When I was a teenager I loved the movie "Sweet November" with Sandy Dennis & Anthony Newley. She was a ditzy bohemian who took a broken man into her home and did her best to "save" him. The catch was no matter what, he left at the end of the month. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that someone was going to finally buck this system. So Anthony falls in love and tries to stay, only to discover she has a terminal illness and won't change her mind on the system.
It was syrupy sweet, somewhat overacted (as are all Sandy Dennis performances) and I just loved it. Years ago when I heard they were remaking the film with Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron I thought back on the old days when I lived to find a station playing this movie on tv. But I resisted seeing the remake. Until last night...
It was way after 5 and I was on my work computer doing actual work when I flicked through the channels and came across the new film only minutes in. So I let it stay and continued working glancing up on occasion. By the time they cued in Anya's song, "Only Time" I was literally gagging. My God this film is bad. Keanu Reeves has the emotional arc of a straight line. Thankfully Jason Isaacs does a delightful turn as a drag queen (I love him in the Potter films) but that's about it. And why did they have to throw in the kid story line?
I wondered if there are teen girls today, who see this movie as I did the original one all those years ago, and find it all so terribly romantic and sad? They'll grow up thinking how great a movie it is until they see it as an adult and realize their hormones accounted for a good lack of taste.
Sometimes its best to leave memories be...
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Scissor Sister
It's Recessionista time. I really need to save money, pay off bills and get a serious savings going. It's no secret I suck at finances. I seem to repel money. The minute it enters my pocket, it leaves. Still, I'm determined and doing what I can.
So I've been working on cutting the Fluffies hair. This saves me some $100 every 6-8 weeks. Problem is I generally suck at it. And because I never really get it right and that there are two of them, I seem to be working on it about every 4 weeks. When I got back from vacation last week I was shocked to see how long and shaggy they had gotten. A couple of days ago I pulled out the razor and the scissors and got to work.
Gigi was the first victim. It took me several hours over 2 days to get the hair off her. She was now over half the size as when I began. Her hair is curly and a bit more difficult to work. Maddie's coat is easier to cut with the razor, but she fights letting me touch her feet or ears. When I was done I thought they looked reasonable. After their bath I wasn't so sure. Every step they took shook out their coat. Plugs of hair started popping up everywhere. I've been meaning to pull out the scissors and try and even things out, but haven't found the time yet.
Yesterday all three of us crossed the street to say hello to the neighbors. Mrs. V took one look at the Fluffies and said, "YOU must have cut them." I turned to see her shaking her head, one eyebrow cocked in pity as she looked at Gigi. "Actually I did yesterday." She looked at me and said, "They look a bit - uneven."
Oh well, can't blame a girl for trying.
So I've been working on cutting the Fluffies hair. This saves me some $100 every 6-8 weeks. Problem is I generally suck at it. And because I never really get it right and that there are two of them, I seem to be working on it about every 4 weeks. When I got back from vacation last week I was shocked to see how long and shaggy they had gotten. A couple of days ago I pulled out the razor and the scissors and got to work.
Gigi was the first victim. It took me several hours over 2 days to get the hair off her. She was now over half the size as when I began. Her hair is curly and a bit more difficult to work. Maddie's coat is easier to cut with the razor, but she fights letting me touch her feet or ears. When I was done I thought they looked reasonable. After their bath I wasn't so sure. Every step they took shook out their coat. Plugs of hair started popping up everywhere. I've been meaning to pull out the scissors and try and even things out, but haven't found the time yet.
Yesterday all three of us crossed the street to say hello to the neighbors. Mrs. V took one look at the Fluffies and said, "YOU must have cut them." I turned to see her shaking her head, one eyebrow cocked in pity as she looked at Gigi. "Actually I did yesterday." She looked at me and said, "They look a bit - uneven."
Oh well, can't blame a girl for trying.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
They say if you do something for 30 days straight, it becomes a habit. Well, I know for a fact that does not work with me. I can name a number of instances I've been faithful to something even longer, only to find I drop back into my bad habits. Still, I've decided to go with the "30 Days of ___" campaign I've been seeing on different blogs. You fill in the blank. On August 1 we begin.
So, clearly one can guess that I'm going to blog for 30 days. I just started early to get myself going. However, in true fashion I've selected a few more items.
Ok, I've published my mission statement. Now its time to focus and dig in.
So, clearly one can guess that I'm going to blog for 30 days. I just started early to get myself going. However, in true fashion I've selected a few more items.
- Exercise every day
- No alcohol
- No www.perezhilton.com
Ok, I've published my mission statement. Now its time to focus and dig in.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Reeling in the Years
I have a confession to make. I've been watching ABC Family. For some reason I've set up the DVR to record several of it's shows. Now these shows are aimed at prepubescent teens. In no way do I fit into this demographic. As I watch these shows I often comment, (and in the case of "The Secret Life of the American Teen" I never stop) on the awful acting and writing. So why do I keep recording and watching these shows?
