SAG Awards

Seriously how many awards shows are there?
I watched most of the show, but was mainly interested in the red carpet. (Thanks, Ro, for telling me it was on...I had forgotten.)And I only have three dresses to rave on.



A couple years ago Tina Fey would have been on the "What was she thinking?" list but her style has really evolved and I think this was the best she has looked at an awards ceremony. I love it!



Sofia Vergara is always so lovely. (And yay for "Modern Family" winning the comedy show.)



But best dressed was, without a doubt in my opinion, Mila Kunis! So beautiful! I have such a soft spot for the whole cast of "That 70's Show" and am so happy for the success that Mila has achieved.

Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away!

I know, without fail, that I will be kicking myself for this and in a couple of months be full of whines, but for today let me just say: It is beautiful outside! The sun is a shining, the weather is perfect, and everything is GORGEOUS!!!

Friday night I went out for sushi and gossip time with the girls from my last job. We had a great time...as was obvious by the fact the restaurant had to boot us because they were trying to close. I can't wait to get together with them again and hang out.

Yesterday I finished reading "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. I am not a fan of the circus at all. (I fear the clowns and I think the animals are treated unfairly.) However, at Leslie's recommendation, I read this book and it was just fascinating and the imagery very vivid. I really enjoyed it. Now I am not a fan of Robert Pattinson, but I am going to give the movie version a viewing when it comes out. Thanks for suggesting it, Leslie. :)

I also watched some of "Angel: The Series" season 1 for a bit last night. I love the vampires!

Today I cruised on over to the local movie theater for a viewing of "The Mechanic". Since I missed the sneak peek on Tuesday, I had been anxious to go see it. It did not fail. Okay, I admit I can watch Jason Statham wear a tight black t-shirt endlessly so I am biased. But the team of Statham and Ben Foster was a fabulous fit and I enjoyed it. (What can I say, I'm a shoot 'em up girl as much as I'm a chick flicker.)

How was your weekend?

What a good lesson to learn and take to heart.

My friend, Tricia, is all wise and stuff. This was her "lesson" that she wanted to teach today:

“There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life.”

Birthday Time!

Happy Birthday to my dad!!! :)

Hello Wednesday!

I think I need a candle intervention. Just saying. I have so many candles in my room and I have this really bad habit of not wanting to burn them so I don’t use them all up. And as I say this, I’m perusing the list of new candle scents at Bath & Body Works and knowing I am so going to buy me some.

And I need a coffee mug intervention as well while we are at it. Just glancing around my room I have:

Wizard of Oz mug
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend 2010 mug
Snoopy mug
M initial mug
Farmer’s Daughter Hotel mug
Two snowmen mugs

(And none of them are being used, they are just sitting there for decoration more or less. Haha!)

*******
They listed the top 5 home made desserts on the radio this morning. The prize was $250 if you guessed correctly. Unfortunately the show is in NY and I hear it on the delay or I would have called in. I knew immediately.

1 – Cookies (I was specific in chocolate chip cookies)
2 – Cake
3 – Brownies
4 – Cupcakes
5 – Pie
(Now aren’t you craving cookies???)

*******

Last year I decided I wanted to do the 101 things in 1001 days project, but then misplaced my list. So I decided to start it back up. So don't be wondering what is up when you see a blank post show up with 101 counted down on it. Some of them are a little private but as I achieve each of my 101 things I will be filling in and blogging about it. If you want an awesome challenge, you should go sign up and do it as well! :)

*******

COMIC CON!!!

Aaaah!!!
Tickets are on sale February 5th and I will be getting my geek on in July in San Diego. Sorry, I get a little excited over that. Haha!!!!

Negativity Shield Activated!

I freely admit that lately I have been a bit of a Miss Cranky Pants. I have been battling this stomach virus/flu/whatever it is plaguing me and I do get a little grumpy when under the weather. But there is more to it. I feel the negativity around me creeping in. I feel it pour through my veins all day long at work. I feel certain people chipping away with their constant “down” time.


I definitely know that we all have bad days, bad moments, bad events, and just bad/depressing/blah moods. That is simply human nature and no, we don’t have control over it. What we do have control over is how we react to it and how we project it to other people. And I can really tell when I have been around a particularly negative person for too long as I start to feel the same hopeless feelings, dwelling on negative instead of positive.

So I have to say enough of that. My negativity shield is activated. If you have nothing better to do than complain constantly then don’t come knocking on my door. If you feel down, acknowledge what it is that has you feeling down and then throw it away. The longer you let it reside inside of you, the harder it will be to shed.

And if that isn’t working, imagine taking the Sucker Punch Wall from Wipe Out and pummeling the negative out of the people dragging you down.

Oscar Time!

No, not Grouch. Even though I must say I have been identifying with him quite a lot lately. (Why yes, I have been a grouch!)



