It’s May. Usually I put up a mid-year blog post to see how things have progressed. I’ve always said that the most interesting things happen to me in the last half of the year. With the prospect of two weddings, a possible week-long vacation, and the usual celebrations, I’m sure the end of 2011 won’t disappoint. But this year I’m jumping the gun on my mid-year update because, quite honestly, it felt like the past four months were jam-packed. Also, I’m predicting that the month of May is going to be a stand-alone month. It may very well define the rest of the year.
Someone told me at the beginning of the year that I had too many resolutions:
1) Work hard and play hard
2) Volunteer/Be charitable
3) Write/Finish certificate program
4) Travel
5) Reverse the curse
Perhaps. It would also explain why January through April was so crazy. In February I took out the “Volunteer/Be charitable” resolution because it didn’t look like I could fit it into my schedule. Yet… I was pretty effing generous the last couple of months and, yes, it counts even though I’m not happy about it. So the resolution stays!
I also sent that $10 text message to the Red Cross
The first resolution, I have to say, is the best one. I’ve gotten into a good groove at my job, the office is taking shape nicely (finally put up some stuff on the walls), and I have not feared for my job once in the past four months. I’d say that’s pretty darn good. It’s that confidence in the fact that I am good in at least ONE THING that really helps me get out of bed in the morning.
I also bought a sweet new ride and, well, let’s just say that life has treated me very well in the “work and economy” department.
Stay in school kids ;)
There hasn’t been much travel which is both sad and a relief. I went to LA in January to, once again, attend a taping of The Ellen Show. Once again, we left with a crappy gift (a Bruno Mars CD which is good an all but not up to the standard of say, an iPad). I think I’m done with The Ellen Show. I also went to Prescott to visit my peeps for a weekend and play Glee Karaoke (awesome!). At the end of May there is a road trip planned and I still have a week’s worth of vacation time (and a new car!) to plan something else. I think I hear the East Coast calling my name.
I have to admit that my other two resolutions took the biggest toll on me. January started off fine. I thought I knew exactly what to expect. What’s that saying? “If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.” A small tremor in February warned me that something was happening but it wasn’t until the next month that the earth really shook and chaos ensued.
I completely took it for granted that in March I was starting another class. (Insert sarcastic tone here) Excellent! Just in time.
In my novel writing class we learn that the key to a good story is to keep piling on trouble onto the protagonist.
By mid-March I knew I was in a novel.
What to do? What to do? This is the moment when one’s brain is so flooded with information and choices and dilemmas that it literally shuts down.
Therefore, one loses the ability to think rationally.
Therefore, one does stupid things.
No regrets. I think it’s healthy to do something stupid every once in a while: jump out of an airplane, get really drunk, jump off a cliff (that one’s a metaphor).
So let’s just say that in April I got really drunk and jumped off a cliff (I won’t jump out of an airplane cuz I don’t like to fly). During said drunkenness I also considered dropping one of my classes, which would’ve impeded me from obtaining my certificate :-0
With a slight hangover, I would like to give a warm welcome to Sober May.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Welcome To Adulthood, Here are Your Keys
Wow, I went from one blog a week to one a month. That's amazingly pathetic on a couple of levels. Then again, if I had time to watch every Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode (again) you bet your ass I'd do it.
But, alas, I don't. I have become a full-fledge adult. It bites.
Here in these United States of America, people move to different levels based on age. At 16 you get your driver's license and thus become the newest errand boy/girl. Congratulations. At 17 you can go see rated-R movies without being accompanied by an adult. Said adult is usually your cousin or whatever but, hey, more popcorn for you. At 18 you can vote and, if you are male, be drafted. Again, congratulations. 21 is the year we all show our true IDs to buy liquor, but by this time we've already decided how much we can handle and what drinks we like. It's really not that fun, get over it. Finally at 25 your insurance goes down.
There are no milestones after that until you reach 55 and you start getting senior citizen discounts. Then there's retirement which changes all the time so who the hell knows.
ANYWAY... My point is that these are just numbers. Maturity comes to each of us at a different age. For example, I didn't get my license until I was 18 because I didn't have a car and I didn't want to pay. I'd been getting into R-rated movies since forever because I snuck in. I didn't vote until I was like 24 and I didn't have to get insurance until now, at 28, because that is when I bought my first car.
Yes, I bought a new (new) car.
It started when the Altima went in for her tune-up a few weeks ago. My trusty mechanic called me and said that blah blah blah (some kind of car-speak) I needed a new car. Basically the oil had engine parts in it. That's bad. So bad that he wouldn't even consider fixing the engine because it would cost me a lot and it might break again. I'm not gonna lie, I was very sad. The Altima and I have been "there and back again." I was almost at 170,000 miles. We crossed the country three times, almost made it to Chicago, and drove the Pacific Coast. First time I drove that car, I totally got lost and drove around Los Angeles for hours. It was the beginning of a beautiful journey, and now it's ended.
Of course the easiest thing to do was get a new Altima. Duh! But being the rational person that I am, I decided to look around first. For two weeks I asked questions, looked at car deals, checked out the financing, etc.
Since buying a car is a family deal I took my mom and sister with me to test-drive the cars. I thought it would be fast. Pick out a car, drive it, decide if I wanted it or not. Turns out that's not how it works. They suck you in. Like the mob!
We arrived at the Toyota dealership at noon. Immediately a very nice, handsome guy got us in. He had the Altima checked for a trade-in price while we browsed. First was the Prius because I consider myself environmentally friendly. Except that the Prius is kind of slow and it feels like you are inside a nut. Therefore we must screw the envirionment for a little while longer and find something faster and bigger :)
By this time we have another seller with us because it turns out our young man is on his second day at work. I really feel the pressure to help him make his first sale, but he's not that cute. Next is some crossover thingy that we all love but when the price-tag is shown to me I forget all about Mr. Fancy Four-wheels. Finally we drover Mr. Best Seller, the Camry. The Camry is a spacious car but it didn't grab me. If I'm going to spend the next ten years with something (or someone) I want to be able to say "I fell in love at first sight" or at least "It may not look like much but damn it's a good ride."
