Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
My fitness pal
I think I've come to terms with the fact that, even eating healthier and staying away from empty calories, I still need a little something more if I want to lose weight. While that's still not my main goal, let's face it - that would be nice.
I've noticed a lot of twitter friends using a site called My Fitness Pal to track calories and activity - and ultimately, weight loss. So, I downloaded the app on my phone, completed the registration, and was promptly notified how many calories I can expect to eat a day - given my exercise goals and lifestyle.
Interesting.
Health is still my ultimate goal. But obviously weight loss is a part of that. So is a balanced diet, which means taking in the right amount (and type) of calories. I know people who have lost all kinds of weight by simply not eating - or, eating significantly less than they should.
Since my goal is to improve my health, not just lower my dress size, that won't work for me. This seems like a reasonable compromise. Since it's on my phone (and I never put that down) it should also be something with which I can keep up.
But I suppose this means I need to get a scale that works.
I've noticed a lot of twitter friends using a site called My Fitness Pal to track calories and activity - and ultimately, weight loss. So, I downloaded the app on my phone, completed the registration, and was promptly notified how many calories I can expect to eat a day - given my exercise goals and lifestyle.
Interesting.
Health is still my ultimate goal. But obviously weight loss is a part of that. So is a balanced diet, which means taking in the right amount (and type) of calories. I know people who have lost all kinds of weight by simply not eating - or, eating significantly less than they should.
Since my goal is to improve my health, not just lower my dress size, that won't work for me. This seems like a reasonable compromise. Since it's on my phone (and I never put that down) it should also be something with which I can keep up.
But I suppose this means I need to get a scale that works.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Movie Monday: The Help
You must see this movie.
Based on a book by the same name, The Help is the story of Skeeter, a young woman in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960's, who decides she wants to write a book telling the perspective of the black women who work as maids for rich, white families.
You can imagine at that time, these women were treated - well, horribly. I'll spare you the history lesson, or the civil rights sermon, mostly because talking about it makes me sick to my stomach.
But the movie isn't sad. Yes, there are sad moments. I cried - more than once. Parts of the story also made me mad, and wonder what makes some people tick. But I also laughed out loud, smiled, cheered, and even clapped.
It's amazing to me the strength that these women had. In a situation where most people would just roll over and give up, they kept pushing forward. Yes, they'd resigned themselves to that life. But they raised their children to believe they could do more, and be more. They had hope, and faith, and they treated others with dignity and respect, even when they were shown none.
That takes strength, and it's inspiring to see.
The movie has a lot of funny moments, as well. I won't spoil the story for you. Just know that you will find out what the terrible-awful is that Minnie does - just pay attention.
The Help is well written, and the acting is amazing, though with the cast, you would totally expect that to be the case. It's about 2 1/2 hours long, but it won't seem that way while you're watching the movie. You'll like the characters, want to see what's going to happen next, and find yourself cheering and rooting them on at the end.
Definitely five starts in my book.
Based on a book by the same name, The Help is the story of Skeeter, a young woman in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960's, who decides she wants to write a book telling the perspective of the black women who work as maids for rich, white families.
You can imagine at that time, these women were treated - well, horribly. I'll spare you the history lesson, or the civil rights sermon, mostly because talking about it makes me sick to my stomach.
But the movie isn't sad. Yes, there are sad moments. I cried - more than once. Parts of the story also made me mad, and wonder what makes some people tick. But I also laughed out loud, smiled, cheered, and even clapped.
It's amazing to me the strength that these women had. In a situation where most people would just roll over and give up, they kept pushing forward. Yes, they'd resigned themselves to that life. But they raised their children to believe they could do more, and be more. They had hope, and faith, and they treated others with dignity and respect, even when they were shown none.
That takes strength, and it's inspiring to see.
The movie has a lot of funny moments, as well. I won't spoil the story for you. Just know that you will find out what the terrible-awful is that Minnie does - just pay attention.
The Help is well written, and the acting is amazing, though with the cast, you would totally expect that to be the case. It's about 2 1/2 hours long, but it won't seem that way while you're watching the movie. You'll like the characters, want to see what's going to happen next, and find yourself cheering and rooting them on at the end.
Definitely five starts in my book.
Friday, August 26, 2011
A Friday Fill-in
And here we go!
1 - How in the world did I ever live without my smart phone?
2 - I often misplace stuff that is sitting right in front of me.
3 - Life's not easy - but it's worth it.
4 - Cheese, crackers and flavored seltzer is my new favorite picnic lunch.
5 - That was where we had to turn around after getting lost.
6 - There isn't really a place that I think of as "our place."
7 - And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a little fun with a new friend, tomorrow my plans include a birthday dinner and maybe Ocean State Job Lot with Cute~Ella and Sunday I want to hang out with Chrissy and her kids, who I miss very much.
Your turn.
1 - How in the world did I ever live without my smart phone?
2 - I often misplace stuff that is sitting right in front of me.
3 - Life's not easy - but it's worth it.
4 - Cheese, crackers and flavored seltzer is my new favorite picnic lunch.
5 - That was where we had to turn around after getting lost.
6 - There isn't really a place that I think of as "our place."
7 - And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a little fun with a new friend, tomorrow my plans include a birthday dinner and maybe Ocean State Job Lot with Cute~Ella and Sunday I want to hang out with Chrissy and her kids, who I miss very much.
Your turn.
Allergies suck
This was going to be yesterday's post, but since my allergies also (apparently) impaired my ability to tell the difference between "draft" and "publish" - you get a bonus today.
