We did watch a few movies last weekend. Here are my reviews:
Love in the Time of Cholera:
Bleh. I didn’t like this movie at all. Let me explain further. I’m not a big fan of period films, especially if they are romance movies. But this one was available “now” on Netflix so it was shipped. It stars only two people (Benjamin Bratt and Javier Bardem) I’ve even heard of but I liked the acting all the way around. I just didn’t like the story or maybe it’s said better as I didn’t think the story deserved 2+ hours to be told. It’s about a man (Bardem), who meets a beautiful young girl (Givanna Mezzogiomo). She rejects him and ends up married to another man (Bratt). It goes on from there showing how they each lived their lives separately. Blah, super boring for me. Sorry to the romance fans out there. This just didn’t do it for me.
1 out of 5
Across The Universe:
I didn’t think I was going to like this movie. I thought, “A Musical? I won’t like this.” But I really did like it! After listening to the American Idol contestants rape and brutalize the Beatles songs, it was nice to herar some great renditions of these classics. I recognized a few names, Evan Rachel Woods for one. I was like, “That girl from ‘Thirteen’ can sing?” But YES, yes, she can! It’s about a boy from Liverpool who comes to America during the 60’s and meets this girl (Woods) and they sing their way through Draft Notices, Anti-War protests, first loves, etc. The songs are sung very well by some very talented people.
3 out of 5
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Random Thoughts
On iTunes today: Nothing, not in the mood for anything I have on my computer.
Gas Prices: I bought gas in Mayville, WI on Easter Sunday and it was $3.39/gal. Here in Milwaukee, it’s hovering around $3.23/gal
18.5 inches! That is the final snow total for the city I live in on Good Friday. We were the highest in the Metro Milwaukee area – yippee! NOT!
Winter Storm Watch – All day Thursday – up to 6 more inches! You’ve GOT to be kidding!
Easter recap: We drove an hour to a bar/restaurant, we ate for about a ½ hour (food was very good, it surprised us all) and then we drove an hour home. End of story.
I have some sort of flu bug and it aint the cold kind of flu! I’ll leave it at that.
Tonight it’s groceries and home, if I can make through the grocery store without pooping in my pants – okay, okay, I said no more and I promised I wouldn’t – so sue me!
Work is pretty slow today and I’ve asked everyone around me if they need help and it seems they are all in the same boat as me.
We got our State Refund back today. I am going to Home Depot to pick out some paint for our living room. We need to paint – there is a country blue on the walls and I don’t like it. I want something more contemporary. This will get us one step closer to our hardwood floors!
Sometimes I daydream about being my cat. He certainly has the life. Except the licking his pooper part.
I have a $50.00 gift certificate to Crate and Barrel that we got for our wedding (almost 11 months ago) and I can’t decide what to do with it! Every time I look at the website, I change my mind.
We are going out to eat with my mom and her husband (step-pops to me) on Friday night.
I hope you have a better day than me!
Gas Prices: I bought gas in Mayville, WI on Easter Sunday and it was $3.39/gal. Here in Milwaukee, it’s hovering around $3.23/gal
18.5 inches! That is the final snow total for the city I live in on Good Friday. We were the highest in the Metro Milwaukee area – yippee! NOT!
Winter Storm Watch – All day Thursday – up to 6 more inches! You’ve GOT to be kidding!
Easter recap: We drove an hour to a bar/restaurant, we ate for about a ½ hour (food was very good, it surprised us all) and then we drove an hour home. End of story.
I have some sort of flu bug and it aint the cold kind of flu! I’ll leave it at that.
Tonight it’s groceries and home, if I can make through the grocery store without pooping in my pants – okay, okay, I said no more and I promised I wouldn’t – so sue me!
Work is pretty slow today and I’ve asked everyone around me if they need help and it seems they are all in the same boat as me.
