2010 Must See Movies

Before I give my list, I must review the most recent viewing.

The King's Speech- If you find yourself with 2 hours to spare and are around the Vestavia Rave, I would HIGHLY recommend you go see this one.  Actually, see Black Swan first to get the crazy out of the way because this one will be a great neutralizer. It takes us back to 1934 at the death of King George V of England. As many of you know, the next in line was his son David who took the thrown for a year, but abdicated to marry the American divorce. What I didnt know was that his younger brother ,Albert (Current Queen's dad) had a very serious speech stammer, making it almost impossible to speak in public. So, the story is about his speech therapist, their relationship, and his leadership on the onset of WWII. You will love it if: 1) you love British history 2) you love Jeffery Rush 3) you love Colin Firth 4) you love Helen Bonham Carter 5)You love all things British Royalty. If I know many of my friends, all those are going to be checked!

This brings me to my movie picks of 2010 in order by my favorite:

1) Black Swan
2) The King's Speech
3) Young Victoria
4) Harry Potter DH part 1
4) The Social Network
5) Get him to the Greek

I think those are the must sees of this year. There are some I haven't had a chance to see yet.

1) Sex & The City 2- I came out of the first movie vowing I would not see the sequel if they made it bc I knew they would ruin it. So far, promise kept. Although I will prob watch it over the holidays to be entertained slightly. I'd really just rather watch the whole series again.

2) Iron man 2- love scarlett Jo, love Robert Downy, love gweneth. AND, the first one was actually good.

3) Grown ups- it just looked funny

4) Eat, Pray, Love- i got bored with the book about halfway through india, but i wouldnt mind giving the movie a try even thought JR bothers me at times.

Bring it in 2011 Hollywood.

Not quite Christmassy, but awesome

My new fav SNL character. We just got a new TV from Santa, and I keep making Jordan play this over and over on it.  If anyone needs their own spin off movie..it's Stefon.

Damn, I love the holidays.

We have also seen a few movies over the break, but arn't quite done yet. So far, we have thrown down with Black Swan and True Grit. Tomorrow we are hitting up King's Speech. Yes, I know I owe a review of these, but Cristin has really done a great one of Black Swan, so I lead you to her blog. For True Grit, it's a classic western remake, with a Cohen Brother's twist. Therein, we have unique and deliberate dialog combined with thorough character development. The introduction of the adorable and well spoken Hailee Steinfield is enough to check it out.

I cant wait to see what she does next. We also have the lovable Jeff Bridges and the complacent Mat Damon. Josh Brolin makes a brief appearance, despite his character being quite prevalent in the movie. It was enjoyable, but not artsy. Sure to be one for the Cohen collection, but dont expect to see it as a hot shot at the Oscars.

I'll be enjoying the next week off from work, so expect some random posts since I plan to finish my living room, cook a ton of food, clean, and read. How exciting does that sound!?! I cant wait.

How I know it's Christmas Eve

1) Im still not done with my shopping
2) I realized today I had shutterfly mail my christmas cards to our old address. Currently stalking on fb to try and figure out who lives there. This might be an adventure, and some of you might get cards from me around New years. Im ok with it if you are.
3) Im in charge of guacamole and margaritas for christmas dinner. Yes, the Burns' are throwing out a mexican themed Christmas dinner this year.
4) I still dont think it's Christmas bc my house is void of all decorations due to toddler dog.

But, for all those out there that do feel the Christmas spirit, have a very Merry Holiday!

Duffy's Garage

I have been very stressed lately about having to take my car into a mechanic. I have received some very high quotes from places regarding all the work (they say) I need done on my car. I knew that by owning an import, you take your chances on repairs. They are not cheap. Luckily, as I was begrudgingly about to pay $100 just to get it looked at by momentum, one of my Rotaract pals gave me her friend's info at Duffy Garage. It was like Christmas came early. Not only do they specialize in imports, but the owner is super friendly and more important, super honest. I brought him my car's file (yes, I am that anal) to show all the repairs, and suggested repairs for the car. He was stunned by what I was quoted and the corresponding prices. He checked out everything for me, and all the car needed some fluids. It was dehydrated. He explained to me everything I needed to know about the importance of certain repairs, and led me on my way. I can explain how relieved I was. So helpful. Seriously, if any of you have an import and need work done, call Brad Duffy.