I have several ideas for posts. Specifically, I have a couple more ideas about my ongoing, seemingly-endless drive towards better health. I'd also like to blog about Kim K, her wedding, and that ridiculous dress her mother wore. That would no doubt lead into a post about how celebrities give up their right to privacy when they sell their most intimate moments to the highest bidder.
I also have several movies I'd like to talk about, current events and causes.
But guess what? My eye hurts. That's right. My eye. It's red, and I think swollen from allergies. Which means no matter how many drops I put in, or how much medication I take - it's still red, because it's irritated. And that means looking at the computer hurts.
So while I lay here with my eyes closed - look at this adorable picture Cute~Ella sent me.
Have you ever had one of those days? Weeks? How about months? Feel free to tell me about it in the comments.
I'm here for you.
I have several ideas for posts. Specifically, I have a couple more ideas about my ongoing, seemingly-endless drive towards better health. I'd also like to blog about Kim K, her wedding, and that ridiculous dress her mother wore. That would no doubt lead into a post about how celebrities give up their right to privacy when they sell their most intimate moments to the highest bidder.
I also have several movies I'd like to talk about, current events and causes.
But guess what? My eye hurts. That's right. My eye. It's red, and I think swollen from allergies. Which means no matter how many drops I put in, or how much medication I take - it's still red, because it's irritated. And that means looking at the computer hurts.
So while I lay here with my eyes closed - look at this adorable picture Cute~Ella sent me.
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| Source |
Have you ever had one of those days? Weeks? How about months? Feel free to tell me about it in the comments.
I'm here for you.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Blogging for a cause
Bloggers do a lot for the community. Most of us donate our time and our (sometimes questionable) writing skills for the sake of information and interaction. We give a voice to causes, issues and interests where there otherwise might not be. We share expertise, experience, and give readers a chance to comment, interact and build a community.
Or, we might just post recipes and complain about the internet.
In any case, one thing any blogger is charged with is supporting other bloggers. After all, blogging is a community, right?
Blogger, and self-proclaimed local treasure, Kevin Marshall will be participating in Over the Edge on September 16, 2011. Over the Edge provides challengers the opportunity to rappel off the Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany, while raising money for the athletes of Special Olympics New York.
I can't think of many more worthy causes than supporting athletes doing their best, while celebrating life, team sports, victory, competition and sportsmanship.
Plus I totally support Kevin's right to jump off the side of a building. I hope his ropes hold out.
Knowing that a little incentive never hurt a fundraising campaign, Kevin is willing to trade services to raise money. Click here for an idea of what's in-store, should you choose to donate to this worthy cause.
Visit Kevin's Over the Edge page here to donate.
The dude is jumping off a building to raise money for a tremendously worthwhile cause. I donated and I'd encourage anyone else to do the same. Kudos, Kevin.
Or, we might just post recipes and complain about the internet.
In any case, one thing any blogger is charged with is supporting other bloggers. After all, blogging is a community, right?
Blogger, and self-proclaimed local treasure, Kevin Marshall will be participating in Over the Edge on September 16, 2011. Over the Edge provides challengers the opportunity to rappel off the Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany, while raising money for the athletes of Special Olympics New York.
I can't think of many more worthy causes than supporting athletes doing their best, while celebrating life, team sports, victory, competition and sportsmanship.
Plus I totally support Kevin's right to jump off the side of a building. I hope his ropes hold out.
Knowing that a little incentive never hurt a fundraising campaign, Kevin is willing to trade services to raise money. Click here for an idea of what's in-store, should you choose to donate to this worthy cause.
Visit Kevin's Over the Edge page here to donate.
The dude is jumping off a building to raise money for a tremendously worthwhile cause. I donated and I'd encourage anyone else to do the same. Kudos, Kevin.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Movie Monday: Captain America
X taught me a lot - and since we're friends, he actually continues to teach me, just less frequently.
Two things he taught me to love were baseball, and movies. He tried to teach me to love comic books, but that never took. I did learn enough to know that, since he read comics, he was in no position to criticize my love for General Hospital.
Comics and soaps are really not much different. Both are ongoing, evolving stories that, in many cases, have been around since before many current fans were even born. Both have roots in reality, as well as some fantasy. Both play up the ridiculous, campy side of life. Both have cross-over story lines, story-arcs that intertwine and both rely heavily on consistency and accuracy.
Both also have the occasional, failed story-line and require a reboot.
Something else they have in common are the fans. They are loyal, unyielding and very, very particular about how a story is told.
I know from experience how difficult a comic book movie can be for a long time fan. The movie makes are trying to fit years and years worth of story into two hours. That means short cuts, omitted details, and slight inaccuracies abound, all in the name of "good movie making."
I'm told that's not the case with Captain America. I have it on good authority that even the most die-hard Captain fans will appreciate and enjoy the movie. I'm told that they can overlook that a few details were changed, left out, etc. - because they captured the main points of the story, and told it well.
One thing to keep in mind - the movie is set in World War II. I won't spoil the story - but the whole point of Captain America is that he was a super-soldier created as a way to fight the Nazis. Now, I basically slept and passed notes in American History class, but even I scratched my head a little at some of the historical um...details.
But, I can say this - it's a good movie. Since I'm not a comic fan, or a history buff, it's easy for me to overlook the details, and watch a movie like this for what it's worth - an excellent action movie, with a fun story, and a star that is very easy on the eyes.
I recommend grabbing some popcorn and checking it out.
***** I saw it twice and will buy the DVD
Two things he taught me to love were baseball, and movies. He tried to teach me to love comic books, but that never took. I did learn enough to know that, since he read comics, he was in no position to criticize my love for General Hospital.
