He closed his eyes every time he chewed. I love him!
Here he is with his girls:
And here are some of my other favorite pics of him, just cause:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ETHAN! (Stop getting big, and don't get married...)
Monday, February 25, 2008
Rocking my world since February 25, 2003
Allow me to preface this brag by saying that it is my brag, so I can say whatever I want. OK, now having said that, I'd like to go ahead and say that I just might have given birth to one of the cutest, most awesome boy babies on the planet. He was a week overdue and still the doctor wouldn't induce me. When a non-stress test revealed that he was overcooked, they checked me in to the hospital that afternoon. That night, there was a blizzard, so at 3:45 am, after my epiderral had worn off, my doctor was a no-show and Ben and the nurse got to deliver him. (The Dr. was a real jerk about it, too, when he finally did get there, by the way) But he was healthy and beautiful and that's all that mattered to me. My boy baby is five today. He loves Star Wars and his twin sisters and eating. Recently, he decided to take Remy's advice (of Ratatouille fame) and savor two flavors at a time. His favorite? Apples and cheese. Here are some pictures of him from last week as he takes in the magic of those two flavors:
He closed his eyes every time he chewed. I love him!
Here he is with his girls:
And here are some of my other favorite pics of him, just cause:
He closed his eyes every time he chewed. I love him!
Here he is with his girls:
And here are some of my other favorite pics of him, just cause:
Saturday, February 23, 2008
More fun with Jessica Belmont
If you have not yet seen the first Jessica Belmont video, then episode 2 might not make sense. I had a fun time making these. Besides, who doesn't feel like screaming in public places sometimes?
P.S. Does anyone else think I look really pink? Let's blame it on the fact that this is a rough cut. Joseph or Theron, if you're reading this, where's my DVD, buddies?
P.S. Does anyone else think I look really pink? Let's blame it on the fact that this is a rough cut. Joseph or Theron, if you're reading this, where's my DVD, buddies?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Things I Do For My Friends...
A while back now, my adorable, talented, amazing friend Matt tagged me to write six little known facts about myself. At least I think that was the assignment. I had already done the "Seven strange things about me" one, so it has taken me a little while to think up more stuff.
1. I...love...ellipses... Maybe you've noticed... For me, they convey just the perfect amount of subtle wit or wry sarcasm. I'm not really an exclamation point girl--too in-your-face. Periods just don't give me enough feeling. I use dashes a lot too--they seem conversational. Oh, and parentheses. They are like funny asides, or secrets between you and me. (I feel like a nerd right now...)
2. I do not wear yellow. I think the picture below is the last time I wore it. Notice the age of my kids! I think it is a gorgeous color, just not so much on me.
3. I had the best job ever from the ages of 15 to 18. My friend Rebecca hooked me up big-time with a cush job recording songs for elementary school kids for Macmillan/Mcgraw Hill School Publishing. We would go to the recording studio for about four to six hours, mostly during the summer, and sing all of these different songs, taking long breaks in between and eating a lot. We recorded many of the songs in different languages--we would just have the words written phonetically. Sometimes, we would get called in to lay down a solo, which was cool because you got paid extra. For whatever reason, I sort of rocked at the Asian solos so that was all I ever ended up doing. Our producers wanted to tell their boss that I was some little Chinese girl named Hai Lee. I was cool with that. I still remember one entire Chinese song and I will sing it for you next time I see you, I promise. But I tell you what, after having a job like that, waiting tables is just not as glamorous as you might think.
4. I had a total of five Norwegian live-in nannies as a kid. Consequently, I can count to ten in Norwegian and probably know some swear words.
5. I ran track and field in high school for two years because it was the easiest sport to letter in. I ran the 100m high hurdles. No, I was not the star of the team, but yes, I got that letter. The next year, my school passed a policy that allowed you to letter in choir and theater. All of those shin splints for nothing!
