If you were to ask who my top favorite Actor and Actress would be, I would tell you, Carey Grant and Kate Winslet. They never disappoint me and I fall in love with them every time, even if the movie itself is somewhat failing. My favorite story about Kate Winslet is when she tried to show her kids what she does for a living. Most of her movies had been inappropriate for small children to watch. She finally made a children's movie with the hit "Flushed Away". After they enjoyed watching her movie, she tried seeing if they understood what her job was. Her daughter replied with, "Oh I see...Mommy, you do mouse voices." Poor Kate. One day her daughter will know her Mommy's brilliance.
My list of actors would go on to include Anne Hathaway and many others. Anne Hathaway has displayed a consistent integrity throughout her career movie choices. She has not seemed to been wrapped up in the shallowness of Hollywood. She doesn't have a sex tape or been caught not wearing panties. Which brings me to one of my favorite quotes. She was interviewed a couple months back in a magazine and something she said has stuck with me and has been a comfort to me. In the last paragraph of her interview, the article reads, "It's hard to sum up the balance she is trying to achieve, but Anne thoughtfully explains, 'There's something that, growing up, my mom would say to me. And I say it back to her a lot. We're fairly dramatic people. And we're prone to very big feelings. So, when those very big feelings sometimes aren't the most positive thing, we just look at each other, and we say, 'Choose joy.' " That quote resonates with me in a very powerful way. I wish I had had its wisdom as a child, so that it would have validated the positives of being a dramatic person, but the simple way I needed to deal with the negative. There are a lot of us dramatic people who simply let our feelings get the best of us. Being it the positive or the negative. We just have to remember that's who we are and we need to "Choose joy". Very simply put, but profoundly effective if used.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
HSM 3 craziness!
As some of you know, Abby is obsessed with High School Musical. She is 5 going on 15 after watching these movies. She knows all the songs and makes me sing them,..well only the boy parts. She sings the girl parts and yells at me if I try to sing them. We sing the songs every time she is in my car and whenever we watch the movies. She makes me play the Characters. I'm afraid that we have become the equivalent of Star Wars fans, but with HSM.
Every time we watch the movies, she make me sing the songs as we watch the movies, sometimes even acting them out and this has become our ritual in watching these movies. As you might imagine, we..I mean She was excited about the continuing of these films with the ever awaited trilogy of HSM 3. I bought tickets at the El Capitan in Hollywood for us to experience the movie to its fullest. We dressed up in our HSM finest, donning our matching hot pink HSM hats as well as matching shirts. She was so excited. When we got to the movie theatre, they gave us our bucket of HSM popcorn that would lead us to an adventure of a lifetime. There were many young kids and Abby was no exception. She even needed a booster seat to be able to see the giant screen. Throughout the movie, she would look at me and smile and wink, as if to check in and signal to me her enjoyment and excitement of this to me. As with all the movies, for her the climatic part would be the part where Troy and Gabriella would kiss. I know why I enjoy seeing that scene, but I still have yet to figure out its significance to a 5 year old. In our ritual of this scene coming up, we would hold hands and with boy crazy enthusiasm, we give a loud, giddy "EEEEEeeeee!" So of course, HSM 3 had the potential for giving us the opportunity to take part in our favorite expression of happiness in this scene. We did, and from an adults point of view, the kiss was AMAZING. The last movies don't even compare. They are kisses you give to your mom, whereas this recent installment gives a romantic, passionate, sweet kiss. After the movie ended, Abby and I walked to the car and I asked her, "What did you think of the movie?" Her confident reply, "It was perfect." She smiled as she said that. I then asked her what she thought of our favorite part, the kiss. Without missing a beat she says, "It was delightful." To a 5 year old, she thought the kiss was delightful! How cute is that? If you were to ask me as a 24 year old how my first kiss with Chris was, I would claim it was delightful and magical. I think that's kind of how falling in love is. We see the world with a child like enthusiasm and become shielded from the world's disappointments and we suddenly become innocent. That innocence is something I believe we all search to find. That's when we do our best dreaming and we feel we can conquer the world. Children have the ability to dream the impossible dream and adults become fearful of attempting such a feat. As adults, we do get this rare window of opportunity in some unexpected moments. When we fall in love with our significant other. When we come to know and accept Christ's love for us. When we fall in love with a movie. When we go to Disneyland. When Christmas rolls around. When we meet those rare people in our lives who we can be ourselves with. It's different with everybody. My mom would tell you its when she runs, whereas my brother would confess it is when he surfs or experiences the outdoors. I would say a visit with Sea World encompasses all that is beautiful and wonderful. Kissing the one you love, hits you in a way that you didn't know you could feel and God has blessed us with that beautiful gift. I suppose that is why I enjoy these HSM movies. They are a rare window into the world of innocence, especially when I experience them through my favorite little person. I hope everyone has found that window of complete happiness. I can guarantee two absolute moments. When you kiss the one you love and when you fall in love with Christ. As for HSM movies being that for you, I have no guarantees.