*Story update. One of the suggested items Brad wanted me to do was to get the car fully aligned and check tire pressure. Luckily for me, ive got a lifetime alignment from Firestone. I take it in there at 7am this morning, only to be called an hour later and be told I have nails in two tires. One is repairable, the other needs to be replaced. F. Somehow I knew I would not leave there without paying them something. boo.

Special Christmas

 It just doesn't feel like Christmas until you get together with good friends and drink too much. Enter: Laura's annual tacky christmas party. Many of us dont get to see much of each other during the year, so we catch up on a years worth of chit chat and cocktails in one night. It starts quite normal.

There is always a ton of yummy munchies

and wine to go around.

pleasant times hanging ornaments

Jordan being a grinch (prob bc he just got iced)

Santa tries to visit

and Christmas Angels appear.

However, later, it takes on a new persona. 

Christmas haters start defacing food

Suddenly tacky sweaters just arnt tacky enough

 That's more like it. 

The Christmas angel starts her normal sass. 

and then gets terrifying

We arnt patient enough for santa

Jordan continues his grinchness. I...have no idea.

Ear size contests are started 

 Christmas angel gets put in time out

kara gives up on all of us

and we finally get jordan to smile. 

All in all, it was a great time as always. 

Happy Holidays

Love, The Kardashians

Tales of a lab puppy continued...

Last night, after two very fun Christmas get togethers (one at Paul & Brooks, the other at Christy & Michaels), I pulled into my driveway to find my neighbor walking his dog. Actually, he was letting his dog crap in my yard. Since he is cool, we both let each to do that, so not a big deal. He tells me that he got quite a shock the other day. He was at his house, and had just got out of the shower. He turns the corner into his bedroom to find Mac sitting on his bed. WHAT!?!? He said he almost had a heart attack. Apparently, he had left the door to his porch open so his dog could go to the bathroom. First mistake. Mac must have gotten out, yet again, and found the open door. All I could do was laugh my head off and say im sorry about a million times. I said we are going through this phase call, "he does whatever he wants, and doesn't respond to commands at all" Its like I have a 70 lb toddler on my hands. Then today he crapped all over my bathroom rugs and carpet upstairs. I didnt see it, but im pretty sure the cats couldnt produce such a sight. gross. Im getting more desensitized to his antics, which is not good bc they keep topping each other. Who knows what this sneaky boy will do next....

My sentiments exactly ESPN

I can honestly say i've ended business meetings, phone calls, and made new friends with fellow Bama fans in this exact way. Roll on 2011.

Why I heart the South

The dog who stole Christmas

Computer is fixed. Back to regularly scheduled programing.

The following pictures are why I am unable to decorate the house for Christmas.

Mac got out of the fence last week (for the 10th time) and since we were both at work, a neighbor let him into the garage for the rest of the day.  Im glad the dog is safe, but this is what we came home to. (Note the snookie wig mixed with potting soil. sad.)

Then...

He got into some boxes in the living room.  

Eating said boxes. (Notice my AWESOME new (vintage) piece of furniture. Was my mom's record player/radio/a-track player from the 70's. It does still work, but is currently supporting the TV until it gets mounted) But, back to Mac.

Really, he will try and eat anything. In this pic, he is attempting to devour his own leash. Other items he likes to bring us: pot holders, socks, and anything within reach on top of a counter.

But then he can be just so sweet. 

So, no decorations this year. I dont have the time or the energy to be picking up ornaments all over the house.  But, I do love my little man.

Much needed movie update

We've watched some pretty good flicks since the last time I updated our movie list:

Terms of Endearment- secretly added this one to our que, and when nothing was on tv last night, i moved in for a win. I NEVER get to watch anything that resembles a chick flick over here. Unless it's been nominated for an Oscar, Roger Ebert gave it at least 4 stars, or it has subtitles, im not watching it. So, when it was agreed this would fly, I was really happy. Unfortunately for me, I end up a balling mess by the end of the movie. But damn, I love me some Shirley McClain. 

Kingpin- I think there was nothing else on netflix. Other than Bill Murray, I was bored.

Alice in Wonderland (new version)- was pleasantly surprised at how Tim Burton mixed "Through the looking glass" and "Return to Wonderland" in one movie. For a Disney flix, I was impressed and entertained.

The Wild and Wonderful Whites from West Virginia- A MUST SEE (if you are ok with extremely disfunctional redneck families in an impovershed yet drug-filled mining town) This true story is over the top crazy, and I think a good flic for the holidays if you think your family is messed up. They will top you. This is Jordan's brother's doing during the Thanksgiving holiday. Ive never laughed and been so sad for one family at the same time. (Johnny Knoxville produced...)