6. I love hospitals. I went to visit my friend at the hospital last month and this feeling of peace and warmth washed over me as I walked through the doors. I just wanted to check myself in. Granted, I'd had a rough week, but everyone is so helpful and everything is so sterile. And I like hospital food. I hope heaven is kind of like a hospital for just a few days, maybe while you recover from your "journey" from the other side. All my loved ones can come visit and I can eat and rest and read magazines (although probably not Entertainment Weekly.)
OK, so I tag my mom and Mila and Aydan and I think everyone else has done this.
P.S. I did not purposefully delete my family links from the sidebar. Ben did. He was trying to upload a new template for me and he messed everything up, bless his heart. I haven't had the patience or the time to fix it. So don't be offended, family...
1. I...love...ellipses... Maybe you've noticed... For me, they convey just the perfect amount of subtle wit or wry sarcasm. I'm not really an exclamation point girl--too in-your-face. Periods just don't give me enough feeling. I use dashes a lot too--they seem conversational. Oh, and parentheses. They are like funny asides, or secrets between you and me. (I feel like a nerd right now...)
2. I do not wear yellow. I think the picture below is the last time I wore it. Notice the age of my kids! I think it is a gorgeous color, just not so much on me.
3. I had the best job ever from the ages of 15 to 18. My friend Rebecca hooked me up big-time with a cush job recording songs for elementary school kids for Macmillan/Mcgraw Hill School Publishing. We would go to the recording studio for about four to six hours, mostly during the summer, and sing all of these different songs, taking long breaks in between and eating a lot. We recorded many of the songs in different languages--we would just have the words written phonetically. Sometimes, we would get called in to lay down a solo, which was cool because you got paid extra. For whatever reason, I sort of rocked at the Asian solos so that was all I ever ended up doing. Our producers wanted to tell their boss that I was some little Chinese girl named Hai Lee. I was cool with that. I still remember one entire Chinese song and I will sing it for you next time I see you, I promise. But I tell you what, after having a job like that, waiting tables is just not as glamorous as you might think.
4. I had a total of five Norwegian live-in nannies as a kid. Consequently, I can count to ten in Norwegian and probably know some swear words.
5. I ran track and field in high school for two years because it was the easiest sport to letter in. I ran the 100m high hurdles. No, I was not the star of the team, but yes, I got that letter. The next year, my school passed a policy that allowed you to letter in choir and theater. All of those shin splints for nothing!
6. I love hospitals. I went to visit my friend at the hospital last month and this feeling of peace and warmth washed over me as I walked through the doors. I just wanted to check myself in. Granted, I'd had a rough week, but everyone is so helpful and everything is so sterile. And I like hospital food. I hope heaven is kind of like a hospital for just a few days, maybe while you recover from your "journey" from the other side. All my loved ones can come visit and I can eat and rest and read magazines (although probably not Entertainment Weekly.)
OK, so I tag my mom and Mila and Aydan and I think everyone else has done this.
P.S. I did not purposefully delete my family links from the sidebar. Ben did. He was trying to upload a new template for me and he messed everything up, bless his heart. I haven't had the patience or the time to fix it. So don't be offended, family...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
"Sexy? You're sexy. Shut up!"*
Even though you live at the Law School Library, I'll still let you be my Valentine, I guess...
*This quote is just one of the many reasons I love Ms. Tina Fey.
*This quote is just one of the many reasons I love Ms. Tina Fey.
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Things You Do For Your Kids...
I am not a crafty person by nature. I am the type of person who walks into a craft store and starts feeling suffocated by the huge amounts of cute items that are supposed to go together in some awesome way, but I just don't know how! It baffles me. And so I leave the craftiness to my amazing sister-in-laws.
So how in the world did I get this daughter who LOVES to make crafts? She was giddy in the craft store on Saturday, poring over embellishments and exclaiming "Mom, these are soooo cute!!" She got excited over glue dots. I, on the other hand, was having a heart attack. "Please, Mila, hurry and pick out your stuff so we can go to Target!"