Today I watched the first two episodes of "Ruby and the Rockets." I admit, the attraction to this show was based on the fact that as a prepubescent teen I was madly in love with David Cassidy in the Partridge Family. So here was the chance to watch him as an adult. His brother Patrick also stars in the show. I don't remember him much other than the fact he was on broadway and starred in a Sondheim show I loved, "Assassins." So imagine my shock when I start watching this show to discover the Cassidy brothers are old. No, I mean it. Old. David is some 12 years older than I so I could live with it. But as I look at Patrick and wonder so I pull out IMDB and discover he's only two weeks older than I. Are you kidding me? He looks old! I am not that old, am I?
Yesterday a co-worker asked me if I had plans for my 50th next year. Thank you, that is 3 years away! I'm really feeling my mortality these days.
I've got to quit with ABC Family. It makes people old.
Today I watched the first two episodes of "Ruby and the Rockets." I admit, the attraction to this show was based on the fact that as a prepubescent teen I was madly in love with David Cassidy in the Partridge Family. So here was the chance to watch him as an adult. His brother Patrick also stars in the show. I don't remember him much other than the fact he was on broadway and starred in a Sondheim show I loved, "Assassins." So imagine my shock when I start watching this show to discover the Cassidy brothers are old. No, I mean it. Old. David is some 12 years older than I so I could live with it. But as I look at Patrick and wonder so I pull out IMDB and discover he's only two weeks older than I. Are you kidding me? He looks old! I am not that old, am I?
Yesterday a co-worker asked me if I had plans for my 50th next year. Thank you, that is 3 years away! I'm really feeling my mortality these days.
I've got to quit with ABC Family. It makes people old.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
It's 10:30 in the morning on a Sunday. So far today I have done the following:
I'm going take a nap. Or at least try to take one. I don't nap much anymore. But doesn't it sound lovely? If only I could order up a nice rainstorm!
- Brewed and enjoyed one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had - sadly, I did not measure and will probably never be able to repeat it.
- Walked the dogs for 20 minutes.
- Walked myself for 4 miles.
- Made homemade whole wheat pizza dough.
- Created a huge 300 calorie, 4 grams of fat, delicious pizza.
- Enjoyed my pizza while sitting on my deck with the Fluffies.
I'm going take a nap. Or at least try to take one. I don't nap much anymore. But doesn't it sound lovely? If only I could order up a nice rainstorm!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Fluffies and Chocolate
It's official - chocolate makes dogs hyper. Seriously.
I went to pick up a rental car today and had a late lunch with a friend. When I got back about 2 hours later I opened the door to my kitchen where the Fluffies were restricted. Paper littered the floor. They both looked guilty as hell.
"What the...." I muttered as I pulled an empty Lindt Truffle box from one of their beds. A friend gave me the chocolates a few days ago for a belated birthday present. I was actually trying to be good, so I didn't eat them all the first night. I'd been eating one or two a day. The box was on my kitchen table. The Fluffies have learned to push the chairs out and climb on top of the table. I try not to leave any food, but sometimes I forget.
So now I have two small dogs who have eaten possibly 4-8 truffles. I call the vet to see if I should try and make them reject their stomachs. She warns there may be diarrhea and vomiting, but they will more than likely be ok since it was milk chocolate. So far, so good in the stomach and bowels. There is one issue that has surfaced.
Chocolate makes the Fluffies hyper. I'm not kidding. They have been literally flying around the apartment. They are jumping from couch to chair to floor, on top of each other, underneath each other, under furniture - it's exhausting to watch! They aren't getting supper tonight. I'm not sure if that has sunk in yet. (I'm equally unsure if I'll keep that vow.)
While I am somewhat glad the chocolate is gone as I had no business eating it - this isn't the preferred way to get rid of them. I'm just hoping and praying that we all make it through the night!
I went to pick up a rental car today and had a late lunch with a friend. When I got back about 2 hours later I opened the door to my kitchen where the Fluffies were restricted. Paper littered the floor. They both looked guilty as hell.
"What the...." I muttered as I pulled an empty Lindt Truffle box from one of their beds. A friend gave me the chocolates a few days ago for a belated birthday present. I was actually trying to be good, so I didn't eat them all the first night. I'd been eating one or two a day. The box was on my kitchen table. The Fluffies have learned to push the chairs out and climb on top of the table. I try not to leave any food, but sometimes I forget.
So now I have two small dogs who have eaten possibly 4-8 truffles. I call the vet to see if I should try and make them reject their stomachs. She warns there may be diarrhea and vomiting, but they will more than likely be ok since it was milk chocolate. So far, so good in the stomach and bowels. There is one issue that has surfaced.
Chocolate makes the Fluffies hyper. I'm not kidding. They have been literally flying around the apartment. They are jumping from couch to chair to floor, on top of each other, underneath each other, under furniture - it's exhausting to watch! They aren't getting supper tonight. I'm not sure if that has sunk in yet. (I'm equally unsure if I'll keep that vow.)