We got our State Refund back today. I am going to Home Depot to pick out some paint for our living room. We need to paint – there is a country blue on the walls and I don’t like it. I want something more contemporary. This will get us one step closer to our hardwood floors!
Sometimes I daydream about being my cat. He certainly has the life. Except the licking his pooper part.
I have a $50.00 gift certificate to Crate and Barrel that we got for our wedding (almost 11 months ago) and I can’t decide what to do with it! Every time I look at the website, I change my mind.
We are going out to eat with my mom and her husband (step-pops to me) on Friday night.
I hope you have a better day than me!
Monday, March 24, 2008
My Cousin and her need of help
If you can help, thank you!
A letter from my cousin:
I am once again doing the Great Strides walk to help raise funds for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. I am asking each of you if you would be willing to donate even $5 for this cause. Every little bit helps. Also, if you can forward this on to your friends, family, co-workers, etc. that would help us get even further. You may also be able to ask your employers if they provide matching gifts. Please go to the website if you'd like to donate or join my team to walk (please leave a comment and I will forward you the address.) I truly have a stake in this as I've had this disease my entire life. I always was pretty mild and able to do anything I've ever wanted to do. As my life progressed, so did the disease. My lungs are getting worse, I'm less capable of doing things that used to come easy to me and I'm finding it really hard to stay strong enough to fight this fight I call life. Of course the love and support of family and friends helps me stay strong and helps me fight, but the research itself is also a vital part of living. This is not "Just a Fundraiser" to me, it's my life. So, please, consider donating any amount that you can to help us find a cure for this miserable disease and help CF stand for CURE FOUND.
Just a little bit to help you see what someone with this disease has to go through on a daily basis to help you understand. This last week and a half I was in the hospital with pneumonia and a "flare up." Being in the hospital consists of IV drug treatments, a high calorie diet, respiratory therapy, lots of lab work, breathing tests, procedures, stress, no sleep, etc. To give you an idea, this is what my "typical day" consists of:
Wake up at about 4:30am to start IV therapy. That first "round" goes until about 8 or 9 am. I either then try to go back to sleep or do some of my other treatments. I have to do my vest treatment which shakes my chest to loosen up the mucus in my lungs to help prevent further infection. This takes about 30 minutes and should be done twice, if not more, each day. I then need to take my other pills that aren't administered via IV. This consists of about ten other medications and inhalers. I also have nebulizer treatments that I have to do in addition to the rest of this which can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. I have IV meds again from about noon to either 3 or 4 and then I have a break again for another eight hours.
A new thing I came home with this time is steroid induced or Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes. What this means for me is testing my blood sugars multiple times a day and giving myself insulin if need be. Not to mention making sure my blood sugar is also not too low where I have to get something in my system ASAP. This has been a real adjustment as I've never had to worry about this before. Let me tell you, it's not fun to have to poke yourself with needles multiple times a day and have to give yourself shots. Along with this, I am supposed to be eating as much as I possibly can because I'm supposed to be working on gaining 20 pounds. I had dropped a lot of weight this year and was told that if I couldn't gain the weight on my own that I would need to get a feeding tube. I was told it would help me get the necessary calories I would need to help get my weight up and keep me feeling strong. Being a female in this day and age and being told to gain weight is not easy. I'm having a really difficult time with this and am really trying to work with everyone, but I'm struggling. Because I was that sick and I wasn't gaining the weight, I got a feeding tube while I was in this last time. It was rather scary for me because I didn't want something else to help make this disease "real." I try to live my life as normally as possible and this was just something else that helped prove that my life is far from "normal." Not to mention because my lungs were so compromised from being sick, they were a bit concerned about having to put me under anesthesia and me not waking up well from it. They decided to go ahead with the procedure and I did almost end up being intubated and ending up in ICU for the night. However, they decided to use something called a "Bipap" machine to help apply positive pressure to my breathing and that seemed to help. I'm not completely understanding of what this machine does quite yet, but it's another new development that I've come home with. If you ever want to see what a medical supply warehouse looks like, just stop by sometime. :) Anyway, I now have the feeding tube and am supposed to give myself feedings while I sleep to help me gain the weight. Now, in true Nicki fashion, my tube is not working the way it's supposed to be, so I need to stop in and have it checked. So... eating as much during the day is still a priority, but I can now give myself supplemental feedings through the tube if need be. Although... you can also drink beer through that thing, so I guess there are some positives. :) J/k of course!