Now comes the hard part: escape. I don't know why car dealerships are out in the open when it feels like you are trapped inside a cell until you agree to sign a piece of paper. Granted, I was being really nice because they were being nice. Yet, every time I asked for the FINAL PRICE they kept leaving and muttering in silence. Does no one have Excel on their computer? Perhaps a calculator? Three hours after we walked in I walked out with a number (final?) and hungry as hell. The three of us went to eat and I received not one, but two phone calls from the dealership across the street. Something about the cars flying out of the lots. To which I asked "You have flying cars?"
Now let's move over to our friends at Nissan. There was no eager rookie waiting for us here. We met with a nice, no non-sense woman who right off the bat asked me how much I wanted to pay a month. When I told her my figure she gave me two choices. I immediately fell in love with her even when I pointed at a nice car and she said "that's not in your price range."
ALRIGHT!
We have two options. A crossover (I already forgot the name) in black, very simple features, drives well, and good MPG. OR the Altima. Not just any Altima. An ocean-grey, brand-spanking new Altima. "It corners like it's on rails." Yeah, I still don't know what it all does but did I fall in love with this car? Yes. Is it a good ride? Yes. At least we know that if the curse continues I have a damn good car.
Now it's time to play hardball. That took about an hour which was unnecessary because if they had run my credit sooner then we all would've gone home sooner. By this time we are all exhausted so I send my mom and sis home in our old Altima because the trade-in was so proposterous that I am deeply offended and give them a firm "no" that I really means "fuck you."
You would think that deciding on a car would be the longest part, but it isn't. Turns out there's a shit-load of paperwork to read and sign. Of course they're expecting you NOT to read it. But n matter how tired I am I read ever line because a) that's what you should do and b) the finance guy was being a condescending douche-bag.
Did I mention that both dealerships sent in a Hispanic finance specialist. WTF? Both of them tried to sweet-talk me in "our community's language." Fuck off. I'm speaking the universal language of Money.
FINALLY at 11:00 p.m. I go home with a brand-new baby :)
Just like any new parent I can't sleep that night. What did I just do? Can I do this? I just made a long committment. What if something happens? I tossed and turned all night with nerves, stress, and worry taking over me. In the morning I look outside and check if everything is okay.
I just now, two weeks later, took the car out for it's first real drive. I was nervous and we haven't quite gotten used to each other but the trip went well. "Breezy" (as she was aptly named by my cousin) is cool, fast, and very smart. She likes the highway but moves easily on the streets too and she likes to play the radio real loud in both situations. She doesn't like dirt, which is something we have to work on.
Anyone else will tell you that nothing has changed. In fact, several people asked when the first road-trip would be. Although I'd love to do it, I also know that I can't. It's not that I'll never do it again (really? c'mon) but it's the very sudden sense of responsibility that I've acquired. Here is a piece of metal on four wheels that represents several aspects of my life. So tomorrow instead of a road-trip, it's off to work. When the paycheck comes I have to pay the bills first and then decide how much I can splurge. That's how adulthood works :-)
But, alas, I don't. I have become a full-fledge adult. It bites.
Here in these United States of America, people move to different levels based on age. At 16 you get your driver's license and thus become the newest errand boy/girl. Congratulations. At 17 you can go see rated-R movies without being accompanied by an adult. Said adult is usually your cousin or whatever but, hey, more popcorn for you. At 18 you can vote and, if you are male, be drafted. Again, congratulations. 21 is the year we all show our true IDs to buy liquor, but by this time we've already decided how much we can handle and what drinks we like. It's really not that fun, get over it. Finally at 25 your insurance goes down.
There are no milestones after that until you reach 55 and you start getting senior citizen discounts. Then there's retirement which changes all the time so who the hell knows.
ANYWAY... My point is that these are just numbers. Maturity comes to each of us at a different age. For example, I didn't get my license until I was 18 because I didn't have a car and I didn't want to pay. I'd been getting into R-rated movies since forever because I snuck in. I didn't vote until I was like 24 and I didn't have to get insurance until now, at 28, because that is when I bought my first car.
Yes, I bought a new (new) car.
It started when the Altima went in for her tune-up a few weeks ago. My trusty mechanic called me and said that blah blah blah (some kind of car-speak) I needed a new car. Basically the oil had engine parts in it. That's bad. So bad that he wouldn't even consider fixing the engine because it would cost me a lot and it might break again. I'm not gonna lie, I was very sad. The Altima and I have been "there and back again." I was almost at 170,000 miles. We crossed the country three times, almost made it to Chicago, and drove the Pacific Coast. First time I drove that car, I totally got lost and drove around Los Angeles for hours. It was the beginning of a beautiful journey, and now it's ended.
Of course the easiest thing to do was get a new Altima. Duh! But being the rational person that I am, I decided to look around first. For two weeks I asked questions, looked at car deals, checked out the financing, etc.
Since buying a car is a family deal I took my mom and sister with me to test-drive the cars. I thought it would be fast. Pick out a car, drive it, decide if I wanted it or not. Turns out that's not how it works. They suck you in. Like the mob!
We arrived at the Toyota dealership at noon. Immediately a very nice, handsome guy got us in. He had the Altima checked for a trade-in price while we browsed. First was the Prius because I consider myself environmentally friendly. Except that the Prius is kind of slow and it feels like you are inside a nut. Therefore we must screw the envirionment for a little while longer and find something faster and bigger :)
By this time we have another seller with us because it turns out our young man is on his second day at work. I really feel the pressure to help him make his first sale, but he's not that cute. Next is some crossover thingy that we all love but when the price-tag is shown to me I forget all about Mr. Fancy Four-wheels. Finally we drover Mr. Best Seller, the Camry. The Camry is a spacious car but it didn't grab me. If I'm going to spend the next ten years with something (or someone) I want to be able to say "I fell in love at first sight" or at least "It may not look like much but damn it's a good ride."
Now comes the hard part: escape. I don't know why car dealerships are out in the open when it feels like you are trapped inside a cell until you agree to sign a piece of paper. Granted, I was being really nice because they were being nice. Yet, every time I asked for the FINAL PRICE they kept leaving and muttering in silence. Does no one have Excel on their computer? Perhaps a calculator? Three hours after we walked in I walked out with a number (final?) and hungry as hell. The three of us went to eat and I received not one, but two phone calls from the dealership across the street. Something about the cars flying out of the lots. To which I asked "You have flying cars?"
