Star-Crossed Lovers...

So, Kevin and I took the kids to see Gnomeo and Juliet on Sunday.  I thought it was very cute.  It got me thinking about the other versions of the play that I have seen. 

We had to watch (I mean got to watch) the original 1968 version in my Freshman year of High School.  Despite the nude scene, which we were warned to act maturely about, I found it to be very dull and slow moving.  And it did little to nothing to help us understand what Shakespeare's words meant.

The next year, though, Romeo + Juliet was released.  It was the version with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.  I found it to be the exact opposite of the original.  In other words, I actually thought it was entertaining.  And I found that the acting made Shakespeare's words very easy to understand.  I thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it was a bit weird at times.

I found this website that compares the 2 movies, if you're interested.

It has also gotten me thinking about other stories/movies that share the star-crossed lovers theme.  Here are the ones I came up with:

* West Side Story
* Twilight
* Titanic
* Dirty Dancing
* Tristan and Isolde
* The Notebook

How about you?  Are there any others you can think of?  Or do you have any thoughts on Romeo and Juliet?

Love Songs...

Can you feel the love tonight?  Well, I can.  And I'm not a stickler when it comes to Valentine's Day, but in honor of love, I though it would be fitting to talk about some of the greatest love songs ever (in no particular order).

Movie Love Songs
~ "Everything I do" by Bryan Adams = from Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves...(video)
~ "Kissing You" by Des'ree = from Romeo + Juliet...(video)
~ "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers = from Ghost...(video)
~ "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel = from Say Anything...(video 1) (video 2)
~ "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith = from Armageddon...(video)
~ "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin = from Top Gun...(video)
~ "Up Where We Belong" by Joe Cocker = from Officer and a Gentleman...(video)
~ "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston = from The Bodyguard...(video)
~ "Come What May" by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman = from Moulin Rouge...(video)
~ "When You Say Nothing At All" by Alison Krauss = from The Other Sister...(video)
~ "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion = from Up Cloase and Personal...(video)
~ "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge = from When a Man Loves a Woman...(video)

Other Great Love Songs (which I'm sure have also been in movies)
~ "At Last" by Etta James...(video)
~ "Have I Told You Lately" by Rod Stewart...(video)
~ "Remember When" by Alan Jackson...(video)
~ "With or Without You" by U2...(video)
~ "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton...(video)
~ "Love, Me" by Collin Raye...(video)

...yes there are MANY I'm leaving out, but that's where you come in!

Love Song Dedications (I spent many a night in middle school and high school wishing someone would dedicate a song to me on the radio.  So, right now I'd like to live vicariously through Kevin and dedicate the rest of these to Cakes...just a few of our/his favorites...it's kind of a mixed tape via blog!)   :)
~ "Free" by Zac Brown Band...(video)
~ "All My Life" by KC and JoJo...(video)
~ "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova = from Once...(video)
~ "You're My Best Friend" by Tim McGraw...(video) (because, you know, we are just like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
~ "Faithfully" by Journey...(video)
~ "More Than Words" by Extreme...(video)
~ "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera from The Karate Kid II...(video)
~ "Amazed" by Lone Star...(video)
~ "Beth" by Kiss...(video)
~ "To Make You Feel My Love" by Garth Brooks = from Hope Floats...(video)

Well, if you managed to make it through without gagging, I hope you at least enjoyed the music.  And as always, it's your turn to post some of your favorite sappy love songs.  Happy Valentine's Day to you ALL!!

Magic Eye...

Do you remember these things? I used to love them. And I remember that they were all the rage back in the day...way back in the 90's.   :)  There are tons of them available to you through a Google search (hearts, duckies, sharks, sailboats, and even one of the M&M guys). I must confess I've wasted about an hour just browsing through the images this afternoon.

I am always reminded of that scene in Mallrats (click here) where that poor guy has been trying and failing for days to see the sailboat that everyone else seems to see so easily. It's greatness.

