Sometimes you come into work and find out you don't have a job after March 8th because your company that's all about movies has decided that the real Hollywood is in Alba ker key. (I refuse to learn how to spell it correctly.)
Read about it here.
This afternoon our company president bought us ice cream. Because we're four, and our big brother ripped the head off our baby doll. (I'm serious. They really did get us ice cream.) We ate it while I made jokes to said company president about the lunacy of it all.
I'm not as freaked out as someone who lives in an apartment that costs $1450 + utilities should be. I had been unsettled about the company for a while, and it's nice to finally know what is going on. I had also been getting the itch that it was time to move on, and I feel like today's envelope is proof that someone else agrees with me.
So what now? Well that's a big question. I have a lot of plates spinning in my head at the moment. (And I wonder why my insomnia has returned?!) Is it time to leave LA? Where would I go? Portland? Nashville? Somewhere else? What would I do once I got there? Am I ready to say goodbye to this industry? What else would I do if not this? True to my form, the answer to all of those questions is, at the moment, "I don't know."
I've got 60 days. A lot can happen in 60 days. I've put out a lot of feelers. Unfortunately it's just not a really good time for any industry, and mine is not exempt. I understand that. I understand that this is a sign of the times. And that it is what it is. I also, however, understand that unemployment will not pay my rent.
So I'm gonna tighten my belt. Save as much of my earnings as possible. This morning's $55 street cleaning ticket will not help. (PS Thanks a lot LA!) But seriously. I'm gonna be ok. I am looking forward to what life holds in store and the next adventure.
I feel really bad for my cleaning lady, who at this moment is likely scrubbing my toilet for the last time. I mean, if I'm gonna rationalize paying for my satellite and internet, I've got to give up something...Actually part of me thinks the satellite should be the first thing to go. But then I remember that whole digital conversion thing and that rabbit ears won't work. Quel domage!! It's definitely tempting. After all I could just keep the $12 Netflix membership instead, and pester my friends to let me come over on How I Met Your Mother and Mad Men nights.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Starting a Revolution from My Bed
Don't get freaked out. I told you it's one of the two warm places in my apartment. We're lucky I'm not blogging from the shower. Yet...
OMG The Reader. I hate to hype movies (so quit reading now if you hate reading hype before seeing a movie...I don't give any spoilers tho) because I've found that it's better to go into a movie with little or no expectations and then be BLOWN AWAY like I was with this one. Despite whatever happens awards season, The Reader is the best picture of the year. Filmmaking genius. Amazingly crafted. Subtle. Provocative. Profound. A lot of big words, basically. Some of them are Kait's.
Funny...off subj...a song from when I used to club in Paris just came on my Itunes. It sounds like an old friend saying Hello.
Back to The Reader...I won't lie, at the beginning I was all WTF (sorry, mom, but if you see it, you will agree.) I hadn't read this one so I had no clue what it was about. But unlike Revolutionary Road, I didn't feel lost (as I think one might seeing RR without reading it). And once I got past the initial shock, I fell in love. Right along with the characters of the movie. The rest of the cinematic experience was nothing short of me feeling in my seat what they were putting into motion on screen. I felt compassion. Disgust. Confusion. Love. Tears trickled down my cheeks. My chin quivered. I wept silently.
If I could smelt an Oscar in my apartment and hand it to Kate Winslet tomorrow, I would do it. And still feel like I was tardy. I also would like to give mad props to David Kross and Ralph Fiennes. I've had a thing against Ralph ever since he was such a good asshole in The Duchess...but I forgave him today. These two men play the same character at different ages, and they did such a great job learning each other's mannerisms...the transition seemed seamless.
Here's the trailer, and again, apologies for the build up.
Oh and I forgot to mention that I also recently watched Doubt. I came away wishing Philip Seymour Hoffman preached in real life because he was marvelous at it. Viola Davis is amazing. Her 12 minutes on screen are perhaps the most captivating. And I know every one is saying that, but it's true.
Here's pictures from my Christmas in St. Louis. Enjoy!
OMG The Reader. I hate to hype movies (so quit reading now if you hate reading hype before seeing a movie...I don't give any spoilers tho) because I've found that it's better to go into a movie with little or no expectations and then be BLOWN AWAY like I was with this one. Despite whatever happens awards season, The Reader is the best picture of the year. Filmmaking genius. Amazingly crafted. Subtle. Provocative. Profound. A lot of big words, basically. Some of them are Kait's.
Funny...off subj...a song from when I used to club in Paris just came on my Itunes. It sounds like an old friend saying Hello.