Now let's move over to our friends at Nissan. There was no eager rookie waiting for us here. We met with a nice, no non-sense woman who right off the bat asked me how much I wanted to pay a month. When I told her my figure she gave me two choices. I immediately fell in love with her even when I pointed at a nice car and she said "that's not in your price range."
ALRIGHT!
We have two options. A crossover (I already forgot the name) in black, very simple features, drives well, and good MPG. OR the Altima. Not just any Altima. An ocean-grey, brand-spanking new Altima. "It corners like it's on rails." Yeah, I still don't know what it all does but did I fall in love with this car? Yes. Is it a good ride? Yes. At least we know that if the curse continues I have a damn good car.
Now it's time to play hardball. That took about an hour which was unnecessary because if they had run my credit sooner then we all would've gone home sooner. By this time we are all exhausted so I send my mom and sis home in our old Altima because the trade-in was so proposterous that I am deeply offended and give them a firm "no" that I really means "fuck you."
You would think that deciding on a car would be the longest part, but it isn't. Turns out there's a shit-load of paperwork to read and sign. Of course they're expecting you NOT to read it. But n matter how tired I am I read ever line because a) that's what you should do and b) the finance guy was being a condescending douche-bag.
Did I mention that both dealerships sent in a Hispanic finance specialist. WTF? Both of them tried to sweet-talk me in "our community's language." Fuck off. I'm speaking the universal language of Money.
FINALLY at 11:00 p.m. I go home with a brand-new baby :)
Just like any new parent I can't sleep that night. What did I just do? Can I do this? I just made a long committment. What if something happens? I tossed and turned all night with nerves, stress, and worry taking over me. In the morning I look outside and check if everything is okay.
I just now, two weeks later, took the car out for it's first real drive. I was nervous and we haven't quite gotten used to each other but the trip went well. "Breezy" (as she was aptly named by my cousin) is cool, fast, and very smart. She likes the highway but moves easily on the streets too and she likes to play the radio real loud in both situations. She doesn't like dirt, which is something we have to work on.
Anyone else will tell you that nothing has changed. In fact, several people asked when the first road-trip would be. Although I'd love to do it, I also know that I can't. It's not that I'll never do it again (really? c'mon) but it's the very sudden sense of responsibility that I've acquired. Here is a piece of metal on four wheels that represents several aspects of my life. So tomorrow instead of a road-trip, it's off to work. When the paycheck comes I have to pay the bills first and then decide how much I can splurge. That's how adulthood works :-)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Press 'Pause'
This week felt like I was being chased by ten guards and I was running and jumping across rooftops. I am now standing on the edge. There are three possible outcomes: 1) I will jump and break my neck; 2) I will jump, land safely, and keep going; or 3) the guards will get me.
Yes, I've been playing Assassin's Creed II. But still, that's how this week felt.
First up is work. I'm not going to complain about work because, quite frankly, I have nothing to complain about (slightly true story). I'm also not stupid.
Moving on.
School. I just realized that I'm taking three classes this semester. Why did I just realize this? Because one was a late start and the other is my Portfolio class so I only see my professor once a month. And yet, it is still a full-time gig. I'm continuing to write the first draft (first of many, according to my professor) of my novel. Now I have "Intro to Non-fiction" where I must, at the very least, write in my journal three times a week (blogging doesn't count); read from our textbook; and keep up with group discussions. Plus the, you know, writing pieces.
There is a big part of me that is loving this adrenaline. It's like being back in college. Okay, it is actually being back in college but you guys know what I mean. Living on my own, eating unhealthy food, staying up really late and crammed with schoolwork. Ah memories!
Did I mention that I'm also organizing my mom's 50th birthday party? For May? AND IT'S MARCH!
I still have six boxes of books to put away, so that means that when I have a free second I must go to Ikea or Home Depot or somewhere and buy more shelves. I also got it in my curious brain that it would be great to go on Ancestry.com and research my family tree. Plus, because I'm weird I have a bunch of financial statements to transfer into Quickbooks. This reminds me that it's tax season. That means I have to do my brother's taxes, my taxes, and I just remembered I haven't filed my mom's state taxes.
DID I MENTION IT'S MARCH?
Ah, and then there is the curse. Last year we took San Antonio's baby away and turned him on his head for nine days (the saint, not the baby). Their was a prayer and a candle involved and... whatever. Because that didn't work (for any of us, cuz it's a family curse), this year we are turning to our friends from the East and lighting these red, heart-shaped candles. I was told to point them to the North and light them. They are working in an odd way. It's kind of frustrating actually. I'm starting to wonder if the top is supposed to be to the North or the poiny bottom. Either way, they are about to burn out and I will have to try to some sort of African dance next.
I'm not saying that I want to run away from my problems. NO! What kind of person just drops everything and runs away? Like, not literally, but gets in their car and drives off. I don't know anyone who would do that.
*crickets chirping*
Alls I'm saying is that I'd like to engage each of these guards on a one-on-one sort of deal, not have them chase me around like I'm some sort of criminal who belongs to a secret organization.
Hmmm... I may have to stop playing this game.
PS - I just added one more thing to the list: my iPods are not organized the way that I want them to be and there is cover art missing :-(
Yes, I've been playing Assassin's Creed II. But still, that's how this week felt.
First up is work. I'm not going to complain about work because, quite frankly, I have nothing to complain about (slightly true story). I'm also not stupid.
Moving on.
School. I just realized that I'm taking three classes this semester. Why did I just realize this? Because one was a late start and the other is my Portfolio class so I only see my professor once a month. And yet, it is still a full-time gig. I'm continuing to write the first draft (first of many, according to my professor) of my novel. Now I have "Intro to Non-fiction" where I must, at the very least, write in my journal three times a week (blogging doesn't count); read from our textbook; and keep up with group discussions. Plus the, you know, writing pieces.
There is a big part of me that is loving this adrenaline. It's like being back in college. Okay, it is actually being back in college but you guys know what I mean. Living on my own, eating unhealthy food, staying up really late and crammed with schoolwork. Ah memories!