Comics and soaps are really not much different. Both are ongoing, evolving stories that, in many cases, have been around since before many current fans were even born. Both have roots in reality, as well as some fantasy. Both play up the ridiculous, campy side of life. Both have cross-over story lines, story-arcs that intertwine and both rely heavily on consistency and accuracy.
Both also have the occasional, failed story-line and require a reboot.
Something else they have in common are the fans. They are loyal, unyielding and very, very particular about how a story is told.
I know from experience how difficult a comic book movie can be for a long time fan. The movie makes are trying to fit years and years worth of story into two hours. That means short cuts, omitted details, and slight inaccuracies abound, all in the name of "good movie making."
I'm told that's not the case with Captain America. I have it on good authority that even the most die-hard Captain fans will appreciate and enjoy the movie. I'm told that they can overlook that a few details were changed, left out, etc. - because they captured the main points of the story, and told it well.
One thing to keep in mind - the movie is set in World War II. I won't spoil the story - but the whole point of Captain America is that he was a super-soldier created as a way to fight the Nazis. Now, I basically slept and passed notes in American History class, but even I scratched my head a little at some of the historical um...details.
But, I can say this - it's a good movie. Since I'm not a comic fan, or a history buff, it's easy for me to overlook the details, and watch a movie like this for what it's worth - an excellent action movie, with a fun story, and a star that is very easy on the eyes.
I recommend grabbing some popcorn and checking it out.
***** I saw it twice and will buy the DVD
Friday, August 19, 2011
Follow Friday Fun: Friday Fill-Ins
Cute~Ella does Friday Fill-Ins a lot. Often, she gets them from a site conveniently titled Friday Fill-Ins.
It's a fun little blog to follow, and visit on Fridays when you're looking for some questions to answer. And let's face it - you weren't working anyway.
Also follow Cute~Ella, and her many adventures:
I'm doing last week's Friday Fill-In:
1. The only question is, where is the chocolate?
2. I once saw three movies in one day.
3. Three things on my desk: Cell phone, eyeglass case, a pile of mail
4. Get a pedicure is the one thing I HAVE to do today!
5. I love playing with my kitties.
6. Chuck E Cheese overwhelms the senses (in a bad way).
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a mani/pedi just because, tomorrow my plans include dinner with former and current work friends and Sunday I want to relax.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Morning people
I really don't like mornings. I'm actually not a night owl, either. I'm more a mid-afternoon, early-evening sorta gal.
I think that means I'm old. Whatever.
Here's the problem - I get the energy to go to the gym right about the time I'm done with my lunch break. At which time, I (obviously) can't go anywhere other than back to work. By the time I get home from work, I'm usually so defeated from my afternoon...or hungry because I had to run errands and didn't actually get to eat lunch...or busy with other stuff.
OK - so the real problem is I make excuses because I hate going to the gym.
But I have to go.
So last week, I decided to try going to the gym in the morning. You know, when I have no excuses, other than I'm tired, which we all know isn't legitimate, because I'm only tired as a way to avoid facing the fact that it's a work day.
Turns out - the gym is a million times more cheerful in the morning!
At night, it's mostly filled with teenagers/twenty-somethings who are there to socialize. Which is fine - except when they socialize all over the one machine I really need to use. It's also filled with creepy guys, who think that me avoiding eye-contact, wearing ear-buds and walking clear across the room to avoid them is a clear indication I want to say hi.
Apparently, none of these people are awake at 6 am.
Instead, the gym is filled with pleasant, thirty, forty and fifty-somethings, who are just looking to get a workout in before starting their day. They're not there to socialize, unless it's while walking next to each other on the treadmills, and they're certainly not treating the gym like a speed dating event. They're polite, friendly, and not in the way.
If you find yourself avoiding the gym because you don't like the intimidation of the younger, fitter, pretty set flirting with each other, or the muscle-heads who look at you like you don't belong - give the morning a try. No, it's not my favorite, and I do have to go to bed earlier in order to make it work. But if you're already paying for a gym membership that you're not using - this might be one way to make it more user friendly.
Maybe I'm more of a morning person than I thought?
I think that means I'm old. Whatever.
Here's the problem - I get the energy to go to the gym right about the time I'm done with my lunch break. At which time, I (obviously) can't go anywhere other than back to work. By the time I get home from work, I'm usually so defeated from my afternoon...or hungry because I had to run errands and didn't actually get to eat lunch...or busy with other stuff.
OK - so the real problem is I make excuses because I hate going to the gym.
But I have to go.
So last week, I decided to try going to the gym in the morning. You know, when I have no excuses, other than I'm tired, which we all know isn't legitimate, because I'm only tired as a way to avoid facing the fact that it's a work day.
Turns out - the gym is a million times more cheerful in the morning!
At night, it's mostly filled with teenagers/twenty-somethings who are there to socialize. Which is fine - except when they socialize all over the one machine I really need to use. It's also filled with creepy guys, who think that me avoiding eye-contact, wearing ear-buds and walking clear across the room to avoid them is a clear indication I want to say hi.
Apparently, none of these people are awake at 6 am.
Instead, the gym is filled with pleasant, thirty, forty and fifty-somethings, who are just looking to get a workout in before starting their day. They're not there to socialize, unless it's while walking next to each other on the treadmills, and they're certainly not treating the gym like a speed dating event. They're polite, friendly, and not in the way.
If you find yourself avoiding the gym because you don't like the intimidation of the younger, fitter, pretty set flirting with each other, or the muscle-heads who look at you like you don't belong - give the morning a try. No, it's not my favorite, and I do have to go to bed earlier in order to make it work. But if you're already paying for a gym membership that you're not using - this might be one way to make it more user friendly.