She wanted to make homemade Valentines, you see. She does every year, and last year I talked her out of it. "Oh come on, everyone wants candy. Let's just do bags with candy. Done and done." I know. Nice mom, to always encourage her creative endeavors. (Incidentally, my mom found a book I "published" in elementary school and the dedication read:"To my parents, who sometimes support me in my artistic endeavors." Not "always." See? I turned out OK.)
This year, I wasn't so lucky. I bit the bullet, made the trip to the store, spent the money, and then tried to avoid her yesterday, because every time I saw her, she batted her eyelashes and asked sweetly, "Is it time to start making my Valentines?" "Uh, no, I need a nap..." (which I did, to be fair--working in the Nursery could kill a person.)
But nap-time came and went and I found myself out of excuses. So we sat down at the table with all her loot spread out and went to town. We have only made eleven Valentines so far, but I have to admit, I am very proud of us. I am even going to post pictures of them with cheesy captions because this is such a momentous event. (Disclaimer: this is card-making 101 here--please do not suggest that I should give up my day job--I will know you are lying...)
This card-making business has not changed my mind about crafting. I am still just as perplexed as I was before. However, I feel satisfied that my daughter thinks that maybe her mom is cool and crafty, and that's enough for me.
So how in the world did I get this daughter who LOVES to make crafts? She was giddy in the craft store on Saturday, poring over embellishments and exclaiming "Mom, these are soooo cute!!" She got excited over glue dots. I, on the other hand, was having a heart attack. "Please, Mila, hurry and pick out your stuff so we can go to Target!"
She wanted to make homemade Valentines, you see. She does every year, and last year I talked her out of it. "Oh come on, everyone wants candy. Let's just do bags with candy. Done and done." I know. Nice mom, to always encourage her creative endeavors. (Incidentally, my mom found a book I "published" in elementary school and the dedication read:"To my parents, who sometimes support me in my artistic endeavors." Not "always." See? I turned out OK.)
This year, I wasn't so lucky. I bit the bullet, made the trip to the store, spent the money, and then tried to avoid her yesterday, because every time I saw her, she batted her eyelashes and asked sweetly, "Is it time to start making my Valentines?" "Uh, no, I need a nap..." (which I did, to be fair--working in the Nursery could kill a person.)
But nap-time came and went and I found myself out of excuses. So we sat down at the table with all her loot spread out and went to town. We have only made eleven Valentines so far, but I have to admit, I am very proud of us. I am even going to post pictures of them with cheesy captions because this is such a momentous event. (Disclaimer: this is card-making 101 here--please do not suggest that I should give up my day job--I will know you are lying...)
This card-making business has not changed my mind about crafting. I am still just as perplexed as I was before. However, I feel satisfied that my daughter thinks that maybe her mom is cool and crafty, and that's enough for me.
Fancy scrapbooking paper: $.50
Cardboard sparkly hearts and stuff: $2.95
Cardstock cards: $6.95
Making homemade Valentines with your daughter: Priceless
Thursday, February 07, 2008
A Humble Request
This goes out to those of you who love to say, "Your hands are full!" May I just suggest spicing it up a bit with a few alternatives? Maybe, when you're tempted to spit out your old standby, you should just bite your tongue and try one of these on for size:
"You are the luckiest woman in the world!"
"How did one person get so many blessings?"
"You are awesome!"
"You are Superwoman!"
"Can I have your autograph?"
That way, when this mom woke up to DiarrheaGate 2008 Part 2 this morning, she could have had all of those lovely thoughts buzzing through her head rather than, "Oh my gosh, my hands are really full, oh wow, they're full..."
Seriously. A little encouragement goes a LONG way...
"You are the luckiest woman in the world!"
"How did one person get so many blessings?"
"You are awesome!"
"You are Superwoman!"
"Can I have your autograph?"