Tonight I’m off to see a movie that I guarantee will never come anywhere near being Oscar worthy, however, this morning the 2011 Oscar nominations were announced.

With the best picture category now at 10 pictures, I am sad to say that I have only seen four of the movies nominated. (“The Fighter”, “Inception”, “Black Swan”, and “Toy Story 3”) I want to get in the rest of the movies before the awards ceremony but I don’t know if that will happen. I have to say I am pulling for “The Fighter” to win, though I figure that “The Social Network” will take it.

And I really hope that Christian Bale wins Supporting Actor for his role in “The Fighter”. Truly if you haven’t seen this movie, go, go, go!! Amy Adams & Melissa Leo also snagged noms in the Supporting Actress category. It was truly in my top 3 movies of 2010. (One of my other favorites, “The Town”, did not get much love from the academy, but Jeremy Renner did get a Support Actor nom. It is deserved, for sure.)



I also want to see Natalie Portman win for her role in “Black Swan”. The movie is a roller coaster, so utterly depressing to see her fall apart with tragic results.

And, oh let’s face it, I want to see the fashion on the big day!

(And to update: Movie tonight was already booked and that is fine because I think I need to just accept the fact I have the flu.)

Ummm...

SUPER BOWL BOUND, BABY!!!!

It's a sunshine day!!

It is a little breezy out, but what a beautiful Sunday here in the valley. (I'm warm in the house watching some football. Man, those Packers came to town meaning business today.)

What do you all have on tap for the coming week?

I scored some sneak peek passes to "The Mechanic" on Tuesday.



I'm sure it is going to a shoot 'em up hitman movie, but it stars Jason Statham and that is all that matters.



I'm taking Tina and James with me to see this one and can't wait! I adore that Statham. (For those curious how I keep scoring the sneak peek tickets -- I joined the Phoenix Film Society a couple of years ago so I could get tickets to a couple of film festival movies. They partner with a couple of companies that promote movies for studios and they offer them up to their email list, first come/first serve. I don't always get in but out of 7 movies last year, I saw 5 of them with no problem getting in.)

Thursday is my dad's birthday. No idea YET what I am going to get him, but will have some ideas and a present bought by then. He wants shrimp tava for his birthday dinner. The shrimp is okay, the rice is okay, the overall spiciness is not okay and my ulcer is already saying "no way!" My mom said we'll probably get a pizza to go along with it.

Friday I am going out for sushi with my girls from the old job.



I can't wait. I haven't seen Terah, Ivette, or Cheryl in quite a while and I have missed the silliness that occurs when we are together.

The weekend is still open, no idea what is going on just yet. But I'm sure I will find some trouble to get into. I do need to go find the 4th book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. I was going to get it at Target today but it was sold out.

Oh, and for my fellow vampire lovers on my blog, if you were a fan of "Angel: The Series", Target offers a double pack of seasons 1 & 2 for $19.99 as opposed to the $25-30 per season elsewhere. Great deal and while it was nowhere near as fabulous as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" series, it was still a good show.

Today

Today I will be sitting quietly (yeah right) in my corner watching football.
(AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! GO STEELERS!!!!)



I hate, hate the Jets. So if you hear loud outbursts, it just may be coming from me!!

A trio of movie reviews

I have three of them for ya today!



The Green Hornet

Billionaire party boy Britt Reid inherits his father’s newspaper empire along with his personal assistant, Kato. Upon discovering Kato is a genius inventor, the two hatch a plan to bring the underworld to it’s knees by “pretending” to be on their side while playing super hero. Based on the TV show that starred Bruce Lee and Van Williams from the 60’s, this is an up-to-date thrill ride.

What worked:

Seth Rogen as Britt Reid. He brings the comedic aspect and was great as the bungling party boy turned super hero wanna-be.

Jay Chou as Kato. He was actually the best actor in the movie. From both his crazy inventions to his insecurities…he was the best character.

The vehicles! Black Beauty is a hot car. I want a car that has ejector seats and machine guns that pop out of the door. (Okay I would take any of the gorgeous sports and vintage cars that were housed in the garage.)

James Franco’s cameo as a drug dealer/club owner was hilarious.

Christopher Waltz as Chudnofsky, the villain. Old school mob trying to fit in the new gimmick laden world. He was hilarious and vile.

What didn’t work:

Seth Rogen. There is only so much Rogen you can take.

The length of the movie. I don’t know why it feels that 3D movies seem to be so long but there was a good 20-30 minutes of the movie that just seemed to not be necessary.

---------------------------------------


The Dilemma

What would you do if you found out that your best friend’s significant other was cheating on them? Would you tell or would you wait for them to find out on their own? Would it change the facts if you were about to go for the deal of a lifetime and your friend's complete attention and commitment was required? That is the problem posed to Ronny Valentine (Vince Vaughn). After spying his best friend, Nick's (Kevin James) wife (Winona Ryder) with another man, he has to make the hard decision of spilling the beans or staying quiet. His dilemma, of course, causes problems in his life and one misunderstanding after another piles up.

