room and it's in a state of chaos. The couch is unusable. The Cable cable is dangling from a pipe where my tv once stood. The new ceiling is coming along, though.
My guest room (where I now sleep), is where I keep off-season clothing, books, old teddy bears, and all of the tools that my dad is using on the ceiling. It also has a newly-cleared-off bed. Whew. Oh, and a fan. Yes, a fan running in my basement.
If I had a mini fridge, a working bathroom (also under construction), and a hooked-up DVD player/tv, I'd be set for weeks.
Movie of the Day: The Wizard of Oz. "I'm melting! I'm melting!"
My basement, i.e. my new apartment, is currently under construction. I'm getting a new ceiling in the rec room and it's in a state of chaos. The couch is unusable. The Cable cable is dangling from a pipe where my tv once stood. The new ceiling is coming along, though.
My guest room (where I now sleep), is where I keep off-season clothing, books, old teddy bears, and all of the tools that my dad is using on the ceiling. It also has a newly-cleared-off bed. Whew. Oh, and a fan. Yes, a fan running in my basement.
If I had a mini fridge, a working bathroom (also under construction), and a hooked-up DVD player/tv, I'd be set for weeks.
Movie of the Day: The Wizard of Oz. "I'm melting! I'm melting!"
Saturday, July 15, 2006
A Prayer
Last March, I went to a Compassion seminar at the College of St. Scholastica. In the closing ceremony, they gave each of us a prayer to say daily (they hoped). I haven't been good at saying it every day, but I keep it next to my computer so I will see it daily. With the war in the Middle East and the state of life in general, I want to share it with you. I don't know who wrote it, but I'm guessing it was a nun or two at Scholastica. Here goes:
Prayer for Healing of the World
O Holy One of Blessing!
Guide us with your life-giving Spirit
as we continue the work of building a
more just and compassionate world.
Fill us with insight into love that we
may recognize and embrace the
needs of the poor, marginal and
vulnerable of our society.
Sustain us with courage and strength
to be healing instruments of your
love in a wounded world.
Help us to be a source of abiding
hope for all.
Movie of the Day: Cruel Intentions. Fight Resistance.
Prayer for Healing of the World
O Holy One of Blessing!
Guide us with your life-giving Spirit
as we continue the work of building a
more just and compassionate world.
Fill us with insight into love that we
may recognize and embrace the
needs of the poor, marginal and
vulnerable of our society.
Sustain us with courage and strength
to be healing instruments of your
love in a wounded world.
Help us to be a source of abiding
hope for all.
Movie of the Day: Cruel Intentions. Fight Resistance.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Relay for Life
Tonight is the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This is the second year that I'll be walking, though I'm doing it a bit differently this time.
Last year, I showed up at 6 and stuck around until about 2 AM. It was a sweltering night (not unlike the prediction for tonight). It was a good experience, but kind of gross too. Okay, it was really gross.
Any way, this year, our captain needed someone to sign up for the 4 AM shift. I decided that I would take it, on the condition that I wouldn't show up at St. Scholastica until 4 AM. That way, I can sleep until about 3:15 and then head up there. I'm up early during the school year, so this shouldn't be too horrible.
We'll see how it all goes.
Movie of the Day: One True Thing. Meryl Streep. Renee Zellweger. Girl moves home to take care of Mom who is dying.
Last year, I showed up at 6 and stuck around until about 2 AM. It was a sweltering night (not unlike the prediction for tonight). It was a good experience, but kind of gross too. Okay, it was really gross.
Any way, this year, our captain needed someone to sign up for the 4 AM shift. I decided that I would take it, on the condition that I wouldn't show up at St. Scholastica until 4 AM. That way, I can sleep until about 3:15 and then head up there. I'm up early during the school year, so this shouldn't be too horrible.
We'll see how it all goes.
Movie of the Day: One True Thing. Meryl Streep. Renee Zellweger. Girl moves home to take care of Mom who is dying.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
French
I need to learn French. My friends Nate and Claire are moving to France in a couple days and I want to visit. Okay, maybe I won't be fluent in French, but I at least want to know enough to not get myself in trouble.
The major debate in my head goes something like this:
Tapes?
Books?
Pay my cousins to teach me?
Barter with my friend the French teacher?
I know enough Spanish to bluff my way into sounding fluent (at least around my students). I'm not sure about a full-fledged conversation. This could help me learn French, or it could get in my way. We'll see.
Any suggestions?
Movie of the Day: French Kiss. tee hee. I should work on that too.
The major debate in my head goes something like this:
Tapes?
Books?
Pay my cousins to teach me?
Barter with my friend the French teacher?
I know enough Spanish to bluff my way into sounding fluent (at least around my students). I'm not sure about a full-fledged conversation. This could help me learn French, or it could get in my way. We'll see.