But while I was looking around at all of the "magic eye" stereograms out there, I stumbled across a generator (click here) that lets you create your own. I tried as hard as I could to get the image to embed directly to this post, but it was just too big.  So if you want to see the one I made (and we all know you do), you'll have to go here.

Then I got started looking at photo mosaics.  You know, like this: 

(It's said that they are the magic eye pictures of the 2000's.)  

And I found another really cool website (click here) that will generate photo mosaics of your own pictures. 

  

 

Pretty cool, huh?

Anyway, although there was nothing deep or insightful (or even particularly sarcastic) here today, I hope I at least inspired you to have some fun wasting some time.  I just couldn't justify having 3 extra days stuck at home due to ice with no blog post to show for it.  So here you go!  If you do end up making any of your own images, please share them (the links) in a comment.  I'd LOVE to check them out.

                              

Feeling LOST...

Well, it is around this time of year that LOST used to come on. We've been going through a little bit of withdrawls in this house. After all, it was the best show ever made. While I am missing the show dearly, Kevin has taken its ending quite a bit harder than I have (he went through a little TV depression where he didn't really want to watch anything, because no show could ever compare). I finally got Kevin to suck it up and watch the last season again with me, and it brought back all those old feelings...and tears...and questions.

So, in honor of the greatest TV show ever (and to help fill my blog quota for the month)here it is...a tribute!

...spoiler alert...


My Favorite Characters

~ Charlie Pace and John Locke = For me, it is probably a tie between Charlie and Locke for my absolute fav. They were both so incredibly well rounded and well written. I loved what they did with those characters from start to finish. Charlie, the recovering heroin addict, falling in love with Claire, becoming a best friend to Hurley and a father figure to Aaron, and dying in one of the most dramatic, selfless, and memorable TV deaths ever. And just when we thought that was the end of Charlie, we got to see him in visits to Hurley, and even more poignantly in the "alternate universe" of season 6. Locke, the scared and wheelchair bound weakling, being healed by the island, being ever faithful in a higher purpose, becoming a leader, and even a man to be feared. Even after being killed by my next favorite character, we got to see him come back and so believably play someone menacing.

~ Ben Linus = When Ben appeared on the show, I knew right away that he was not who he claimed to be. Maybe that's because I was biased. I was introduced to Michael Emerson's creepy brilliance on The Practice when he played a man "pretending" to be a serial killer (check out these links here and here...that last one with the ominous music from LOST dubbed over it). Ben was so good at being bad. But even he had his redeeming moments. He was just so enjoying to watch!

~ Sawyer = Ah, the good hearted bad boy. I've always had a thing for bad boys. Sawyer was a sweet talkin con-man. When he came to the island, he never really entirely lost that side of himself. And it was that part that made him the quick with the one liners and spot-on nicknames for other people. His bad attitude made him a great character. And although he was a big part of the Jack-Kate-Sawyer love triangle, his character was never better than he was when he was with Juliet. Seeing his heart broken at the end of season 5 (and in replays in season 6) was heart wrenching to watch. And I loved his "alternate universe" character, too!

Sheesh, I could probably go on and on about many of the characters (like Hurley's kind heart, Kate's strength, etc.), but I won't.

There are several surveys out there to tell you which LOST character you are. Usually, I come up with an answer of Locke, Claire, or Hurley. This one had me pegged as:

It's a tie!
You are part Locke. You believe that goodness exists in everyone and you let faith and your intuition guide you. Sometimes people try to take advantage of your generosity, but you don't let a few bad apples bring you down. You are at one with nature and you are the first person on everyone's list when they plan a camping trip or hike! You believe in destiny- not coincidences, and you live life to the fullest.
You are part Kate. You're a tough cookie with a soft centre. Because you are extremely independent, you sometimes find it awkward to let your guard down around strangers. Instead of surrounding yourself with superficial people, you prefer to keep a few close friends. And if anyone were to hurt one of your friends they better look out! You keep a close eye on those you care about and are ready to be there when needed.