Maybe I'm more of a morning person than I thought?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Loreal Sublime
*In the interest of full disclosure, please note that I was not compensated for this post. I bought the product with my very own money. Just so happens I loved it enough I felt I had to tell you.
Wanna know a secret? Tan legs look thinner. Since I fully endorse the optical-illusion method of looking thin, I like to keep myself tan, especially in the summer months when skirts and shorts abound in my wardrobe.
Know what else? Tanning is bad for you, and requires you to undress in a small room with the possibility of a fire alarm going off at any moment. I'm all for sun-worshipping when I have the time, and the weather, but that almost never happens at the same time. Plus there's the whole wrinkles issue.
So, self-tanners it is. They actually work well. We know I have no patience, so I prefer the variety that deliver quick results. I also prefer the medium-tan (aka darker) tone, even though I have lighter skin. I get my light skin from my Irish mom, but my ability to tan and dark hair come from my French -/American Indian dad.
The problems with self-tanners are: You have to wait for them to dry, there is a noticeable odor and they streak if you're not careful. Those first two issues mean I try to apply lotions at night - and if I forget, my whole tanning schedule is messed up.
But the other day, unable to find my regular brand, I stumbled upon Loreal Sublime. Let me tell you - it's aptly named. It's has a dark tint, which makes it easy to tell where you've applied, and where you haven't, and helps keep the application even. It's lighter than a lotion, so it dries quickly, and it leaves a subtle shimmer on your skin. Tanning appeared after just a couple applications.
Best of all? No odor.
This product is perfect to apply in the morning, which means I don't have to test my patience - or my tanning schedule.
Just thought you oughta know.
Wanna know a secret? Tan legs look thinner. Since I fully endorse the optical-illusion method of looking thin, I like to keep myself tan, especially in the summer months when skirts and shorts abound in my wardrobe.
Know what else? Tanning is bad for you, and requires you to undress in a small room with the possibility of a fire alarm going off at any moment. I'm all for sun-worshipping when I have the time, and the weather, but that almost never happens at the same time. Plus there's the whole wrinkles issue.
So, self-tanners it is. They actually work well. We know I have no patience, so I prefer the variety that deliver quick results. I also prefer the medium-tan (aka darker) tone, even though I have lighter skin. I get my light skin from my Irish mom, but my ability to tan and dark hair come from my French -/American Indian dad.
The problems with self-tanners are: You have to wait for them to dry, there is a noticeable odor and they streak if you're not careful. Those first two issues mean I try to apply lotions at night - and if I forget, my whole tanning schedule is messed up.
Best of all? No odor.
This product is perfect to apply in the morning, which means I don't have to test my patience - or my tanning schedule.
Just thought you oughta know.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Movie Monday: Larry Crowne
A little bit of a spoiler, so if you don't want any details on the movie, probably don't want to read any further.
I went to see Larry Crowne expecting to see a serious, romantic drama. Sort of like Nights in Rodanthe - which was a horrible, boring movie. So I didn't have high hopes, but a friend called on a rainy day, so off I went.
Turned out to be one of the best movies I've ever seen.
It is a drama. Larry is down on his luck, and at a turning point in his life. He's divorced without kids, lost his job, can't afford his house or his car. Since he can't find a job, he does the next best thing - he returns to school part time.
Through a funny set of circumstances, he meets a girl who changes his life. Not just his public speaking professor, Ms. Tainot (Julia Roberts) but a scooter-riding, fashion-loving, feng shui-expert named Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). She becomes a quick friend to Larry, changing his style, his home - even his name. Of course he also meets his professor, who also happens to be at a cross-roads. As the poster suggests, they meet, fall in love, yadda yadda yadda.
The movie isn't sad, by any means. Sad things happen - but the whole movie is about finding the positive side to any change; finding a way to make the most of a new life, even if it wasn't the one you expected to find. Even finding a way to laugh at things, a little bit.
If your life has ever taken an unexpected turn, or if you've ever had to take the bad and figure out a way to turn it into good, I think you'll like the movie. You might even find it inspirational.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Good cause, great blog
I'm wimping out on Follow Friday Fun this week. Bad week, and it would be tough to do a good job telling you about any of my favorites.
But, if you read the post from last week, you know one of my new favorite blogs is Say It Like You Eat It. If you didn't, then you should go read the post and check out the blog. Please and thank you.
Something not mentioned before is that the blogger is doing a lot of work to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. Now, I'm not much for causes, so if you hear me talking about one, you can assume it's something I think warrants some extra attention.
Having known someone who was personally affected by Alzheimer's, I've seen what it does. It doesn't just affect the person with the disease - it affects their family as well. Not only does it affect a person's health, it affects their dignity and their self-respect. It robs everyone of the one thing we should never have to give up - time. I can't think of many causes more worthy than research and support against this awful disease.
The 2011 Capital Region Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2011. Paige from Say It Like You Eat It will be participating, and her team's goal is $1000. Visit her team page here.
You can donate by visiting Paige's personal page here.
For more information about, and resources for living with, Alzheimer's Disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association website.
But, if you read the post from last week, you know one of my new favorite blogs is Say It Like You Eat It. If you didn't, then you should go read the post and check out the blog. Please and thank you.
Something not mentioned before is that the blogger is doing a lot of work to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. Now, I'm not much for causes, so if you hear me talking about one, you can assume it's something I think warrants some extra attention.
Having known someone who was personally affected by Alzheimer's, I've seen what it does. It doesn't just affect the person with the disease - it affects their family as well. Not only does it affect a person's health, it affects their dignity and their self-respect. It robs everyone of the one thing we should never have to give up - time. I can't think of many causes more worthy than research and support against this awful disease.