After my last IV drug treatments, I shake one more time, do my nebulizer for the night and take my other night time meds. I check my insulin one or more times and have a late night snack if need be or if wanted. Then I have to give myself a "feeding" through my tube, apply my bipap machine and try to get some sleep. My last drug is administered at either 10 or 11pm so that doesn't leave me much time to sleep between my night and morning doses.
So...that's a day in the life of Nicki at the moment. It's a bit of a job in itself and is quite overwhelming and stressful. I am trying to cope with it the best that I can, but I can certainly say that I've been awfully scared, humble and just plain exhausted these last few weeks. I absolutely appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers, flowers, gifts, visits and phone calls. That helps more then anyone can know. I am truly blessed with great family and friends in my life and I can honestly say that I don't think I would've made it this far with out all of you. I try to keep a smile on my face as much as I possibly can, but it's certainly getting harder with the disease progression and the new adjustments. Please consider donating to my team and help us find a cure. You can also join our team to walk as we can always use more team members.
A letter from my cousin:
I am once again doing the Great Strides walk to help raise funds for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. I am asking each of you if you would be willing to donate even $5 for this cause. Every little bit helps. Also, if you can forward this on to your friends, family, co-workers, etc. that would help us get even further. You may also be able to ask your employers if they provide matching gifts. Please go to the website if you'd like to donate or join my team to walk (please leave a comment and I will forward you the address.) I truly have a stake in this as I've had this disease my entire life. I always was pretty mild and able to do anything I've ever wanted to do. As my life progressed, so did the disease. My lungs are getting worse, I'm less capable of doing things that used to come easy to me and I'm finding it really hard to stay strong enough to fight this fight I call life. Of course the love and support of family and friends helps me stay strong and helps me fight, but the research itself is also a vital part of living. This is not "Just a Fundraiser" to me, it's my life. So, please, consider donating any amount that you can to help us find a cure for this miserable disease and help CF stand for CURE FOUND.
Just a little bit to help you see what someone with this disease has to go through on a daily basis to help you understand. This last week and a half I was in the hospital with pneumonia and a "flare up." Being in the hospital consists of IV drug treatments, a high calorie diet, respiratory therapy, lots of lab work, breathing tests, procedures, stress, no sleep, etc. To give you an idea, this is what my "typical day" consists of:
Wake up at about 4:30am to start IV therapy. That first "round" goes until about 8 or 9 am. I either then try to go back to sleep or do some of my other treatments. I have to do my vest treatment which shakes my chest to loosen up the mucus in my lungs to help prevent further infection. This takes about 30 minutes and should be done twice, if not more, each day. I then need to take my other pills that aren't administered via IV. This consists of about ten other medications and inhalers. I also have nebulizer treatments that I have to do in addition to the rest of this which can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. I have IV meds again from about noon to either 3 or 4 and then I have a break again for another eight hours.
