Top 10's for 2011

Should anyone care, here is a list of my top things in 2011.

Movies (in order)
1. Melancholia
2. Incendies
3. Contagion
4. Moneyball
5. Bridesmaids
6. The Interrupters
7. Terri
8. Weekend
8. The Skin I Live In
10. Sleeping Beauty

Album releases (in order)
1. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
2. Phantogram - Nightlife
3. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
4. Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Pt 2
5. TV On The Radio - 9 Types of Light
6.Frank Turner - England Keep My Bones
7.EMA - Past Lives Martyred Saints
8.Lana Del Ray - Born To Die
9. The Weekend - House Of Balloons
10.tUnE-yArDs - Whokill
11. Wildflag - Wildflag

Books
1. The Leftovers - Tom Perrotta
2. Give Me Your Heart: Tales of Mystery and Suspense - Joyce Carol Oates
3. A Widows Story - Joyce Carol Oates
4. A First-Rate Madness: Uncovering the Links Between Leadership and Mental Illness - Nassir Ghaemi
5. Colonel Roosevelt - Edmund Morris
6. It Looked Different On The Model - Laurie Notaro
7. No Bullshit Social Media - Jason Falls
8. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs
9. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? - Mindy Kaling
10. A Game of Thrones: A Song of Fire and Ice Volume One - George R. R. Martin

Television (what I watched this year, not necessarily debuted this year)
1. Game of Thrones - Season 1 AMAZING show. Books are good also.
2. Boardwalk Empire - Seasons 1 & 2 Makes me want to go back in time to visit the era of Prohibition in NJ
3. The White Stripes - Under Great White Northern Lights. Yeah, I'm down for just about anything related to Jack White.
4. Downton Abbey - PBS Just another reason to support your public television provider
5. Homeland - Season 1 Love me some Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin and homeland security
6. American Horror Story - Season 1 A one-hour spookfest each week. Count me in!
7. Prime Suspect - Season 1 (and only, as this phenomenally-written, acted and produced show has been cancelled)
8. Appropriate Adult - BBC...Great two-hour made-for-television movie featuring starring Emily Watson and Dominic West

Places to run outside
1. Tower Grove Park
2. Forest Park
3. Holly Hills neighborhood
4. The Hill
5. Castlewood
6. Queeny Park

Places to road bike
1. Weekend mornings downtown STL
2. Big Bend
3. Forest Park
4. Riverfront Trail
5. Castlewood (MTB)
6. Carondelet/Holly Hills trail
7. River Des Peres
8. Grant's Trail

Breakfast/brunch
1. Nadoz, Galleria - yummy crepes
2. Crepery - delicious crepes
3. Olivette Diner - tiny diner, big on taste
4. Soulard Coffee House - tasty fare, great Chai
5. Picasso's - best Chai in St. Louis
6. Meshuggah's - Chai, toast
7. Cafe Ventana - steeped Chai tea, begneits
8. 3 Monkeys - brunch
9. Grand diner - hashbrowns
10. Original Pancake House, Chesterfield - yup. Pancakes.

Lunch
1. Central Cafe - cheapest, most authentic Middle Eastern fare in St. Louis. Try the lentil soup, lebnah or shishtawook.
2. Little Saigon - try the Bo Luc Lac with vermicelli noodles
3. Llewelns - chips are the best.
4. Mangia - super tasty buffet
5. Tortillaria - super tasty and quick Mexican fare
6. Flavor of India (Olive & 270) - best buffet in town
7. Kampai Sushi - best in STL for lunch


Dinner
1. Bridge - best damn service, food and beer selection in STL. I dare you to beat it. Their cheese selection alone should make you bow to them.
2. Kampai Sushi - best damn sushi in STL. This hidden gem in the Coronado in the CWE is for serious sushi lovers. Vegas Roll.
3. Al Waha - Afgan food to die for.
4. Meskerem - Ethiopian deliciousness.
5. Deweys Pizza - cleanest pizza in town. By clean, I mean just the right amount of sauce, cheese, seasoning and toppings. Perfection on a pie.
6. Yummies - soul food with soul.
7. Bocci Bar - new and tasty
8. Vino Nadoz - best food/wine pairing in my book
9. DeMun Oyster Bar - Oysters. Yeah!
10. Sydney Street - an old, tried & true favorite