That way, when this mom woke up to DiarrheaGate 2008 Part 2 this morning, she could have had all of those lovely thoughts buzzing through her head rather than, "Oh my gosh, my hands are really full, oh wow, they're full..."
Seriously. A little encouragement goes a LONG way...
Sunday, February 03, 2008
A few more...
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Holiday Recap
I know that the holidays are over, believe me, especially as I'm freezing my tail off in this never-ending January (almost February) weather. However, I'd like to bask in the warmth of the holidays long past for just a moment.
Opening presents
My mom and Aydan arrived at the tail-end of the party, and stayed with us for a week.
We made a stop at Build-a-Bear to pick up a Rudolph and Clarice with Travis and Rachel and Co. (It was mainly the moms who wanted the reindeer, let's be honest)
After Ben got done with Finals, we headed to Scottsdale, Arizona, where we spent Christmas in condos with Ben's entire family. It was wild and crazy and some people were throwing up and others were playing Guitar Hero III all night long--basically our typical family gathering. Here are some highlights:
The boys--can you guess which one is the dad? Barely!
Lucy, with a sticker on her face
Ladies' day out was spent getting massages, pedicures, and a fantastic lunch at the Cheesecake Factory!
I have more pictures of our trip but I feel like I have posted a million already, and I really need to take a shower...
We kicked off December with a raging party for the twins on the 2nd.
The girls, when presented with their cakes, reacted in opposite ways.
Laney demolished the thing in twenty seconds, shoving fistfuls of chocolate in her mouth...
...while Lucy, the Felix to Lane's Oscar, sat there and stared in disgust at the pink frosting that had somehow attached itself to her finger.
Opening presents
My mom and Aydan arrived at the tail-end of the party, and stayed with us for a week.
We went with Grandpa and Grandma Cannon and Aunt Margy and Uncle Eldon to see the lights at Temple Square.
Ethan, Aydan and Mila riding TRAX
Lucy and Lane, looking cozy, with the other kids at Temple Square
Mom, Lucy, Grandma, Lane and Aydan waiting for the train
Mom LOVES those babies!
We made a stop at Build-a-Bear to pick up a Rudolph and Clarice with Travis and Rachel and Co. (It was mainly the moms who wanted the reindeer, let's be honest)
Mila, waiting to get her Clarice stuffed. Look at festive Rachel in the background...
Mila, Andrew, Ethan and Emma with the finished products!
We got to see Mila's Christmas play. She played Friendly the Elf and Rachel made her a killer elf ensemble.
Why yes, those are bells around the edge of her skirt! She jingled all over the stage!
After Ben got done with Finals, we headed to Scottsdale, Arizona, where we spent Christmas in condos with Ben's entire family. It was wild and crazy and some people were throwing up and others were playing Guitar Hero III all night long--basically our typical family gathering. Here are some highlights:
That would be SEVEN one year olds. Count them if you don't believe me! We were all pregnant together. The couch really clashes with them and it bugs me, but whatev
All the grandkids, looking content on this peaceful Christmas Eve
The boys--can you guess which one is the dad? Barely!
The ladies--no one pregnant in this picture! (At least, I think so...)
Mila and her American Girl doll--don't you think they look alike?
Melanie and I took nine kids to the train park by ourselves--what were we thinking?
Lane, enjoying the park
Lucy, with a sticker on her face
Ladies' day out was spent getting massages, pedicures, and a fantastic lunch at the Cheesecake Factory!
I look tired in this picture. Maybe because I was. Sleeping in the same room with five people who wake you up all night does not a good night's sleep make. Especially after you've stayed up half the night talking about hemorrhoids--I love this family.
I have more pictures of our trip but I feel like I have posted a million already, and I really need to take a shower...
Friday, January 25, 2008
Funny Famous Friends
My friends Jake, Matt, and Garrett made this short film for the 24-hour short film competition in last week's LDS Film Festival. They won "Audience Choice" and "First Place"!