A new thing I came home with this time is steroid induced or Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes. What this means for me is testing my blood sugars multiple times a day and giving myself insulin if need be. Not to mention making sure my blood sugar is also not too low where I have to get something in my system ASAP. This has been a real adjustment as I've never had to worry about this before. Let me tell you, it's not fun to have to poke yourself with needles multiple times a day and have to give yourself shots. Along with this, I am supposed to be eating as much as I possibly can because I'm supposed to be working on gaining 20 pounds. I had dropped a lot of weight this year and was told that if I couldn't gain the weight on my own that I would need to get a feeding tube. I was told it would help me get the necessary calories I would need to help get my weight up and keep me feeling strong. Being a female in this day and age and being told to gain weight is not easy. I'm having a really difficult time with this and am really trying to work with everyone, but I'm struggling. Because I was that sick and I wasn't gaining the weight, I got a feeding tube while I was in this last time. It was rather scary for me because I didn't want something else to help make this disease "real." I try to live my life as normally as possible and this was just something else that helped prove that my life is far from "normal." Not to mention because my lungs were so compromised from being sick, they were a bit concerned about having to put me under anesthesia and me not waking up well from it. They decided to go ahead with the procedure and I did almost end up being intubated and ending up in ICU for the night. However, they decided to use something called a "Bipap" machine to help apply positive pressure to my breathing and that seemed to help. I'm not completely understanding of what this machine does quite yet, but it's another new development that I've come home with. If you ever want to see what a medical supply warehouse looks like, just stop by sometime. :) Anyway, I now have the feeding tube and am supposed to give myself feedings while I sleep to help me gain the weight. Now, in true Nicki fashion, my tube is not working the way it's supposed to be, so I need to stop in and have it checked. So... eating as much during the day is still a priority, but I can now give myself supplemental feedings through the tube if need be. Although... you can also drink beer through that thing, so I guess there are some positives. :) J/k of course!
After my last IV drug treatments, I shake one more time, do my nebulizer for the night and take my other night time meds. I check my insulin one or more times and have a late night snack if need be or if wanted. Then I have to give myself a "feeding" through my tube, apply my bipap machine and try to get some sleep. My last drug is administered at either 10 or 11pm so that doesn't leave me much time to sleep between my night and morning doses.
So...that's a day in the life of Nicki at the moment. It's a bit of a job in itself and is quite overwhelming and stressful. I am trying to cope with it the best that I can, but I can certainly say that I've been awfully scared, humble and just plain exhausted these last few weeks. I absolutely appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers, flowers, gifts, visits and phone calls. That helps more then anyone can know. I am truly blessed with great family and friends in my life and I can honestly say that I don't think I would've made it this far with out all of you. I try to keep a smile on my face as much as I possibly can, but it's certainly getting harder with the disease progression and the new adjustments. Please consider donating to my team and help us find a cure. You can also join our team to walk as we can always use more team members.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Welcome Spring - Don't Mention the 14" of Snow!
Can you even believe it? 14" is what we are expecting today! Our snow was almost gone from our world and now 14" more is coming. It started at 6am today and I am stuck at work in near-whiteout conditions. We are all hoping against hope that they (the powers that be) will make a wise choice and let us try to get home before we are stuck here all weekend!
35mph winds, tons of snow, cold temps, not a good start for the first full day of spring!
I hope you all have a great weekend! We will be shoveling out and maybe watching some movies, so hopefully some reviews will be coming on Monday.
Take care! Happy Easter!
35mph winds, tons of snow, cold temps, not a good start for the first full day of spring!
I hope you all have a great weekend! We will be shoveling out and maybe watching some movies, so hopefully some reviews will be coming on Monday.
Take care! Happy Easter!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
A little history
First off, thank you so much to my first commenters! I am so excited to have a comment! I thank you for your kind words and you helped me get the courage up to contact my cousin. Hopefully it won’t be so many years between conversations.
Well, I did finally get through to my cousin. (We’ll call her N) She is home but a bit overwhelmed with the equipment and new meds she’s on, including a new feeding tube. But she said she was better today and happy to home.
I didn’t want to keep her on the phone too long, her parents were there I didn’t want to bother her. I felt so weird chatting with her after so many years! But I’m glad I called and she gave me her email address and I’ve already sent her an email – of course – with pictures of my new husband and pictures of my son and even my mom. She hasn’t seen any of us in years.