The 2011 Capital Region Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2011. Paige from Say It Like You Eat It will be participating, and her team's goal is $1000. Visit her team page here.
You can donate by visiting Paige's personal page here.
For more information about, and resources for living with, Alzheimer's Disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association website.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Phone it in
I have to go to a funeral today. I really don't like funerals. First I'm creeped out, then I'm sad. I spend a lot of time trying to deflect with humor, which people misinterpret as me being insensitive. *sigh*
Usually, I don't attend funerals. I feel like a wake is there for people to pay respects to those left behind, while a funeral is for saying goodbye to the deceased. Since I've only known a few people who have died, I've been to far more wakes than funerals.
Sometimes, I even phone-it-in for wakes. By phone-it-in, I mean my dad goes and extends sympathy from "the family." It's one of the perks of being the only child to a divorced dad who never remarried. When he says "we," that automatically includes me.
But this funeral is for someone special. One of the closest people to me that I've ever lost. So I can't phone this one in.
Life is like that, I suppose. And I think attending funerals can be a good thing. It reminds you that life is a gift, and so is your health. You should appreciate and protect both with everything you've got.
It forces you to put differences aside, out of respect for those grieving. Sometimes, once you put them aside, you realize how silly they were. So a funeral can acutally be healing, too.
It allows you to make your peace with someone who meant a lot to you, and from whom you learned a lot - about family, about love and about strength.
It brings you close to the people who mean the most. Even if they don't feel the same, or are too hurt to show it, you know you're close - and that's what matters.Those people are also a gift you should appreciate and protect, because you never know how long you have to spend with them.
Most of all, it gives you the chance to say goodbye, and share memories - and make them secure in your heart.
Usually, I don't attend funerals. I feel like a wake is there for people to pay respects to those left behind, while a funeral is for saying goodbye to the deceased. Since I've only known a few people who have died, I've been to far more wakes than funerals.
Sometimes, I even phone-it-in for wakes. By phone-it-in, I mean my dad goes and extends sympathy from "the family." It's one of the perks of being the only child to a divorced dad who never remarried. When he says "we," that automatically includes me.
But this funeral is for someone special. One of the closest people to me that I've ever lost. So I can't phone this one in.
Life is like that, I suppose. And I think attending funerals can be a good thing. It reminds you that life is a gift, and so is your health. You should appreciate and protect both with everything you've got.
It forces you to put differences aside, out of respect for those grieving. Sometimes, once you put them aside, you realize how silly they were. So a funeral can acutally be healing, too.
It allows you to make your peace with someone who meant a lot to you, and from whom you learned a lot - about family, about love and about strength.
It brings you close to the people who mean the most. Even if they don't feel the same, or are too hurt to show it, you know you're close - and that's what matters.Those people are also a gift you should appreciate and protect, because you never know how long you have to spend with them.
Most of all, it gives you the chance to say goodbye, and share memories - and make them secure in your heart.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
I'm off track
I promised myself I'd get healthier.
Then there was a bought of depression....and a slight dip in my health.... and then I had some trouble finding (and then maintaining) motivation....and then a friend let me down big time.
Of course, life is also always there to hand you a bit of bad news when you need it most. So this week is not a good week for me to try and get back on track. I'll just be lucky if I don't completely derail.
But over the weekend, I was with some friends and a couple pictures of me were taken, and then posted on facebook. I won't remove the tags, or complain - but let me just say, I am not happy with what I saw (with regard to me; the photographers were fine, and the others in the photos were simply beautiful).
So, I know I need to get back on track. And I will get back on track.
In the meantime - you should head over to my friend Cute~Ella's new Weight Wars blog on tumblr. She's beautiful and fabulous - and posted something the other day that was a huge help in keeping me from completing derailing this week.
Then there was a bought of depression....and a slight dip in my health.... and then I had some trouble finding (and then maintaining) motivation....and then a friend let me down big time.
Of course, life is also always there to hand you a bit of bad news when you need it most. So this week is not a good week for me to try and get back on track. I'll just be lucky if I don't completely derail.
But over the weekend, I was with some friends and a couple pictures of me were taken, and then posted on facebook. I won't remove the tags, or complain - but let me just say, I am not happy with what I saw (with regard to me; the photographers were fine, and the others in the photos were simply beautiful).
So, I know I need to get back on track. And I will get back on track.
In the meantime - you should head over to my friend Cute~Ella's new Weight Wars blog on tumblr. She's beautiful and fabulous - and posted something the other day that was a huge help in keeping me from completing derailing this week.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Open Water - worst movie ever
I love movies. I like the idea of breaking up with real life for a short time, and being immersed in another world. It can be fantasy or based on real life - funny or scary (but only a little) or romantic or action-packed.
What it can't be is boring. I can stir boring up all on my own.
I'm intrigued by suspenseful movies that are based on real life situations. I guess I like the idea that really cool things happen to real people. Even if the drama is "beefed up" for the sake of making a good movie.
When I first saw the trailer for Open Water, I thought - there is no way I will see that. Two people stranded in the middle of the ocean? That will not end well. Then I found out it was based on a true story. That changed everything!
So, X and I went to see it in the theater. It was 79 minutes long - just over an hour. It would be more like watching a two hour Discovery Channel special. I was psyched!
Then the movie started.
First, it was a string of scenes of two people getting ready for vacation. Have you ever gotten ready for vacation with someone else? It can be stressful, frustrating, annoying and can often result in a couple of little fights. What it is not is film-worthy. This was no different. Even the director must've realized that, because he inserted a gratuitous, full-frontal nudity shot, almost like an apology to his audience.