Back to The Reader...I won't lie, at the beginning I was all WTF (sorry, mom, but if you see it, you will agree.) I hadn't read this one so I had no clue what it was about. But unlike Revolutionary Road, I didn't feel lost (as I think one might seeing RR without reading it). And once I got past the initial shock, I fell in love. Right along with the characters of the movie. The rest of the cinematic experience was nothing short of me feeling in my seat what they were putting into motion on screen. I felt compassion. Disgust. Confusion. Love. Tears trickled down my cheeks. My chin quivered. I wept silently.
If I could smelt an Oscar in my apartment and hand it to Kate Winslet tomorrow, I would do it. And still feel like I was tardy. I also would like to give mad props to David Kross and Ralph Fiennes. I've had a thing against Ralph ever since he was such a good asshole in The Duchess...but I forgave him today. These two men play the same character at different ages, and they did such a great job learning each other's mannerisms...the transition seemed seamless.
Here's the trailer, and again, apologies for the build up.
Oh and I forgot to mention that I also recently watched Doubt. I came away wishing Philip Seymour Hoffman preached in real life because he was marvelous at it. Viola Davis is amazing. Her 12 minutes on screen are perhaps the most captivating. And I know every one is saying that, but it's true.
Here's pictures from my Christmas in St. Louis. Enjoy!
 |
| Christmas 08 Album |
Are You There God? It's Me Margaret...
I have no excuses.
I'm not sure why I haven't been blogging lately. But I miss the recollections as much as you miss the updates. In preparation for my annual to do list I looked at last year's to see what I had accomplished. In doing that I noticed that I had also given a play by play of my time spent at home. And here I sit having not even posted a blog on my whirlwind Ireland trip yet.
I guess I've kind of been in a funk. I'm feeling better these days and I'm not sure whether to attribute it to the trip home, the time off work, the return of the sunshine or a combination of the three.
An update on what I discussed last time. I've decided not to winterize my windows. After pricing what many considered the solution, I found it to be a waste of money for the month or so I have left of cool temps. I have to remind myself of that decision basically every second that I'm not in bed or in the shower because those are the only warm places in my apartment. I'm managing tho. My friends who visit? Not so much.
Oddly enough after mentioning Katy Perry and Zooey Deschannel (vicariously through her new movie Yes Man, which I enjoyed), I ended up sitting next to their hair dresser on my flight to StL. Oddly enough the guy who sat on my other side also ended up in the same spot on our flight home. I thought maybe that meant something until there was a girl waiting for him at baggage claim.
My trip home was good. It was longer than usual but I was able to see everyone and do everything I went to do. I spent a day Driving Miss Daisy (that's what we call taking my gma on her errands). I spent another day with my oldest nephew and Godson, Ned. Doing just whatever he wanted (Roman Holiday style). We ended up seeing Bedtime Stories, which neither one of us hated. I would like to personally thank whoever cast Russell Brand in that movie.
I was in town for two Sundays which means I got to go back to my old church one week and go to my gma and parents' church the next. I was able to dine with old friends on more than one occasion and randomly run into others while shopping.
I played hot wheels and Old Maid and Go Fish. (I don't know who enjoyed those card games more, me, my 4 yo nephew or my dad.) I watched my niece perform gymnastics while braiding another niece's hair while pointing "NeeNee" out to yet another niece. I made cookies with my mom!
I ate fried turkey and beef brisket and TOASTED RAVIOLI.
My dad's family had scheduled their Christmas for New Years, but that didn't stop my cousins from finding time to get together while I was in town. Which of course led to us trying in earnest to remember the order of things in our traditional family singalong: "We are SISTERS we are one!"
It was a good time and a much-needed break. I'll be back in a couple of months for my gma's bday (I promised her last year I would come back for her bday every year), but it won't be for nearly as long.
Best out of the mouths of babes moment:
Melody: Hunter, who do you think is older? Me or Aunt Mary Anne? (Note: I am by 16 months and one day.)
Hunter: Mommy.
MAB: Why? (secretly hoping she looks older or something ;) )
Hunter: Because she has kids and you don't. (zing!)
My favorite blog reaction from my mom:
"I don't like it when you say WTF."
Pictures uploading now.
----------------
On a completely different note. Have you ever totally loved a song only to find out that you probably don't really love what it's saying because you would never dream of speaking so vulgarly?
When I worked at E! I always used to sing the line "From the window, to the wall!" And all the girls sitting around me would laugh and I'd be like, what? All innocent like and finally they were like..."Do you know the next line of that song?" And I of course said no, so they enlightened me, and well, I still like the song, but I really only sing it loud and proud when I've been drinking. I moreso have it in my head as a humorous memory.