You see she’s not really my cousin by blood. Her dad and my dad were best of friends when they were kids and in high school and even after that. They always claimed to be blood brothers, because they swapped blood when they were little boys. I was always told I was part Polish because of this event! ☺ They were always so fun together, my dad and Uncle J were always joking around. Uncle J was even my Godfather! I loved spending time with him and he always made me laugh. I have such wonderful memories of going up to his cabin for summer vacations and just having a ball. Uncle J and his wife Auntie B, taught us how to water ski and I got my love of fishing from those wonderful times up north. So many hours fishing under the train tressels for bluegills and sunfish.
When I was 18 or 19, my parents split up. I was mostly out of the house and so into myself that I didn’t care, and frankly I was glad they were splitting up, it was not so great between them. But without getting into details – because details are what got me into trouble with my last blog - my dad got Uncle J (and family) in the divorce. Do you understand? It’s like people took sides. Maybe that’s not how it was but that’s how it looked to me as a young-adult anyway. Now I realize that it was probably just a matter of loyalty, but I missed my uncle J. It’s hard to write about because it’s really so sad how all of a sudden, we just didn’t talk to them anymore. I wish now I would’ve kept in touch.
So for many years, we (meaning my mom, me and my brother) didn’t hear from him/them much. But my brother – somehow, I don’t know the details – met up with Uncle J’s son, also a “J”, so we’ll call him J Jr. My brother and J Jr. forged a pretty strong friendship and he has stayed in touch with everyone since. He fills me and my mom in on important details, but for the most part, we still never really talk.
I was so nervous when I finally got to talk to her. Would she think I was a super-freak for calling out of the blue like this? Would she understand when I told her I was thinking about so her so much lately because of Nate and Tricia? Does she read blogs? Would she think I was strange for being so touched by them? I didn’t know but she was very gracious on the phone and I hope she responds to my email. I would really like to reconnect with her and her family.
Thank you readers, you gave me the gumption to do something good….I have chickened out on awkward situations before, but I did it this time and I’m so happy I did.
I’ll keep you updated.
Well, I did finally get through to my cousin. (We’ll call her N) She is home but a bit overwhelmed with the equipment and new meds she’s on, including a new feeding tube. But she said she was better today and happy to home.
I didn’t want to keep her on the phone too long, her parents were there I didn’t want to bother her. I felt so weird chatting with her after so many years! But I’m glad I called and she gave me her email address and I’ve already sent her an email – of course – with pictures of my new husband and pictures of my son and even my mom. She hasn’t seen any of us in years.
You see she’s not really my cousin by blood. Her dad and my dad were best of friends when they were kids and in high school and even after that. They always claimed to be blood brothers, because they swapped blood when they were little boys. I was always told I was part Polish because of this event! ☺ They were always so fun together, my dad and Uncle J were always joking around. Uncle J was even my Godfather! I loved spending time with him and he always made me laugh. I have such wonderful memories of going up to his cabin for summer vacations and just having a ball. Uncle J and his wife Auntie B, taught us how to water ski and I got my love of fishing from those wonderful times up north. So many hours fishing under the train tressels for bluegills and sunfish.
When I was 18 or 19, my parents split up. I was mostly out of the house and so into myself that I didn’t care, and frankly I was glad they were splitting up, it was not so great between them. But without getting into details – because details are what got me into trouble with my last blog - my dad got Uncle J (and family) in the divorce. Do you understand? It’s like people took sides. Maybe that’s not how it was but that’s how it looked to me as a young-adult anyway. Now I realize that it was probably just a matter of loyalty, but I missed my uncle J. It’s hard to write about because it’s really so sad how all of a sudden, we just didn’t talk to them anymore. I wish now I would’ve kept in touch.
So for many years, we (meaning my mom, me and my brother) didn’t hear from him/them much. But my brother – somehow, I don’t know the details – met up with Uncle J’s son, also a “J”, so we’ll call him J Jr. My brother and J Jr. forged a pretty strong friendship and he has stayed in touch with everyone since. He fills me and my mom in on important details, but for the most part, we still never really talk.