Cropsy-J's documentary kick continues with this very very disturbing story from New York. It details the search for several small children who vanished over the course of a decade near an old insane asylum. They pin it on one of the workers, but really never prove his guilt, however he is sentenced. Its more the unveiling of the conditions at this old mental institute that gives you the chills. Watch at your own risk. 

The Young Victoria- actually had to watch this one solo, as I couldnt get J on board. HOWEVER, i might need to see it again asap. It's my new fav. Remember, I listened to that 18 hr documentary on CD earlier this year on the history of Victoria and Albert (well i did), and it details her younger years well. Well, i have a sincere obsession with all that is historic English royalty, so this was like christmas morning for me. Im also a new Emily Blunt fan (I was swept off my feet like most with The Devil wears Prada) Im told I need to see the dutchess. Is this based on a non-fictional book? I need to read it if so. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- was just awesome. no other words needed. 

technical difficulties

Our laptop wont pick up our home internet for some reason, so im on the mac desktop. Thats fine, but all the pics I want to share are on the dell. SO, nothing really to say for now. Since im silent, I bring you some TMZ craziness for all my dexter lovin fans out there. awkward work environment.

Sunday Laziness

Today, I did nothing. First time Ive said that all year. No couponing (common Sunday activity), no cooking or precooking for the week, no cleaning, no studying. Nothing. It was pretty nice actually. Not that all of those things didn't need to be done, they did. However, sometimes one just needs to sit and do nothing. Goal for 2011: do that more often. I had dinner brought to me by J, and we watched our typical Sunday shows (Dexter & Boardwalk Empire) and for no reason at all, drank our last honeymoon Elizabeth Spencer. A 2005 ES Block Seven Chardonnay. One that you can only pick up from their quaint tasting house in Rutherford, outside of Napa. It's been on our wine rack for almost four years now. Why not, right?

It was beautiful, crisp, buttery, & oakey. All that one would hope for on a lazy cold Sunday. I hate that we dont have another. Keep me going ES. Two more full weeks of work until I take a a much needed two weeks off.

#Badsport, #grossedout

\Thats how im feeling right now. I was raised an Alabama fan, and have always been true to my upbringing. (unlike two siblings I know) With that comes in inherit dislike for all that are subservient to my team (aka, auburn). So, im not one of those people that can just cheer for the "other Alabama team" just bc they are from the same state. Hells no. They might as well be from West Virginia for all I care.  However,  I am smart enough to realize that all good teams get their day.  This is Auburn;'s day. I'll hold my tongue and let them enjoy it. I dont like it, or approve, but whatever. Im also smart enough to know that next year without their golden child  classless honcho, and minus 24 seniors, they will suck, so I do get satisfaction from that fact. (This is also part of my rant from the game last week, aka my birthday, that hasnt found time to surface quite yet.) So, much to my sisters, business partner and many of my friend's shagrin, I will be a full fledged Oregon fan for the next month. Go Ducks. Then basketball will start, and so will my depression.

Cyber Monday

It's cyber monday yall, and Oprah is giving us a SWWEEEP STAAKESS! (insert the Oprah excited yelling voice). I love getting free samples, but I'm not huge on sweepstakes. Mostly because I dont have time to fill them out. However, this one is easy and if selected (1 out of millions) then you win alot of cool stuff. Since it's O's last year of favorite things, why not, right? Go here to sign up. You sign up each day for 12 days. Today's code is 68. So, have fun with that. Otherwise, I havent gotten a thing on-line today. Would love to have gotten a new tv as part of the living room redo, but the car is giving me more problems. In other news, I learned new words today: Struts, Shocks, and Bushings. Their definition: expensive. I'm also HUNGRY! Today's meal:

Breakfast: English Muffin with low fat cheese and egg whites

Lunch- pb&j and wheat pretzels

Snack- apple slices & walnuts

Dinner- Baked lemon tilapia, asparagus, and wheat couscous. 

Dessert- Fat free, sugar free cheesecake jello with fresh fruit topping

I feel like that was a pretty successful day 1. Onto day 2....

Here we go again.