Every time we watch the movies, she make me sing the songs as we watch the movies, sometimes even acting them out and this has become our ritual in watching these movies. As you might imagine, we..I mean She was excited about the continuing of these films with the ever awaited trilogy of HSM 3. I bought tickets at the El Capitan in Hollywood for us to experience the movie to its fullest. We dressed up in our HSM finest, donning our matching hot pink HSM hats as well as matching shirts. She was so excited. When we got to the movie theatre, they gave us our bucket of HSM popcorn that would lead us to an adventure of a lifetime. There were many young kids and Abby was no exception. She even needed a booster seat to be able to see the giant screen. Throughout the movie, she would look at me and smile and wink, as if to check in and signal to me her enjoyment and excitement of this to me. As with all the movies, for her the climatic part would be the part where Troy and Gabriella would kiss. I know why I enjoy seeing that scene, but I still have yet to figure out its significance to a 5 year old. In our ritual of this scene coming up, we would hold hands and with boy crazy enthusiasm, we give a loud, giddy "EEEEEeeeee!" So of course, HSM 3 had the potential for giving us the opportunity to take part in our favorite expression of happiness in this scene. We did, and from an adults point of view, the kiss was AMAZING. The last movies don't even compare. They are kisses you give to your mom, whereas this recent installment gives a romantic, passionate, sweet kiss. After the movie ended, Abby and I walked to the car and I asked her, "What did you think of the movie?" Her confident reply, "It was perfect." She smiled as she said that. I then asked her what she thought of our favorite part, the kiss. Without missing a beat she says, "It was delightful." To a 5 year old, she thought the kiss was delightful! How cute is that? If you were to ask me as a 24 year old how my first kiss with Chris was, I would claim it was delightful and magical. I think that's kind of how falling in love is. We see the world with a child like enthusiasm and become shielded from the world's disappointments and we suddenly become innocent. That innocence is something I believe we all search to find. That's when we do our best dreaming and we feel we can conquer the world. Children have the ability to dream the impossible dream and adults become fearful of attempting such a feat. As adults, we do get this rare window of opportunity in some unexpected moments. When we fall in love with our significant other. When we come to know and accept Christ's love for us. When we fall in love with a movie. When we go to Disneyland. When Christmas rolls around. When we meet those rare people in our lives who we can be ourselves with. It's different with everybody. My mom would tell you its when she runs, whereas my brother would confess it is when he surfs or experiences the outdoors. I would say a visit with Sea World encompasses all that is beautiful and wonderful. Kissing the one you love, hits you in a way that you didn't know you could feel and God has blessed us with that beautiful gift. I suppose that is why I enjoy these HSM movies. They are a rare window into the world of innocence, especially when I experience them through my favorite little person. I hope everyone has found that window of complete happiness. I can guarantee two absolute moments. When you kiss the one you love and when you fall in love with Christ. As for HSM movies being that for you, I have no guarantees.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Brilliant!
I was just reminiscing about some moments in the Television that still make me smile to this day. I thought I would share them with you:)
In no particular order.
1. About 5-8 yrs ago, I couldn't tell you exactly, I found myself bringing in the new year with MTV. The Foo Fighters were scheduled to perform right at midnight to start the year. The VJ's were in constant communication with The Foo Fighters who repeatedly mentioned a surprise. After commercials, they gave a clue. They said it would be a "200 lb. surprise". What the heck did that mean? I was eager and excited to be surprised. Midnight came and The Foo Fighters began playing "Back to Black" by AC/DC. "Awesome!" I thought. Then came the surprise. . .Out runs Jack Black on singing the lyrics to the song. It was one of the best performances I had a ever seen. I suppose I was more excited by the surprise and unexpectedness of it all. Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8R2LODo_f0
2. Tina Fey as Palin. I heard that she was going to be playing her, but I had no idea that it would be that amazing. She was perfect! That will always be a classic impression. The Katie Couric interview is one of my favorites. When she gets lost talking about health care and job creation, it is a very humble moment. I can empathize with her. It reminds me of me, in college, at midnight, trying to finish my 10 page paper the night before its due. I have put in all the info I can, but its not enough pages. So I then begin to ramble on about a topic and I try to use big words and as many words as possible, just to sound intelligent and like I am giving more of an answer then I actually am. I feel you Sarah Palin.
