what went wrong?

The Oscars this year were just bizarre. First, I couldn't stop watching them because of several surprise wins. Who in a million years thought that THE DEPARTED would bring home best picture? Yes, it was fabulous and well-made, but I really thought if BABEL didn't get it, then LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE would take it. Also, Alan Arkin taking supporting actor was a welcome surprise. The thing that sucked about the Oscars? Sooooooo boring. Boo to the opening film thing with the nominees, boo to Ellen's so-so monologue, and boo to the random gospel choir. I have to admit that I kind of dug the sound-effects choir...but that was some weird sh*t. Plus, the dancers were very cool...but again, what the heck? I miss Jon Stewart, and the fabulous Billy Crystal. I thought the dresses were pretty good for the most part, and of course Ms. Winslet looked gorgeous as always.

photo credit: www.discoverkate.com

shocking confession

I am afraid that I have let you all down, and you may not think of me the same way after I tell you what I feel I must. For a long time, I have strongly, and loudly protested against reality TV. I don't like it, and I don't watch it. The unthinkable has happened. I am officially obsessed with a reality TV program. It grips me, amuses me, and makes me smile. There is much drama, and I feel myself getting sucked in with the strength of a thousand straws. Sigh. The worst part of it is that it is a BAD reality show, and I still can't stop. All I know is I hope that Lauren and Heidi will work things out on THE HILLS. If you want to check it out, it premieres Monday nights at 10pm, and the is replayed all week on MTV. So addictive....photo credit: www.tvtriviaquiz.com

i've clicked my heels three times

Well...the move is over and done, and we are now in place at the new place. It is so weird to go home to a different apartment. It is strange how quickly it all changes. The movers came on Saturday, and with my mom in town, we basically put most of the apartment together that day. We did head out and have dinner at French Roast (85th and Broadway) which was lovely. The unpacking continued on Sunday, and by Monday, most of it was done. I would say that we are 85% settled in the new place. The roommate is basically done and ready to go....but I am still finding places to put things. I would like/need to get a bookshelf for my randomly HUGE bedroom. I am hoping that I can finish up this weekend, and also crash and recover from the moving exhaustion.

So, I live in a new place now.

photo credit: www.home.att.net

it is upon us

The moving date is set, and quickly approaching. Next Saturday morning, the movers arrive, and all of my worldly possessions begin the procession to the next home. The cat is freaking out, the hall is full of packed boxes, and I am feeling out of sorts. I am a nester. I like having my home set up, how I like it, and when it isn't, I feel weird. That is me now. It has actually been a rough couple of weeks, but the end is near, and in the end, that is all that matters. My mother is coming out on Thursday to help out, and I can't wait for her to be here. Moms are the best, and I always feel about a million times better when she is near.

So, if you don't hear from me in a while, just know that my life is in upheaval, and that I will be back. There are many, many movies to see, and lots of crazy things to talk and/or complain about. Okay, time to go back to packing away my life.

quick movie redux

Contrary to what my blog might lead you to believe, I have been seeing films the last few weeks. I am not sure if I will remember all of them, but I thought I would do a quick redux.

STOMP THE YARD - Loved this movie. The story is tried and true, but there were some interesting actors, and the dancing is amazing. If you adore this kind of film (teeny-bopper-ish, dance movie), then you should get a "kick" out of this one. He he! I made a pun!

BABEL - Didn't love it. I think I am just not a big fan of this style of film...which is several different characters, seemingly unrelated that ultimately tie into the same story. Didn't really like CRASH last year either. I will be really depressed if it wins the best picture Oscar. The Japanese actress Rinko Kikuchi was the real stand-out to me.

PAN'S LABYRINTH - Creepy, scary, beautiful Spanish film. A very, very dark adult fairy tale that takes an unflinching look at war, and a young girl's battle to save her mother. Didn't see some parts as it was just too gory and violent, but brilliantly made.

EPIC MOVIE - So not as funny as it should be. Poor Kal Penn...he is a great actor who can't seem to find his breakthrough film. Hopefully THE NAMESAKE coming out early next month will finally be it.

One of my favorite people (and former NYC movie buddy) is coming to visit us today. We have a list going of what we are going to see, and at the top of the list is MUSIC AND LYRICS. Who doesn't adore Hugh Grant? I love that schmaltzy crap. Happy movie-going!

photo credit: www.movieweb.com

valentines day

If you are fortunate enough to have true love in your life, I hope that your Valentines Day was full of romance and joy being with the one that you were lucky enough to find. If you are single (and maybe slightly bitter about it), I hope you watched a Lifetime movie and/or a couple of episodes of CSI or WITHOUT A TRACE to see what people who "allegedly" love one another do to each other.

photo credit: www.acclaimimages.com

more things to love about the city

I love living in the City, and although it isn't perfect.....it is pretty fabulous. I thought I might share some of the things that I particularly love:
*You can bundle to within an inch of your life. Here, it can get really cold...and since most of the time you are walking some distance, you really need to dress for the weather. I remember growing up, because I wanted so much to be cool, I wouldn't zip up my coat, or wear a hat or gloves. In the city, I have my knee-length down coat (with a hood), my wool hat, and my gloves or mittens. Everywhere you go, people are wandering around unable to put their arms down because of the layers. Of course, you still see people dressed like idiots (one morning when it as 20 degrees, the man across from me on the train was wearing a t-shirt with an open hoodie and a hat), but for the most part, you can dress like an Eskimo and not get a second glance.
*In the city, you can go to a restaurant by yourself, and it doesn't matter. In Ohio, if you went to a restaurant by yourself, people would give you pity eyes. Here, more likely than not, there will be at least one other person there on their own. You can whip out a book or magazine, or simply people watch and enjoy a nice meal. (Anything that isn't cereal is pretty much a nice meal in my book.)
*Ditto for movies. See what you want, when you want.

Love it.

moving on down.....to the west harlem area

Hello all. I am so sorry that it has been SO long since I last wrote, but my life has been in complete chaos the last couple of weeks. I have started the new job, and it is going well. I am loving the short commute, and the new co-workers are nice. Plus, it is 9-5, which means I am home at a decent hour, which makes me very happy indeed.

The REAL big news is that I have found a new apartment. It has been a couple of weeks of doing nothing but searching, viewing, and searching more for apartments. We thought we had one....and then that fell apart in a truly spectacular fashion. One must always remember that most people are fundamentally evil, and are out to screw you over. That is a lesson one should learn young, and never, even if your life seems to be going well, EVER forget.

That being said, Richard and I are continuing the dream of someday living on the Upper West Side, and once again are heading South on the island. My first apartment was six blocks above this one, and now we are moving down ten blocks. At this rate, we should be where we want to be within the next ten years. All in all, this is a good move. Although we are giving up a dishwasher and laundry in the building, we are gaining a three block walk to the subway, and a HUGE kitchen. No longer will we have to go in one at a time to do things. Ah....the joys of living in the city. I am not exactly sure when the moving day will be, but it will be sometime this month.

Let the packing begin!

photo credit: www.easy2source.com