I'm not going to say that this movie is for everyone and certainly not for every mood. But, on a whim I dvred it because it was set in London, and I wasn't disappointed. An elderly widow moves to London to start a new chapter in her life, to reconnect with her grandson, and to be independent, to be, and I quote, myself rather than a daughter, wife, mother. However, the first few minutes of the film you, as the viewer, can feel the loneliness off of the screen. She's surrounded by new faces and just seems so lost and alone. Life seems monotonous. And then she trips and falls and this young man, who could have easily have ignored her, runs out of his flat and helps her up and, rather than sending her on her way, offers her tea and his company. From then on, this young man, who admittedly has few friends but could easily find other amusements, and this older woman cultivate a truly symbiotic friendship. He learns from her, she learns from him, they surprise each other...and it's amazing how the choices made lead each to find happiness...him a new love...her some peace and happiness before death. It's uplifting to see humanity in that light, rather than always blowing each other up, stealing from one another, etc, and its so heartwrenching. We all make choices and we all cross paths with others...it's all about that. I'm still teary-eyed! And it makes me want to visit my grandmother really badly!!!

It's been awhile since I've been on. Life catches up, the daily stressors, and I think, for awhile there, I let that stress consume me a bit. But Spring is here and though it brings with it more allergies and more headaches it also brings more free reading time, camping, social time, and outings. I end up spending my days inside anyway but it looks pretty!

But I'm back if only to get some things off my mind. Though I've been frequenting Facebook, in lieu of tv.com, I still favor the anonymity of tv.com, the comfort that comes from espousing my ideas without any real fear of rancor. I love my friends and family but sometimes you just want to get things off your chest...not go into a back and forth attack.

Anyway, I'm reading that "Thousands Rally with 'tea parties' on tax day" from Yahoo news (oh the horror) and I'm still confused and wouldn't mind any opinions if I still have friends after such a long absence. No worries if I don't...like I said...this is just a way of self aggrandizing.

I know President Obama is spending alot and I'm not thrilled with the ballooning deficit nor am I exactly thrilled with the 4% increase in military spending (though everywhere I look there are complaints about the cutback in military spending). I'm not thrilled with his anti-Iraq war platform and his now renewed efforts in Afghanistan. I'm a walking contradiction on this topic because I can't come up with firm stance. I don't want to be in either country and yet, if we can bring about some difference and evolution in human rights, then the cost is worth it...maybe!?! In the next breath, I can argue that we shouldn't interfere, that we should allow every country to evolve, that we should focus on our own domestic issues, that we shouldn't lie to the American public about motives. But, if the lying is what bothers me, why not just accept it? Do not the ends justify the means? I don't know....

But onto the economy...wouldn't people be just as upset if President Obama did nothing, if he idly sat by and said "don't worry...these tax cuts that never work to begin with will work now...just give it time" instead of trying to infuse funds and yes even make work into the economy. The bonus in my paycheck is miniscule but does it add up? I don't know. To be honest, I wasn't even feeling the economic downturn one bit. I had one cousin who was laid off and that seemed like a given since he works in the construction business. But I felt just fine. The camps spread out about the country that are reminiscent of Hoovervilles kind of shocked me into reality. But the reality of it all hit when I got my own pink slip. I've made connections with the staff, love it there, but I don't have seniority and, though I may be rehired, who knows?

But I'm still ok with the stimulus plan and I'm still ok with Obama's plan. We've got to spend to make a different right? And that takes time...

So does anyone know what is so wrong with this plan? Do tax cuts really work? Aren't tax increases necessary for the programs we support? There in lies my contradiction again...I'm always afraid of a 1984 and Handsmaid Tale situation but I'm for big government when it comes to social issues...

ok...that was just throwup...any thoughts

So maybe I lied. Maybe I didn't know I lied but maybe I just have to face that this year will be different, that life is meant to have all these different stressors and that, while I know I can handle them, new stressors can easily throw me for a loop. So maybe the ball of whatever it is still feels like a weight on my chest and maybe I can't seem to get control over some things but maybe it's ok. Maybe I just have to deal with the fact that I can't always be in control and that I have to accept my decisions and their consequences and enjoy all for whatever all is worth because maybe that's what matters. I love my job, love my life, and yet I haven't been able to shake the feeling that I'm stuck in a hole. I'm working on that feeling, every day, like we all are. It's amazing how regenerative the spirit is with great friends, family, and great students.

