My So-Called Blog

Hello Again

2011-08-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, I know I am WAY behind on blogging. Life just happens and I can’t even tell you it was some big event or change in my life. Too much Zumba, reading, and making cake bites probably (although not all at the same time).

My “Things to Check Out This Summer" List

1. “Barton Hollow” by the Civil Wars. Great music if you like harmonizing and acoustic music.

2. “The Help” Movie (and the book if you haven’t read it). Very moving story of civil rights in 1960s Mississippi (see my earlier blog post on the book).

3. “The Closer” final season. I love, love, love Kyra Sedgwick as Brenda Lee Johnson on this show. Very sad that it is the last season, but I’ve heard there is a spinoff in the works.

4. The Waiting Booth by Brinda Berry. A book about a teenage girl with a missing brother and something strange in the woods by her house--are they connected? I read this book in two days!

5. Me becoming a brunette. Very fun and dramatic look with blond streaks...I sound like a L’Oreal commercial.

Baby, You're a Rich Man

2011-01-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

The Social Network is the story of the beginning of Facebook and the subsequent lawsuits against its creator, Mark Zuckerberg (reportedly the youngest billionaire). I was interested in seeing this movie to see what all the hype was about and because Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay. (I also wanted to see the actress who will be playing Lisbeth Salander in the American version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but that’s another story).

Two main aspects of the movie stood out to me: the study of Zuckerberg’s character and the commentary on the Internet and social networking. It’s quite interesting to me that the movie gives such a negative portrayal of a prominent person and that I haven’t really heard much from Zuckerberg about this. He’s seen as socially awkward, pedantic, annoying, and self-conscious. And that’s not even getting to the reasons for the lawsuits against him. In fact, I can’t think of any character in the movie that is truly likable or good. Oh, maybe one of his lawyers seems sympathetic in a few scenes.

The reason I think The Social Network has generated so much buzz is because Facebook is a part of the life of almost everyone under the age of 45 or so. A memorable line in the movie is when Zuckerberg’s ex-girlfriend complains to him that he acts as if the Internet is written in pencil, but it is really written in pen. I wonder if generations who have grown up with iPhones, Twitter, and IMDb will comprehend the significance of that.

My dad recently got a Facebook page. He said it was interesting seeing everyone’s page but he wondered what he does with it. I think he found it to be a waste of time, to tell you the truth. And it is, at times, I will admit. Now, let me go post a new Facebook status...

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

2011-01-05T17:57:00.000-08:00

The Fighter is based on a real boxer, Micky Ward and his brother Dicky Eklund and is set in a lower middle class town in Massachusetts in the 90s. I wanted to see this movie for a few reasons. Christian Bale plays Dicky and he seems to transform himself with every role he gets. I have started to like Mark Wahlberg since his Oscar-nominated performance in "The Departed" - one of my favorite movies.

The best thing about this movie is the actors. Melissa Leo, who I recognized from her days on "Homicide: Life on the Street," plays the mother of Micky and Dicky and I would bet money she will be nominated for an Oscar for the role. I imagine Bale will also. I liked the way each boxing match was filmed as if you were watching it on television (grainy screen and all). The way the intense conversations were shot very close to the actors’ faces was effective.

The boxing scenes were hard to watch at times; I was impressed to learn that Wahlberg never used a stuntman and took all of those punches himself. I hope he got paid a lot because it looked pretty rough! The Fighter is a movie I recommend, especially if you like sports and drama. I like both most of the time.

You're the Voice

2010-11-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

For the primary election this year, my dad applied to work as an election official. He was assigned a precinct in North Little Rock and had some interesting stories to tell me. So for the general election, I decided to take time off at my regular job and see for myself what working at the polls was like.

On November 2, I got to the precinct at 6:45 a.m. and helped the lady in charge (called the “Chief Judge” ) set up things, organize ballots, etc. Our precinct had three different types of ballots. At 7:20, voters started lining up to vote at 7:30 when the precinct opened.