I know you all are bored of my attempts at some kind of weight loss, (so am I) however, im back at it! I def ate and drank my way through this past summer (enjoyed the hell out of it, dont get me wrong), but if Thanksgiving was any indication, I will certainly do the same over the winter months unless I get myself under control. Enter, The Biggest Loser. Not the show, but The Club. For my accountability, ive moved on from WW and entered the world of Bob and Jillian. It's a website yall, but im loving it already. They give you a fitness and diet plan, complete with grocery lists for a weeks worth of recipes so you can get everything for the week with one trip.  Luckily, thanks to my couponing and stock piling over the past nine months, I have most of the basics. However, I was not prepared for twice my normal grocery bill. Fresh veggies are expensive, who knew?

So, im not going to divulge my goals at this point, I need a small victory first, but i'll keep ya updated. However, please note. If for some reason I dont come to a group dinner, or dont drink at dinner, im not hating, nor am I pregnant. I'm just trying to be good, and in this town it's very hard to "be good." Im making a concerted effort to be home for dinner so I can resist the temptation of all that is wonderful and yummy during happy hour and dinnertime. Obviously, the holiday time will make this difficult. Somehow I have six holiday parties already on the books. However, the way I see it, if I can do this during the holidays (the hardest time to diet all year), then I should be good to go come January and Spring. SO, enough of that. I do plan on posting about my real bday in a bit, but im still not mentally ready. Plus, I sat down today to finally transfer all my pics from my BB, but turns out you have to have a memory card to do this. Why am I so behind on technology? I didnt even know I could have itunes on my BB. I need a tech tutorial. So, will figure that out this week at some point, and maybe i'll have them next weekend. Happy new week everyone!

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

Im about to go for a quick walk/run before this day of gluttony, but here are my thoughts on this day:

-I love the Macy's parade, but the Ronald McDonald inflatable will always scare me.
-Besides my grandmother's dressing and fried okra, the National Dog Show is always a Thanksgiving highlight
-Im thankful for a year of news. New house, new job, new pup, new friends.
-One more day of being 27. Cant wait for the big 28.

me in twelve hours.

It's happened.

I have officially

found the perfect bra. 

Introducing: 

The Wear Anywhere Cotton T-shirt Demi Bra from Vicky S. 

Last night, after a very long Rotaract Board meeting, I ran into Vicky S right before closing to use my free cotton undie and $10 off bra coupon (was expiring yesterday). It was love at first sight. I've had to endure many of uncomfortable bra in my past, mostly from not having the B's to fill it. However, this one is friendly to all sizes. It also comes in several fun and flattering colors. I might need to lose 10 pounds, but im going to enjoy them for now...

Hibachi & Hogwartz

Last Friday kicked off my bday week, and it was certainly  a memorable day. First, I had a lovely afternoon on the golf course with my friend Brenda and new lady friends Devon and Cinda. All are at least twenty years older than me, and kicked my ass on the course. Ive gotten better, but have a long way to go. I dont play that much, so im still getting use to the dynamics of a course. I must have not asked the right questions about our tee time, because when it was time for us to tee off, there were about 30 men and their carts at the first tee. They had given me the tee time in front the men's main game of the day. When our group of four women drove in front of them to tee off, you can imagine the scene. It was not pretty, and they were quite vocal about their displeasure. Some women play slower and the men see it as a huge annoyance to have "us" out there. However, two holes later, after I stopped freaking out bc I figured we would be rushing all day, we were able to enjoy it. Also, our group was slowed by some old men in front of us, so it was never our fault for slowing up the game. ANYWAYS, i digress.

That night we met our good friends at my favorite sushi place, Mt. Fuji for some Hibachi before the big HP showing. On our way, my sister calls and says the restaurant has lost its liquor license?!?!?! obviously i wouldnt have chosen this place if booze could not be served. Luckily, they would let us bring it in. So this was the scene:

Hello wine.

Miller lite anyone?

Despite that small (fixable) glitch, the rest of the night was tons of fun. It was a random assortment of people.  high school playas, the sisters, greystoners, college peps, and work buds. But it all worked.

 butter, happy bday me.

Of course the unofficial reason for this choice of restaurant was the bday song. When can you get a special NSync recording of Happy bday while eating hibachi and drinking from one of the twelve bottles of wine in front of you?  Only mtn fuji...their flaming fried ice cream was delic too. 

I dont have pictures from the movie, but did get the best HP bday gift ever. Laura, Kara, Rebecca and Rebecca gave me the seven Horcruxes for my gift. The ring, Tom Riddle's diary, the necklace, huffle puff cup,   the snake, and of course, Harry Potter himself (or a card of a guy with round glasses drawn in) Points for creativity here guys. (not pictured, the diadem. Mac got to it before I could snap the group photo)

All in all, great pre bday celebration. Im much more excited about turning 28 than I was about 27 (even numbers are just better...) This Friday will be my actual bday and we'll be in T-town for the day watching the Tide Roll all over some Tigers (hopefully). 