I was so nervous when I finally got to talk to her. Would she think I was a super-freak for calling out of the blue like this? Would she understand when I told her I was thinking about so her so much lately because of Nate and Tricia? Does she read blogs? Would she think I was strange for being so touched by them? I didn’t know but she was very gracious on the phone and I hope she responds to my email. I would really like to reconnect with her and her family.
Thank you readers, you gave me the gumption to do something good….I have chickened out on awkward situations before, but I did it this time and I’m so happy I did.
I’ll keep you updated.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Slipping and CF
On My iTunes Today: Dino, The Essential Dean Martin
Gas Prices: Still hovering at $3.29
I’m back! I was out of work yesterday and didn’t have a chance to post. I took what I thought to be a very little slip on the driveway on Monday morning and by Monday night my back/neck/left shoulder was so sore! I woke up on Tuesday morning and couldn’t move my head or neck at all! I was shocked that such a little slip could cause so much pain! I spent the majority of the day yesterday on the couch with the heating pad and taking some Advil. I wish I had some painkillers or muscle relaxers!
I am back at work today with a very sore back/neck but glad I came back because I had a lot of work waiting for me. I enjoy my job and love the company I work for but the amount of work I currently have is way to low for me. I hate missing work when there is actually something for me to do!
I did watch movies yesterday but only a DVD I own. Nothing new. I am supposed to get some movie tonight and tomorrow, so more movie reviews are coming.
We filed our income tax papers on Monday night. WWH’s sister does them for the family and then sends them via TurboTax online. I can’t wait to get our return. We are getting approximately $1000.00 less back now that we are married and not filing separate single returns but, still a nice chunk of ching-a-ling for our “hardwood floor fund”.
I am still treading on the mill every other day. I am thinking of taking the night off (a night I should be treading) because of my neck but I think I will give it a try and see how it goes before making any decisions.
Because of my unexpected day off yesterday, I did get to spend some time with my son who only goes to school from 9-12am each day. So I get a few hours with him and it was nice to spend some time (not bickering) together.
I also got some sad news on Saturday. My cousin is suffering from complications from CF (Cystic Fibrosis). From my mother, who heard it from my brother, she is in the hospital awaiting a lung transplant. It’s strange that this should come up right now, as I’ve been thinking of her a lot lately. I haven’t seen her in a very long time but my brother is close with her brother and we would sometimes hear tidbits about her health. I think the reason she’s been at the front of my mind lately is because I started reading Confessions of a CF Husband and am just hooked on their story of inspiration and love. I used to run for CF (when I was young and in shape!) but haven’t done anything lately and since I don’t hear from her, it was kind of in the back of my head just lingering. With the Confessions blog and hearing the troubling news on Saturday, I want to contact her and tell her I am thinking of her but I’m not sure how to get in touch with her. I asked my brother to get me an address to send a card, but I haven’t heard back from him.
If anyone out there is in tight with the Big Guy, please send out a prayer to my cousin. I’m sure every little bit helps.
I’ll keep you up to date as I find things out.
Gas Prices: Still hovering at $3.29
I’m back! I was out of work yesterday and didn’t have a chance to post. I took what I thought to be a very little slip on the driveway on Monday morning and by Monday night my back/neck/left shoulder was so sore! I woke up on Tuesday morning and couldn’t move my head or neck at all! I was shocked that such a little slip could cause so much pain! I spent the majority of the day yesterday on the couch with the heating pad and taking some Advil. I wish I had some painkillers or muscle relaxers!
I am back at work today with a very sore back/neck but glad I came back because I had a lot of work waiting for me. I enjoy my job and love the company I work for but the amount of work I currently have is way to low for me. I hate missing work when there is actually something for me to do!