Matt was in another short film in the festival called "Blind Faith" with my friend Brett. Finally, my friend Erin starred in TWO feature films that premiered at the festival, "Errand of Angels" about sister missionaries, and "Tears of a King" about Elvis' religious side. She was Priscilla! I am seriously star-struck by all of them!
Matt was in another short film in the festival called "Blind Faith" with my friend Brett. Finally, my friend Erin starred in TWO feature films that premiered at the festival, "Errand of Angels" about sister missionaries, and "Tears of a King" about Elvis' religious side. She was Priscilla! I am seriously star-struck by all of them!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Flu, you are not my friend
And so I'm asking you to leave. I'm not even going to ask nicely any more. I've said "Please," I've made subtle hints like, "Wow, you've been here a week--I bet you're getting sick of us!" But you just keep on hanging out in the twins' room, messing up the carpets, making me do loads and loads of extra laundry, and eating me out of applesauce and bananas. I never get to go anywhere because I have to entertain you all day and all night long. I can't have friends over because you're such a clinger and it's just embarrassing. I consider myself to be a pretty patient hostess, but I loathe you. So far, you've managed to keep your distance from me and I appreciate that, but if you so much as brush my cheek, I will lose it. GET OUT OF MY HOUSE AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO ANNOY!
And on the way out, try to convince your dude bro, Winter, to leave with you. I know it's futile, because I know from past experience that he's going to stick around for at least three more months. It's hard to believe that we were so looking forward to his visit back in November. He was still the life of the party in December and everyone commented on his good looks all the time, and he's still charming on occasion, but most days, just really hung-over. I still love him, and I'm sure I'll be happy to see him next year. But at the same time, he's the one who introduced me to you, and so I will never forgive him for that.
And on the way out, try to convince your dude bro, Winter, to leave with you. I know it's futile, because I know from past experience that he's going to stick around for at least three more months. It's hard to believe that we were so looking forward to his visit back in November. He was still the life of the party in December and everyone commented on his good looks all the time, and he's still charming on occasion, but most days, just really hung-over. I still love him, and I'm sure I'll be happy to see him next year. But at the same time, he's the one who introduced me to you, and so I will never forgive him for that.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
I Feel You, Cinderella...
Last night was magical. It really was. Almost 700 people came to see us. You might be saying, "Uh, they came to see Mr. Heyborne, not you!" But he was one of us for the night, and we had a REALLY great time! The set was amazing, the theater was gorgeous, the band was to die for, the audience was a joy, and the talent wasn't too shabby, either. (If I do say so myself...)
I know I say it all the time, but I adore these people and I am so grateful for this outlet in my life. Thanks a thrillion, you guys!
After it was all over, I came home to two major, up-the-back, down-the-leg diaper blow-outs, so don't you worry, I am keeping it REAL.
(Pictured, left to right, are Maclain Nelson, Brett Merritt, some chick in a red shirt, Kirby Heyborne, Jake Suazo, and Matt Mattson. You might be wondering why the poster is backwards in the pics. It's because none of us wanted to stand outside in the 2 degree weather and I don't have the patience or the know-how to flip the thing in Photoshop!)
Monday, January 07, 2008
January Blues Getting You Down?
Have no fear! The Thrillionaires can chase those winter blahs away! On Friday, January 18, the Thrillionaires are kicking off the New Year in their new home at the Stephen R. Covey Arts Center, located in downtown Provo. We have invited Kirby Heyborne to come and be a guest performer for our 1940's themed play and musical. A live jazz quartet, put together by this guy, will accompany us with improvised music. The show begins at 8 and tickets are $10, but contact me for a $3 off coupon that you can use for any event at the Arts Center.
For those of you who have no idea what a Thrillionaire is, we perform live, improvised theater complete with costumes and music. We perform many different styles and genres, including Shakespeare, Western, Film Noir, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jane Austen, High School Musical, and Sitcom. Don't miss this event!