Music Venue
1. Off Broadway - non-smoking, get-close-to-the-band kinda goodness.
2. Old Rockhouse - non-smoking, two-story optional venue with amazing sound system and laid-back atmosphere
3. Firebird - good bands come here.
4. The Pageant - for those national shows.
5. Way Out - dirty, familiar, loud
6. Lemmons - small, dirty, loud
7. Sheldon Concert Hall - great national acts, classic
8. Cranky Yellow (RIP)

Concerts
1. Colin Hay
2. We Were Promised Jetpacks
3. Cults
4. TV On The Radio (and everyone else at LouFest)
5. Matt & Kim
6. Lucinda Williams/Over The Rhine
7. Mates Of State
8. Pains of Being Pure At Heart
9. Cold Cave
10. Ted Leo
11. Sebadoh
12. Ravonettes
13. New York Dolls/Motley Crue

Top 10 Friend Quotes of 2011

I surround myself with incredibly witty people. Like speaks to like. ;-)

Below are my Top 10 Quotes from my whip-smart friends - in no particular order:

10. "My uncle was eaten by pigs." - Maggie Samadi, in describing how her uncle was murdered by his loving wife. It's like the mafia, but on a farm.

9. "Dark is better." - Mary Lee, in response to the kind of chocolate that really gets her off...in a gastronomical sense, of course.

8. "He looks like he's got it going on. He makes fudge." - Maggie Samadi. Not sure of the origin of the quote, but you can bet it was inappropriate as hell.

7. "I'm wearing kinda stretchy pants." - Kathy Holleman, in describing her pre-holiday attire on casual-dress day at the office, 12/23. If you had seen the spread of goodies that adorned our workspace nooks and crannies, you would know how vital that statement is.

6. "Pedophiles appreciate midgets." - Maggie Samadi. 'Nuff said.

5. "Keyvan is orientally challenged." - Maggie Samadi, describing how her husband has a difficult time with directions. As in, orientating himself.

4. "Chew, dammit. Harder." - Anonymous, teasing me on my first attempt at eating artichoke leaves. Apparently, you suck the good stuff out, you don't chew the leaves. Dork moment supreme.

3. "Shake your Moroccans." - Maggie Samadi, with yet another culturally-challenged statement. Sometimes being married to a Persian gives you grace by association. Sometimes not.

2. "Back of the pants is better than pits." - My brother doling out keeping-you-hands-warm wisdom. Seeing as we come from North Dakota, you'd better believe it's truth.

1. "Probably geese abortions." - Maggie Samadi, commenting on all of the fowl excrement on the sidewalk in her neighborhood.

Little Deathies Donuts

So.

I have this medication that I need to take on a full stomach or I feel all throw-uppy. Like morning sickness w/o the bun in the oven.

I didn't get to have breakfast this morning because I got up late. And was lazy. And had to watch certain parts of "American Horror Story" again to get the full realization that this series might be ending, so there was a bit of pre-grieving happening on my comfy couch this dark, solstice morning.

What could I do but stop off at my hood gas station for a fill-up and some Little Debbies?

Done and done.

I get to work, settle in, and unwrap what I anticipate to be a mess of powdered-sugar goodness, as seen below:

It just wasn't meant to be.

I took a bite, and as I started chewing, I tasted what I can only compare to what might be lighter fluid. Or Drano. Or something just not right.

I immediately spit out what I had in my mouth, swished with water, spit some more, feeling the zombie effect coming on.

I felt like if I didn't get it all out, I might actually succumb to a formal digestive-system shut down, and that my next job might be as an extra on "The Walking Dead."

Seriously. That's how dangerous these Little Debbies donuts tasted.