I did watch movies yesterday but only a DVD I own. Nothing new. I am supposed to get some movie tonight and tomorrow, so more movie reviews are coming.
We filed our income tax papers on Monday night. WWH’s sister does them for the family and then sends them via TurboTax online. I can’t wait to get our return. We are getting approximately $1000.00 less back now that we are married and not filing separate single returns but, still a nice chunk of ching-a-ling for our “hardwood floor fund”.
I am still treading on the mill every other day. I am thinking of taking the night off (a night I should be treading) because of my neck but I think I will give it a try and see how it goes before making any decisions.
Because of my unexpected day off yesterday, I did get to spend some time with my son who only goes to school from 9-12am each day. So I get a few hours with him and it was nice to spend some time (not bickering) together.
I also got some sad news on Saturday. My cousin is suffering from complications from CF (Cystic Fibrosis). From my mother, who heard it from my brother, she is in the hospital awaiting a lung transplant. It’s strange that this should come up right now, as I’ve been thinking of her a lot lately. I haven’t seen her in a very long time but my brother is close with her brother and we would sometimes hear tidbits about her health. I think the reason she’s been at the front of my mind lately is because I started reading Confessions of a CF Husband and am just hooked on their story of inspiration and love. I used to run for CF (when I was young and in shape!) but haven’t done anything lately and since I don’t hear from her, it was kind of in the back of my head just lingering. With the Confessions blog and hearing the troubling news on Saturday, I want to contact her and tell her I am thinking of her but I’m not sure how to get in touch with her. I asked my brother to get me an address to send a card, but I haven’t heard back from him.
If anyone out there is in tight with the Big Guy, please send out a prayer to my cousin. I’m sure every little bit helps.
I’ll keep you up to date as I find things out.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Mostly Movies
So, the weekend was fun! We spent a lot of time just relaxing and enjoying the time together but the big day was Saturday for WWH. He spent the day with one of his brothers and his dad and they took him go-karting. He LOVED it. Then I took him out to dinner at our favorite Mexican place called Botannas. After dinner we went to the bar that has the 4 mini-bowling lanes and waited for our friends and family to arrive. We had about 20 people show (I promise, pictures coming). I had to keep score all night so I was concentrating on that and totally forgot to take some pictures. But I did get a few!
We watched FOUR movies during the weekend, so that will be the majority of my post today.
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium:
A cute kids movie. Not the best I’ve ever seen but some cute characters played by Dustin Hoffman (Mr. Magorium) and Natalie Portman (Mahoney) and the star, an unknown (in my book) by the name Zack Mills. The basic plot of the movie is about Mr. Magorium’s toy store and who he will leave it too when he “leaves the earth”. He is after all 243 years old! I think kids 12 and under will really like this movie.
2.5 out of 5
The Brave One:
Starring Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard this is a dark movie. It’s hard to watch, the beating scene was pretty horrible but I think it had to be done that way so that we believe or understand why Jodie Foster’s character starts taking the law into her own hands. I’ve seen Terrence Howard in a few movies lately and I’m really starting to dig him. He’s so understated in his acting and it really works for me. So, for the plot, Jodie Foster and her fiancée are walking their dog in Central Park and get brutally attacked. A changed woman, Erica Bain (Foster) tries to get back to work in an NPR-like radio gig but the anger and hurt start to transform her into a vigilante.
3.5 out of 5
August Rush:
This has got to be the sappiest movie I’ve ever seen. A feel-good movie starring Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Freddie Highmore, along with a supporting character played by guess who? – Terrence Howard of course! Here’s the plot: Two young musicians meet, fall in love, and then are separated by an dominating father, the Atlantic Ocean and time. Meanwhile a child abandoned at an orphanage lives his live through music because he feels it’s the way back to his parents. Robin Williams also has a supporting role and it’s a bad guy, I didn’t like the character so Williams hit the mark. My son and I kept rolling our eyes (it’s our thing) when a movie goes above and beyond our tolerance level for anything. This time, they were rolling because of the schmaltz. - just too much of it and far to predictable for me to enjoy. Others may love this movie but for me it’s like The English Patient – Bleck – what was everyone gushing about?