(I've been meaning to post this for the last few weeks, but somehow my crazy life, a little baby vomit, and a whole lot of nasty diaper business has prevented me from doing so...)
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy 2008!
Happy New Year, everyone! I have lots to post about, but first up, I'd like to introduce a new blogger. I think she's amazing and her blog can be found here. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
(There's bound to be lots of) The Writing on the Wall
(Red eyes were left in photo for dramatic effect)
Give me a T! Give me an E! Give me an A! Give me an M! What does that spell?
One terrified mom.
The girls have known for a little while now that lifting up a toilet seat is hard work and therefore not really worth their time. However, as they discovered this morning, lifting up a toilet seat with four hands is not really hard at all and is, in fact, instantly gratifying. The prospect of them using teamwork horrifies me to no end. You don't understand. My number is up. I'm doomed. Let me explain.
My first two children have never really gotten into stuff. "Whoa, wait a minute," you're saying, "No destroyed make-up, no flour all over the floor, no lotion smeared all over the house?" I am totally serious. For whatever reason, they have pretty much ignored all of the tempting household items surrounding them. I remember once when Mila was not even two, we had a big ol' space heater right in the middle of her room. My sister-in-law, Melanie, was shocked when she saw it and asked, "You don't have to put that away?" all the while eying her own one-year old. But Mila had never even given the thing so much as a second look, let alone touched it.
I was pretty sure that Ethan would change things. I mean, he's a boy, right? But I never even put locks on the cupboards when he was toddling around. No interest whatsoever. Don't get me wrong. There have been trade-offs. We've had relatives tell my kids they don't need to shout when they're standing right in front of them. Repeatedly. They both have quite the flair for the dramatic. But I've never had to clean electric blue lip-gloss out of the carpet or anything. So I've listened to my relatives' stories about Sharpies on leather couches and Desitin all over the mirror with mixed feelings of horror and relief.
I'm sure that you hate me now, but let me get to the point. I am bound to have a troublemaker, sooner or later. The odds just don't add up. But now I'm wishing it had been Ethan, because I just know that it's my turn, and it just so happens that I have TWO. Is that fair? Probably. But that doesn't mean that I can't lie in bed and envision all sorts of schemes that my little team might think up with their two little blond heads. Like climbing out of cribs. Taking off dirty diapers. Opening doors, climbing counters, dumping cold cereal, tearing apart books, eating chalk, cutting hair, breaking priceless family heirlooms, punching holes in walls, beating up smaller, defenseless children, have I forgotten anything? So by all means, feel a little sorry for me. In an earlier post, I said that the best is yet to come. But that was just crazy talk. It's totally the worst. WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?
I AM going to buy leashes. I saw them at Wal-Mart. They're have cute little furry dogs on them or something.
OK, so maybe I'm over-reacting. Maybe they will be complete angels. But when I call you in tears in a few months, I want to be the one who can say, "I told you so!"
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Stuff for a Winter's Night
I got out of performing at a doctor's office Christmas pajama party tonight (wha?) and I'm also an LSFWW (Law School Finals Week Widow), so I put my sweatpants on and I have Dove chocolates with caramel and The Carpenters to keep me company. And it's currently snowing. Can you say COZY? Okay, now let's dish about books and movies.
I am almost finished reading Cormac McCarthy's The Road. Oh. My. Why I am so fascinated with post-apocalyptic subject matter I will never know, but I love this book. I just can't stop thinking about it. I also can't stop thinking about how grateful I am for heat and power and running water and the sun! And my healthy, well-fed children. If you read it, you will know what I'm talking about. Then there is the rumored news that Viggo Mortenson will be playing the lead character in the movie version. So great.