Which character are you?!

My Favorite Quotes

"You're not John Locke. You disrespect his memory by wearing his face. You are nothing like him." = Jack

"Hey, Freckles." = Sawyer

"All I'm going to get out of him is a snappy one-liner and if I'm real lucky, a brand new nickname." = Jack (talking to Kate about Sawyer)

"See you in another life, brother." = Desmond (and Jack)

"If we can't live together, then we'll die alone." = Jack

"If you say 'live together, die alone" to me Jack, I'm gonna punch you in your face." = Rose

My Favorite Moments

OK, there are just too many. I will preface this part of the post with the fact that I am leaving many (beyond many) out. But that's the fun of a blog, isn't it? You can share some, too!

(...and I am deliberately leaving off my favorites from the last few episodes, because I don't want to ruin anything for those who have yet to watch and love the genius of this show.)

...no particular order...

~The first "appearance" of the smoke monster = Of course back then, I didn't even watch the show. From the previews, it just looked (and sounded) like some sort of dinosaur island. I didn't see the point. Looking back, though, knowing the importance of the smoke monster, I can say that that scene was awesome.

~What?! John Locke was in a wheelchair?! = I can't remember if we found out about this before or after we found out about the island healing Rose. But it really doesn't matter, because this episode was so much more dramatic. It gave us the background behind John's loyalty to the island. Amazing.

~ Oh, Charlie = Oh man, this scene still gets me every time! Isn't it interesting how his act of self-sacrifice both worked and failed at the same time? And then later when Hurley has to tell Claire?! OMG.

~ Ben calls Keemy's bluff...but it wasn't really a bluff = How's that for devastation from a man we thought had no feelings?! It had us wondering just who they were dealing with. What was going to happen next?

~ We have to go back! = What?! It worked? They got off the island? But wait. What happened to Jack? He was so sure that leaving that place was the right thing to do. And...what's going to happen next season if they're not on the island anymore?! Ooh, it was pure shock, awesomeness, and panic.

There are just too many! I have to stop. But PLEASE share some of yours!!

The Finale

Again, I don't want to ruin anything for anyone. So, let me just say that I thought it was brilliant. It was the perfect ending, and I can't imagine it ending any other way. It was very bitter sweet. It answered some questions, but in keeping with the true (frustrating) spirit of LOST, it left other things unanswered. But I think that is kind of the underlying theme of the show (and life for that matter). There are some things that we're not meant to understand. Not all questions get answered. But having faith, even when things are hard and we don't understand, is kind of what faith is all about.

For those of you who have already watched it, here is a site that I linked on facebook after the finale aired last year. I think it's good enough to link again.

Anyway, there it is. I could go on, but I won't. To those who have never seen LOST, or those who gave up on it somewhere along the way. I highly recommend renting or watching via instant Netflix (or something else like it) the entire series. And to those who have seen the whole series, I highly recomend watching it all over again. No, it won't be the same (kind of like watching The Sixth Sense again) but it is still amazing. And just like reading a book for the second time, you will pick up on things you missed the first (or 2nd...or 3rd) time around.


"Not leaving, no. Moving on." :)

Dear So and So...

Well, it's that time again. I was looking back through my blogs and I realized I haven't done one of these posts since March of last year. Sheesh! I guess I've had other snarky things to talk about. Here we go!



Dear Guest/Kids' Bathroom,

What is your problem? Why do you never smell clean? Even after washing the shower curtain and bath mat; scrubbing the shower, sink, floors, and toilet; and Febreezing everything, I can still smell stink! I'm hoping it's just me. Maybe your stink is just stuck in my nose. Hopefully other people can't smell you when they come over. I'm just so tired of you. I don't understand. Is the smell just embedded in the floors and walls now? Is there no hope? UGH!