My main assignment was handing out ballots. Each voter would go to a table to be identified with their driver’s license or voter registration card and then come to my table to get their ballot. After they voted, their ballot would be put in a machine that counted the votes. As you can imagine, the process had to be very organized. I could see how an election could be corrupted by someone not being organized or paying attention. The ladies I worked with were very diligent about the counting of the votes and making sure everything matched up. They were all older than me by at least 30 years, but most were very sharp, funny, and just delightful. The “Chief Judge” was the person voters would go to with changes of address, problems, or complaints.

A few things that surprised me: a lady who looked intelligent had voted for everyone on the ballot and therefore had the ballot disqualified (doesn’t she know that elections about about choosing one person?); explaining to a person why there are not Democrat and Republican ballots (basically explaining the different between a primary and a general election); a man who got irate because he had been sent to three different precincts (why would a person not figure out what precinct to go to BEFORE Election Day?).

I was reminded once again how fortunate we are in this country to have the right and privilege to vote. I hope more people are encouraged to exercise their right and have a say in how the city, state, and country is run. I’m ready for the next election!

Only Happy When It Rains

2010-10-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

I tentatively began Jonathan Franzen’s new novel, Freedom, after hearing him talk about it on NPR’s “Fresh Air” and watching Oprah Winfrey rave about it on her show. I know it’s probably not cool anymore to like Oprah’s book selections, but I usually like the ones she picks. I read Franzen’s The Corrections a while back and found it depressing. I had to see how Freedom would measure up on the scale of pessimism and darkness.

The novel is the story of the Berglund family--particularly, the story of Walter and Patty Berglund’s marriage. My main criticism of this novel is the author uses too many words. He needs a different editor. He is talented at describing things, but I believe there can be power in restraint and brevity. (Yes, I was a journalism major in college and believe most of the time, the shortest way is the best way to tell a story.)

Anyway, the novel switches narrators throughout (which I liked) and is best when it is told from the view of Patty. Every member of the family suffers from depression at some point in the novel and at times, I just wanted them to stop putting themselves in bad situations and stop whining about it.

Despite the wordiness of the the book, I thought Freedom was well-written. I just don’t know that I enjoyed reading it all that much.

You're My Best Friend

2010-09-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

This is a painting by Sherry Williamson of my dog Katie. Sherry's website is www.meowbarkart.com. I love my painting and I think Katie does too.

My Favorite Things

2010-08-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

I love lists. At one of my former jobs, we used to ask the new employees to name their top five favorite movies-- “don’t think, just name them.” This way they couldn’t filter out the “uncool” movies. (“The Godfather” is a cool choice. “The Sound of Music” is not.)

Here is the list of my 10 favorite TV series. These are MY favorite; not necessarily what I think are the best. You may notice there are no sitcoms on my list. I’m more of a drama girl; I don’t think the stuff on TV is that funny.

10. Christy. I liked Kellie Martin from “Life Goes On” and it was great to see a show with a Christian message on TV. And Tyne Daly, always awesome.

9. 24. The format of this show was so original. All shown as if in real time and combining politics and law enforcement. Keifer Sutherland was excellent.

8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I admit that I only watched a few episodes of seasons 1 and 2. The writing on this show was so good that you forgot it was about vampires and other creatures. “Once More, With Feeling” was a genius musical episode.

7. Veronica Mars. Smartly-written with Kristen Bell as a teen detective wise beyond her years. I wish I had been as cool as Veronica in high school.

6. My So-Called Life. I watched this show my senior year in college when my world was changing just like Angela Chase’s world was changing. I loved how she related to her parents and how the show depicted her crush on Jordan Catalano. Sadly, the show only lasted one season and that is why it didn’t make it higher on my list.

5. Survivor. This is probably an uncool choice, but I always enjoy this show. Not because of the challenges. The social politics are what draw me in. Is it edited strategically? Maybe. Is the outcome fixed? I don’t care. It’s good TV.

4. Gilmore Girls. Great characters and great dialogue. The main weakness of the show was Rory Gilmore, the daughter. She could never match the strength of the Lorelai character and the great actress, Lauren Graham. You gotta have serious acting chops to be cast with her.