3. On the same note. . .Amy Poehler rapping a song about Sarah Palin when she is about 9 months pregnant. Amy gives an intense performance in such delicate condition. I will be inspired to do the same when I am a large pregnant woman. That was awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6ya39slPgs
4. Katrina changed Louisiana and made celebrities look like they care about something. In true celebrity form, they selflessly offered their celebrity to this cause with an all night telethon. There were good musical performances and A-List celebrities. My FAVORITE part of the evening was when a celebrity let his crazy slip out. Kanye West and Mike Myers were lending their help by pleading to our nation about donating money, or at least that's what they were supposed to do. . .As most of you saw, Mike Myers speaks seriously and sincerely into the camera and then its Kanye's turn. . . ."George Bush does not care about Black people." OMG. I was sitting there with my jaw dropped, thinking, "Did he just say that?" The best part was Mike Myers face when Kanye made his intelligent statement. It was brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIUzLpO1kxI
5. In non-reality TV, one of my favorite moments was brought to us by a little show called FRIENDS. Of course, the last episode was monumental and so sad, It was the end end of an era! but I had no idea how it would end. Ross tells Rachel at the airport that he's in love with her before she leaves to move to Paris. She doesn't return his affections the same way and continues on to the airplane. Then this is where it gets really good. Ross gets home and listens to his messages, one of which is from Rachel. She begins to apologize for not saying more to him and in the middle of the message she realizes she is making a mistake going to Paris. You then here her arguing with a flight attendant that she needs to get off the plane. As Ross is listening, you hear yelling at the machine, " Let her off the plane!" The phone hangs up. An emotional Ross is left is saying, "Did she get off the plane?" Then you hear Rachel's voice saying, "I got off the plane." The live audience's reactions is priceless as well as many others of us who had the same gasp of relief and happiness that these two would finally be together. Because she's his Lobster.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYhT6zqpXw0
6. Another memorable TV couple had to come The Office. Most people are familiar with longing of Jim and the torn Pam in their tumultuous friendship. At the end of season 4, we were left not knowing the fate of their relationship. Then in the season premiere, they interview Pam about her relationship with Jim and she insists that they are not dating. A little later, you catch Pam picking up Jim. The camera angle makes it feel like we're not suppose to seem them. Then, there it is. Jim kisses Pam in the car. I was with a bunch of girls when this memorable moment occurred. We all screamed with giddy. Awesome.
7. This is just a cute moment and more so the moment I wouldn't have the courage to, but it would race through my mind to do. Larry King was interviewing one of my favorite comics, Miss Kathy Griffin. He then asks her what she thinks about the gorgeous and yummy Anderson Cooper. She replies with, " Dreamboat!" Larry then says will intro us to Anderson. There is a split screen of Anderson and Kathy. She looks intensely into the camera and says, "I'm in love with you. Please come over to my house tonight." It was unexpected and the thing everyone wants to say but has learn to control those school girl type crushes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Seg8JO92flA
8. I remember when I saw this. I was up late one night watching Conan O'Brian with my brother. I had never been a Triumph the insult dog fan until I witnessed this. This is my FAVORITE clip of making fun of Star Wars fans. It's genius and it's classic. Someone needed to accurately portray the sad Star Wars that are unaware of the real world behind. It still makes me laugh and I know it will for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugk37TvIR8E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCtz4trJr_g&feature=related
In no particular order.
1. About 5-8 yrs ago, I couldn't tell you exactly, I found myself bringing in the new year with MTV. The Foo Fighters were scheduled to perform right at midnight to start the year. The VJ's were in constant communication with The Foo Fighters who repeatedly mentioned a surprise. After commercials, they gave a clue. They said it would be a "200 lb. surprise". What the heck did that mean? I was eager and excited to be surprised. Midnight came and The Foo Fighters began playing "Back to Black" by AC/DC. "Awesome!" I thought. Then came the surprise. . .Out runs Jack Black on singing the lyrics to the song. It was one of the best performances I had a ever seen. I suppose I was more excited by the surprise and unexpectedness of it all. Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8R2LODo_f0
2. Tina Fey as Palin. I heard that she was going to be playing her, but I had no idea that it would be that amazing. She was perfect! That will always be a classic impression. The Katie Couric interview is one of my favorites. When she gets lost talking about health care and job creation, it is a very humble moment. I can empathize with her. It reminds me of me, in college, at midnight, trying to finish my 10 page paper the night before its due. I have put in all the info I can, but its not enough pages. So I then begin to ramble on about a topic and I try to use big words and as many words as possible, just to sound intelligent and like I am giving more of an answer then I actually am. I feel you Sarah Palin.