What I loved:

Vince Vaughn! Seriously, folks, here it is...I have a soft spot for Vince Vaughn and I will see him in any movie, no matter how horrible. I admit it, that is half the battle, right?

Channing Tatum as Zip, the lover. Channing is great eye candy and he is so dumb you have to laugh.

What I liked:

Winona Ryder as the cheating spouse, Geneva. She played ruthless so well and yet she makes you want to hug her and tell her it is okay.

Kevin James is charming, as always.

Queen Latifah is way over the top, but perfect as a sales rep trying to help the boys land a deal with Dodge Moters.

Jennifer Connelly's girlfriend to Ronny is sweet.

What bored me:
Again with the length. Just under 2 hours was too long.

Lagging plot. They introduce a few curve balls in the Nick/Geneva relationship that they just drop as the movie progresses.

---------------------------

Finally, the sneak peek preview we went to see last night:



No Strings Attached

Can you be friends with benefits without letting feelings get involved? That is part of the deal that is made between two friends, Emma and Adam, in the movie “No Strings Attached.” When Adam’s (Ashton Kutcher) dad hooks up with Adam’s ex-girlfriend, he loses control and ends up sleeping with his platonic-until-this-point friend, Emma (Natalie Portman). They discover this works for them – they can see each other whenever but they agree that when one starts to develop any stronger feelings to end it. The two stars of the movie make it work. Who knew that Natalie Portman could be funny, especially after her dark turn in “Black Swan”? But as Emma she is both endearing and hilarious. And Ashton Kutcher is so charming in his dimwitted character with a heart of gold. They have a terrific supporting cast that helps make it work and there is even an adorable Pomeranian named Freckles. (Come on, who doesn’t love a cute dog strategically inserted in a movie for the “aww” factor?) The movie is rated R for a reason. The language and sexual content isn’t for everyone, but overall I loved the movie. It opens on Friday and is worth a viewing.

Not record breaking, but take note...

Look who has the top score in Bejeweled Blitz.



Okay, sure the score just reset today, but that is the first time I topped it. :)

Happy Monday on the most depressing day of the year.

I woke up a tad bit grumpy, but I'm pleased to say that the day has not been "depressing". However, the "experts" say that today is statistically the most depressing day of the year. I googled it for explanation and there were many explanations listed. But basically - Monday is the return to work so there is a strike against it. It is the point after the holidays when bills should start coming in from the holiday shopping. Strike number two. And something with how the moon and sun are positioned.

I took in a viewing of "The Dilemma" this morning. Not the greatest movie, but it was Vince Vaughn so I forgive it. (No, I won't see it again. haha!)

Bath and Body Works released their spring line and oh I'm excited for it!!
Island Colada, Passion Flower, Caribbean Escape, Tropical Spice, Caribbean Salsa, Bali Mango, Fiji Passionfruit, and Hawaii Coconut.

And the new scent portable for the car is needed immediately!!

Golden Globes

Let's check out some fashion!!

The Gorgeous:



Halle Berry has such gorgeous style



Scarlett Johansson may have lost Ryan Reynolds, but she retained her fashion sense.



I think Sofia Vergara is just stunning.



Megan Fox is hit or miss, tonight she looked lovely.



My brother, Jeremy's, dream woman. Eva Longoria looked gorgeous tonight.

The What were they thinking???



The daisy dress worn by Michelle Williams - fail.



Kyra Sedgwick...just don't.



Julianne Moore looked a mess.



Oh good heavens! Helena Bonham Carter is definitely worst dressed.



Poor Christina Aguilera.

Holy Hotness!



Robert Downey Jr... <3



Johnny Depp is always looking hot!



WOO HOO!!! Jim Parsons won Best Actor for Comedy!! And rightfully deserved it!!



I have a weakness for them Wahlberg men. Mark "Don't call me Marky Mark" Wahlberg was looking hot!



Brad Pitt is a hit or miss, but oh my, he was looking hot tonight! (And I loved how Angelina was leaning on him/into him the whole night, they looked happy.)



Mmm! Chris Hemsworth...*sighs and swoons*

Adventure 2011: Surviving Chuck E. Cheese

So the first adventure tackled for the new year came in the form of Abby's birthday party today.

I'm not a fan of Chuck E. Cheese. I think the food is gross and honestly, the characters give me the creeps!





But Abby's reaction to Chuck E. Cheese coming out in person was priceless and the birthday girl had a great time.






I also checked out "The Green Hornet" today, will post a review in the morning, but I liked it. And I had a stressful afternoon of checking out nfl.com on my phone but YAY! The Steelers pulled out a win in a nail biter of a game!

How was your week?