Anyway, so now the song in question is Kings of Leon "Sex on Fire." This song comes on and I wanna rock out...so last night I can't sleep and I'm wasting time on the interweb and I look up the lyrics. Holy Mother of God. (Out of respect to my own mom I won't link to lyrics or youtube.) Then I watched the video which is also kind of weird. But I just can't get enough of a good feeling listening to it. It makes me wish I knew someone who had rock band so I could bang some drum sticks like whoa.
-----------------
Movie time!
To recap:
Yes Man - yes
Bedtime Stories - sure. definitely better for kids than Marley and Me (which I loved, just not for kids.)
In preparations for covering (!) both the Critics Choice and Golden Globes this week, I've used my long weekend to see the rest of the award nominees. And buy this dress.
That one is for the GGs. I'll wear the one I wore to the Benjamin Button premiere to the Critics Choice Awards.
So back to the movies.
So far this weekend I've seen Revolutionary Road, Wendy and Lucy and Last Chance Harvey. I'm getting ready to go see The Reader and wouldn't be surprised to see myself at The Wrestler tonight. I'm feeling like skipping Gran Torino, but might watch a screener of it this week.
Ok, so Rev Road. I read the book first. I really found it helpful in not only prepping me for what would happen, but also explaining everything behind what we were seeing on the big screen. Performances are what stood out. I don't think it's Best Picture worthy. I'm not against it being nominated in that category, but I really think Slumdog Millionaire or Benjamin Button would - and should - win over it. Most enjoyable for me was the performance of Michael Shannon as John Givings. The entire audience I was sitting in loved every moment he was on screen. NDG and I agree that we're not sure why he hasn't seen a supporting nomination yet this awards season.
Wendy and Lucy. Obviously a Michelle Williams vehicle. And she's realistic and you're fine watching her do absolutely nothing for more than an hour, but then all the sudden I didn't get it. And when I say "it" I mean her motivation at the end of the movie. I won't say more than that. As someone who only occasionally wishes she had a dog, I understand I'm not exactly a pet person, but I don't understand why a pet person would make the decision she does. None of this makes any sense to you, the reader of my blog, but I just can't yet wrap my head around this one.
Last Chance Harvey. Probably my favorite movie of the weekend so far. SO relatable. I was in love with the dialogue. I loved Dustin Hoffman, and after one particular speech I wanted to hug him so bad I could barely stand it (that's the daddy's girl in me tho). I loved the way the two talked to each other and *got* each other. Emma Thompson said things that made me think the writer of the movie was somehow in my head, using my feelings for fodder. I don't consider myself middle aged yet. But I think all anyone is looking for is that companionship...that person that clicks. But I also agree that after not having it for so long, you're so comfortable in the disappointment that the possibility scares the sh*t out of you.
It makes me sad that this isn't playing wide yet. I think my parents would really enjoy it.
There are some really great performances out there this year. Dustin in that one speech garners a nomination. But Sean is amazing as Harvey Milk, and Frank Langella embodies that Nixon role. It's a tough call. Sean seems like the front runner, tho, and I'm ok with that.
Alright I gotta scoot to The Reader. As soon as the photos are uploaded and I come up with a to do list, I'll post them. I'll try to be better about blogging in general so that I don't have to complete these marathon sessions so often.
I'm not sure why I haven't been blogging lately. But I miss the recollections as much as you miss the updates. In preparation for my annual to do list I looked at last year's to see what I had accomplished. In doing that I noticed that I had also given a play by play of my time spent at home. And here I sit having not even posted a blog on my whirlwind Ireland trip yet.
I guess I've kind of been in a funk. I'm feeling better these days and I'm not sure whether to attribute it to the trip home, the time off work, the return of the sunshine or a combination of the three.
An update on what I discussed last time. I've decided not to winterize my windows. After pricing what many considered the solution, I found it to be a waste of money for the month or so I have left of cool temps. I have to remind myself of that decision basically every second that I'm not in bed or in the shower because those are the only warm places in my apartment. I'm managing tho. My friends who visit? Not so much.
Oddly enough after mentioning Katy Perry and Zooey Deschannel (vicariously through her new movie Yes Man, which I enjoyed), I ended up sitting next to their hair dresser on my flight to StL. Oddly enough the guy who sat on my other side also ended up in the same spot on our flight home. I thought maybe that meant something until there was a girl waiting for him at baggage claim.
My trip home was good. It was longer than usual but I was able to see everyone and do everything I went to do. I spent a day Driving Miss Daisy (that's what we call taking my gma on her errands). I spent another day with my oldest nephew and Godson, Ned. Doing just whatever he wanted (Roman Holiday style). We ended up seeing Bedtime Stories, which neither one of us hated. I would like to personally thank whoever cast Russell Brand in that movie.