While I am somewhat glad the chocolate is gone as I had no business eating it - this isn't the preferred way to get rid of them. I'm just hoping and praying that we all make it through the night!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Coffee and the Abortion Rights Act
For Christmas I gently prodded my parents into buying a laptop computer. Their desktop was old, outdated and not conducive to their lifestyle. The laptop, I assured them, would allow them to get email and info on the road when they camped. I downloaded Skype and gave them a crash course.
My parents are currently camping and forgot their phone charger. Somehow, my father found wi-fi in the woods and they have been teleconferencing with me daily getting the news. Last night my cousin set up my uncle on Skype so this morning I decided to check in with the folks and see if they were able to reach him.
So here is it 6:15 am and I ring their computer. My video frames my face with bed pillows propping me up against my headboard. My mother appears, face extreme closeup dressed in her red flannel robe. I manage a good morning and she is off.
"I'm researching the Abortion Rights Bill. Yesterday at church the priest was telling us about it and it's awful. There will be no restrictions...." She begins a litany of horrors, woman having thousands of abortions a minute, no parent approval, every doctor and hospital in America being hauled off to jail if they dare to refuse to perform the procedure.
My mother informs me she is at her state representative's website trying to figure out how to email him a letter insisting he vote against the Abortion Rights Bill. I calmly walk my mother through the representative's website. I explain not all of them have email addresses, and she can print her letter and mail it to him. The vote is Wednesday and she is frantic. I think I'm being very calm and non-judgemental trying to help her get her voice out there.
Suddenly she stops the conversation and asks if I believe in the bill. I gulp. "I think we're better served caring for the children who are here..." My mother is incensed. She goes off on her litany furious at me. I try and explain my position, that this is an intensely personal belief, that I support her feelings and am helping her get heard. She doesn't hear anything past the fact I am pro-choice. She goes off on the how every doctor in America will have to perform abortions regardless of their beliefs.
"Mom, that isn't necessarily true.." We go at it for a minute when suddenly I put up my hands and plead, "WHOA! Stop Mom. How did we get here? I was just calling to say Good Morning and check if you spoke with Uncle?"
She breathes and laughs and I see my father has walked in to the camper. We go on for a minute or two more about how to call my uncle on Skype. We end and say goodbye.
I know she's sitting in her camper worried about where she went wrong with me. She fears for my salvation and wonders how I could be so wrong. And I sit here drinking my coffee feeling a bit confused and nauseated and wishing the church would redirect all its energy to control women into educating, protecting and accepting them as equals. If we truly cared for the people who are here would abortion be an issue?
It's just too early in the morning for all this drama.
My parents are currently camping and forgot their phone charger. Somehow, my father found wi-fi in the woods and they have been teleconferencing with me daily getting the news. Last night my cousin set up my uncle on Skype so this morning I decided to check in with the folks and see if they were able to reach him.
So here is it 6:15 am and I ring their computer. My video frames my face with bed pillows propping me up against my headboard. My mother appears, face extreme closeup dressed in her red flannel robe. I manage a good morning and she is off.
"I'm researching the Abortion Rights Bill. Yesterday at church the priest was telling us about it and it's awful. There will be no restrictions...." She begins a litany of horrors, woman having thousands of abortions a minute, no parent approval, every doctor and hospital in America being hauled off to jail if they dare to refuse to perform the procedure.
My mother informs me she is at her state representative's website trying to figure out how to email him a letter insisting he vote against the Abortion Rights Bill. I calmly walk my mother through the representative's website. I explain not all of them have email addresses, and she can print her letter and mail it to him. The vote is Wednesday and she is frantic. I think I'm being very calm and non-judgemental trying to help her get her voice out there.
Suddenly she stops the conversation and asks if I believe in the bill. I gulp. "I think we're better served caring for the children who are here..." My mother is incensed. She goes off on her litany furious at me. I try and explain my position, that this is an intensely personal belief, that I support her feelings and am helping her get heard. She doesn't hear anything past the fact I am pro-choice. She goes off on the how every doctor in America will have to perform abortions regardless of their beliefs.
"Mom, that isn't necessarily true.." We go at it for a minute when suddenly I put up my hands and plead, "WHOA! Stop Mom. How did we get here? I was just calling to say Good Morning and check if you spoke with Uncle?"
She breathes and laughs and I see my father has walked in to the camper. We go on for a minute or two more about how to call my uncle on Skype. We end and say goodbye.
I know she's sitting in her camper worried about where she went wrong with me. She fears for my salvation and wonders how I could be so wrong. And I sit here drinking my coffee feeling a bit confused and nauseated and wishing the church would redirect all its energy to control women into educating, protecting and accepting them as equals. If we truly cared for the people who are here would abortion be an issue?
It's just too early in the morning for all this drama.
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