Any suggestions?
Movie of the Day: French Kiss. tee hee. I should work on that too.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
The Sorting Hat
In Harry Potter, the new arrivals sit on a stool in front of the very first banquet. They put on a rumply old hat and it decides which of the four houses the student will belong to based on each kid's strengths.
Today, I am the sorting hat of my house. I'm getting rid of things. The "houses"? Keep. Recycle. Good Will. Sell. It's liberating to get rid of stuff. I have magazines that I thought I'd keep forever and look back at later. Magazines are heavy, though, and take up a lot of room. I also have clothes that haven't been worn for a couple school years, so why bother keeping them?
The glitch is my book collection. I have books that I love and don't want to part with. Books that I want to share with friends. Books to slowly read through. Books that I have, but shouldn't have bought. Books that got me through college. Books that I keep in my classroom to entertain the kids when they finish early. Books, books, books. I own 7 bookshelves. You would think that would be enough, but I'm going to run out of space soon. Oy.
Movie of the Day: Cars. Cute. Good story behind it, too. I do not have piles of cars around my house, thankfully!
Today, I am the sorting hat of my house. I'm getting rid of things. The "houses"? Keep. Recycle. Good Will. Sell. It's liberating to get rid of stuff. I have magazines that I thought I'd keep forever and look back at later. Magazines are heavy, though, and take up a lot of room. I also have clothes that haven't been worn for a couple school years, so why bother keeping them?
The glitch is my book collection. I have books that I love and don't want to part with. Books that I want to share with friends. Books to slowly read through. Books that I have, but shouldn't have bought. Books that got me through college. Books that I keep in my classroom to entertain the kids when they finish early. Books, books, books. I own 7 bookshelves. You would think that would be enough, but I'm going to run out of space soon. Oy.
Movie of the Day: Cars. Cute. Good story behind it, too. I do not have piles of cars around my house, thankfully!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Wanna Be In Pictures?
Deep down, way deep down in your heart, have you always wanted to be famous? A star? Maybe in a movie? Maybe rub elbows with the rich and famous, even for a brief time?
Well, I have an opportunity that you do not want to pass up. Yes, you can be in a movie. You. This Saturday, you have the chance to be an extra in The Hardworking Man from Nebraska. A blurb from the creative genius behind the movie that will launch you to stardom:
The Hardworking Man From Nebraska's first day of filming is July 15th. It's a Saturday, and the location is a church in southern Minneapolis. We need extras to sit in the air conditioned church and wear small town churchy clothes from 10 AM to noon. E-mail me at oppegaard@gmail.com if interested. Please, be interested.
How easy is that???
Well, I have an opportunity that you do not want to pass up. Yes, you can be in a movie. You. This Saturday, you have the chance to be an extra in The Hardworking Man from Nebraska. A blurb from the creative genius behind the movie that will launch you to stardom:
The Hardworking Man From Nebraska's first day of filming is July 15th. It's a Saturday, and the location is a church in southern Minneapolis. We need extras to sit in the air conditioned church and wear small town churchy clothes from 10 AM to noon. E-mail me at oppegaard@gmail.com if interested. Please, be interested.
How easy is that???
Nightmares
Do you ever have recurring nightmares? Mine always center around school, but only as a student, not as a teacher. I used to dream that I forgot to check my p.o.box in college and I can't even remember my number.
Last night, it was forgetting my locker combo (my locker was a dresser, though) and forgetting to attend specific classes and therefore forgetting my schedule. It was very embarrassing!
Does anyone else out there have recurring nightmares?
Movie of the Day: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. It was excellent, though left you with that "Hurry up and make the third one" feeling.
Last night, it was forgetting my locker combo (my locker was a dresser, though) and forgetting to attend specific classes and therefore forgetting my schedule. It was very embarrassing!
Does anyone else out there have recurring nightmares?
Movie of the Day: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. It was excellent, though left you with that "Hurry up and make the third one" feeling.
Monday, July 10, 2006
It's a Great Day for a Movie
As you may have noticed, I like movies. A lot. Today, I get to go to two of them!!! I will start the afternoon off with a viewing of Cars with three of my buddies under the age of 13. I hope ice cream (my second passion) will follow.
Then, an evening out with the eclectic church movie group/friends to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.
Cool, huh?
Movie of the Day: Adventures in Babysitting. :)
Then, an evening out with the eclectic church movie group/friends to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.
Cool, huh?
Movie of the Day: Adventures in Babysitting. :)
Sunday, July 09, 2006
zzz's
My busy, fabulous weekend is wearing me out. I'm feeling narcoleptic today. If I stop to think "What should I write about?" my eyes close and I'm ready to nod off. Not a good sign for church today (sorry, Michelle).