3. Lost. Interesting concept combining time travel, survival, and plain old drama. Loved the diverse cast. Loved the mystery of it all and “getting it.” Terry O’Quinn and Michael Emerson were fascinating to watch. There won’t be another show like it for a long time.

2. The Wire. This is my kind of show. Cops, politicians, lawyers. You really have to pay attention to follow the story. And the writers pull no punches; some of the stuff is gritty. It really got me thinking differently about poverty. In truth, I am only now starting the final season, but it has been great so far.

1. Felicity. Love Keri Russell. Love Scott Foley. Love the dialogue of the characters and the voice overs. I wish my college experience had been like Felicity’s instead of my own OBU catastrophe.

There are a few shows I am just getting into which are promising: Rescue Me, Dexter, Rubicon, Fringe. So what are your favorites? Do any of my favorites appear on your list?

Praying for Time

2010-07-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

I live in an apartment complex where most people keep to themselves. When people talk to me, they mostly comment on my dog Katie or the weather.

Some new neighbors moved in downstairs a few months ago (with a dog named Luna-I know people by their pets). The man and woman were from out of state and didn’t know the area, so we talked about things to do in North Little Rock. They also asked about churches and I told them about mine and that they could go with me anytime.

The next week, I found a note on my door from the woman, Amber. She said she stayed in the apartment all day while her boyfriend was at work and she could really use a friend. I was impressed by the honesty of the note and I called her that night. We went to lunch the next week. Turns out Amber’s life had been completely different from mine. She had lots of medical issues and had lost custody of her children due to that. But she was getting back on some of her medication and was interested in going to school to learn a trade and get a job. She was getting her life back on track. And I was on a mission to help her do that.

Then I didn’t see Amber for about a week. I called her about going to lunch again and never got a call back.

Amber died last Friday. She had gotten her medication and apparently had taken too much. I was shocked and so sad. She had planned to turn her life around. I guess we all think we have time to change things. The truth is we don’t have as much control as we think. It’s frightening.

World Cup

2010-06-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

I am taking a break from blogging to watch the greatest sporting event--the World Cup! Be back in July...

Time in a Bottle

2010-05-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

A co-worker of mine recently died unexpectedly (I mean, he was young and I thought, relatively healthy). I didn't know him well, but what I do remember about him was his quick wit. At times like these, it causes you to take a sort of inventory of your life. At least if you are an analytical person like me. It makes you think about what you spend time on during the day and what will matter next week or next year.

I often go back to something I read when I was a teenager called "The Tyranny of the Urgent" by Charles Hummel. He writes about important things in life taking a backseat to the urgent things in life. Many times those urgent things are getting to the store on time, going to the gym everyday for 1.5 hours, eating. How do you focus on the important things and how do you even know what those are? I spend a lot of time at work because I am required to get paid. But when I look back on life, will I be glad I spent all this time at a desk? And I really like my job. But when I'm dead, will that be what people remember about me? Probably not.

Then reality sets in and I realize most people on the planet spend much of the time doing what they have to do and too little time doing what they want to do. So, is the key to life, finding what is important and urgent then getting a balance? I'd like to know.

The Heart of the House

2010-05-08T13:28:00.001-07:00

I am continually amazed when I watch my friends with their children. One does crafts with her kids because she is very creative. Another is in a book club with her oldest daughter. It's like they've attended a class on how to be good and patient mothers. I don't think I could ever be unselfish enough to be a mother and could never handle the discipline part. And even if I could, I'd never have the time.
Of course, the most amazing is my own mother. She is the most thoughtful person I know. She loves to bake for people and has even been known to bake for her friends' parents. She is a true servant in that respect. I admire her love for animals, which I think I've picked up. She is always my strongest advocate. She has the sweetest smile and is one of my best friends.
So, tomorrow on Mother's Day, I hope all my friends who are mothers and my own mother know how much they are appreciated.