I was the only one at the office, so I called my best friend to tell her my plight, and in case I died I wanted the proper action taken and the culprits prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Of course, she had a nice chuckle. My friends rock. Keep me grounded, they do.

As we were chatting, and I was describing the unholiness that was disguised as a morning snack, I checked out the expiration date.

These donuts are a full TWO WEEKS past their due date.

My friend suggested that the preservatives in the donuts have gone bad, and that's what I'm tasting.

This is plausible. And more than likely the case, and not what I'm thinking which is either a government experiment on hood rats or the nephew of the Tylenol killer attempting his own 15 minutes of fame with tiny donuts.

So, I'm going to take the donuts back to the gas station, demand a refund, and make them remove all the Little Deathies off the shelves while I watch.

Obviously, I don't expect a tiny, hood gas station to adhere to inventory control. Shit happens. But they will on my watch.

And just in case you're on the breakfast hunt, the gas station is on the corner of Grand and Chouteau. You've been warned.

Uffda

Busy weekend coming up. Since it's been a busy week, I'm feeling a bit rundown, but like my wise brother says, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." True enough.

Today is our MarCom office party. Woot. It's at Moulin, always a good time. Great food, a little drinking, prizes. Good stuff.

Tomorrow night my coworker and her husband are having a party. Great couple - she's in physician outreach and he's a very talented & personable brain surgeon. His blog is fantastic.

Saturday morning early run, and then I'm going to see "It's A Wonderful Life" at the Hi-Pointe. It's my favorite movie and I've never seen it on the big screen, so this will be a treat. I can pretty much recite the entire movie, but will refrain so that I don't bug anyone. Am I a dork? Yup. But a festive one, so look out now...

I've got two invites for festive outings that evening. Not sure if I want to do anything, may just veg...I feel like I need to catch up on 20 million hours of sleep.

Sunday is open, and I'm going to keep it that way because the best things come up last minute. This I've learned the hard way.

Movie Review & other stuff

Saw "Tree of Life", featuring Brad Pitt and very little of Sean Penn. Directed by Terrence Malick.

I really enjoyed Pitt's acting. And that's about all I enjoyed about the film.

I really liked Malick's "The New World" with Colin Ferrell. It was a very poetic film, moved me in all sorts of ways, and even though it was linear, that's not something I have to have in a film in order to like it. Same goes for "The Thin Red Line".

However, "Tree" was just a big 'ol mess of nothing special. Jumped all over. Sean Penn's part was useless. It was, in places, disturbing and not in a good way. And the family dynamic was probably true to many families back in the day, but they way in which it was portrayed felt forced.

NOT recommended by me. Watch at your own risk.

In other news, Ollie is sick. Under the weather. Being weird, not eating, listless, seemingly sad. Vet said it could be due to new treats, Busy Bones, I've recently given him, or his supposed melanoma. Since I refuse to let the doc cut him up, I will remove the treats and see.

Other other news, I am so ready for Xmas to be here. I love spending time at my aunt's house, just kicking back, eating, relaxing, and just being. No judgement, just good times. LOVE IT.

More news...you know how you see a movie trailer and it just PULLS YOU IN? Like, after you watch it you are setting a reminder in your phone that you HAVE to see this film on opening night? And then you see the film, and realize that many of the scenes that were in the trailer were NOT in the movie? Or that the trailer didn't accurately represent the actual movie, and you're sitting there wondering why you paid good money to see crap?

Well, check this link out. It has the Top 10 Biggest Movie Controversies in 2011, and it's grand. They have a short about how many times Natalie Portman was replaced in "Black Swan", and I remember thinking how cool it was for her to do most of her own dancing. HA! Not so, said the researcher...

In final news, I'm fighting off what could eventually turn into a huge addiction to Duncan Heinz Homestyle cream cheese frosting. I made cupcakes over the holidays, and discovered his fluffy, beigey heaven. I am really fighting the urge to go out and buy a can just for spooning...