Did I mention that I'm also organizing my mom's 50th birthday party? For May? AND IT'S MARCH!
I still have six boxes of books to put away, so that means that when I have a free second I must go to Ikea or Home Depot or somewhere and buy more shelves. I also got it in my curious brain that it would be great to go on Ancestry.com and research my family tree. Plus, because I'm weird I have a bunch of financial statements to transfer into Quickbooks. This reminds me that it's tax season. That means I have to do my brother's taxes, my taxes, and I just remembered I haven't filed my mom's state taxes.
DID I MENTION IT'S MARCH?
Ah, and then there is the curse. Last year we took San Antonio's baby away and turned him on his head for nine days (the saint, not the baby). Their was a prayer and a candle involved and... whatever. Because that didn't work (for any of us, cuz it's a family curse), this year we are turning to our friends from the East and lighting these red, heart-shaped candles. I was told to point them to the North and light them. They are working in an odd way. It's kind of frustrating actually. I'm starting to wonder if the top is supposed to be to the North or the poiny bottom. Either way, they are about to burn out and I will have to try to some sort of African dance next.
I'm not saying that I want to run away from my problems. NO! What kind of person just drops everything and runs away? Like, not literally, but gets in their car and drives off. I don't know anyone who would do that.
*crickets chirping*
Alls I'm saying is that I'd like to engage each of these guards on a one-on-one sort of deal, not have them chase me around like I'm some sort of criminal who belongs to a secret organization.
Hmmm... I may have to stop playing this game.
PS - I just added one more thing to the list: my iPods are not organized the way that I want them to be and there is cover art missing :-(
Monday, February 7, 2011
Places Please
Holy sh*t it's been a while since I blogged. Not that you are all missing out on anything fantastic, but still.
Btw, for all of you that are still wondering when that unfinished blog will see the light of day... it's a tricky one that one. We'll see.
So we left off on me being quite the optimist which is unlike me. Actually that's not true, I am optimistic about the fact that I'm right. So when I point to two people and say, "That's not gonna last" it's just true.
So far the transition from my mom's house to my new apartment has been smooth. By the time I move all of my stuff out of her house it will be time to put it all back in a box. I rented a very nice studio with room enough for one. Because I am one. An army of one :p
There was a small problem with getting the DVDs all in one spot (that didn't work) but I've got them organized and that's what counts. On the bad side, it may be impossible for me to buy any more movies unless I want to build a fort in my living room. The situation with the books is becoming a headache. I don't think there will be enough room for them, I may have to build myself a library or start bringing boxes into my office.
Random co-worker: "Why is there a copy of The Shining in here?"
Me: "Because all work and no play makes Susana a dull girl"
I almost used the shelves in my closet but there isn't enough room :( It's only a matter of time before I bump into something and break a toe. It's a work in process this apartment thing, but it's nice and comfy. Eventually there will also be food in it. Beware that if you plan on visiting you must call first because I'm never home and you must bring your own food. And some for me.
Work has been interesting. That's all I'm gonna say :)
As for school, this is my last semester before I get my certificate. I'm taking two classes and building my portfolio. The hard part has been adjusting my schedule. I'm one of those people that has to take a step back and put everything in order. That's why I haven't blogged. It's the job, and the move, and school, and the driving to California, and the other stuff that is taking time out of my life and getting me nowhere (ignore that last part, I'm just releasing a bit of tension).
BUT it looks like I've got it down. Unfortunately one of my New Year's resolutions will have to suffer for this hectic schedule. Yeah, it would be easy for me to scratch off the "Reverse the Curse" one but alas it is volunteer work that will suffer. I can't do it. Not the way I wanted to, which would've been a continuous thing every week. Not that they called me back anyway. I'm just saying if a person is willing to do something for free, you could call them back.
hmmm... yes, you can read that either way.
So that leaves us with four resolutions, three of which I have kept up in the six weeks of 2011. We all know the fourth one. It's not my fault! I haven't been walking with my eyes to the ground, I make a daily attempt to be sociable (with my co-workers) and I look both ways before driving out of the parking garage. OH! and the other day I took the light-rail and my iPod's battery died so I was totally available for conversation.
Wow, it feels like these walls are just falling down. Like dominoes lol
So here's a preview of what you'll read next time...
Work, school, the Oscars, and just to make it interesting I'm going to attempt to break out of a tank of water while wearing handcuffs in less than thirty seconds!
Btw, for all of you that are still wondering when that unfinished blog will see the light of day... it's a tricky one that one. We'll see.
So we left off on me being quite the optimist which is unlike me. Actually that's not true, I am optimistic about the fact that I'm right. So when I point to two people and say, "That's not gonna last" it's just true.
So far the transition from my mom's house to my new apartment has been smooth. By the time I move all of my stuff out of her house it will be time to put it all back in a box. I rented a very nice studio with room enough for one. Because I am one. An army of one :p
There was a small problem with getting the DVDs all in one spot (that didn't work) but I've got them organized and that's what counts. On the bad side, it may be impossible for me to buy any more movies unless I want to build a fort in my living room. The situation with the books is becoming a headache. I don't think there will be enough room for them, I may have to build myself a library or start bringing boxes into my office.
Random co-worker: "Why is there a copy of The Shining in here?"
Me: "Because all work and no play makes Susana a dull girl"
I almost used the shelves in my closet but there isn't enough room :( It's only a matter of time before I bump into something and break a toe. It's a work in process this apartment thing, but it's nice and comfy. Eventually there will also be food in it. Beware that if you plan on visiting you must call first because I'm never home and you must bring your own food. And some for me.
Work has been interesting. That's all I'm gonna say :)
As for school, this is my last semester before I get my certificate. I'm taking two classes and building my portfolio. The hard part has been adjusting my schedule. I'm one of those people that has to take a step back and put everything in order. That's why I haven't blogged. It's the job, and the move, and school, and the driving to California, and the other stuff that is taking time out of my life and getting me nowhere (ignore that last part, I'm just releasing a bit of tension).
BUT it looks like I've got it down. Unfortunately one of my New Year's resolutions will have to suffer for this hectic schedule. Yeah, it would be easy for me to scratch off the "Reverse the Curse" one but alas it is volunteer work that will suffer. I can't do it. Not the way I wanted to, which would've been a continuous thing every week. Not that they called me back anyway. I'm just saying if a person is willing to do something for free, you could call them back.
hmmm... yes, you can read that either way.