Respect

2010-05-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Justice has always been an important thing for me. When I was little, I remember seeing events and situations and exclaiming to my parents, "But that's not fair!" I'm always interested in how societies treat minorities because the way a society deals with minorities says much about their sense of justice. Also, I think being a moral person means you treat those minorities with respect, even (and especially) when it's not the norm.

"The Help" is a book set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi. The author, Kathryn Stockett, shifts the narration between a white, wealthy woman, Skeeter, and two black maids, Aibileen and Minny. It is a fascinating and eye-opening read, especially the narration by the maids. I cannot imagine a world where some members of our society have different bathrooms, water fountains, and hospitals. How would you explain this to a child? But I know these things existed and not that long ago. I loved the description of Aibileen's relationship with her employer's daughter and the relationship between Skeeter and the maids.

I hope that had I lived in those times, I would have acted like Skeeter did in the book. That I would have seen injustices and had the courage to speak up. I wonder what injustices are going on now and why am I not speaking up?

Faith My Eyes

2010-04-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about death lately. Last night, I remembered a family member who died a few years back and wondering if he was a believer or not. Wondering if he was in heaven or hell and if he was surprised at where he ended up. These are the things that keep me up at night.

I thought about heaven and hell and people who doubt the existence of God. Why was I so sure what I believed was the truth? What am I trusting in really?

I have been in a year-long study of the book of John in the Bible. A person in my study group recently traveled to India and said the women there cannot read so they have the Bible read to them. So all they know is what is read to them and this is what they build their faith on.

I wondered "If I had been born in China or India, would I be a Christian? If my parents had not raised me the way they did and I didn't have all the other positive influences I was surrounded by, what would I put my faith in?" Is my Christianity based on the country in which I was born or the parents I had? I would like to think not. Would I have wanted my life to be more difficult and would my faith be worth any more if it were?

I came to the conclusion that I should be thankful for the country I was born in and my upbringing. But I could have chosen a different, wrong path despite those things. Thankfully, God has given me faith and I have chosen the right path.

All This Time

2010-03-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

A friend recently posted on Facebook that she had been married 11 years today. I remember her bridal shower and her wedding very clearly; I think I even served cake at the reception or something. Anyway, I started thinking about all the things that happened to me that year: I started working for the state, I moved, I got a dog, I visited New York City.

It seems that since I've graduated college, the important events in my life are a blur. I have not been all that great at writing them down, unfortunately. So, I started to jot down the milestones in my life since 1995.

Moving out on my own. Getting a dog. Moving to Washington, D.C. Moving back from Washington, D.C. Getting my current job. Meeting my significant other.

What makes a milestone? I think there are collective milestones, like 9/11. I thought of that horrific event as one for me, as it is for most people in this country.

I think parents count the births of their children (as they should). I've witnessed enough of my friends' stories of childbirth numerous times so I know this. And unfortunately, deaths of loved ones will also be a milestone. I know this is coming.

So what are your milestones?

It's a Mistake

2010-03-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

I have been a Netflix subscriber for about five years now and I love it. I don't have to go anywhere to rent a movie and it's easy to look for what I want. Netflix even has movies and TV shows that are hard to find. You can also watch it on your computer through the website (I watched the entire Season 3 of Doctor Who this way).

I have found that I am much more likely to use Netflix to watch TV series that I missed when they originally aired or that I can't watch because I don't subscribe the channel (HBO, etc.) I am currently watching the last season of "Alias," which is great.

Netflix let me down tonight though. I just finished watching the second disk of the series and put in the next disk Netflix had mailed me. I pushed play and watched the first ten minutes. Dead characters were alive. Good guys had switched to bad guys. I thought, "Maybe J.J. Abrams is just jumping ahead in time in one of his great plot devices."

Turns out I was wrong. Netflix just mailed me the wrong disk.

In God's Country

2010-02-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

Our church has raised money to sent to the people of Haiti after the devastating earthquake last month. I am glad we did this because I had begun to feel helpless, watching all the footage on the news from that country. A familiar feeling for me. There is so much poverty and need in the world; how can I help? How can I have so much and most of the world have so little? The needs of our world are overwhelming to me.