I've been reticent to voice that feeling, afraid that it made me look weak, feel weak, but it feels good to get it off my chest. Maybe I just found a foothold?

Anyway, I'd also like to pay homage to a man who has given me countless hours of leisure and who I am actually really sad and shocked to lose. Sounds like someone I know, right? Well, it is...I know his words. Had it not been for Eric LaSalle's homage to him before tonight's episode of ER, I would not have been the wiser. It would seem that all things Obama predominated the news cycle and therefore my attention. Perhaps this is as it should be but it doesn't mean I wish I had known sooner. Michael Crichton wrote so many books that I couldn't put down, brought to light so many different thoughts on society, science, and created entertaining works of fiction in various media format. I can't believe I won't read another new book by him. Whether you agreed with his politics or not, you can't tell me this man didn't touch your life. I'm in the middle of Timeline...it feels strange to read it now...like I'll never read another Crichton book. Rest easy.

It's amazing how music can transform you. I just saw Simply Sinatra at the Bushnell last night and I feel rejuvenated...funny how things just fit, like a puzzle, in your life.

Looks like they're working the kinks out one by one. Kudos to you tv.com

Now, what to blog about...life, work, politics, movies, books...hmmm...so much going on I suppose

Work has surprisingly been stressful. It took me until about a couple weeks ago to finally feel settled into the school year. Before that, I struggled to adjust to the learning level of my new students and remembing names of the 230 exploratory kids I see...yeah righ! But things are settling in and year two is feeling much better. I can breathe again. I wasn't dealing with the stress in the best manner either. I was working out but avoiding my gym (b/c of my new later schedule) and I was frustrated by the financial waste. So, I'm getting back in the gym routine as well. Phew...it is my drug of choice, exercise, and without it I can get pretty irritable.

As for life, all is well. Operation Cindy, meaning forcing myself out, was well-intentioned and I have had a good time spending my weekends camping, seeing shows in New York, and dancing in Boston, but it's also getting a big overwhelming. It feels like a 7 day work week b/c I don't sleep well in strange places and am desperate for some me time. So, despite the upcoming weekends continuing the busy trend, I see a clear horizon for some of November and I can't wait to enjoy empty movie weekend alone! Ahhhh...can't wait...

Books...;(...I've been on temporary hiatus, reading maybe a couple pages a day. Currently, I'm finishing Aristophanes, The Birds, readying myself up for part two of my double feature show weekend. Saturday I see Sweeney Todd matinee and then The Birds, a modernized political version, at night.

Movies...given my intense crush on Gerard Butler (like many other women I know), I've been watching Butler films. My Blockbuster queue was sending me Ireland themed films and now Butler featured films and I'm enjoying that.

Politics...no energy to go there...another more purposeful blog

Sorry that this was just blather but I felt like I had to post something!

The following is what I initially wanted to blog about before my frustrations got the best of me. I'm really not that upset by the kinks. Tv.com will work them out as they have done in the past. In the meantime, I'll use movietome and hope that my trusted contributer status' don't get revoked b/c of my lack of activity. I swear I have pages of contributions but they're not going in with the right format. Which begs this question...does anyone have any clues on how to work the kinks or you all just biding your time?

Ok...here was my blog. GL fans hark!