So that leaves us with four resolutions, three of which I have kept up in the six weeks of 2011. We all know the fourth one. It's not my fault! I haven't been walking with my eyes to the ground, I make a daily attempt to be sociable (with my co-workers) and I look both ways before driving out of the parking garage. OH! and the other day I took the light-rail and my iPod's battery died so I was totally available for conversation.
Wow, it feels like these walls are just falling down. Like dominoes lol
So here's a preview of what you'll read next time...
Work, school, the Oscars, and just to make it interesting I'm going to attempt to break out of a tank of water while wearing handcuffs in less than thirty seconds!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Movie Review - The Fighter
Only one more film to go! Today I watched "The Fighter" which is barely playing in theaters anymore. It has been recommended to me by every one of my co-workers but I honestly do not like Mark Wahlberg so I've stayed away. But now that the Oscars have nominated it then I must. And I did.
Brief breakdown in case there's someone out there who still hasn't seen it: Mark Wahlberg is Micky Ward a boxer who has been trained by his older brother Dicky (Christian Bale) and has been managed by his mother (Melissa Leo) all his life. Dicky was a good boxer too (his claim to fame is a title fight with Sugar Ray Leonard) but now he's a crack addict and HBO is doing a documentary about him. That's where the movie starts, and then Micky is sold out by his family to fight with a much heavier boxer in order to get paid.
It's all a big family drama concealed inside a good boxing film. But this doesn't quite come close to "Rocky". The difference is that although Micky is the main character, the person who really catches our attention is Dicky. It's hard not to notice him since he's constantly trying to nab the spotlight, in one scene Micky is taking press fotos with his opponent and Dicky can be seen just inside the picture. His sisters love him, his mother loves him, his little boy loves him, and his kid brother idolizes him. Don't you just want this guy to get off drugs?
In "Rocky" Rocky has one dream: to be a somebody. Cuz he's a bum. Micky tries to convince us he's a bum but he's not really. He has a life that many people have and they don't get their dreams either (plus, his dream is not his but it's intertwined with his family's dreams now that Dicky is out). If not for Bale (and the rest of the supporting cast) I don't think this film would've made it this far. Bale is an incredible actor who can transform himself and get into the skin of his characters. Yesterday he was Batman, today he's crack addict Dicky, tomorrow he's back in the bat suit. Dicky is skin and bones with thinning hair and a constant need to move around, whether it's from being a boxer or from being on crack or both I have no idea. Wahlberg unfortunately is the weak link, walking and talking slow. How can you help yourself when Bale is right there acting his ass off? Wahlberg's always been an okay actor (he was nominated as a supporting actor for "The Departed) and he's a believable boxer but you always know that you're watching Mark Wahlberg. The same thing happens when you watch Will Smith or Tom Cruise, you always know it's them.
Sidenote: Will Smith played Muhammad Ali in the film "Ali" but it was his supporting actor, Jamie Foxx, who won the Oscar. Same thing with "The Fighter", although Smith gets kudos for attempting to play such a larger-than-life character.
Also in the supporting roles (and stealing their own scenes) are Leo and Amy Adams. Leo plays a mother who somehow manages to control the nine or so "children" she has and a couple of men. With a constant cigarrette between her fingers and killer heels on her feet, she keeps her husband in line and manages her son's boxing career. She's not quite the manipulative bitch I thought she'd be, she's just a mom watching out for her kids the only way that she knows how and the only way that it's ever worked for her. Enter Amy Adams who (mothers beware) whispers sweet thoughts into Micky's ears sprinkled with advice (mainly "get away from your family"). Adams is another actress who has managed to fight her way into heavy-weight status. She now has her third Oscar nomination in less than a decade. That's pretty frickin awesome! AND she is going to play Janis Joplin in a new movie :)
It's possible that the actresses with end up cancelling each other out come Oscar night but with a Golden Globe already, I think Melissa Leo has an edge.
As for Christian Bale... it's his to lose.
Brief breakdown in case there's someone out there who still hasn't seen it: Mark Wahlberg is Micky Ward a boxer who has been trained by his older brother Dicky (Christian Bale) and has been managed by his mother (Melissa Leo) all his life. Dicky was a good boxer too (his claim to fame is a title fight with Sugar Ray Leonard) but now he's a crack addict and HBO is doing a documentary about him. That's where the movie starts, and then Micky is sold out by his family to fight with a much heavier boxer in order to get paid.
It's all a big family drama concealed inside a good boxing film. But this doesn't quite come close to "Rocky". The difference is that although Micky is the main character, the person who really catches our attention is Dicky. It's hard not to notice him since he's constantly trying to nab the spotlight, in one scene Micky is taking press fotos with his opponent and Dicky can be seen just inside the picture. His sisters love him, his mother loves him, his little boy loves him, and his kid brother idolizes him. Don't you just want this guy to get off drugs?
In "Rocky" Rocky has one dream: to be a somebody. Cuz he's a bum. Micky tries to convince us he's a bum but he's not really. He has a life that many people have and they don't get their dreams either (plus, his dream is not his but it's intertwined with his family's dreams now that Dicky is out). If not for Bale (and the rest of the supporting cast) I don't think this film would've made it this far. Bale is an incredible actor who can transform himself and get into the skin of his characters. Yesterday he was Batman, today he's crack addict Dicky, tomorrow he's back in the bat suit. Dicky is skin and bones with thinning hair and a constant need to move around, whether it's from being a boxer or from being on crack or both I have no idea. Wahlberg unfortunately is the weak link, walking and talking slow. How can you help yourself when Bale is right there acting his ass off? Wahlberg's always been an okay actor (he was nominated as a supporting actor for "The Departed) and he's a believable boxer but you always know that you're watching Mark Wahlberg. The same thing happens when you watch Will Smith or Tom Cruise, you always know it's them.
Sidenote: Will Smith played Muhammad Ali in the film "Ali" but it was his supporting actor, Jamie Foxx, who won the Oscar. Same thing with "The Fighter", although Smith gets kudos for attempting to play such a larger-than-life character.