Frustrated and slightly grossed out,
Cakes



Dear Feet,

Why are you so hard to find shoes for? I know you're huge, but I know you're not the only pair of big woman feet out there. Now, I am not one of those shoe loving women that has to have tons of shoes (although I think that might just be because there aren't tons of shoes available), but I don't think that me wanting closed toe shoes (that aren't sneakers) to cover you in the winter is all that unreasonable. I'm sorry that department stores don't carry shoes big enough to fit you without having to special order. I'm sorry that I can't afford to spend a small fortune on you. I'm sorry that you don't get to look as cute as all the other lady feet out there.

Apologetic and maybe a little bit jealous,
Cakes



Dear First Snow,

You look so beautiful! I love watching you fall. I just got done drinking a glass of hot cocoa with the kids while we stared out the windows at you. It was lovely. We were prentending we lived in the mountains (or Mason said the North Pole or South Pole) and we got to do this all the time. I'm looking forward to making a snowman or two out of you later. Thanks for turning this rainy Sunday in to a fun day!

Very appreciative,
Cakes



Dear KitchenAid Stand Mixer,

How have I made it so long without you? Or maybe the better question is why I have put off getting you for so long. I always talked myself out of needing you, because (let's face it) you're expensive. I said things like, "I'm sure my cookies won't turn out as good if I don't mix them by hand." or "I probably wouldn't use it enough to make it worth the cost." But the truth is...I love you! I'm so glad the other cakes decided to spoil me with you, knowing that I would never buy you for myself.

Very fortunate,
Cakes



Dear Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief,

Although I have never read your book, I am really enjoying your movie. For anyone who remembers anything about their Greek mythology from books like The Odessy and The Iliad, you're really very clever. For those who don't remember, you're still probably plenty entertaining. I think I just might have to read your books now. Thanks for entertaining me today.

Possible new book fan,
Cakes


Dear Jury Duty,

Is it wrong for me to be so excited about having you?! Most people dread it, but it's getting me out of the classroom for a day so yeah, I'm a little excited. :) I probably won't be lucky enough for you to pick me, but something tells me I wouldn't mind too much.

Looking forward to it,
Cakes

A New Year...

A belated Happy New Year to you all (however few of you there are that actually still read my ramblings)!!!

**I've said this before, but it still holds true this year. I'm generally not a fan of resolutions. That's pretty much due to the fact that I'm not very good about keeping them. My heart's in the right place, but either due to laziness...or forgetfulness (or maybe a little of both) those things just don't get done. So for the sake of saving time (for me anyway) I'm going to stick with my "resolutions" from last year (check out that link to read the brilliantly worded post). Now, don't scoff! I actually did make progress with most of those things, but there's always room for improvement, right?!

Now on to better (or at least more fun) things...

**With a new year comes new experiences. The first new experience of the year was Six Flags. We took the kids (along with our friend, Ashley, and her son, Ashton) to Six Flags for the first time yesterday! We got season passes as part of Christmas this year. Now, it's definitely not going to be something that we do every year (it would take the excitement, newness, and "specialness" out of it). But nonetheless, we went. And it was AWESOME! Although I've gotten older, I still love the rides. I took some preemptive Tylenol to keep the headaches to a minimum, and I was ready to rock and roll! I was amazed and quite proud of how brave Hannah and Mason were. When I was their age, I was not nearly as adventurous...and neither was Kevin. They must get it from their Aunt Jaime and their Uncles Brad and Josh...and their Grandpa.

Anyway, they were incredible. They went on every ride they were allowed to go on (which was almost all of them), and even some that they weren't quite tall enough for (that was all Kevin, by the way). Hannah was all about it. There was no stopping her. She wasn't even scared...just excited! Mason got a little scared before and during some of the rides, but he was all smiles after (maybe he was happy to be alive, but he also screamed about how awesome it was). Check out this link for a super-sweet video! Some of the coolest rides were closed, but it was still fantastic! Everything was decorated for Holiday in the Park, we got free refills on our hot chocolate and there were fire pits all around the park (both of which were very needed, because it was super cold), and there was even a snow (ice) hill for the kids to sled down!! The kids had a wonderful time, and so did we. It is sure to be a fun-filled year. We told the kids that their tickets are good all year...for as many times as...we want to take them. :)

Even without Six Flags, I can't wait to see what this year holds for us...and the rest of you! And as Nina Simone, Michael Buble, and Muse (depending on which version you prefer) have all said, "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life" and a new year "for me....and I'm feeling good".