I was in town for two Sundays which means I got to go back to my old church one week and go to my gma and parents' church the next. I was able to dine with old friends on more than one occasion and randomly run into others while shopping.
I played hot wheels and Old Maid and Go Fish. (I don't know who enjoyed those card games more, me, my 4 yo nephew or my dad.) I watched my niece perform gymnastics while braiding another niece's hair while pointing "NeeNee" out to yet another niece. I made cookies with my mom!
I ate fried turkey and beef brisket and TOASTED RAVIOLI.
My dad's family had scheduled their Christmas for New Years, but that didn't stop my cousins from finding time to get together while I was in town. Which of course led to us trying in earnest to remember the order of things in our traditional family singalong: "We are SISTERS we are one!"
It was a good time and a much-needed break. I'll be back in a couple of months for my gma's bday (I promised her last year I would come back for her bday every year), but it won't be for nearly as long.
Best out of the mouths of babes moment:
Melody: Hunter, who do you think is older? Me or Aunt Mary Anne? (Note: I am by 16 months and one day.)
Hunter: Mommy.
MAB: Why? (secretly hoping she looks older or something ;) )
Hunter: Because she has kids and you don't. (zing!)
My favorite blog reaction from my mom:
"I don't like it when you say WTF."
Pictures uploading now.
----------------
On a completely different note. Have you ever totally loved a song only to find out that you probably don't really love what it's saying because you would never dream of speaking so vulgarly?
When I worked at E! I always used to sing the line "From the window, to the wall!" And all the girls sitting around me would laugh and I'd be like, what? All innocent like and finally they were like..."Do you know the next line of that song?" And I of course said no, so they enlightened me, and well, I still like the song, but I really only sing it loud and proud when I've been drinking. I moreso have it in my head as a humorous memory.
Anyway, so now the song in question is Kings of Leon "Sex on Fire." This song comes on and I wanna rock out...so last night I can't sleep and I'm wasting time on the interweb and I look up the lyrics. Holy Mother of God. (Out of respect to my own mom I won't link to lyrics or youtube.) Then I watched the video which is also kind of weird. But I just can't get enough of a good feeling listening to it. It makes me wish I knew someone who had rock band so I could bang some drum sticks like whoa.
-----------------
Movie time!
To recap:
Yes Man - yes
Bedtime Stories - sure. definitely better for kids than Marley and Me (which I loved, just not for kids.)
In preparations for covering (!) both the Critics Choice and Golden Globes this week, I've used my long weekend to see the rest of the award nominees. And buy this dress.
That one is for the GGs. I'll wear the one I wore to the Benjamin Button premiere to the Critics Choice Awards.
So back to the movies.
So far this weekend I've seen Revolutionary Road, Wendy and Lucy and Last Chance Harvey. I'm getting ready to go see The Reader and wouldn't be surprised to see myself at The Wrestler tonight. I'm feeling like skipping Gran Torino, but might watch a screener of it this week.
Ok, so Rev Road. I read the book first. I really found it helpful in not only prepping me for what would happen, but also explaining everything behind what we were seeing on the big screen. Performances are what stood out. I don't think it's Best Picture worthy. I'm not against it being nominated in that category, but I really think Slumdog Millionaire or Benjamin Button would - and should - win over it. Most enjoyable for me was the performance of Michael Shannon as John Givings. The entire audience I was sitting in loved every moment he was on screen. NDG and I agree that we're not sure why he hasn't seen a supporting nomination yet this awards season.
Wendy and Lucy. Obviously a Michelle Williams vehicle. And she's realistic and you're fine watching her do absolutely nothing for more than an hour, but then all the sudden I didn't get it. And when I say "it" I mean her motivation at the end of the movie. I won't say more than that. As someone who only occasionally wishes she had a dog, I understand I'm not exactly a pet person, but I don't understand why a pet person would make the decision she does. None of this makes any sense to you, the reader of my blog, but I just can't yet wrap my head around this one.
Last Chance Harvey. Probably my favorite movie of the weekend so far. SO relatable. I was in love with the dialogue. I loved Dustin Hoffman, and after one particular speech I wanted to hug him so bad I could barely stand it (that's the daddy's girl in me tho). I loved the way the two talked to each other and *got* each other. Emma Thompson said things that made me think the writer of the movie was somehow in my head, using my feelings for fodder. I don't consider myself middle aged yet. But I think all anyone is looking for is that companionship...that person that clicks. But I also agree that after not having it for so long, you're so comfortable in the disappointment that the possibility scares the sh*t out of you.
It makes me sad that this isn't playing wide yet. I think my parents would really enjoy it.
There are some really great performances out there this year. Dustin in that one speech garners a nomination. But Sean is amazing as Harvey Milk, and Frank Langella embodies that Nixon role. It's a tough call. Sean seems like the front runner, tho, and I'm ok with that.