So, it's Wednesday and I'm openning my email and I find one from Hartford Stage telling me about a night Wednesday performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Now, I had originally planned to attend a few weeks from now but another event popped up and I was looking for a new date. When this email came through with an advertised discounted price, I jumped at the chance despite the fact that I knew it would keep me up past my bedtime. (remember I'm a teacher and generally try to work out in the morning) It was bloody fantastic, probably one of the funniest productions I've seen, and just a wonderful rendition of the comedy. I loved the director's take on it, the actors interpretation of the text and adlibbing (particularly reacting to a certain older lady audience members audible reactions). A few Guiding Light alums (i.e. EDMUND!!! as Oberon/Duke) starred and were just hilarious. Puck, Bottom, all their acting was so funny. I'm gushing and not providing enough substance but it was this production that once again reminded me the great thing about live theater. It's interpretive and reactive, feeding off of the energy in the room. I guarantee that performance cannot be recreated. I'm also really happy I went simply b/c I love shows and I did go to them, alone mind you b/c my traveling companions were not show-goers, on the cruise, and in Ireland with my travel partners but it's been awhile since I've seen a comedy and laughed that much. It was refreshing. The fact that I did it during the week...it's part of operation Cindy...After Ireland, I had fun withdrawal and after this cruise I promised myself to go out...even if I'm feeling homedrawn. So, there it is.

If you're from the area, check it out! I might even go for a second run.

Now, it's back to Friday time.

One word of wisdom. My cousin, one of my closest friend, and I were estranged for nearly a month. No big deal-just misunderstanding and some needed cool down time. However, because I tend to just let things go (I don't really) and accept that people are just different (I wholeheartedly support this), when I don't get along with someone I just let it go b/c I figure it's a difference in personality, beliefs. Well, I was bottling up some things about this cousin, shocking given how open I am regularly, and I felt so relieved to just unload. We'll agree to disagree. For the time being, it's just great to be speaking, hanging out, friends again. So, word to the wise, John Mayer has it right. Say what you need to say. You'll be the better for it.

Pictures are coming!

Brinchen begins her blogs with a "lucky" statement. It's really an inspirational way to start. Her last blog was simply, "Luck is having luck." Now, it made me think of this thing called luck. Now, you can call it that or faith or positivity but, whatever you call it, it was there when I went to Ireland and Italy a few years ago and is generally in life, regardless if things are going great or not. I've already stated some of my more interesting experiences there and that I'm an organized adventurer. However, little things went awry right from the beginning. Our flight was delayed at least six hours, eliminating our time in Paris and making our ability to catch our connecting flight difficult. I immediately became even more nervous and anxious (love to travel but hate flying). Within a half hour, someone had helped us get onto a direct flight to Dublin and Air France footed the Aer Lingus bill. We had lost our day in Paris but gained a day in Dublin. After two weeks, the plan was to move onto Scotland for a few days and then London for a few days. My cousin freaked out about the budget and, despite it costing only $200 to go to Glasgow and my sisters and I compromising about eliminating London. She would not budge. She refused to go. I'm still a bit bitter about it b/c for all her complaining and claiming she was dead broke she now suddenly has all the money to find a new apartment $200 more expensive a month than she had budgeted for and plans to get a tattoo. Argh...still bitter. But the point is that it did work out b/c of positive thinking. We took an extra week of traveling in Ireland and did it at a much slower pace, relaxed. It was nice.

I find everytime I get nervous or stressed out that things work out. Now, whether they work out the way they're supposed to or simply work out b/c I accept the consequences and enjoy life regardless, they just do. Patience, Positivity, and Perseverance...my new montra.

I have learned how to insert but, if you think I'm going to upload all my pics, you're insane. So, I've sifted through my cousins and found some that I liked. Clearly, not as good as the pictures I take but what can I say? However, given that they're on kodak, maybe it's causing an error. I don't know but it says, "Tag img may not have attribute title" and I filled out all three lines. So, no pics for you...I'm the pic nazi. (that's probably one of the few Seinfeld jokes I actually know and get and like).

Another story...Gap of Dunloe...

So, as I've said, I like hiking and exercise and was craving some of those endorphins to kick in. So, we're in Killarney and of course we're going to do some hiking. We do a fairly easy trail and talk about the McGuilliguddy (sp) mountains in the distance. So, we originally had a kayaking trip planned but we went out that night and got some advice from locals. They recommended we take a rowboat, see Innisfallen island, and then bike or hike the Gap of Dunloe. It would be an easy two hour hike. That's what we were told. Either way, we were excited about this option because it was much more affordable...10 euros compared to 75 euros...and it meant seeing much more and hiking as far up as we could in the mountains. We were warned there would be some incline but not much...we didn't think it through that it would be up a mountain!

