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.