Alright I gotta scoot to The Reader. As soon as the photos are uploaded and I come up with a to do list, I'll post them. I'll try to be better about blogging in general so that I don't have to complete these marathon sessions so often.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sometimes I relate to Katy Perry...
Like when she tells Fabulous magazine:
"I say what I think. I’m a real person, not some manufactured pop tart who’s afraid to step out of the hotel room. I am flawed. I swear, I have the occasional cocktail, I pick my nose and I fart. I’m not running for any presidential campaign at the moment. I’m a sassy girl."
I eat Pop Tarts (Brown Sugar Cinnamon, natch). Since I don't sing in public, I won't be mistaken for a manufactured pop tart. But I relate to teh sassy, and should you be in the car when "Hot n Cold" comes on, I'll singalong. KNOWING that it's cheesy. I also imagine myself in this video with Taylor Swift. That probably makes it worse, doesn't it.
Is it wrong that I'm 30 and I wish I was friends with her? We both like stripes. Probably no more wrong than that I'd like to meet Amos based on two seconds in one of her videos.
The survivors of last week's massive layoff had our first meeting yesterday. It makes me sad that the staff of the new ReelzChannel Movie News doesn't even fill up a conference table. Afterward I was praised by a coworker for being so blunt about my feelings and questions about the new plan. My bosses know what I'm thinking anyway (I have a horrible poker face.) My one boss even told me before the meeting that I wear my heart on my sleeve. I just feel like we have a right to ask questions and voice concerns.
I leave Friday for the STL and am looking forward to a break from the life.
In movies news...
The Tale of Desperaux...Boo. I went and saw it because I thought the mouse was cute. I do not in anyway recommend this movie to anyone. Children nor adults.
Valkyrie...I went into this DREADING it. I came away pleasantly surprised. Tom Cruise works for me when he's in uniform. They made it make sense that he wasn't speaking with a German accent, and I think a German accent would have made it worse. Again, I didn't know the story of the true events so this was another learning experience for me. And I felt bad for the guy who had to go around Germany during filming looking like Hitler with the stache and all. The fact that Germans tried to kill Hitler 15 times is crazy to me. The names of all of the officers did get a little confusing. But Tom Wilkinson shines as he always does. I swear that man can do anything. Such a chameleon. I've wanted to hug him since he played the dad in The Last Kiss.
Speaking of Tom, I also watched Recount this weekend. The movie has gotten a lot of award attention and now I know why. The performances are top notch. Unfortunately it also makes you more disappointed in the system and is upsetting because it's like people were just deciding which votes counted for who and then the court decided when enough was enough with the recount (before the recount was over!) and then Gore threw in the towel...no matter who you wanted to win, I would think watching the system fail is never enjoyable.
I'm going to see Yes Man this afternoon. I'm excited because I was there when Jim Carrey bungee jumped off the bridge in Pasadena. And now I'll get to see it in the movie! We'll see how the rest of it treats me.
Then tonight I guess I'm going to do something about sealing my windows. I live in an old apartment and it refuses to hold heat. I conducted an experiment this past weekend in which I cranked the heat up to 80 and let it run for 15 hours. By hour 15 the temperature in the house had risen to a less-than-balmy 70 degrees. Which, while noticeably warmer than the usual 60 degrees that greets me in the morning, is not a cost effective way to heat my place. I know hot air is coming out of the vents, so that can only mean that it's escaping through everywhere else.
I haven't turned the heat on since, just use a space heater and heating pad in my bedroom at night...but that means I walk around wearing blankets and coats and scarves. This morning when I came out of my bedroom it was less than 60 degrees in my apt..I think it said 57. and that is a rude awakening.
I realize it's much colder in the midwest and northeast right now, but my blood is no longer equipped for it.
"I say what I think. I’m a real person, not some manufactured pop tart who’s afraid to step out of the hotel room. I am flawed. I swear, I have the occasional cocktail, I pick my nose and I fart. I’m not running for any presidential campaign at the moment. I’m a sassy girl."
I eat Pop Tarts (Brown Sugar Cinnamon, natch). Since I don't sing in public, I won't be mistaken for a manufactured pop tart. But I relate to teh sassy, and should you be in the car when "Hot n Cold" comes on, I'll singalong. KNOWING that it's cheesy. I also imagine myself in this video with Taylor Swift. That probably makes it worse, doesn't it.
Is it wrong that I'm 30 and I wish I was friends with her? We both like stripes. Probably no more wrong than that I'd like to meet Amos based on two seconds in one of her videos.