My main goal for the afternoon is a nap. Yep. The couch in my basement is perfect for naps. It's my parents' old couch that is difficult to extract yourself from- excellent for sinking into a nap. Plus, it's in the cool basement. Ah... I can't wait.
Movie of the Day: Forever Young. Mel Gibson gets frozen and then wakes up many, many years later.
My main goal for the afternoon is a nap. Yep. The couch in my basement is perfect for naps. It's my parents' old couch that is difficult to extract yourself from- excellent for sinking into a nap. Plus, it's in the cool basement. Ah... I can't wait.
Movie of the Day: Forever Young. Mel Gibson gets frozen and then wakes up many, many years later.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Friends
Well, I am back from my fabulous day in the Cities! I got to hang out with K. and her boys. They are adorable! The oldest son even learned "Becca....(long pause). Friend." Isn't that sweet?
I also had an excellent time at the reading (see yesterday's post). They were all talented writers and the location (the Soap Factory) was funky. Lots of art in an old, lofted warehouse. Very cool.
Now, I am home in time for a picnic on the shore and some board games with the family and visitors!
Movie of the Day: Mystic River. Sean Penn theme, I guess. This is an emotional movie. I had to be in the mood to be angry if that makes any sense.
I also had an excellent time at the reading (see yesterday's post). They were all talented writers and the location (the Soap Factory) was funky. Lots of art in an old, lofted warehouse. Very cool.
Now, I am home in time for a picnic on the shore and some board games with the family and visitors!
Movie of the Day: Mystic River. Sean Penn theme, I guess. This is an emotional movie. I had to be in the mood to be angry if that makes any sense.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Big Day
Today is gonna be a good day! I'm heading to the Cities to visit with one of my best friends and her family. I haven't met the baby yet and their two-year-old sounds like a funny little guy. Should be a blast!
Then, we are going to leave the little boys with her husband and head out on the town. The plan is to hit Blogagaard's reading and then who knows what else afterwards! He told me that his friend Geoff (whom I have never met) gives a great reading too.
I'm psyched!
Movie of the Day: i am sam. Sean Penn is amazing in this movie. This is the first time I saw Dakota Fanning. Have Kleenex handy.
Then, we are going to leave the little boys with her husband and head out on the town. The plan is to hit Blogagaard's reading and then who knows what else afterwards! He told me that his friend Geoff (whom I have never met) gives a great reading too.
I'm psyched!
Movie of the Day: i am sam. Sean Penn is amazing in this movie. This is the first time I saw Dakota Fanning. Have Kleenex handy.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Just Like Home
In Sleepless In Seattle, Sam talks about taking his wife's hand and saying that it felt like going home, "only to no home I'd ever known.... magic."
Yesterday, I went to a mini reunion with some high school friends and after a couple minutes of reacquainting, it was like going home. Everyone was telling stories of junior or senior high school, catching up the spouses on what their mates were like back then.
The word "reunion" usually strikes fear in the hearts of many adults. Either you're worried about what to wear and how you look, or you just don't want to run into so-and-so. This was nothing like that. Thank goodness!
Movie of the Day: The Devil Wears Prada. What shall I wear?
Yesterday, I went to a mini reunion with some high school friends and after a couple minutes of reacquainting, it was like going home. Everyone was telling stories of junior or senior high school, catching up the spouses on what their mates were like back then.
The word "reunion" usually strikes fear in the hearts of many adults. Either you're worried about what to wear and how you look, or you just don't want to run into so-and-so. This was nothing like that. Thank goodness!
Movie of the Day: The Devil Wears Prada. What shall I wear?
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Fun
Top 10 Silly Things That Make Me Happy
10. Getting real mail
9. Puffy stickers. Newest ones: Muppets
8. Little kids' swimming pools
7. Getting a long-awaited phone call
6. Noticing that the lady ahead of you is only buying frozen items too.
5. Watching your raspberry patch get closer to fruition. (ha ha).
4. Glitter nail polish
3. Sending random things to friends through inter-school mail (grown-up "passing notes")
2. Drinking three Cherry Cokes and then telling stories. Quickly.
1. Playing silly games with kids.
What silly things make you happy?
Movie of the Day: Glory Road. It's an intense movie, but the players get silly once in a while.
10. Getting real mail
9. Puffy stickers. Newest ones: Muppets
8. Little kids' swimming pools
7. Getting a long-awaited phone call
6. Noticing that the lady ahead of you is only buying frozen items too.
5. Watching your raspberry patch get closer to fruition. (ha ha).
4. Glitter nail polish
3. Sending random things to friends through inter-school mail (grown-up "passing notes")
2. Drinking three Cherry Cokes and then telling stories. Quickly.
1. Playing silly games with kids.
What silly things make you happy?