So, the rowboat ride was just stunning. Gave you views you couldn't get and we floated along for a couple hours. Then, we arrive and given my inability to ride a bike, I was gungho for the hike. My cousin Karen was more inclined to rent a bike until she learned that you were supposed to do that before you got on the rowboat. HAHAHA! Anyway, we go and go and go and go...and it was absolutely stunning and strenuous! I always carry a bag when I go hiking and my back was killing me but the views were worth it...but it was a bit painful when the uphil climb just never stopped. The downhill was just as beautiful with these pockets of glittering lakes but it was just as long. We saw people starting the hike from the other side and they looked way too fresh and dolled up. There's no way they were going to the top. Either way, it was great exercise and it was just worth it but kicked our butts.

Movie Review:

The Other Boleyn Girl

Hmmm. I am always at the defense of historical films. I usually think that they are worthwhile if they make a viewer interested enough in the subject to seek out some answers. But, in this case, I was in utter awe at the inherent inaccuracies. It was based on the work of Phillipa Gregory (sp) and I'm not sure where she got her facts but they're all tumbled about. The characterizations of Anne, her sister, Henry: they're one dimensional. Henry the 8th was a philanderer for certain but his relationships didn't guide his political world. He sought to be the head of his own church for security, power, greed. Those perhaps aren't better motives than sex but they certainly paint a more competent ruler than the one seen on film. Anne was certainly the second sister bedded but she didn't steal the man from her sister...and her sister was not this innocent angel. Anyway, needless to say, I was a bit irritated by it. Plus...the costumes were brilliant, just gorgeous...and I may have developed a tiny crush on Eric Bana. It's over now but for a couple hours I wished that Henry 8th looked like him. Similar thing happened with Henry II. I love Lion in the Winter...one of my favorites...and Peter O'Toole will forever be an acting fave b/c of his turns as Henry...and Katherine Hepburn...need I say more. Anyway, historical fiction has its place and I enjoy plausible storytelling but I suppose I would appreciate a bit more research and honesty. In the DVD extras, the people associated with the film acted like her work was the ultimate authority on the issue.

Evelyn

Sweet movie. Haven't checked out the historical accuracy of this piece but its set in Ireland (so I have to like it) and features a man questioning Irish law in order to get custody of his kids back. True story apparently. Pierce Brosnan does well as does the rest of the cast. I'm not crazy about the entire focus being placed on his daughter. He was trying to get his two sons as well but I believe it was she who started the whole process with the writer so that makes sense. My favorite part...Pierce's speech on the stand. I wish that was real but it was written under duress by the writer. They needed a climactic courtroom moment and locked him in his room for 1 and 1/2 until he finished it.

And finally...

I'm frugal and I have been debating getting a new tv when the 20 in I have is just fine. But I wanted a bigger one and a flat screen. So, to stay within budget for the whole shebang...dvd upconverter, hd reciever, argh...headahce, I got a 37 inch Toshiba on sale at Circuit City. I was looking at the 40 inches but the $$$ kept going up and I wasn't willing to pay $$$$. So, it's mine. It's here. And now I'm just waiting for those other additions to come. Ay yi yi. What was I thinking? I get nervous spending that much. I can drop it on a trip at the drop of a hat but on electronics and I start to palpitate. My mother put it in perspective. I watch movies...ALOT...and I should enjoy them. So, last year my gift to msyelf was some jewelry. This year, it's a tv. Laptop may be coming soon but we're going to stagger these expenses.

Oh wait...almost done...my parents have bitten the bullet and have bought a camper/trailer...whatever the right term is. We're really excited. By a pond, near a beach, close to Newport, and all I can think about is trees, son, hiking, and horseback riding, with some canoeing...how is that it's been a few years since I've been canoeing? So, we'll finish the season with a couple weekends there and then enjoy next summer there.

And...2009 travel plans are 75% sure. Las Vegas has to be in there as a promise to the twins. They turn 21 and I promised them years ago I'd wait for them. I just want to see the Hoover Dam and the bright lights...maybe do some dancing...I have to keep my wits about me though. I'm the guardian of those girls! And, even though I was in portugal in 2005, that may be coming up again. My uncle just went and my grandfather is looking his age...85. I miss him and my mom misses her dad. So, it's time. You never know. So, we're thinking Santa Maria, Acores again and then some continental Europe portion...portugal and spain maybe?