Traditions...

So, in class this week we were talking about Christmas traditions from around the world. They simply defined a tradition as something that you do every year: birthdays, holidays, vacations, etc. And while that's true, it seems that me slacking off on my blog has become a weekly tradition. Sorry.

Nonetheless, now that my vacation has started, I'm here. (On a side note, you may have noticed my love for commas. I am a bit comma-happy, and I tend to overuse them. I just figure that anyplace I would pause in conversation deserves a comma...if only for dramatic effect. Oh, and I realize I overuse ellipses too...but whatever.)

As the countdown to Christmas is nearing an end, I thought what better time to talk about Christmas traditions (not around the world, but among our friends and families).

When I was young, Christmas always started the weekend after Thanksgiving. That's when we would buy our tree and decorate the house. It was also usually when Advent would start. We would spend the next 4 weeks getting things ready for the big day. We would buy and wrap presents, bake cookies, and write letters (or in my case, terrible poems) to Santa. But we would also light the candle on the Advent wreath, read Bible stories, help out and church, and celebrate the true meaning of the season.

Sometimes we would go to South Dakota to be with our extended family, but I don't remember much about those. What I do remember are the ones we spent at home. We always went to the children's mass on Christmas Eve (they do a short little reenactment at that mass). We would eat supper, and after we got the kitchen cleaned up we would open presents. We all had our own spots around the living room (Brad at the table in the corner, Mom on the love seat, Jaime on the bricks between the fireplace and the TV, Dad and Josh on the couch, and me on the floor next to the piano). We would get the gifts from under the tree and pass them out to each of our designated spots. We would then try on any clothes we got, play with the toys we got, set out cookies and milk for Santa, and go to bed. When we woke up, we would go down stairs to find our stockings full, a gift for each of us under the tree, and that the cookies had been eaten!

When I met Kevin, it was just another sign that we were meant to be together when I found out that his Christmas traditions would fit like a puzzle piece with mine. They always opened all of their presents on Christmas morning, which left him available to spend Christmas Eve with my family, and I was available to spend Christmas morning with his.

And now that we're married, not much has changed...theirs just a little more travel involved. We still buy our tree and decorate our house the weekend after Thanksgiving. We still celebrate Advent as a way of preparing ourselves and our kids for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We still buy and wrap presents. Then in the days right before Christmas, we drive home to Abilene so we can enjoy the time with our families. We still do Christmas Eve with my family (including the Children's mass...only now it's my kids who participate in the reenactment). We still have our spots in the living room...only now we have spouses and children to fill out those spots. And after the gifts have been opened, clothes have been tried on, toys have been played with, and cookies have been set out for Santa, we put our kids to bed. The grown ups get to stay up late watching movies and/or playing games, eating Santa's cookies, and filling stockings. In the morning, we get to watch our kids wake up and be amazed by the fact that Santa ate his cookies and left more presents. Then we go to Kevin's side of the family and open presents with them. But more importantly we play games with, talk with, laugh with, and spend the day with them. And when we get back home, we get to see that Santa remembered to visit our house, too!

Kevin and I are so blessed to have both of our families in the same town. It truly makes holidays so easy. We get to share the joy of gift-giving with everyone, while not missing out on quality time with anyone. This year is sure to be one of the best Christmases ever! All of my siblings will be together with spouses and kids in tow. But this year we will also be joined by a newcomer to our family...my baby brother's fiance. I'm so excited to be able to spend so my time with my family (both sides), get to know my future sister-in-law a little better, watch Hannah and Mason spend time with their cousins (all 11 of them), and celebrate the birth of our Savior with everyone I love most.

So Merry Christmas! What are some of your traditions?!