3. On the same note. . .Amy Poehler rapping a song about Sarah Palin when she is about 9 months pregnant. Amy gives an intense performance in such delicate condition. I will be inspired to do the same when I am a large pregnant woman. That was awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6ya39slPgs
4. Katrina changed Louisiana and made celebrities look like they care about something. In true celebrity form, they selflessly offered their celebrity to this cause with an all night telethon. There were good musical performances and A-List celebrities. My FAVORITE part of the evening was when a celebrity let his crazy slip out. Kanye West and Mike Myers were lending their help by pleading to our nation about donating money, or at least that's what they were supposed to do. . .As most of you saw, Mike Myers speaks seriously and sincerely into the camera and then its Kanye's turn. . . ."George Bush does not care about Black people." OMG. I was sitting there with my jaw dropped, thinking, "Did he just say that?" The best part was Mike Myers face when Kanye made his intelligent statement. It was brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIUzLpO1kxI
5. In non-reality TV, one of my favorite moments was brought to us by a little show called FRIENDS. Of course, the last episode was monumental and so sad, It was the end end of an era! but I had no idea how it would end. Ross tells Rachel at the airport that he's in love with her before she leaves to move to Paris. She doesn't return his affections the same way and continues on to the airplane. Then this is where it gets really good. Ross gets home and listens to his messages, one of which is from Rachel. She begins to apologize for not saying more to him and in the middle of the message she realizes she is making a mistake going to Paris. You then here her arguing with a flight attendant that she needs to get off the plane. As Ross is listening, you hear yelling at the machine, " Let her off the plane!" The phone hangs up. An emotional Ross is left is saying, "Did she get off the plane?" Then you hear Rachel's voice saying, "I got off the plane." The live audience's reactions is priceless as well as many others of us who had the same gasp of relief and happiness that these two would finally be together. Because she's his Lobster.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYhT6zqpXw0
6. Another memorable TV couple had to come The Office. Most people are familiar with longing of Jim and the torn Pam in their tumultuous friendship. At the end of season 4, we were left not knowing the fate of their relationship. Then in the season premiere, they interview Pam about her relationship with Jim and she insists that they are not dating. A little later, you catch Pam picking up Jim. The camera angle makes it feel like we're not suppose to seem them. Then, there it is. Jim kisses Pam in the car. I was with a bunch of girls when this memorable moment occurred. We all screamed with giddy. Awesome.
7. This is just a cute moment and more so the moment I wouldn't have the courage to, but it would race through my mind to do. Larry King was interviewing one of my favorite comics, Miss Kathy Griffin. He then asks her what she thinks about the gorgeous and yummy Anderson Cooper. She replies with, " Dreamboat!" Larry then says will intro us to Anderson. There is a split screen of Anderson and Kathy. She looks intensely into the camera and says, "I'm in love with you. Please come over to my house tonight." It was unexpected and the thing everyone wants to say but has learn to control those school girl type crushes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Seg8JO92flA
8. I remember when I saw this. I was up late one night watching Conan O'Brian with my brother. I had never been a Triumph the insult dog fan until I witnessed this. This is my FAVORITE clip of making fun of Star Wars fans. It's genius and it's classic. Someone needed to accurately portray the sad Star Wars that are unaware of the real world behind. It still makes me laugh and I know it will for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugk37TvIR8E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCtz4trJr_g&feature=related
Monday, November 3, 2008
Blue Christmas without you
My favorite time of year, as I know it is for most of you, is Christmas. There's a certain smell that floats in the air when Christmas is approaching. The air seems to hug you in a different way and blasts you with its bitter cold, forcing you into your nearest starbucks for an Eggnog Latte or caramel apple cider. I love it! I was actually excited to get to work at the Mission Inn for Christmas time, but that idea is out the window since God genourously placed a heavy plate of Enchiladas on my toe, ensuring my christmas time at the Mission Inn would be spent how it always has. . .as a guest. Going to the Mission Inn the day after Thanksgiving for the lighting has always been a favorite pastime and tradition for my family and this year. Chris will make his first appearance. Chris has become one of my favorite Christmas traditions. He loves Christmas, maybe even more then I do. He made me start listening to Christmas music in July last year. I got to spend a crazy Christmas with his family last year. Crazy being that we traveled our way through six houses for six Christmas'. I loved it, but my only complaint was that I was missing my Christmas nap. This year Chris and I will not get to spend every day together blaring Christmas music in our cars and watching old Christmas cartoons together. Long distance seems to trample on a lot of my dreams for Chris and I. Instead, we will enjoy some brief weekends together that will be magical.