This was just verbal diarrhea. Sorry for the lack of cohesion to this blog but there it is. It's out and I'm not editing.

Wow! I finally saw this. It took a few weeks since we've been back to coordinate our schedules but I don't know what took me so long. I likedBatman Begins enough. I liked where it was taking the franchise. And I planned on renting the sequel. However, when all of the hoopla came out about the performances of the actors, my interest was piqued. When Heath Ledger died, I was shocked and wasn't sure if I'd watch it at the movie theaters to pay tribute to him or stay away because it would be sad. My interest overruled and it paid off in spades. This film was just fantastic. The action, the battles, the coordination, the acting, everything was just on par and it puts every other hero movie, especially the Spiderman films, to shame. I liked the first two Batman movies and appreciated Jack Nicholson but it comes down to a matter of preference for the style of film. The first two Burton versions were sickeningly frightening and funny while this Nolan undertaking is just darker. Ledger falls in line with his darker version and it's just fantastic to see his transformation. It's sad that we won't get to see any more of what Ledger could deliver but Bale has taken the mantle of Batman and, even with the heavy handed voice, should hold onto it. Kudos to Christopher Nolan. It all felt real, gritty with the one exception of Two Face's CGIed face (it was a bit too much in my book). And each time I thought the film was over it came back with more story and you were just so involved that the 2.5 hours flew by. My only issue: there's no pause button at the movie theaters! I had to use the bathroom so bad but there was never a good time to step out!

Anyway, go watch it! It was a fun ride. A plus is the trailer to Terminator. Looks like Bale, despite whatever his legal issues are now, is just the hottest ticket, reinventing two franchises. Looks good and I can't wait for the final battle to begin.

To be yin yang about it, I'll give you another panicked moment for me and then a very rewarding time.

Driving:

First, driving over there was not the easiest for me. My spatial awareness is not that grand and it's been years of driving that has gotten me to be able to manuever on the highway, park, etc. Over there, I felt like a new driver. On the highways, I was fine. There's so much space that, with practice (which we had a lot of with hours of driving), you're fine. Those narrow, country roads though are another story. So, we're heading north for the Northern Ireland portion of our trip. We hit Belfast. I'm fine. Driving through the city, meandering our way to a castle in the mountains, all is well. We leave in the afternoon and drive the coastal route for Giant's Causeway and Skellig bridge. Well, about 1/2 hour from our final destination, I'm driving along, feeling confident and comfortable despite the now smaller roads and a d**n trailer makes its way towards me. I move not even an inch and BOOM!!! There's the curb, a dented rim, and a bludgeoned tire. Argh! I'm so disheartened. Not only am I disappointed in myself (I know it's an accident and it happens to be in the U.S. why not Ireland) but now I'm also mad that I've got to shell money out (Pounds!!! which has a worse conversion rate) to fix the darn rim and buy a new tire. So, needless to say, it was an experience. And, I'm a low maintanence high maintanence kind of girl if that makes any sense and I had the wonderful experience of changing a tire for the first time without the benefit of AAA. Now, I can laugh. Of course it happened to me!

White Park Bay/Near Giant's Causeway:

Vacations for me are stressful. I thrive on it but, given my role as coordinator, I'm always trying to make sure all is set. Also, because I know I can be bossy, I try to overcompensate by making sure everyone is happy. Pleasing four other people and compromising-not an easy feat. So, the trip had its trying moments and I needed some alone time. As much as I like people, I love my alone time and you can't get that in hostels or traveling with four girls. So, at this beach, while others slept and just walked around, I went for a run on the beach and then followed a rock path around a corner to these fantastic formations. (I'd post pictures but I don't know how). I needed that exercise/endorphins and that me time/solitude and it was just beautiful-relaxing-invigorating. It was just beautiful.

That's all. I'll try and catch up on blogs soon!

P.S. If I can, I'll post video of the tractor. It's funny now b/c my cousin claimed the tire had come off-like the entire thing-ridunkulous...it's so funny.