The survivors of last week's massive layoff had our first meeting yesterday. It makes me sad that the staff of the new ReelzChannel Movie News doesn't even fill up a conference table. Afterward I was praised by a coworker for being so blunt about my feelings and questions about the new plan. My bosses know what I'm thinking anyway (I have a horrible poker face.) My one boss even told me before the meeting that I wear my heart on my sleeve. I just feel like we have a right to ask questions and voice concerns.
I leave Friday for the STL and am looking forward to a break from the life.
In movies news...
The Tale of Desperaux...Boo. I went and saw it because I thought the mouse was cute. I do not in anyway recommend this movie to anyone. Children nor adults.
Valkyrie...I went into this DREADING it. I came away pleasantly surprised. Tom Cruise works for me when he's in uniform. They made it make sense that he wasn't speaking with a German accent, and I think a German accent would have made it worse. Again, I didn't know the story of the true events so this was another learning experience for me. And I felt bad for the guy who had to go around Germany during filming looking like Hitler with the stache and all. The fact that Germans tried to kill Hitler 15 times is crazy to me. The names of all of the officers did get a little confusing. But Tom Wilkinson shines as he always does. I swear that man can do anything. Such a chameleon. I've wanted to hug him since he played the dad in The Last Kiss.
Speaking of Tom, I also watched Recount this weekend. The movie has gotten a lot of award attention and now I know why. The performances are top notch. Unfortunately it also makes you more disappointed in the system and is upsetting because it's like people were just deciding which votes counted for who and then the court decided when enough was enough with the recount (before the recount was over!) and then Gore threw in the towel...no matter who you wanted to win, I would think watching the system fail is never enjoyable.
I'm going to see Yes Man this afternoon. I'm excited because I was there when Jim Carrey bungee jumped off the bridge in Pasadena. And now I'll get to see it in the movie! We'll see how the rest of it treats me.
Then tonight I guess I'm going to do something about sealing my windows. I live in an old apartment and it refuses to hold heat. I conducted an experiment this past weekend in which I cranked the heat up to 80 and let it run for 15 hours. By hour 15 the temperature in the house had risen to a less-than-balmy 70 degrees. Which, while noticeably warmer than the usual 60 degrees that greets me in the morning, is not a cost effective way to heat my place. I know hot air is coming out of the vents, so that can only mean that it's escaping through everywhere else.
I haven't turned the heat on since, just use a space heater and heating pad in my bedroom at night...but that means I walk around wearing blankets and coats and scarves. This morning when I came out of my bedroom it was less than 60 degrees in my apt..I think it said 57. and that is a rude awakening.
I realize it's much colder in the midwest and northeast right now, but my blood is no longer equipped for it.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Winter Song
Ok so I totally suck at posting the Ireland blog but you're about to find out a little bit about the past week and why I haven't blogged.
First things first. I saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button last weekend. And I liked it. A lot. It's like NOTHING you've ever seen before. Yes it is three hours long. But the guy who wrote this also wrote Forrest Gump. Which was also long. And who didn't like Forrest Gump??
The story just blew me out of the water in how new it was. In a time where it seems like every movie is a sequel or remake or adapted from a book, this is new. Although it is adapted from an F Scott Fitzgerald short story, which is derived from a famous Mark Twain quote, but still. I didn't know any of those things going into it.
I was glad for the three hours because it took me an hour to get used to - and stop focusing on - the incredible makeup and start paying attention to the love stories at the core of the movie. I think people of all ages will find this movie relatable.
I then covered the Benjamin Button premiere Monday night. To say it was pandemonium would be an understatement. I have seen Brangelina in red carpet action one other time in real life. It was this past year's Film Independent Spirit Awards when she showed up with a baby bump. For some reason showing up with Brad's parents made the place go ape shit. I now know it's because it's the first time they've ever been seen on a red carpet with Angelina. It's obvious they like her (they had also apparently liked Jennifer Aniston a lot). She actually walked them down the carpet and Papa Pitt had his arm protectively around her and she and Mama Pitt conversed and were equally appalled when the still photogs started booing Sharon Stone.
The energy of the night was super crazy and then it all went too fast and all the sudden Brad Pitt was walking by me answering a question from the guy before me. But he did make eye contact with me. I will hold on to that moment. That and the moment that Angelina talked to me from across the carpet. I also might have kept yelling "I'm from Missouri too!" to Brad's parents. Whatevs. You do what you got to do in those situations. And yelling is often at the top of the list.