Also in the supporting roles (and stealing their own scenes) are Leo and Amy Adams. Leo plays a mother who somehow manages to control the nine or so "children" she has and a couple of men. With a constant cigarrette between her fingers and killer heels on her feet, she keeps her husband in line and manages her son's boxing career. She's not quite the manipulative bitch I thought she'd be, she's just a mom watching out for her kids the only way that she knows how and the only way that it's ever worked for her. Enter Amy Adams who (mothers beware) whispers sweet thoughts into Micky's ears sprinkled with advice (mainly "get away from your family"). Adams is another actress who has managed to fight her way into heavy-weight status. She now has her third Oscar nomination in less than a decade. That's pretty frickin awesome! AND she is going to play Janis Joplin in a new movie :)
It's possible that the actresses with end up cancelling each other out come Oscar night but with a Golden Globe already, I think Melissa Leo has an edge.
As for Christian Bale... it's his to lose.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Party Time in Hollywood
Woo hoo! If I ever become famous I will beg for a ticket to the Golden Globes which I hear is quite the party. Of course I want the glitz and glam of the Oscars, but the Globes are all about fun. But they also hand out trophies and here are my predictions (and a bit of blabbering) for this year's Golden Globes.
Let's start with an easy one:
Best Animated Picture - Toy Story 3
I will confess, but only to you my friends, that I actually liked How To Train Your Dragon more than Toy Story 3 but the toys melted my icy heart and made me cry and wish for the days when we were young and innocent. Goodbye Woody and Buzz and to those little aliens *sniff*.
Best Screenplay - Inception by Christopher Nolan
Really? Did you witness a more unique idea all year long? No! Plus the guy has been working on this script for 10 years, give him something since it obviously won't be the Best Movie award.
Best Director - Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan
Or Christopher Nolan for Inception. But no, we will probably see David Fincher take the award which is well-deserved because to make a movie about a geeky guy going through two lawsuits interesting is no easy feat. But Aronofsky's work was stunning and Nolan was just damn great and c'mon, the guy has turned the Batman movies into classics. Don't believe me? Ask the Oscar people why we have 10 nominations instead of 5, because The Dark Knight got screwed! It's the man (or woman, but none are nominated this year) with the vision who deserves the award, and my vote goes for either of these two.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Christian Bale in The Fighter
I haven't seen The Fighter but apparently the performances to see are Bale and Melissa Leo (who plays his mom).
Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Helena Bonham Carter in The King's Speech
It's only because I love Helena, she's awesome. She's like a British version of Angelina Jolie if you think about it. Both are really good actresses but they also have some performances that are out there. Also, she's Bellatrix and unless you know a magical curse you best move out the way.
Best Actor (Comedy) - Kevin Spacey in Casino Jack
I haven't seen any of the actors except for Johnny Depp in Alice in Wonderland which was just whatever. I'm going for Spacey through a very complicated process of elimination. I'm also a bit angry at Jake Gyllenhaal for not returning my phone calls. I hope Taylor Swift writes a great song about you Jake!
Best Actress (Comedy) - Julianne Moore in The Kids are All Right
Why do I have to push for a Julianne Moore win every year? She will likely lose to her on-screen wife Annette Benning (love her too) but the question remains: When will Julianne Moore get some effing respect in this town? Btw, you should all watch The Kids are All Right.
Best Actor (Drama) - Colin Firth in The King's Speech
Colin was "robbed" last year (no disrespect to The Dude) so this year we're all gonna play nice and make it up to him. Personally, my heart belongs to Gosling and Franco. Gosling is so good in Blue Valentine and he does a very good physical transformation. The only thing that bothers me about him is that he always seems to be chewing something when he's onscreen (??). And James Franco, Mr. I-can-Act/Write/Teach/Etc., as a guy stuck by a rock over his hand. I mean, who wants to watch that unless you have an actor that can hold your attention? There's always next year boys ;)
Best Actress (Drama) - Natalie Portman in Black Swan
This is Portman's to lose and if she does I hope it's to Williams because I can't stress enough how effing good she is in Blue Valentine. I mean it's like a performance you watch in acting class or something (I'd also suggest watching Charlize Theron in Monster). But the beauty of Williams is there is no "transformation", no bells and whistles, she's just THERE! Nicole Kidman I hear/read is good but she's already got awards, let the new kids play. Oh and Jennifer Lawrence is also very good and deserves an Oscar nomination for a quiet but strong performance. Go away Halle Berry!
Best Motion Picture (Comedy) - The Kids are All Right
Ok so I've told you to see it but I haven't told you what it's about. It's about a family that kind of gets turned upside down and has to find it's balance again. The family is comprised of moms Annette Benning and Julianne Moore who have two teenagers. Each child was conceived by one of the mothers using the same sperm donor... enter Mark Ruffalo aka a whole lotta trouble (though, to be fair, the couple were already going downhill before he appeared on the scene).
Best Motion Picture (Drama) - The Social Network
I'm not even going to get into the fact that they didn't nominate Blue Valentine. I'm not. Let's analyze this, shall we? What makes a great film? Basic elements: good script, good director, good actors, and likeability. Then you get into these elements and it gets complicated. Of the five films nominated (I've only not seen The Fighter) my vote goes to The Social Network. Yes, I will tell you why (glad you asked). Because you have smart, quick dialogue from Aaron Sorkin; a good actor that is capable of carrying the film (Jessie Eisenberg, nominated); a director (David Fincher) that keeps the flow nice and interesting; and the story (semi-fictional) of the birth of Facebook. All of the other films have a weakness in them, tiny cracks in their foundation. The Fighter has a weak script, but is carried by strong performances; the opposite is true for Inception: strong script, some weak acting (Not you Leo! Never you my love). Of course that leaves Black Swan and The King's Speech. Black Swan, is a psychological thriller (darker than Inception) and doesn't play well for all audiences but luckily it played well enough to get Portman in the running. The King's Speech is the only picture that can stand a chance against The Social Network (boy am I gonna feel stupid on Monday if I'm wrong). Why? Well it has all of the elements and even a bit of the same fame that has carried its opponent. The king in the film is Prince William's great-grandfather, even his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II is played by a young actress in the film. It's the kind of thing that makes voters pay attention. Just ask Helen Mirren ;)
No TV predictions because I don't watch that much television. Right now I'm catching up on The Tudors (hey, royalty again!) and apparently that show's been off the air for a bit. By the time I get to my Mad Men dvds John Hamm will have moved into a retirement home. Also, I'm still pissed Buffy was never recognized for a major award except an Emmy here and there for makeup. Grrr... arrgghh...