I suppose there's quite a bit I want to blog about so away we go.

Reviews:

Michael Crichton continues to be my favorite author. I'm a Johnny Come Lately with him and I've been gobbling up all that I can. Most recently, Jurassic Park, Lost World, Prey, and Next and all four are simply fantastic. He may come off a bit preachy, perhaps lecturing from, at times, a liberal or conservative camp, but his works always make me open up my mind and think that much more on whatever issue is at hand. I just finished Next and, though not my favorite, I was amazed at how far genetic research has come and it has prompted me to queue up a few new book choices on Amazon.com.

I've also read a few Nora Roberts and, though they were fine, I was a bit disappointed by the cheese factor. She writes romance novels but the ones I've read have all been suspense. The Irish series, which of course I had to read while in Ireland, and Three Fates were fine enough reads but I had to swallow a lot of annoying reactions when things were too sugar sweet.

Death at a Funeral:

If you like that wry, witty British humor, you won't stop laughing while watching this film. There is a remarkable, sweet eulogy given at the end and it speaks to the human condition. So, the film does certainly end on a sweet note, one that acknowledges the death of the patriarch and brings together the entire familiy but getting to this point is wrought with such ridiculous happenings that you can't help but laugh despite the somber background.

Vantage Point:

Wow! I was impressed. It was done well. CGI may have been used to clean up certain scenes but everything was authentic and that adds to the realism of every action sequence. Nearly every major character in the film has his own experience, his own perspective, and the film reveals to you the story, the truth of the matter, by providing you with glimpses into each of these experiences. It then all comes together. It was seamless storytelling.

Harold and Kumar 2:

So I saw that this was set in Guatanamo Bay and I wasn't sure I would watch it. I usually don't like stupid funny films but liked the first one and knew I would be watching this. However, the place setting made me feel like I was making light of the real human rights abuses taking place there. Nonetheless, I watched it and laughed. So many quotable lines: sublantics, don't you wipe, fake korean. I miss Rob Corddry on the DS.

Daily Show:

Yippee! I went to a live taping of the DS on August 7 and Jon Stewart is flawlessly funny and quickwitted, ad libbing, feeding off of the audience. It was a long day for only a forty minute excursion but it was worth it for the experience.

Edwards!!!

I just turned 27 and have been, for the most part, consistently single and people wonder why. I'll tell you why. Every where I turn all I see is unfaithful partners. I'm not accusing the male gender of this. They don't corner this market. Both genders are guilty of this and I don't understand. I'm proud of his wife and of their ability to work through this. It's embarrassing that this has had to come out two years after the fact and that it has had to be rehashed. But it is out now and I'm so disappointed. Before I grew to like Obama, I was an Edwards fan. I liked his politics, his persona, and now I'm just disheartened. I understand that a sexual scandal is a seemingly integral part to every politician's resume but seriously!?! I guess I'm relieved he never made it on the ticket or else the Democrats would have managed to mess it up again.

Ireland story #1

There are many but we'll start with the last one. You may not know me beyond tv.com land but, independent thinking though I may be, I tow the line. I'm a teacher and am pretty much scared of authority. I don't like to get in trouble and don't do things that could bring any such drama in. And yet, in Ireland, the rental car was under my name and, though I don't drink, I wasn't driving. The roads weren't packed and I could have but I hate city driving and let my cousin drive. It's illegal to do so but who hasn't allowed multiple people in your party to drive to share the burden? Anyway, we had made friends in Ireland and they had joined us for our last night but had lost their ride home. So, because we had to be at the airport early and night life finishes late, we knew we weren't going to sleep, we invited them to hang out at our hotel room. It sounds promiscuous but if you only knew...I was the one confirming flight times, final packing, and showering while everyone else played Uno. Yeah, I know, wild party! Anyway, back to may point, we had seven people in the car, two extra people, and wouldn't you know we get pulled over. I nearly broke down, as per usual when trouble is near. The female cop went to town on me, reminding me that this was all on me, that I was putting everyone in danger by allowing it to happen. I feel that the male cop seemed sympathetic and, because we were flying out the next morning, they let us go and, knowing my nerves about driving in cities, they gave us a police escort to the highway. Oh god...everyone else thought it was the funniest thing...and I was having a panic attack, afraid we wouldn't make our flight or have our car taken away. I was so nervous I drew blood, scratching my neck repeatedly. Anyway, my sisters would have told this story and you would have laughed. Instead, you read this story and see how panicked I get. I guess it's funny now...all 7 of us in that car...and then all of us playing Uno. Who does that?