So I was all keyed up from my crazy premiere night and then Tuesday happened. Tuesday my company joined the ranks of many in my industry my doing a massive layoff. 63 people to be exact. Which is more than a third of the company. There had been rumors something was going to happen Wednesday, but they decided to get us when we weren't expecting it. Luckily (?) I was not given an envelope. But many of my friends were. Under California law, however, when you let go (it's either more than 50 people or one third of your company, I'm not sure which) you are required to give them 60 day notice. So it's kind of concerning because they thought they were doing this huge money saving thing and in fact they won't start saving money until at least February. It's just all very weird.
In addition to the layoffs, they're basically cancelling the show I work on. Yeah. They're planning on going with a MTV news type thing where it's like 4 3-minute interstitials a day. I'm not sure how it's all going to shake out, but it's been a crazy environment the past few days.
And then today was Golden Globes nominations. I love award shows. I love movies. I love finding out what movies I love get nominated. I was at work at 5:15 this morning. Here's the package I did.
The only top nominated movies I really have left to see are Doubt, The Reader, and Revolutionary Road. I'm reading Rev Road right now, but can't wait to see it. I'm seeing Tale of Desperaux this weekend. Mostly because I just can't get enough of looking at that lil mouse with his big ears on the billboards. I also really wanna see the French movie A Christmas Tale...not sure if that will fit into the wkend sked tho.
Here's hoping for a better week next week. and good drinks with good friends this weekend. Tis the season.
First things first. I saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button last weekend. And I liked it. A lot. It's like NOTHING you've ever seen before. Yes it is three hours long. But the guy who wrote this also wrote Forrest Gump. Which was also long. And who didn't like Forrest Gump??
The story just blew me out of the water in how new it was. In a time where it seems like every movie is a sequel or remake or adapted from a book, this is new. Although it is adapted from an F Scott Fitzgerald short story, which is derived from a famous Mark Twain quote, but still. I didn't know any of those things going into it.
I was glad for the three hours because it took me an hour to get used to - and stop focusing on - the incredible makeup and start paying attention to the love stories at the core of the movie. I think people of all ages will find this movie relatable.
I then covered the Benjamin Button premiere Monday night. To say it was pandemonium would be an understatement. I have seen Brangelina in red carpet action one other time in real life. It was this past year's Film Independent Spirit Awards when she showed up with a baby bump. For some reason showing up with Brad's parents made the place go ape shit. I now know it's because it's the first time they've ever been seen on a red carpet with Angelina. It's obvious they like her (they had also apparently liked Jennifer Aniston a lot). She actually walked them down the carpet and Papa Pitt had his arm protectively around her and she and Mama Pitt conversed and were equally appalled when the still photogs started booing Sharon Stone.
The energy of the night was super crazy and then it all went too fast and all the sudden Brad Pitt was walking by me answering a question from the guy before me. But he did make eye contact with me. I will hold on to that moment. That and the moment that Angelina talked to me from across the carpet. I also might have kept yelling "I'm from Missouri too!" to Brad's parents. Whatevs. You do what you got to do in those situations. And yelling is often at the top of the list.
So I was all keyed up from my crazy premiere night and then Tuesday happened. Tuesday my company joined the ranks of many in my industry my doing a massive layoff. 63 people to be exact. Which is more than a third of the company. There had been rumors something was going to happen Wednesday, but they decided to get us when we weren't expecting it. Luckily (?) I was not given an envelope. But many of my friends were. Under California law, however, when you let go (it's either more than 50 people or one third of your company, I'm not sure which) you are required to give them 60 day notice. So it's kind of concerning because they thought they were doing this huge money saving thing and in fact they won't start saving money until at least February. It's just all very weird.
In addition to the layoffs, they're basically cancelling the show I work on. Yeah. They're planning on going with a MTV news type thing where it's like 4 3-minute interstitials a day. I'm not sure how it's all going to shake out, but it's been a crazy environment the past few days.
And then today was Golden Globes nominations. I love award shows. I love movies. I love finding out what movies I love get nominated. I was at work at 5:15 this morning. Here's the package I did.
The only top nominated movies I really have left to see are Doubt, The Reader, and Revolutionary Road. I'm reading Rev Road right now, but can't wait to see it. I'm seeing Tale of Desperaux this weekend. Mostly because I just can't get enough of looking at that lil mouse with his big ears on the billboards. I also really wanna see the French movie A Christmas Tale...not sure if that will fit into the wkend sked tho.
Here's hoping for a better week next week. and good drinks with good friends this weekend. Tis the season.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Marley and Me and Me
After seeing Marley and Me last night, I'm pretty sure I am not emotionally capable of having a dog. I have a feeling this post might contain spoilers just because I can't talk about the movie without talking about what happens in the movie. If you've read the book you know what's going to happen.
I guess I steered clear from the book because I probably read the description and had the foresight to see myself sobbing while reading it and valued my wellbeing enough not to do that to myself so knowingly.