Speaking of rumors, supposedly Ryan Gosling was supposed to star in the film version of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones, directed by Peter Jackson, but when he showed up for the first day of shooting, he was fired for being overweight! So Mark Wahlberg got the part instead. Cruel Hollywood. I'm pretty sure it's a true rumor, too, because my friend Chris hung out with one Mandy Gosling in New York. Who happens to be Mormon AND an RM, and who also happens to be her brother's manager. (Awesome job, by the way.) I started reading The Lovely Bones recently and I have to admit, I'm hooked. Which is refreshing since I have not been hooked by some other books I have been reading recently. But Mark Wahlberg? Poor Ryan.
Speaking of Ryan, have you seen Lars and the Real Girl yet? It has been my favorite movie of this whole year and maybe last year as well since I don't see many movies. I laughed and I cried, then I laughed until I cried. The acting was A-MA-ZING all around. Emily Mortimer had one monologue that made me cry just because it was that good. Basically, it had everything that I could ever want out of a movie.
A movie with a similar title is Dan in Real Life. This movie was also very good, although I like Lars better. But Steve Carell is awesome, and I like that when I read interviews with him, he is a normal dad guy, not some crazy-ha-ha-in-your-face comedy guy. I like to think that I am that kind of comedian and so I like people like that. He shows up to work, does his job (which happens to be making the funny) then goes home to his family. I would not call the movie a romantic comedy because that would be insulting it. I would prefer to call it a family dramedy, a la The Family Stone.
Remember The Family Stone? And remember that Rachel McAdams was really great in that? She is set to play the lead role in The Time Traveler's Wife, opposite Eric Bana (remember Eric Bana's biceps in Troy?) I hope The Time Traveler's Wife is a good movie because, I have to confess, when I was talking earlier about books that have not had me hooked, this was one of them. It got kind of boring, and the language bugged me. I have issues with language. And they are not Mormony issues. More like childhood scarred-for-life issues. So I stopped reading it. Another book I can't seem to get through is The Amber Spyglass. The Golden Compass was charming enough, and I made my way through The Subtle Knife, but now, with Spyglass, I'm just sort of not into it. And I'm somewhat confused about whose side I'm supposed to be on as a reader, and that annoys me. I'm going to give it another shot, though. I refuse to mention the title of third book that I'm not that into because I'm having sort of an identity crisis about why I can't just be like the rest of the world and root for a lackluster heroine with no hobbies or interests, whose only thoughts are of a gorgeous guy who is manipulative and could potentially harm and/or kill her. But now I've said too much. (Please don't hate me.)
So, um, speaking of The Golden Compass, my mom and I went to see it last week and I liked it. I was expecting not to, because of the horrible reviews, but the girl who played Lyra was perfectly cast, Nicole Kidman was perfectly gorgeous, and I actually understood a couple things more clearly that I didn't fully get while reading the book. And I assume they plan on making the rest of the movies in the trilogy because, if not, that was the lamest excuse for an ending of a movie that I have seen in a LONG time. Other fantasies that I have yet to see? Stardust and Enchanted, both of which look really good.
Other books that I bought at Costco today for myself? The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I am looking forward to reading the first two and I already read Tale, but it was my sister's copy and I wanted to have one of my own. It is a must-read if you have ever loved a book by a Bronte sister and/or have twins in your life. I devoured it when I was pregnant with the girls. But I devoured a lot in that time of my life...
Sorry if any of this was hard to follow. Those of you who know me know I have no qualms about talking a lot and changing subjects as quickly as the thoughts enter into my mind, sometimes even before. That's why it's good no one can interrupt me on my blog. I would love to hear your recommendations of other books and movies. Or gossip. Well, this was fun! Maybe next time we (meaning I) can talk about TV! Oh. Now I just remembered the writer's strike and I'm going to go cry myself to sleep.
I am almost finished reading Cormac McCarthy's The Road. Oh. My. Why I am so fascinated with post-apocalyptic subject matter I will never know, but I love this book. I just can't stop thinking about it. I also can't stop thinking about how grateful I am for heat and power and running water and the sun! And my healthy, well-fed children. If you read it, you will know what I'm talking about. Then there is the rumored news that Viggo Mortenson will be playing the lead character in the movie version. So great.