Let's start with an easy one:
Best Animated Picture - Toy Story 3
I will confess, but only to you my friends, that I actually liked How To Train Your Dragon more than Toy Story 3 but the toys melted my icy heart and made me cry and wish for the days when we were young and innocent. Goodbye Woody and Buzz and to those little aliens *sniff*.
Best Screenplay - Inception by Christopher Nolan
Really? Did you witness a more unique idea all year long? No! Plus the guy has been working on this script for 10 years, give him something since it obviously won't be the Best Movie award.
Best Director - Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan
Or Christopher Nolan for Inception. But no, we will probably see David Fincher take the award which is well-deserved because to make a movie about a geeky guy going through two lawsuits interesting is no easy feat. But Aronofsky's work was stunning and Nolan was just damn great and c'mon, the guy has turned the Batman movies into classics. Don't believe me? Ask the Oscar people why we have 10 nominations instead of 5, because The Dark Knight got screwed! It's the man (or woman, but none are nominated this year) with the vision who deserves the award, and my vote goes for either of these two.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Christian Bale in The Fighter
I haven't seen The Fighter but apparently the performances to see are Bale and Melissa Leo (who plays his mom).
Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Helena Bonham Carter in The King's Speech
It's only because I love Helena, she's awesome. She's like a British version of Angelina Jolie if you think about it. Both are really good actresses but they also have some performances that are out there. Also, she's Bellatrix and unless you know a magical curse you best move out the way.
Best Actor (Comedy) - Kevin Spacey in Casino Jack
I haven't seen any of the actors except for Johnny Depp in Alice in Wonderland which was just whatever. I'm going for Spacey through a very complicated process of elimination. I'm also a bit angry at Jake Gyllenhaal for not returning my phone calls. I hope Taylor Swift writes a great song about you Jake!
Best Actress (Comedy) - Julianne Moore in The Kids are All Right
Why do I have to push for a Julianne Moore win every year? She will likely lose to her on-screen wife Annette Benning (love her too) but the question remains: When will Julianne Moore get some effing respect in this town? Btw, you should all watch The Kids are All Right.
Best Actor (Drama) - Colin Firth in The King's Speech
Colin was "robbed" last year (no disrespect to The Dude) so this year we're all gonna play nice and make it up to him. Personally, my heart belongs to Gosling and Franco. Gosling is so good in Blue Valentine and he does a very good physical transformation. The only thing that bothers me about him is that he always seems to be chewing something when he's onscreen (??). And James Franco, Mr. I-can-Act/Write/Teach/Etc., as a guy stuck by a rock over his hand. I mean, who wants to watch that unless you have an actor that can hold your attention? There's always next year boys ;)
Best Actress (Drama) - Natalie Portman in Black Swan
This is Portman's to lose and if she does I hope it's to Williams because I can't stress enough how effing good she is in Blue Valentine. I mean it's like a performance you watch in acting class or something (I'd also suggest watching Charlize Theron in Monster). But the beauty of Williams is there is no "transformation", no bells and whistles, she's just THERE! Nicole Kidman I hear/read is good but she's already got awards, let the new kids play. Oh and Jennifer Lawrence is also very good and deserves an Oscar nomination for a quiet but strong performance. Go away Halle Berry!
Best Motion Picture (Comedy) - The Kids are All Right
Ok so I've told you to see it but I haven't told you what it's about. It's about a family that kind of gets turned upside down and has to find it's balance again. The family is comprised of moms Annette Benning and Julianne Moore who have two teenagers. Each child was conceived by one of the mothers using the same sperm donor... enter Mark Ruffalo aka a whole lotta trouble (though, to be fair, the couple were already going downhill before he appeared on the scene).
Best Motion Picture (Drama) - The Social Network
I'm not even going to get into the fact that they didn't nominate Blue Valentine. I'm not. Let's analyze this, shall we? What makes a great film? Basic elements: good script, good director, good actors, and likeability. Then you get into these elements and it gets complicated. Of the five films nominated (I've only not seen The Fighter) my vote goes to The Social Network. Yes, I will tell you why (glad you asked). Because you have smart, quick dialogue from Aaron Sorkin; a good actor that is capable of carrying the film (Jessie Eisenberg, nominated); a director (David Fincher) that keeps the flow nice and interesting; and the story (semi-fictional) of the birth of Facebook. All of the other films have a weakness in them, tiny cracks in their foundation. The Fighter has a weak script, but is carried by strong performances; the opposite is true for Inception: strong script, some weak acting (Not you Leo! Never you my love). Of course that leaves Black Swan and The King's Speech. Black Swan, is a psychological thriller (darker than Inception) and doesn't play well for all audiences but luckily it played well enough to get Portman in the running. The King's Speech is the only picture that can stand a chance against The Social Network (boy am I gonna feel stupid on Monday if I'm wrong). Why? Well it has all of the elements and even a bit of the same fame that has carried its opponent. The king in the film is Prince William's great-grandfather, even his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II is played by a young actress in the film. It's the kind of thing that makes voters pay attention. Just ask Helen Mirren ;)
No TV predictions because I don't watch that much television. Right now I'm catching up on The Tudors (hey, royalty again!) and apparently that show's been off the air for a bit. By the time I get to my Mad Men dvds John Hamm will have moved into a retirement home. Also, I'm still pissed Buffy was never recognized for a major award except an Emmy here and there for makeup. Grrr... arrgghh...
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Movie Reveiw - Blue Valentine
So to start off the new year I am going to review every movie I watch at the theater (if I reviewed every movie I watched then that would take forever since I watch at least one a day). I was going to start a completely new blog for reviews but c'mon, movies are my life so they deserve to be in the blog with my life.
It is also time-consuming and almost pointless to start a new blog since I only have like 6 readers.
