300th Post

"Babies are my inspiration and my joy. In them, I see innocence and the precious possibilities of each life unfolding." - Anne Geddes

Side note: WOW... can you believe it's my 300th post? I haven't been keeping track and as I hit the button for a 'new post', I saw that I had published 299 posts. Hence, my next one would be number 300. Amazing since this isn't my main focus or job. I definitely go through stages with time, interest and having something to say. Right now, I'm fired up about my trip to PARIS! so I'm babbling about that and the sites I want to see and the food and wine I can't wait to try.

But today's post is different. Today, I finally watched the movie "Precious" (based on the book "Push") and made famous by the combined talent and efforts of Monique, Oprah, Tyler Perry, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Lee Daniels, Paula Patton and introducing Gabourey Sidbie. The book had touched me but since I don't see that lifestyle everyday and haven't visited many places where those standards, behaviors, and actions are commonplace, I had a hard time picturing happening as I read the book. But watching the movie made it real. If I had seen it in the theater, the scenes and the sounds would have been overwhelming. Such raw pain and power in the intimate scenes, the emotions and the daily abuse of the characters.

I live such a privileged life. My troubles are petty and superficial compared to others in this world... And I, just like so many others, deserve a swift kick in the ass when I start to feel sorry for myself. The world is my oyster in all ways that matter: family, future, career, et al. I guess I could complain about my love life but I'm a firm believer in the theory we all have the love life we want. So whatever's lacking there is my responsibility. Sometimes I need a reminder of how fortunate I am... and this movie reminded me.

It also reminded me that this is the reality of others... when I judge the choices and lifestyles of others. I started with so many advantages, with so many safety nets and was shown only one direction to go. At first, I didn't realize others didn't have the home life I did, now I know but it's still so foreign to me, I can't imagine living with those circumstances, obstacles, and challenges in my life. I struggle with too many options and being able to do whatever I want... Others struggle with making any options for themselves. I need to remember, to give back more, and to be more thankful for my life.

Precious was a reminder - Go see it and remind yourself of what's good in your life. Of all that you should be thankful for in your life. It will remind you...

So Many Men...

I know I went into "Definitely, Maybe" with a crush on Ryan Reynolds... which is still firmly intact and was definitely enhanced by his performance. I really enjoyed the movie. Yes, it is a chick-flick but the guy in front of me seemed to really enjoy it. Maybe he just really related to all the stupid things the lead character did... who knows.

It was, however, Kevin Kline who was the sleeper star in this movie. I very much enjoyed his supporting role as I always do whenever his eclectic talent is brought into play on the big screen. His best movie for me will probably always be, "Life as a House" which was just touching. And of course, he's in my family's favorite movie, "The Big Chill". In "Definitely, Maybe", he plays the lover/professor, Hampton Roth of one of the female roles in the movie and he's fabulous. I adore him - he has such a presence on the screen.

So go see it, you'll love it. (Well, at least the girls will.)

Ok, it's gotten to me. I have had enough of the brutal cold weather. I would love to be able to go outside without my mental checklist of outerwear... gloves, hat, scarf, and jacket. I never really wore coats before... it really wasn't necessary in Georgia but also just out of laziness, I'd run out of the house without worrying about it. Or at the most, grab my fleece. Here that is not an option, this morning it was 7 degrees at 9AM. A little chilly. And dangerous to expose your skin for a length of time.

So it's a good thing for me to be leaving in THREE DAYS to go on a cruise to the US Virgin Islands. It's the perfect time to be taking a break. I'm excited for it. Although my sister and mom have already started packing, they both have husbands to pack for as well as themselves. (Yes, it is 2008 and my sister will be packing for her husband... I know many will think this is 1950s housewife crap but I think it's more of a control thing. Leah wants to know exactly what Will has in his suitcase and she wants to make sure he has what she wants him to wear.) My older sister also has a baby to plan for and my mom has to worry about her parents. I only have myself so therefore, I will be packing on Friday afternoon. Any time before that will be too soon. But I am SOOOOOOO excited to go!!!

Alright, that's enough for now. It's time to go ice my cupcakes. Yes, I'm about to go spend a week in a bathing suit and I've made cupcakes. Life is good. Mmmmmmm

Score!

I finally found my battery charger for my digital camera! And not a moment too soon, as we all know, I'm going on vacation this Saturday and I need to be able to take pictures on our cruise. Plus I love taking pictures of everything going on in every day life.

I had been looking for days, checking all my normal storage spots. I mean, I live in an apartment and I don't take things out of my bedroom so I didn't think I could have put it anywhere other than in my room. But it wasn't anywhere! It's like when you misplace your keys, you feel as though you are losing your mind because you know you have them...

I had been putting stuff away and I guess I stuffed it into a purse with some other random items which I then put into my closet. So I was pulling everything out. I had already gone through my desk, the dresser, the nightstands, this random box with computer stuff in it, under the bed, my bathroom cabinets, and I was starting on the closet. Fortunately for me, the purse was on the top of the pile so I hadn't pulled too many things out yet. It's funny, but for me, cleaning usually means tearing everything out and putting it back together. Sometimes I don't make it to the putting back together. My closet is hard because I have very limited space in Chicago. I've always heard about big city living and small closet space - thought people were exagerating. But now I'm living it and I totally get it. It's a little challenging.

Alright, now I'm off to the movies. Yes, I live a life of leisure and I believe it will be ending soon so I'm taking the afternoon to go to the movies. So many good ones are out right now and this afternoon I'm going to indulge in a chick-flick "Definitely, Maybe". It had Ryan Reynolds who I adore, of all the men in Hollywood, he's one that I could develop a serious crush on. I've liked him since his TV show about the pizza place, "Two guys and a something" I've forgotten but I find him VERY attractive. Even if he did date Alanis Morisette... we can forgive that one. Everybody makes mistakes. Anyways, I'll let you know what I think!

PS. 4 Days until I set sail to the Carribbean!!!

Your Eggo is Preggo

GO SEE JUNO!!!
Believe the hype and your best friend and the people riding the #151 down Michigan Avenue and go see Juno!

It was SO good!! Ellen Page was amazing. I wanted to be her! Even 16 & pregnant, I wanted to be this quirky and funny girl you couldn't help but fall in love with. Allison Janney stole the show for me as the quirky and smartass step-mother. She is one funny lady in my opinion. (Even on the dramatic West Wing she had me cracking up, NO ONE delievers a dry line better).

The girl sitting next to me (a complete stranger) giggled the whole way through the movie and she had one of those infectious laughs that doesn't allow you to sit silently beside her. Plus I'm one of those people who doesn't let people laugh or cry by themselves. It was a good way to spend 2 hours. I needed those laughs more than I realized.

I found this on the internet the other day when I was wasting time. It very much explains how I feel about my life right now...

Whenever you think you need a year off of work or life or school or whatever, think twice. A year is a long time. Believe me, I living it right now. 3-6 Months will do for most of us. This time has been really healthy and restorative for me... it's been good but I am so ready to get back into the game (as long as it's not retail) and be doing something with myself. This blog has been great for me just to have something else to do with my time during the day. I'm not bragging and I'm not complaining... I'm trying to motivate myself to formulate a plan. That's what my dad told me earlier today, to come up with a plan and tell him what it is. Thanks!

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