Then we go out on the boat. More bad acting, more boring story. I'll spare you the details on how they hypothesize two people could get left off after a head count - but it was weak. If something like that really happened, the person doing that counting shouldn't even be responsible for counting milk in a school cafeteria, much less counting heads when it's life or death.
I'd say that all takes about a half an hour. Very, very, very boring. But it's nothing compared to what comes next.
Two people, bobbing up and down in the ocean. The audience listens to them go through the phases - surprise, worry, shock, and then anger. They fought like a couple would fight - they blamed each other: If you hadn't wanted to go on this stupid trip....well, if you hadn't want to swim further than the group! At one point, the man says to the woman, "You know the best part? We paid for this!!" at which point X turned to me, in the theater, and said loudly, "So did we!" It was dark, but I'm pretty sure the people around us were nodding in agreement.
It ends - mercifully - the way you'd expect. At one point, I swear, you'll find yourself rooting on the sharks.
I found out later that the director had a very small budget to make this independent film. He hired a couple of stunt people to play the lead characters - which explains the horrible acting. He dressed them in chain mail under scuba outfits, and put them in the water - with chum. He basically made them human bait, so he could film real sharks for free, instead of spending money.
Good actors would not sign up for this job.
I've seen a lot of bad movies, but none compare to the horrendous movie-going experience that was Open Water. I wanted to provide an idea of what I mean when I rate a movie:
***** I saw it twice and will buy the DVD
**** I'll watch it again when I can do so for free
*** Wait for the cheap theater
** Wait for TV / Netflix
* Slightly better than Open Water
Because nothing will ever be as bad as Open Water.
What it can't be is boring. I can stir boring up all on my own.
I'm intrigued by suspenseful movies that are based on real life situations. I guess I like the idea that really cool things happen to real people. Even if the drama is "beefed up" for the sake of making a good movie.
When I first saw the trailer for Open Water, I thought - there is no way I will see that. Two people stranded in the middle of the ocean? That will not end well. Then I found out it was based on a true story. That changed everything!
So, X and I went to see it in the theater. It was 79 minutes long - just over an hour. It would be more like watching a two hour Discovery Channel special. I was psyched!
 |
| Go Sharks - Go!! Source |
First, it was a string of scenes of two people getting ready for vacation. Have you ever gotten ready for vacation with someone else? It can be stressful, frustrating, annoying and can often result in a couple of little fights. What it is not is film-worthy. This was no different. Even the director must've realized that, because he inserted a gratuitous, full-frontal nudity shot, almost like an apology to his audience.
Then we go out on the boat. More bad acting, more boring story. I'll spare you the details on how they hypothesize two people could get left off after a head count - but it was weak. If something like that really happened, the person doing that counting shouldn't even be responsible for counting milk in a school cafeteria, much less counting heads when it's life or death.
I'd say that all takes about a half an hour. Very, very, very boring. But it's nothing compared to what comes next.
Two people, bobbing up and down in the ocean. The audience listens to them go through the phases - surprise, worry, shock, and then anger. They fought like a couple would fight - they blamed each other: If you hadn't wanted to go on this stupid trip....well, if you hadn't want to swim further than the group! At one point, the man says to the woman, "You know the best part? We paid for this!!" at which point X turned to me, in the theater, and said loudly, "So did we!" It was dark, but I'm pretty sure the people around us were nodding in agreement.
It ends - mercifully - the way you'd expect. At one point, I swear, you'll find yourself rooting on the sharks.
I found out later that the director had a very small budget to make this independent film. He hired a couple of stunt people to play the lead characters - which explains the horrible acting. He dressed them in chain mail under scuba outfits, and put them in the water - with chum. He basically made them human bait, so he could film real sharks for free, instead of spending money.
Good actors would not sign up for this job.
I've seen a lot of bad movies, but none compare to the horrendous movie-going experience that was Open Water. I wanted to provide an idea of what I mean when I rate a movie:
***** I saw it twice and will buy the DVD
**** I'll watch it again when I can do so for free
*** Wait for the cheap theater
** Wait for TV / Netflix
* Slightly better than Open Water
Because nothing will ever be as bad as Open Water.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Follow Friday Fun: Say it like you eat it
It's been a while. But this is a really good one.
I recently found the blog Say It Like You Eat It through a guest post and mini-profile at On The Edge. I've since met the blogger - Paige D'Anna - in person. She's fabulous - even if she doesn't like squirrels all that much.
If you read her About Me page, you'll see Paige has guts, too. Guts enough to start her dream - this blog - and make it work.
Why does it work? I think it's because she posts a little about everything - from depression to haircuts, from food to - well, more food. It is called Say It Like You Eat It, after all.
By the way - Paige also explains where that comes from.
When you find her, ask her about her plastic wine glasses.
I recently found the blog Say It Like You Eat It through a guest post and mini-profile at On The Edge. I've since met the blogger - Paige D'Anna - in person. She's fabulous - even if she doesn't like squirrels all that much.
If you read her About Me page, you'll see Paige has guts, too. Guts enough to start her dream - this blog - and make it work.
Why does it work? I think it's because she posts a little about everything - from depression to haircuts, from food to - well, more food. It is called Say It Like You Eat It, after all.
By the way - Paige also explains where that comes from.
The site name … Say It Like You Eat It … it came from the book Eat, Pray, Love. Elizabeth (Gilbert) was in Italy, learning to speak the romantic language of Italian, and she was having trouble learning. Her tutor encouraged her by saying, “Parla come magni” … “speak the way you eat,” or the way she translated it “say it like you eat it.” WOW! How beautiful!!! It just ROLLS off your tongue, “Parla come magni.” I loved it...Now that you've (hopefully) visited Say It Like You Eat It - you're also going to want to connect with Paige. She's great fun, she will laugh with you on facebook, and share Bachelorette moments with you on twitter.