Ok, some stuff to get out of the way:
- I will not reveal any more than what you can see in the movie's trailer or anything that can be read in another review. However, trailers and review reveal a lot so don't get mad at me for "spoiling" the movie.
- I will very likely go off on a random monologue once in a while. I'm just saying.
- This is my opinion. You are free to go and pay $10, watch the movie yourself, and form your own opinion.
Let's begin.
First movie of the year is Blue Valentine starring Academy Award nominees Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson) and Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain). Now, I've learned a thing or two from a really good teacher that I've had for about three semesters now and one of the most important things is this: A story is about one person, everyone else is a supporting character. Or the antagonist. So Blue Valentine is not the story of a couple whose marriage is falling apart, it's about Dean and the realization that his marriage is falling apart.
Dean is a balding house painter with no ambition. His wife,Cindy, is a nurse who no longer loves him. That's a fact. Why doesn't she love him? Who knows. Maybe because he's going bald. Maybe because he paints houses for a living and starts drinking beer at eight in the morning. Maybe because he has no ambition.
Maybe because she's selfish? (Blame it on the woman)
So to save his marriage Dean checks them in to a hotel where the rooms all have a theme. They have a choice between Cupid's Cove and The Future Room. The fact that Cindy chooses The Future Room should be a big fat sign of what's about to happen. From here we go back and forth between the present depressing day and the past where love was fresh and new and people believed in love at first sight. We see that Dean was once a young, handsome and Caring guy (yeah, I mean that with a capital C). And we meet Cindy, studying to be a doctor and dating a douchebag wrestler. During one family dinner, as her father belittles her mother, she wonders if they were ever in love.
That's the setting and if I say more then I'll give away the film (which I promise to never do). But I love the contrast between how these people met, fell in love, and became a couple and how they are now. In terms of the film and how it's shot most of the camera either focuses on Williams or Gosling and I do mean focus. We are right in their face during arguments, trying to read their reactions and expressions. You can't do this with just any random actors. Nope, you have to have people that are good and Williams and Gosling are effing perfect. In fact, Williams is so damn good that if I had a vote I'd give it to her over Natalie Portman. And I'm a Portman fan! But I'm a true believer in less is more and while Portman went all out and worked her ass off for months to do ballet training and whatnot, Williams just delivers. I can't wait to see her as Marylin Monroe.
The movie as a whole is good and sad and sweet. Originally it received an NC-17 rating which going in I thought I'd catch a glimpse of little Ryan but no such luck. In fact, the movie's pretty tame compared to other films I've seen. I can't quite understand the reasoning behind it and neither could Harvey Weinstein. That's why he got a team of lawyers and threatened to sue if they didn't change it to an R, which they did. Just so that you are not surprised I think there are three or four "love scenes" in the film and one joke involving a child molester and a little boy.
If you're a pessimist in terms of love and marriage then, well, this is the movie for you. If you're an optimist, well, let me recommend ANOTHER movie for you: The Kids are All Right. It's with Annette Benning, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo. It's fun, funny, and all that stuff put together. There are also about three or four scenes in that one too. So no matter which one you pick you get to see some action.
It is also time-consuming and almost pointless to start a new blog since I only have like 6 readers.
Ok, some stuff to get out of the way:
- I will not reveal any more than what you can see in the movie's trailer or anything that can be read in another review. However, trailers and review reveal a lot so don't get mad at me for "spoiling" the movie.
- I will very likely go off on a random monologue once in a while. I'm just saying.
- This is my opinion. You are free to go and pay $10, watch the movie yourself, and form your own opinion.
Let's begin.
First movie of the year is Blue Valentine starring Academy Award nominees Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson) and Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain). Now, I've learned a thing or two from a really good teacher that I've had for about three semesters now and one of the most important things is this: A story is about one person, everyone else is a supporting character. Or the antagonist. So Blue Valentine is not the story of a couple whose marriage is falling apart, it's about Dean and the realization that his marriage is falling apart.
Dean is a balding house painter with no ambition. His wife,Cindy, is a nurse who no longer loves him. That's a fact. Why doesn't she love him? Who knows. Maybe because he's going bald. Maybe because he paints houses for a living and starts drinking beer at eight in the morning. Maybe because he has no ambition.
Maybe because she's selfish? (Blame it on the woman)
So to save his marriage Dean checks them in to a hotel where the rooms all have a theme. They have a choice between Cupid's Cove and The Future Room. The fact that Cindy chooses The Future Room should be a big fat sign of what's about to happen. From here we go back and forth between the present depressing day and the past where love was fresh and new and people believed in love at first sight. We see that Dean was once a young, handsome and Caring guy (yeah, I mean that with a capital C). And we meet Cindy, studying to be a doctor and dating a douchebag wrestler. During one family dinner, as her father belittles her mother, she wonders if they were ever in love.
That's the setting and if I say more then I'll give away the film (which I promise to never do). But I love the contrast between how these people met, fell in love, and became a couple and how they are now. In terms of the film and how it's shot most of the camera either focuses on Williams or Gosling and I do mean focus. We are right in their face during arguments, trying to read their reactions and expressions. You can't do this with just any random actors. Nope, you have to have people that are good and Williams and Gosling are effing perfect. In fact, Williams is so damn good that if I had a vote I'd give it to her over Natalie Portman. And I'm a Portman fan! But I'm a true believer in less is more and while Portman went all out and worked her ass off for months to do ballet training and whatnot, Williams just delivers. I can't wait to see her as Marylin Monroe.
The movie as a whole is good and sad and sweet. Originally it received an NC-17 rating which going in I thought I'd catch a glimpse of little Ryan but no such luck. In fact, the movie's pretty tame compared to other films I've seen. I can't quite understand the reasoning behind it and neither could Harvey Weinstein. That's why he got a team of lawyers and threatened to sue if they didn't change it to an R, which they did. Just so that you are not surprised I think there are three or four "love scenes" in the film and one joke involving a child molester and a little boy.
If you're a pessimist in terms of love and marriage then, well, this is the movie for you. If you're an optimist, well, let me recommend ANOTHER movie for you: The Kids are All Right. It's with Annette Benning, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo. It's fun, funny, and all that stuff put together. There are also about three or four scenes in that one too. So no matter which one you pick you get to see some action.
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