My pastor today spoke about self-reliance and how it relates to our perceived need for God. He pointed out connections God makes between money and eternal life. Several times, the extravagant wealth of Americans was brought up.

I found myself feeling guilty for the things I have. So many are unemployed, yet I have a job I love. I never worry about food, shelter, or clothing. In fact, I have so many clothes that I don't wear most of them. I have shed tears watching TV shows about young women in Africa or India working so hard while I am tired after eight hours of sitting at a desk.

But, maybe those in financial need DO have something that I miss. Their lack of reliance on self points them to their need for something else. Someone else. They are in a situation in which they must trust God.

Self-reliance is a spiritual disease, fueled by success, youth, and good health, according to my pastor. God gives us everything to enjoy, reminding us that it all comes from Him. May we all remember this, especially in these times.

You Don't Bring Me Flowers

2010-02-11T20:29:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day can seem like a day manufactured by Hallmark and Tipton Hurst. It's the day when you are supposed to celebrate the one you love--like you don't every other day of the year.

My significant other and I have a long-standing disagreement about the giving of flowers on days like these. We start debating about flowers before Valentine's Day and my birthday.

My side of the debate goes something like this: I love getting flowers from you (except carnations) AND I love even more getting flowers in front of other people like my co-workers. So IF (and I know you won't forget) you get me flowers, please have them delivered to work so everyone can see the proof of how you feel about me.

Somehow, his side of the debate is this: I want to get you flowers ON the day of your birth or Valentine's Day. They are for you, not for your co-workers. Why should they care that I get you flowers? Why must you put stock in what others think of our relationship? And why are women so competitive about relationships?

I'll let you know who wins the debate.

So which side are you on?

Letters in my Head

2010-02-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

To Whom It May Concern:

As a person in line behind you at Wal-mart, I feel I must bring your attention to the fact that you are in the '10 items or less' aisle. Perhaps you did not notice since you clearly have at least 20 items. I understand you think you are more important than the rest of us, but the rules are there for a reason.

Yours Truly,

Irritated

Dear Parent:

I understand you wanted to see "Edge of Darkness" (Rated R) tonight. I did too. However, I did not bring my two-year old child into the theater. You see, children should not be in movies like this with much cursing, gun shots, blood, and general mayhem not suitable for young minds. Plus, your child is talking and crying through the movie. Now the guy behind me has shushed your child. Here's an idea: get a sitter or stay home. I like (some) kids, but not when they are disturbing the movie I paid $9 to see.

Sincerely,

Annoyed

Dear Criminals,

I really don't know why you did it. Shooting a dad on Christmas Eve? With his kids there? This guy was doing good, out working for those less fortunate than himself. Just remember this: What goes around, comes around. You get what's coming to you sooner or later. That is promised to us. I have it on good authority.

Signed,

Angry and Sad

Such Great Heights

2010-01-29T20:12:00.000-08:00

"Up in the Air" Reviewed

I have liked the previous two films directed by Jason Reitman, "Thank You for Smoking" and "Juno." In my opinion, he really captures the speech and sensibility of this generation and the films have a kind of ironic humor that we get.

"Up in the Air" is Reitman's best film yet. Companies hire George Clooney's character to fire their employees when needed. Anna Kendrick is outstanding as Clooney's protege (and would probably get an Oscar if it weren't for Mo'nique-but that's another post).

The film to me speaks mainly about two issues: the economy and single men.

Clooney's character starts out very independent, afraid of commitment, alone (but not lonely-not that he'd admit it). He's the perfect actor to play this character. In the film's events, he changes and sees the value of connections and family, especially how important these things can be in the face of the loss of a job.

While I was watching this movie, I was thinking "Every single guy out there should see this movie." I believe single men these days have commitment-phobia more than ever. It's indicative in the number of single people increasing and the amount of divorces occurring. To my dismay, many single women think they have to buy into this; it's not ok to want to be married (if you are over the age of 25).

I don't have any solutions to this and if I did, I'd probably be making a ton of money selling books. Commitment and love is valued in our society (and in this movie) so to the single guy, I say this: how can all those people be wrong??