When you find her, ask her about her plastic wine glasses.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
True friendship
"True friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. It's about who came, and never left your side." Unkown
2010 ended terribly for me. I was heart-broken and discouraged, completely lacking confidence. At first glance, 2011 seemed like it might pick right up where last year left off.
Then everything changed.
Through the magic of twitter, I met a couple of ladies with whom, it appeared, I didn't have very much in common. But that turned out not to be true at all. We bonded over movies like Country Strong and Beastly - and we mustn't forget Fast Five. In between, we grew our little group, went on a fabulous shopping adventure, and have shared a lot of good food, laughs and secrets.
That's what friends do.
Today, one of those wonderful ladies is moving. She's found a great new opportunity in a great new (to her) city. I'm so very proud of, and happy for her - but I'm still a little sad. I'm a little bummed that one of my favorite movie buddies is leaving; that someone who I enjoyed spending time with just about every weekend will now be a 10 hour drive away.
I suppose it might seem strange that someone who was in my life for such a short amount of time would have such a big impact. But the truth is - it didn't take long for her (and all of them, and some others, really) to leave a huge impression on my heart.
I met these new friends at a definite cross-roads in my life. They stuck by the heart-broken, down-on-herself Sue when I needed it most, and supported me as I started to try and make some really positive changes in my life.
All of my friends did this for me, of course. But I think when you make new friends at a time when you're going through a major change, there's some sort of instant bonding that happens - that changes you, and the friendship, forever.
I don't think true friendship needs to be about who you've known the longest. I really do think it's about who comes into your life, and leaves a lasting impression. I feel blessed to have found true friendship in all shapes and sizes, with people who I've known for my whole life, and with people who I've only just met.
I feel even more blessed that I'm able to recognize it, and not take it for granted.
2010 ended terribly for me. I was heart-broken and discouraged, completely lacking confidence. At first glance, 2011 seemed like it might pick right up where last year left off.
Then everything changed.
Through the magic of twitter, I met a couple of ladies with whom, it appeared, I didn't have very much in common. But that turned out not to be true at all. We bonded over movies like Country Strong and Beastly - and we mustn't forget Fast Five. In between, we grew our little group, went on a fabulous shopping adventure, and have shared a lot of good food, laughs and secrets.
That's what friends do.
Today, one of those wonderful ladies is moving. She's found a great new opportunity in a great new (to her) city. I'm so very proud of, and happy for her - but I'm still a little sad. I'm a little bummed that one of my favorite movie buddies is leaving; that someone who I enjoyed spending time with just about every weekend will now be a 10 hour drive away.
I suppose it might seem strange that someone who was in my life for such a short amount of time would have such a big impact. But the truth is - it didn't take long for her (and all of them, and some others, really) to leave a huge impression on my heart.
I met these new friends at a definite cross-roads in my life. They stuck by the heart-broken, down-on-herself Sue when I needed it most, and supported me as I started to try and make some really positive changes in my life.
All of my friends did this for me, of course. But I think when you make new friends at a time when you're going through a major change, there's some sort of instant bonding that happens - that changes you, and the friendship, forever.
I don't think true friendship needs to be about who you've known the longest. I really do think it's about who comes into your life, and leaves a lasting impression. I feel blessed to have found true friendship in all shapes and sizes, with people who I've known for my whole life, and with people who I've only just met.
I feel even more blessed that I'm able to recognize it, and not take it for granted.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Dollywood asks park goer to turn t-shirt inside out
Did you see this story?
A couple visited Dollywood (Dolly Parton's theme park in Tennessee). Before being allowed entry, one of the women was asked to obscure the message on her t-shirt which read, "Marriage Is So Gay." The Dollywood employee said it was "potentially offensive" to other patrons since Dollywood "is a family park."
Since Dollywood is a privately owned place, it's really within their rights to allow (or not) any article of clothing they want. It's not much different than a club having a no-jeans policy, or a store refusing service to someone not wearing shoes.
But those policies usually have a reason behind them. The park spokesman said Dollywood requires clothing or tattoos that could offend others to be covered. Shouldn't that policy be better written? A t-shirt supporting the Boston Red Sox could be potentially offensive to New York Yankee fans in the park - so would a Red Sox fan be forced to remove his t-shirt?
That's extreme, of course, but the point is that any message or idea has the potential to offend someone. An arbitrary policy like this just seems too open to interpretation to be really effective. Presumably Dollywood is an equal opportunity employer that doesn't discriminate against sexual orientation. So if the park employee taking tickets that day had been a gay man or woman, would the t-shirt have been thought potentially offensive? Probably not.
Years ago, I was in Disney with X. He chose a particularly graphic t-shirt to wear when we visited MGM Studios. It was blatantly offensive - but he was admitted to the park. Later on, he was asked to reverse the shirt because others had complained. He didn't mind - he actually felt bad because he wasn't even thinking about the message on the shirt when he got dressed that morning (frankly, neither was I). It didn't offend either one of us, but it did others, and since they paid for the same tickets, and were upset enough to complain, it had to be addressed.
Doesn't a policy that says you may be asked to cover clothing or tattoos if other patrons are offended make sense? If the point is to "protect" others, shouldn't they be the ones to decide what they do, and do not, find offensive? Otherwise, isn't it really just an arbitrary rule that allows the personal preferences of park employees to be enforced?
 |
| Source |
Since Dollywood is a privately owned place, it's really within their rights to allow (or not) any article of clothing they want. It's not much different than a club having a no-jeans policy, or a store refusing service to someone not wearing shoes.