Ode to the Take Five

Chocolate, peanuts, caramel, butter

ingredients for a second lover.

Five is alive with structure and yum

red wrapper of succulent love for my tum

Not Four or six or two or three

Five is full of goodness for me.

TAKE five home to enjoy and ponder

nothing soon will you be fonder.

I shouldn't have bought my favorite candy for Halloween, and then only have two trick or treaters. Waaaaay to much candy around the house. Ive found that my small snack size Take Five after dinner is my favorite part of the day. I might go through withdraws when my fun size bag runs out.  

Delayed by a Camera

Ive got so much cool, random, fun things to post, but all the pics are on my bb and the USB cord is at work. I keep forgetting to bring it home. So, expect some pics later this week. It's gonna be a busy one with meetings each night, a CFP module due and throw in a workout here and there, so hopefully i'll post soon. So, enjoy your teaser post, and another Sassy Gay Friend.

From: China - To: Japan

Follow these instructions:

1. Go to Googlemaps.com

2. Type in "China" press enter.

3. Click on "Get directions"

4. Type in "Japan" by desination "A" press enter

5. Scroll down to direction # 43.

6. Enjoy

Thank you http://www.failblog.org/.

I tried. for real.

Depsite my rant last night, I did try to go vote. My plan: First, vote for all the women on the ballot. Second:  vote for the lottery guy.Third: vote for the names I liked. Finally random voting based on the position. I thought that was a good plan. So, on the way to my first workout in four months (more on that in a minute) I stopped by the voting place to get it done. Once there, I realize that my wallet was not with me. Voting fail. So, I did try. My plan was so rediculous anyways, it prob want a good idea to impliment. So, onto the workout class. Let's just say I will have a VERY hard time getting out of bed tomorrow. But, it was much needed. I def ate and drank my way through the summer, so it time to get this excess off.  Of course, ive said I was serious about this like five times, so hopefully this time it will stick. We'll see. Until then, I leave you with an awesome mirror I bought at an estate sale last weekend. $25. Im pretty excited about it. Im also finally redoing some chairs and finishing sprusing my living room, so house decorating pictures over the next few weeks!

Vote?

I feel I can say without too much judgement that im a relatively educated woman with a broad worldview and a more than basic background on politcal matters. However, regardless of my intellectual capacity, I really have no desire to vote tomorrow. The ONLY thing that would compell me to go is the thought of the women that spent their lives working for my right to do so. But, honestly, I dont really see the need. I feel educated, but not on the issues. Can someone just give me a handout that details for me their opinions on certain matters, or an outline of propsed amendments? I dont have time to seach out this info. Yet, im suppose to feel guilty if I dont go? Is it worse to vote uneducated on the issues, or to not go at all? And when did I get so politically apathetic? Prob college. Or, maybe its because ive been watching very annoying political adds for months. Maybe because I see no point in voting for the lesser of two evils. Alabama politcs needs to spice it up, im bored.

Sincerely,

politically disengaged.

However, in honor of attempting to get past apathy, I bring you a special voting day public service announcement.

(Halloween post below)

Snookieween

I will say that Halloween is not my favorite holiday, but this year really stood out. Crazy fun constumes mixed with good friends =a halloween success! This is also the first year I put some actually time into my costume.  Forever 21 + Claires + Spencers x Versa Spray Tan - appropriate = Snookie! It's only now that I realize just how much these pictures will haunt us later. Above we see myself as snooks and becca as Beiber. One of my favorites of the night. What an unlikey pair...

A more likely pair pictured here are Emily and Adam channeling Emma and Will from Glee.

 Hey Ke$h.
Meet my trainwreck in crime for the night. We played them waaay too well.

Here we have Laur'a beau, Russell portraying another fav thing of mine: an astronaut.

The girls. So random, yet so perfect.

That night ended with Beiber dancing with an Asian man on the porch at Dave's. Let's just say Sat was rough.

But, i pulled it together for snookie: part 2.

 I introduce to you my partners in crime sat night: Victoria Beckam and Kat Von Dee.

 Earlier that night, Ryan had a box around his chest. He was a dick in a box. I love it when apathy, Halloween and cleverness mix.

Here Beau and Bentley (erin's pups) exemplify how I felt after this weekend. Tired, but soo satisfied with halloween.