Why

2010-01-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

I was asked by a friend, "Why do you have a blog?" Is it because I want to be heard or understood in some way by the universe? Do I need an outlet to vent all my complaints about my world? Is it because "everyone else is doing it"?

"It is good to be in the habit of writing." Agreed. I do some writing at my job, but not this type. This takes more creative energy. (And I am not a creative person at all, so it takes some effort.)

But how does a blogger handle criticism? It seems I am much more attached to my blog posts than I am attached to the reviews I write at work. I asked a long-time blogger and friend about this. She said "I just blog for my own entertainment. If someone else likes it, great. If not, so be it."

This is the attitude I am striving to have. All my life, I have been too concerned with the opinions of others. This blog cannot be an extension of that fault of mine. I cannot be blogging to please someone else.

Hope you like this post, but if not, so what?? It's a start.

Senses Working Overtime

2010-01-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

The Lovely Bones Reviewed (Spoiler alert!)

I have been anticipating the opening of this movie for about 4 months. I thought the book was brilliant and unique. I was disappointed in the movie although Saoirse Ronan and Stanley Tucci had great performances. It must have been difficult for Tucci to play such a creepy role (Mr. Harvey was much creepier on screen than on the page). I didn't care for the editing; the film had a way of drifting from where Susie was in (presumably) heaven to life where the family was dealing with her death.

Ultimately, I have decided I was unsatisfied with the ending. I have a strong sense of black and white, right and wrong, "justice" should triumph over evil. Guys like Mr. Harvey are pure evil. And in the movie, he basically got away with murders of innocent girls. When Susie's sister finally gets the evidence to prove he is the murderer, he is driving away and disposing of a big vault of evidence. I have forgotten what happens in the book, but his "ending" in the movie was accidental. Maybe the message of the movie is that in the afterlife, we don't worry about the injustices on earth. I guess I'm just too human and can't let a thing like murder go.

Human Behavior

2010-01-17T15:49:00.000-08:00

My Top Ten Gym Pet Peeves (with one extra thrown in)

1. When someone sets up her step or weights RIGHT next to me in a class.

2. When the person next to me gets off beat in Step class.

3. When kids are in the gym.

4. When kids in the gym get on treadmills.

5. When I can't get a free pass. What do you mean I only get two passes per year? And I pay HOW much to work out here?

6. When kids running on the track run into ME.

7. When kids change the channel on the TV you are watching as you are running on the treadmill. No, I don't want to watch Hannah Montana. Where is your mommy??!!!

8. There are those people who do not like being in front of a fan. When those people decide to exercise in front of a fan and then demand that it not be turned on. Meanwhile, the other people (who choose to be by the fan to get cooler) are sweating profusely.

9. When people talk on cell phones in the gym.

10. When you are starving and the gym café is closed. A smoothie would have been nice.

11. When people talk loudly as the class instructor is explaining something. That is just rude!

A Kiss to Build a Dream On

2010-01-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

Leap Year Reviewed

"Leap Year" is a cute chick flick with Amy Adams and Matthew Goode (an actor new to me). Amy Adams is one of the "it" girls now with good reason. This movie is basically like "Sweet Home Alabama" but set in Ireland instead of Alabama. I enjoyed it and got my money's worth of love story.

This got me thinking about movies and expectations in relationships. I think single girls have been set up for disappointment by chick flicks over the years. From my very limited experience, relationships are not like "Sleepless in Seattle" or "Pretty in Pink." Relationships are work--they are worthy of it, but it's not all butterflies and flowers. My mom used to tell me that I'd never find a guy because I was looking for Brad Pitt or Patrick Dempsey. I think our expectations are too high.

Now, I'm not saying a girl should settle. Romance does exist in relationships, but I think real life exists far more often. And think about it, do you want single guys to be looking for Angelina Jolie or Megan Fox and decide YOU don't fit the bill?

Begin the Begin

2010-01-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm trying this blogging thing. I plan on writing about books I'm reading and movies and TV I'm watching. Maybe some occasional political commentary thrown in. Nothing controversial I hope.