So far, on my own, I have already downloaded Linda Eder's Christmas album. I had no idea who she was when Coco introduced me to her. I thought she just sang Christmas music, but she does so much more. In the musical theatre world she is known as "The Voice" and for good reason. You should hear her sing "Man of La mancha" and then listen to me try. It is not an easy song. She sings my favorite version of Silent Night, as if it needed improving. What she does to that song leaves me speechless. You should check it out. I finally have the rest of her album. I also bought Judy Garland's "Have yourself a Merry little Christmas". I am determined to see the movie where she sings that song and make it my new Christmas tradition. What makes it Christmas time for me is watching "White Christmas". Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney are fantastic and they really get me in the mood. . .for Christmas. I have something to admit that might lower your opinion of me, but I HATE "A Christmas Story". Yes, there are are some classicly, hillarious moments in that film, but it traumatized me as a kid just as the BB Gun was traumatizing for the boy. Everyone loves that movie and I want no part of it. It frightens me a little and Christmas is not meant to be scary. I know that's probably the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard, but there's always two sides to everything and I am the other side.
I am getting so ancy for Christmas time to begin. This Christmas season is also bringing me the opportunity to see Wicked with my family on Dec. 2nd. I would love to make that a tradition. Maybe not just seeing Wicked, but a show that I can enjoy with my whole family. We are taking Abby for her very first show. I tried to explain it to her, but she really has no idea what is to come. This should be a life changing experience for her just as seeing "The Phantom of the Opera" was for Coco when she was five. I am just easing her to her broadway adventures. Next year, it's Mary Poppins. It's an expensive addiction to get hooked on and I am going to try my hardest to fund Abby's broadway excursions. I have a feeling she is going to get hooked. I might be creating a monster. Look out world, Abby is going to dominate with her singing and you will be forced to hear her sing "Popular" as if its the first time you've heard it.
I have a lot of things to look forward to this Christmas season and I cannot wait for it to begin!
So far, on my own, I have already downloaded Linda Eder's Christmas album. I had no idea who she was when Coco introduced me to her. I thought she just sang Christmas music, but she does so much more. In the musical theatre world she is known as "The Voice" and for good reason. You should hear her sing "Man of La mancha" and then listen to me try. It is not an easy song. She sings my favorite version of Silent Night, as if it needed improving. What she does to that song leaves me speechless. You should check it out. I finally have the rest of her album. I also bought Judy Garland's "Have yourself a Merry little Christmas". I am determined to see the movie where she sings that song and make it my new Christmas tradition. What makes it Christmas time for me is watching "White Christmas". Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney are fantastic and they really get me in the mood. . .for Christmas. I have something to admit that might lower your opinion of me, but I HATE "A Christmas Story". Yes, there are are some classicly, hillarious moments in that film, but it traumatized me as a kid just as the BB Gun was traumatizing for the boy. Everyone loves that movie and I want no part of it. It frightens me a little and Christmas is not meant to be scary. I know that's probably the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard, but there's always two sides to everything and I am the other side.
I am getting so ancy for Christmas time to begin. This Christmas season is also bringing me the opportunity to see Wicked with my family on Dec. 2nd. I would love to make that a tradition. Maybe not just seeing Wicked, but a show that I can enjoy with my whole family. We are taking Abby for her very first show. I tried to explain it to her, but she really has no idea what is to come. This should be a life changing experience for her just as seeing "The Phantom of the Opera" was for Coco when she was five. I am just easing her to her broadway adventures. Next year, it's Mary Poppins. It's an expensive addiction to get hooked on and I am going to try my hardest to fund Abby's broadway excursions. I have a feeling she is going to get hooked. I might be creating a monster. Look out world, Abby is going to dominate with her singing and you will be forced to hear her sing "Popular" as if its the first time you've heard it.
I have a lot of things to look forward to this Christmas season and I cannot wait for it to begin!
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