Stories to come:

Gap of Dunloe

White Park Bay

Strandhill

Galway

I am indeed home and have been for a couple weeks. I've been periodically peeking in but it was so nice to be out of the technology loop that I've been trying to steer clear. In any event, Ireland was utterly beautiful. I'm not sure words can convey just how much of a wonderful time we had traveling this country. There are so many stories, so many things that I want to talk about but it will have to suffice that we all had a wonderful time.

Well, I've been talking about it for so long and it's finally here! I'll be spending the day in Paris b/c we chose a long layover. Then, two weeks in Ireland, all over, and then 1.5 weeks in Scotland/England. I love traveling but I hate flying so of course I'm now dealing with a bit of anxiety. Will I forget anything? I hope I can ignore the fact that I'm 30,000 feet in the air. How many arguments will five traveling female friends/relatives get into? Will driving be a fun adventure or only a funny story later? I can't wait to get there...I really can't. It's surreal that I'm going, that I'll be there but it's a bit daunting just thinking about it. So, anyway, tv.com has been a good distraction and I say a fond Slan Agat to my tv.com friends. I shall return in August ready to contribute and catch up on blogs. Maybe when I return Karl can help me post some pictures (right?)

So, enjoy July and Happy Fourth of July! I'll see you soon.

P.S.

I posted in the Editor's Lounge but I am mentioning it here again. I will be away for the month of July and unable to tend to any on my queue. While there's never much activity on those that I edit, I'm giving the heads up nonetheless.

P.P.S.

I've watched a couple movies lately that have pleasantly shocked me. Wind Chill actually had some suspenseful/shocking moments. Game Plan was just fun. Rock has had some hits and misses but this was a hit, if only just to see the Rock in prime physical form, in tights, and in impersonation of Elvis with a guitar.

I've also continued reading Michael Crichton and enjoyed Prey...and if you loved the premise of Stephen King's The Stand or loved the Terminator series, or basically love reading about the possibility of human intelligence/technology gone bad...here's another great example.

Charlie Wilson's War...

Well, I had to watch it b/c I Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts can do no wrong. I also watched it b/c it's an interesting story. Hindsight is 20/20 but how many times are we going to help the people that later become our "enemies"? Anyway, I watched the film and was not really involved in it. It moved along fine enough. The rhetoric was witty but perhaps I simply wasn't in the mood for such an involved film. The last ten minutes finally got me and the lines there were simply unforgetable.

Charlie: Half the population is under the age of 14. Now, think how f**kin dangerous that is...

Bob: And we helped kill the guys who did that.

Charlie: Yeah but they don't know that do they, Bob? They don't get home delivery of The New York Times and, even if they did, it was covert remember. This is what we always do. We always go in with our ideals and we change the world and then we leave. We always leave...but the ball keeps on bouncing...Let's spend a million and rebuild the school.

Government Official: Charlie, nobody gives a s**t about a school in Pakistan.

Charlie: Afghanistan.

Maybe we should have. And The Zen Master said "We'll See." We will continue to see indeed.

The film ends with this Wilson quote:

"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world...And then we f**ked up the end game."

So, regardless of your political stance, it's an interesting film, an interesting perspective to glorify the man that helped arm our current enemy in order to break down our former foe.

History is the best story ever told...but it's real, making it all the more frightening, interesting, confusing, heartbreaking, and even mythical.