1.5 out of 5
Dan in Real Life:
I saved the best for last. I really am starting to have a crush on Steve Carell. I loved him in “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Evan Almighty” but not a huge fan of “The Office”. My son is a HUGE fan of that TV show and constantly tries to get me to watch the episodes on our DVR. I think he is way too goofy on that show and I really like him in a more serious role. As for the plot: Dan is a widow with three girls and he’s been alone since his wife’s death because he’s had such a hard time getting over her. During a family outing (do they ever say why everyone is getting together?) at his parents house (played by Dianne Wiest and John Mahoney) he meets this woman that just opens him up and lights his soul back on fire. They part not knowing if they will ever see each other again but of course they will, as she is the latest girlfriend of his younger brother. Hilarity ensues. Very heartfelt and funny from his relationships with his daughters to his close-knit, nosey family I loved every second of this film.
4.25 out of 5
We watched FOUR movies during the weekend, so that will be the majority of my post today.
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium:
A cute kids movie. Not the best I’ve ever seen but some cute characters played by Dustin Hoffman (Mr. Magorium) and Natalie Portman (Mahoney) and the star, an unknown (in my book) by the name Zack Mills. The basic plot of the movie is about Mr. Magorium’s toy store and who he will leave it too when he “leaves the earth”. He is after all 243 years old! I think kids 12 and under will really like this movie.
2.5 out of 5
The Brave One:
Starring Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard this is a dark movie. It’s hard to watch, the beating scene was pretty horrible but I think it had to be done that way so that we believe or understand why Jodie Foster’s character starts taking the law into her own hands. I’ve seen Terrence Howard in a few movies lately and I’m really starting to dig him. He’s so understated in his acting and it really works for me. So, for the plot, Jodie Foster and her fiancée are walking their dog in Central Park and get brutally attacked. A changed woman, Erica Bain (Foster) tries to get back to work in an NPR-like radio gig but the anger and hurt start to transform her into a vigilante.
3.5 out of 5
August Rush:
This has got to be the sappiest movie I’ve ever seen. A feel-good movie starring Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Freddie Highmore, along with a supporting character played by guess who? – Terrence Howard of course! Here’s the plot: Two young musicians meet, fall in love, and then are separated by an dominating father, the Atlantic Ocean and time. Meanwhile a child abandoned at an orphanage lives his live through music because he feels it’s the way back to his parents. Robin Williams also has a supporting role and it’s a bad guy, I didn’t like the character so Williams hit the mark. My son and I kept rolling our eyes (it’s our thing) when a movie goes above and beyond our tolerance level for anything. This time, they were rolling because of the schmaltz. - just too much of it and far to predictable for me to enjoy. Others may love this movie but for me it’s like The English Patient – Bleck – what was everyone gushing about?
1.5 out of 5
Dan in Real Life:
I saved the best for last. I really am starting to have a crush on Steve Carell. I loved him in “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Evan Almighty” but not a huge fan of “The Office”. My son is a HUGE fan of that TV show and constantly tries to get me to watch the episodes on our DVR. I think he is way too goofy on that show and I really like him in a more serious role. As for the plot: Dan is a widow with three girls and he’s been alone since his wife’s death because he’s had such a hard time getting over her. During a family outing (do they ever say why everyone is getting together?) at his parents house (played by Dianne Wiest and John Mahoney) he meets this woman that just opens him up and lights his soul back on fire. They part not knowing if they will ever see each other again but of course they will, as she is the latest girlfriend of his younger brother. Hilarity ensues. Very heartfelt and funny from his relationships with his daughters to his close-knit, nosey family I loved every second of this film.
4.25 out of 5
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