Movie of the Day: Glory Road. It's an intense movie, but the players get silly once in a while.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Independence
I'm not sure how independent I feel today. If I start getting deep and philosophical about it, I'm no where near independent and neither are you. Chances are you didn't create your computer and supply yourself with internet access all by yourself. You probably didn't milk the cow to have something to put on your homegrown oats. Nope, you had Cheerios or Corn Pops or something that dozens of people worked on to get to your table. Yep. Not independent.
Also, not really free. I mean, there are things that I have the freedom to do that many, many others do not and I'm grateful for that. There are other things that I used to be free to do that I can't do anymore. Security. Oy.
Well, on that happy note, I hope you all enjoy some fireworks tonight. I wonder how much they will cost us this year and how many people could have had a decent meal instead.
Movie of the Day: ABC Africa. It's about children in Uganda who were orphaned because of AIDS, civil war, or malaria. One grandmother is taking care of 25 kids in her one room house!!! This is an important and touching movie that everyone should see.
Also, not really free. I mean, there are things that I have the freedom to do that many, many others do not and I'm grateful for that. There are other things that I used to be free to do that I can't do anymore. Security. Oy.
Well, on that happy note, I hope you all enjoy some fireworks tonight. I wonder how much they will cost us this year and how many people could have had a decent meal instead.
Movie of the Day: ABC Africa. It's about children in Uganda who were orphaned because of AIDS, civil war, or malaria. One grandmother is taking care of 25 kids in her one room house!!! This is an important and touching movie that everyone should see.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Lists
I've decided to keep a list of all the movies and books that I consume over the summer. The movies are in two categories: Theater and video. Wanna hear the list so far?
Movies (theater)
The Break-Up
XMen 3
The Lake House
A Prairie Home Companion
Movies (Video)
Shall We Dance
The Family Stone
Casanova
Books
Knocking Over the Fishbowl by David Oppegaard (yet to be published)
Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott
Not bad for three and a half weeks of vacation. The Movie of the Day is A Prairie Home Companion. It was super funny and just heart-warming. I really liked the way Guy Noir spoke and was fascinated by how slowly Dangerous Woman walked. She was cool. If you have any ties to Minnesota or Garrison Keillor, watch this movie.
Movies (theater)
The Break-Up
XMen 3
The Lake House
A Prairie Home Companion
Movies (Video)
Shall We Dance
The Family Stone
Casanova
Books
Knocking Over the Fishbowl by David Oppegaard (yet to be published)
Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott
Not bad for three and a half weeks of vacation. The Movie of the Day is A Prairie Home Companion. It was super funny and just heart-warming. I really liked the way Guy Noir spoke and was fascinated by how slowly Dangerous Woman walked. She was cool. If you have any ties to Minnesota or Garrison Keillor, watch this movie.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Help!
I finally hopped back on my treadmill this morning after a couple days of laziness. I'm having trouble getting a routine down. I wake up later. It's warm. I end up quitting early. Then, I go upstairs (it's in my basement) and it's stuffy.
Would a fan work?
Do I need to eat/drink something beforehand?
Would walking up around 5 AM help?
These are all variables that I need to test. Oy. It's like being in Physics again.
Movie of the Day: Raising Helen. It doesn't really have anything to do with my post, but I was thinking about Abigail Breslin who is in Little Miss Sunshine. It was my favorite movie at Sundance and she's a cool kid who happens to also be in Raising Helen and Signs.
Would a fan work?
Do I need to eat/drink something beforehand?
Would walking up around 5 AM help?
These are all variables that I need to test. Oy. It's like being in Physics again.
Movie of the Day: Raising Helen. It doesn't really have anything to do with my post, but I was thinking about Abigail Breslin who is in Little Miss Sunshine. It was my favorite movie at Sundance and she's a cool kid who happens to also be in Raising Helen and Signs.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Clean-Up
It's officially July and I've decided that I have too much junk in my house. Or at least on the main floor of my house. I'm going to spend the day sorting, hauling, taking pictures and then dumping, and trying to stay cool. You might have paused on the "taking pictures" portion above and wondered "Huh?" Here's my plan as of late: There are things that I want to remember from college or before that I have kept over the years. Well, I've decided that they take up too much space and I can recapture the memories just as easily if I look at a photo of the item. So, I took pictures of all of my old t-shirts and then sent them off to be rags. Now, I have some posters and what-not that are heading in that direction too. It's gonna be great!
Movie of the Day: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The second movies are always a little worse than the first, but it was still funny.
Movie of the Day: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The second movies are always a little worse than the first, but it was still funny.
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