But those policies usually have a reason behind them. The park spokesman said Dollywood requires clothing or tattoos that could offend others to be covered. Shouldn't that policy be better written? A t-shirt supporting the Boston Red Sox could be potentially offensive to New York Yankee fans in the park - so would a Red Sox fan be forced to remove his t-shirt?
That's extreme, of course, but the point is that any message or idea has the potential to offend someone. An arbitrary policy like this just seems too open to interpretation to be really effective. Presumably Dollywood is an equal opportunity employer that doesn't discriminate against sexual orientation. So if the park employee taking tickets that day had been a gay man or woman, would the t-shirt have been thought potentially offensive? Probably not.
Years ago, I was in Disney with X. He chose a particularly graphic t-shirt to wear when we visited MGM Studios. It was blatantly offensive - but he was admitted to the park. Later on, he was asked to reverse the shirt because others had complained. He didn't mind - he actually felt bad because he wasn't even thinking about the message on the shirt when he got dressed that morning (frankly, neither was I). It didn't offend either one of us, but it did others, and since they paid for the same tickets, and were upset enough to complain, it had to be addressed.
Doesn't a policy that says you may be asked to cover clothing or tattoos if other patrons are offended make sense? If the point is to "protect" others, shouldn't they be the ones to decide what they do, and do not, find offensive? Otherwise, isn't it really just an arbitrary rule that allows the personal preferences of park employees to be enforced?
Monday, August 1, 2011
New thing - Movie Monday
I am not officially qualified to review movies. I don't know the first thing about cinematography (though I did spell it correctly on the first try), script-writing or editing. Well, that's not totally true - I did have to write a script for a class in college. But that was a million years ago.
I don't really know a lot about acting as a craft, or how to cast a film, or the first thing about production or scouting for sites or hiring extras or any of that stuff.
So, officially - I'm not qualified.
Unofficially - I'm just like any other movie fan. I go to the movies. All. The. Time. On average, I'd say I go to the theater at least once a week. When I'm home, my TV viewing consists almost exclusively of netflix movies.
I do know what I like. I know what to look for in a popcorn summer blockbuster, versus an independent Oscar hopeful. I know the difference between thriller and suspense. I know what I enjoy, and what I don't - and I can usually tell you why.
So, even though I'm not "qualified," I'm still going to try and share some of my movie-watching experiences with you. I probably won't talk about cinematography all that much, or casting or locations. I will talk about things like whether the actors made sense for the film, if the story held my interest, if you should spend the money on IMAX or 3D, if there were characters that seemed out of place or were especially annoying, if the movie seemed like a total ripoff of something else, or if someone has set out to totally ruin a childhood favorite.
For the sake of alliteration (Cause isn't that always fun?), and because I often go to the movies on weekends anyway, we'll most likely chat about them on Movie Monday (Get it?).
I don't really know a lot about acting as a craft, or how to cast a film, or the first thing about production or scouting for sites or hiring extras or any of that stuff.
So, officially - I'm not qualified.
Unofficially - I'm just like any other movie fan. I go to the movies. All. The. Time. On average, I'd say I go to the theater at least once a week. When I'm home, my TV viewing consists almost exclusively of netflix movies.
I do know what I like. I know what to look for in a popcorn summer blockbuster, versus an independent Oscar hopeful. I know the difference between thriller and suspense. I know what I enjoy, and what I don't - and I can usually tell you why.
So, even though I'm not "qualified," I'm still going to try and share some of my movie-watching experiences with you. I probably won't talk about cinematography all that much, or casting or locations. I will talk about things like whether the actors made sense for the film, if the story held my interest, if you should spend the money on IMAX or 3D, if there were characters that seemed out of place or were especially annoying, if the movie seemed like a total ripoff of something else, or if someone has set out to totally ruin a childhood favorite.
For the sake of alliteration (Cause isn't that always fun?), and because I often go to the movies on weekends anyway, we'll most likely chat about them on Movie Monday (Get it?).
Thirty Days of Me: Done
Well, that's done.
I completed the Thirty Days of Me project - in thirty days, no less. Impressive, no? Yeah, I suspected not.
You might wonder why I would devote thirty days of what was basically a journal to a public blog that is (hopefully, someday) a way to make money. Well, I'll tell you....
Because it's fun, it's different and it shows off a side to blogging that I think is important - the personal side. At the end of the day, blogs are really just opinions and experiences - stories seen through the eyes of the blogger. There's nothing objective or unbiased about a blog - that's sort of the point, actually.
Sharing a little of myself also (hopefully) encourages people to share some of themselves. Because a blog really is all about community - and I can't very well ask you to share with me unless I share first, right?
Hopefully now, when you read my opinion, you understand a little more where it's coming from.
Thanks very much for your patience, and allowing me to finish that little project. We now resume our regularly schedulednonsense programming.
I completed the Thirty Days of Me project - in thirty days, no less. Impressive, no? Yeah, I suspected not.
You might wonder why I would devote thirty days of what was basically a journal to a public blog that is (hopefully, someday) a way to make money. Well, I'll tell you....
Because it's fun, it's different and it shows off a side to blogging that I think is important - the personal side. At the end of the day, blogs are really just opinions and experiences - stories seen through the eyes of the blogger. There's nothing objective or unbiased about a blog - that's sort of the point, actually.
Sharing a little of myself also (hopefully) encourages people to share some of themselves. Because a blog really is all about community - and I can't very well ask you to share with me unless I share first, right?
Hopefully now, when you read my opinion, you understand a little more where it's coming from.
Thanks very much for your patience, and allowing me to finish that little project. We now resume our regularly scheduled
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