Because my sisters were extras in the last Indiana Jones film, I promised them I'd watch it but that I'd have to rewatch the first three, of which I only remember seeing bits and pieces of, over again. I now have and have to say I'm not impressed and don't really understand the hoopla. They're definitely exciting and I finally see just how much The Mummy/The Mummy Returns borrowed from Indiana Jones. But, perhaps b/c it has now become a bit dated or perhaps because I'm not a fan of the crappy dialogue that seems pervasive in Lucas films, the first two bored me to tears. I felt like some parts were memory overload and other parts were just ridiculous. Does the woman always have to be the woman in distress? The idiot who drags the, of course, tough, "bad" boy down? I appreciate the effects b/c I think CGI is overdone at times but these pet peeves made those watches a bit...well, blah...but the same is not true for the last one. Now that I enjoyed and could watch repeatedly, much like I have The Mummy and sequel and National Treasure and sequel. A bit of whimsy, a bit of Arthurian legend (which I love), a bit of more world traveling, great chemistry between Ford and Connery, deception, suspense, great effects, and the inevitable, well incorporated backstory that comes with just about every trilogy. I could live without the decieving Nazi female traitor but all other things make it worth it and finally help me understand why all loved these movies.

Now, I'll have to watch this Skull addition. I've heard some are upset by the extraterrestial quality of it but I feel like it fits in just fine with the first two, particularly the second one in which "god" comes from the heavens to kill all who would deem to open up the covenant.

Anyway, we'll see how I feel after I watch it...and I'm not sure when that will be...but we'll see.

Don't get me wrong. Every teacher yearns for the last day of school as much as her students but every year every teacher faces a certain sense of bittersweet sadness. I had to wish my 8th graders off yesterday and I did actually get a few tears in my eyes when I had to say goodbye to my lunch bunch crew. I ate with my coworkers or worked during my lunch when I taught at the high school so this year with the kids has been a great experience. Two weeks ago, when I began taking down my classroom decorations, it felt so cold and stark...and now there aren't people here either! I'm feeling just a tad lonely...but Ireland is around the corner and there's always happy hour today!

So, anyway, hello summer!

We always go along with our lives, consumed by the minutiae of our daily lives. That's an important of living. We should be worried about the little things because it reminds us that we're alive and keeps our mind off of the fact that we are mortal. When family members leave us, our world is wrecked. My uncle died...jeez...it's already been three years...that makes me want to cry...I can't believe that much time has passed. He had cancer but we didn't know the extent of it. It was much worse and would have been fatal but he didn't get to suffer from it because he died of an embolism first. I don't believe in regrets but the one thing that I will always remember for the future is that I hadn't gone to see him in the hospital b/c I had study sessions planned for my students. I had planned to see him the day that he died at home...eek...I'm getting a bit emotional here. My grandfather had passed away when I was 9 and that still tears me up but my uncle leaving us...that was just the first time I had to face anything like that as an adult and that was, by far, the worst moment of my life.

And, though not to the same degree, we're just as rocked when strangers die. I guess because we can empathize. 9/11 was devastating and everytime a well-known figure passes, particularly if unexpectedly, it's a shock and reminds us, me, of our mortality. Tim Russert just passed away of a heart attack and I'm left bewildered. A couple weeks ago, Stewart and Colbert were just making fun of McAuliffe for mistakenly believing that Russert's father was dead and now, just days later, Tim is. It's just shocking and I know I'm rambling but I needed somewhere to release this. Anyway, rest in peace and I send my condolences to his family.

So, remember to spend every moment doing exactly what you like, other people's standards be d**med! You define what is awesome and you be awesome.

My sisters organized this camping trip this past weekend. Four days in the sun, sleeping in our tents, grilling burgers and making sandwiches, and sunbathing and swimming at the beach. It was a great time, an honestly wonderful experience. I was ready for a real shower and my comfortable bed last night and am still in desperate need of regular applications of aloe vera but this doesn't take away from the fun and sun. Even the thunderstorm that openned up above us, driving us into our cars as our tents flooded...funny...and thankfully safe. Five people were struck by lightening at the park where we were staying and one died. So, I'm just blessed to have my health and my two beautiful, sweetheart sisters with great friends. Good times...good memories...

And now, the countdown to Ireland continues. Three weeks to the day and I will be at the Emerald Isle. And now, the nerves continue to build.

Anyway, that's what's up in my neck of the woods. I'll be checking up on blogs soon...but I've just got one last batch of projects to grade and then I'm done...