I had one rather low point over the week - Getting put back on customer service full time. It is an aggravating position to be in and as I am a temp, I was not offered a raise, which anyone else would have received.

But other than that...

+ My darlings, Rose and Tracy, offered me such an amazingly sweet offer that if I can figure out the days off with the boss I will be in New York for a weekend in June.

+ News that "The Hobbit" begins filming on Feb 14th in New Zealand. /geek

+ Bought Abby her first diary. Come on, we all remember how awesome that first diary was! You wrote silly things like "I saw Billy today, he pulled my hair. I love him" and they were your deepest secrets.

+ Scored screening tickets to Ashton Kutcher's new movie, "No Strings Attached" for Tuesday night. I think my brother and sister-in-law are coming with me.



+ Movie plans for this weekend include "Green Hornet" and "The Dilemma".

+ Reliving some silly memories of a crazy California vacation with my GH girls and a movie script that never saw the light of day. (Probably a good thing, it was insane!)

+ I picked up Lauren Willig's "Temptation of the Night Jasmine" while having a mad dash through Border's for a b-day present. I have never read any of her books but it was on clearance and looked interesting. Of course it isn't the first in the series (why would I read the first one! D'oh!) but it looks good. Anyone read her books?

And the one "Say Whaaat?" moment of the week:

A new zodiac sign and the shifting of the earth can mean you are now a different astrological sign. Uh...Huh?? No, I don't think so. I am 100% Leo. I don't fit the description of a Cancer. And I refuse to not be the lion! So take that, Astrological type dudes!

What did your week bring you?

Geek Out!!!

Happy Birthday, Orlando Bloom!!!
*tosses glitter*



Okay, we’ll get back to Orlando's importance in this in a minute so take one last look at the pictures.

Okay, I’ll wait while you look again.

Alrighty, I'm going to say this loud and proud:


I am a geek!

When I was growing up being a “nerd” or “geek” was just not something that you strived to be. TV shows and movies back then portrayed the geek as a social misfit that was to be mocked. (Unless you wanted to copy their homework.) You read comic books and watched sci-fi movies? Only acceptable if you were a child, otherwise you were one of “those” people. Yup, a geek/nerd.

I grew up with a big love for the Star Wars universe. And Battlestar Gallactica. And the superheroes like Superman, Batman,and Wonderwoman. I was also a book worm. Key signs of "nerd" status, right? Sure I liked typical teenage girl things as well - shopping, talking on the phone, teen idols, music, etc. But I kept my love of all things geeky as well. I mostly kept it quiet. Those in high school that knew of my Star Wars love just shook their heads. (They clearly do not understand the appeal of Han Solo!) My first roommate thought it was "weird". Of course, she turned out to be quite the whack-a-doo all on her own merit.

Then something happened in 2001. This movie came out..."Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring" and I started to meet a whole new group of people because of the growing fandom for this movie. I started to meet the modern day geek! And let me tell you...these aren't your geeks of yesterday. These people are smart, they are personable, they are not your stereotypical "misfit". I have to tell you some of my best friends are geeks. And we can talk any subject out there, from the love of sci-fi to the latest world news. You have TV shows like my favorite, "The Big Bang Theory" that is a smash hit and it is all about the nerd life. And, funny enough, quite a few of those people in high school that always shook their head and pretended they were too cool -- GEEKS!!!

The Orlando Bloom tie in? Of course, he was Legolas in the spectacular “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. So happy birthday, Orlando Bloom! Because of you and the “fellowship” I have some of the most incredible friends in my life.

And I had to post one last picture of him because it is just too funny not to:

Love Life

“Do not try to “do” happy. Simply choose to “be” happy, and everything you do will spring from that”
(From TheSecretDaily on Twitter)

While skimming over blogs this morning before leaving for work, I saw a post from a friend of mine that kind of sat on my mind for the longest time. It was a simple post with wishes for a happy birthday to a friend of hers and some idle chatter about some things that made her happy yesterday. I kept thinking about her post and about her previous posts as I was driving to work. It wasn’t that she was writing inspirational words of wisdom; it was that she was genuinely happy with her life. And she is in a situation that would be extremely stressful as she has lost her job and the current job search is a slow process. The difference is she doesn’t let *that* fact play into how she is living her life. She takes her mantra seriously.

“I'm a firm believer of having it & flaunting it. Of sharing & living. Of good friends & good times.”

It is a mindset that I really need to work on developing. We have the choice each morning when we wake up on how we are going to greet the day. Admittedly, it is usually met with a lot of grumbling out of me because I would love to catch a few extra zzzz’s. But instead of grumbling, I should tell myself good morning.

What it all comes down to is simply this: Love life. Not just your life, even though it is the one that you should love the most, but life in general. There is beauty, kindness, and love that surround you every single day.

Have it, flaunt it, love it, share it, live it.