Speaking of rumors, supposedly Ryan Gosling was supposed to star in the film version of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones, directed by Peter Jackson, but when he showed up for the first day of shooting, he was fired for being overweight! So Mark Wahlberg got the part instead. Cruel Hollywood. I'm pretty sure it's a true rumor, too, because my friend Chris hung out with one Mandy Gosling in New York. Who happens to be Mormon AND an RM, and who also happens to be her brother's manager. (Awesome job, by the way.) I started reading The Lovely Bones recently and I have to admit, I'm hooked. Which is refreshing since I have not been hooked by some other books I have been reading recently. But Mark Wahlberg? Poor Ryan.
Speaking of Ryan, have you seen Lars and the Real Girl yet? It has been my favorite movie of this whole year and maybe last year as well since I don't see many movies. I laughed and I cried, then I laughed until I cried. The acting was A-MA-ZING all around. Emily Mortimer had one monologue that made me cry just because it was that good. Basically, it had everything that I could ever want out of a movie.
A movie with a similar title is Dan in Real Life. This movie was also very good, although I like Lars better. But Steve Carell is awesome, and I like that when I read interviews with him, he is a normal dad guy, not some crazy-ha-ha-in-your-face comedy guy. I like to think that I am that kind of comedian and so I like people like that. He shows up to work, does his job (which happens to be making the funny) then goes home to his family. I would not call the movie a romantic comedy because that would be insulting it. I would prefer to call it a family dramedy, a la The Family Stone.
Remember The Family Stone? And remember that Rachel McAdams was really great in that? She is set to play the lead role in The Time Traveler's Wife, opposite Eric Bana (remember Eric Bana's biceps in Troy?) I hope The Time Traveler's Wife is a good movie because, I have to confess, when I was talking earlier about books that have not had me hooked, this was one of them. It got kind of boring, and the language bugged me. I have issues with language. And they are not Mormony issues. More like childhood scarred-for-life issues. So I stopped reading it. Another book I can't seem to get through is The Amber Spyglass. The Golden Compass was charming enough, and I made my way through The Subtle Knife, but now, with Spyglass, I'm just sort of not into it. And I'm somewhat confused about whose side I'm supposed to be on as a reader, and that annoys me. I'm going to give it another shot, though. I refuse to mention the title of third book that I'm not that into because I'm having sort of an identity crisis about why I can't just be like the rest of the world and root for a lackluster heroine with no hobbies or interests, whose only thoughts are of a gorgeous guy who is manipulative and could potentially harm and/or kill her. But now I've said too much. (Please don't hate me.)
So, um, speaking of The Golden Compass, my mom and I went to see it last week and I liked it. I was expecting not to, because of the horrible reviews, but the girl who played Lyra was perfectly cast, Nicole Kidman was perfectly gorgeous, and I actually understood a couple things more clearly that I didn't fully get while reading the book. And I assume they plan on making the rest of the movies in the trilogy because, if not, that was the lamest excuse for an ending of a movie that I have seen in a LONG time. Other fantasies that I have yet to see? Stardust and Enchanted, both of which look really good.
Other books that I bought at Costco today for myself? The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I am looking forward to reading the first two and I already read Tale, but it was my sister's copy and I wanted to have one of my own. It is a must-read if you have ever loved a book by a Bronte sister and/or have twins in your life. I devoured it when I was pregnant with the girls. But I devoured a lot in that time of my life...
Sorry if any of this was hard to follow. Those of you who know me know I have no qualms about talking a lot and changing subjects as quickly as the thoughts enter into my mind, sometimes even before. That's why it's good no one can interrupt me on my blog. I would love to hear your recommendations of other books and movies. Or gossip. Well, this was fun! Maybe next time we (meaning I) can talk about TV! Oh. Now I just remembered the writer's strike and I'm going to go cry myself to sleep.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)