I did however see the movie. Mostly because others wanted to and I thought it seemed like it was going to be cute. And it was cute. Don't get me wrong. It's actually a GREAT movie. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston are perfect. We were all talking afterward how natural they seemed and it didn't seem like acting at all. This is Owen's first movie post suicide attempt and seeing him play with the kids was enough to bring me to tears, not to mention the carefully crafted relationship he seemed to really have with the dogs. (and you could tell when they changed dogs, especially one time, but you get past it.)
The other thing was that this screening was open to the public. This is where it went wrong because I guess a lot of people saw a puppy on the poster and assumed it was a kid movie. For some reason the studio didn't set them straight as they walked their little lambs into the emotional slaughter that was this movie.
As Tory said as we were leaving, Marley and Me puts Old Yeller to shame. Seriously. Not a kid movie. And again, not just because of the dog, but because there are other things that happen in the movie that we actually heard little kids asking about. Things little kids shouldn't have to know about.
It opens on Christmas Day. And it is a good movie. Gerrad and Tory said it followed the book perfectly. Gerrad said it's better than most of the award season movies he's seen. (Frost/Nixon and Milk are very much award worthy tho, but I'm just saying that's how good it is.) And it's very well put together. Just bring hankies and tissues. And no kids.
As we were walking through the mall to leave, we saw a woman with a couple of dogs and were immediately like, "oh my gosh, does she not know what's going to happen?" I was so upset (read HEAVING sobs) after two hours of watching a pretend relationship with a dog that I can't imagine forging my own relationship with a dog and having it reach its natural conclusion after like 14 years.
--------------------------
I see the The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tonight, as I'm covering the premiere on Monday night. I had been hoping to get through a day without crying but I guess that probably won't happen as I heard this one's a tear jerker too.
It's also almost 3 hours. Which means we're gonna be late to the Aimee Mann Christmas Show. But hopefully we'll get there in time for me to hear some "O Holy Night" and feel a little better about everything.
--------------------------
I realize I haven't posted an Ireland blog. I promise you I have notes and the best of intentions. This week has not been a great one and next week is looking to be worse. (Seriously. My boss actually said "Have a good weekend. You'll need it." as we left the daily meeting on Friday. Awesome.) So maybe I'll put it together if I have time tomorrow.
I guess I steered clear from the book because I probably read the description and had the foresight to see myself sobbing while reading it and valued my wellbeing enough not to do that to myself so knowingly.
I did however see the movie. Mostly because others wanted to and I thought it seemed like it was going to be cute. And it was cute. Don't get me wrong. It's actually a GREAT movie. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston are perfect. We were all talking afterward how natural they seemed and it didn't seem like acting at all. This is Owen's first movie post suicide attempt and seeing him play with the kids was enough to bring me to tears, not to mention the carefully crafted relationship he seemed to really have with the dogs. (and you could tell when they changed dogs, especially one time, but you get past it.)
The other thing was that this screening was open to the public. This is where it went wrong because I guess a lot of people saw a puppy on the poster and assumed it was a kid movie. For some reason the studio didn't set them straight as they walked their little lambs into the emotional slaughter that was this movie.
As Tory said as we were leaving, Marley and Me puts Old Yeller to shame. Seriously. Not a kid movie. And again, not just because of the dog, but because there are other things that happen in the movie that we actually heard little kids asking about. Things little kids shouldn't have to know about.
It opens on Christmas Day. And it is a good movie. Gerrad and Tory said it followed the book perfectly. Gerrad said it's better than most of the award season movies he's seen. (Frost/Nixon and Milk are very much award worthy tho, but I'm just saying that's how good it is.) And it's very well put together. Just bring hankies and tissues. And no kids.
As we were walking through the mall to leave, we saw a woman with a couple of dogs and were immediately like, "oh my gosh, does she not know what's going to happen?" I was so upset (read HEAVING sobs) after two hours of watching a pretend relationship with a dog that I can't imagine forging my own relationship with a dog and having it reach its natural conclusion after like 14 years.
--------------------------
I see the The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tonight, as I'm covering the premiere on Monday night. I had been hoping to get through a day without crying but I guess that probably won't happen as I heard this one's a tear jerker too.
It's also almost 3 hours. Which means we're gonna be late to the Aimee Mann Christmas Show. But hopefully we'll get there in time for me to hear some "O Holy Night" and feel a little better about everything.
--------------------------
I realize I haven't posted an Ireland blog. I promise you I have notes and the best of intentions. This week has not been a great one and next week is looking to be worse. (Seriously. My boss actually said "Have a good weekend. You'll need it." as we left the daily meeting on Friday. Awesome.) So maybe I'll put it together if I have time tomorrow.
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