Thanks for sharing, Modesto

Modesto is my most favorite restaurant in the Lou. Hands down.

The menu is ALWAYS diverse and delicious. Fare for carnivores and vegetarians alike.

Some of my favorite tapas are:

Bistec a la Cabrales - grilled hanger steak with Cabrales cheese and port reduction

Empanadillas de Chorizo - chorizo, potato and cheese pastries with ailoi

Pinchos Morunos - lamb skewers with yogurt and tomato-herb salsa

So I was just perusing my Facebook page, and I see a new post from Modesto.

Guess what? Chef Gracen Dinsmoor posted a recipe for.......wait for it.........wait for it........

GOAT CHEESE STUFFING!

Oh my goodness. Seriously?

Does it get any better than this?

Not only does the recipe revolve around goat cheese (which, in case you didn't know, is cheese made from angels on high) but it comes straight from the selective, creative and exquisite mind of Chef Grace.

This Monday just got a gold star.

I know what I'll be doing after work today - heading to the grocery store to get the ingredients to try out this fantastic fare.

But let's get to the bottom line here of why this is blog-worthy.

What makes this recipe unique is not that it contains goat cheese. Nor is it because it comes from the incredible mind of Chef Grace.

What makes this situation unique is that this culinary creation was shared by a renowned chef, who works at a renowned local eatery, via Facebook.

Restaurants don't have to share anything. Many share the photos of dishes they make, but not the recipes. Why? Because that might make potential patrons NOT visit the restaurant and just make the dishes at home.

They don't have to go the extra mile and make anyone's Monday a little bit less Mondayish. But they took the time out today to do just that, and I'm thankful.

Am I gushing? Perhaps. Is it warranted? Yup.

It's that sharing, that transparency, that willingness to reach out that will make me continue to go back to their restaurant for more.

Snow can suck it.

So, last winter I started hating snow. And pretty much all things related to cold.

And it got me worried.

Am I finally an adult? Have I lost that child-like wonderment that goes along with winter holidays, making snowmen and ice skating?

I really went all out & crabbed about the snow. Driving in it. Other people driving in it...poorly. Putting me in danger.

And all my crabbing made me feel old. Made me feel like a crotchety, old lady who has too many cats, is perpetually single, and never calls anyone by their correct names. And who shakes my old-lady fist at the snow, threatening it with my wizened, balled-up hand.

Today, after talking to a coworker, I now feel better.

I am not old. Or crotchety. I have a dog. And I always call people by their correct names.

I just don't take any pleasure in snow during the workweek.

I like snow in the following situations:

1. Skiing (on vacation)

2. Sledding (on the weekends)

3. For Oliver (he loves to play in it until his tiny baby paws get too cold and he starts walking like he's rusting like the Tin Man did in The Wizard Of OZ)

4. For how it makes Christmas Day feel

So, Mother Nature, feel free to bring on the snow. If you can start early Saturday morning, and make sure it melts by Monday morning commute time, we're all good.

Deal?

Deal.

Movie Review - The Descendants

I'm baffled as to why critics are deeming this the best film of the year.

It blew. Far and wide.

I'm a genuine Clooney fan. The only movie I haven't seen of his yet is "The American" and I will soon. Why? Because I need to wipe my memory of the steaming pile of shit that was "The Descendants."

To sum it up:

Tragic accident. Coma. Indifference. Cheating. Clooney attempting to run in Docksiders. Anger. Confrontation. Sadness. Death. Ice Cream. Credits.

The movie was so damn boring. Clooney's character felt very one-dimensional, which many reviews are touting the opposite. This movie TRIED very hard to be "real" but in my opinion it fell extremely short of that.

It was also extremely depressing. So much so, that I got into a funk that lasted for hours. And yeah, that's on me, but I would've been fine and dandy had I need seen that stupid movie.

Am I letting my mood cloud my judgement, my review? Nope. I really went into this with an open mind.

The only thing that saved the movie for me was watching Clooney reach a level of acting I hadn't seen from him before - he cried.

I liked that. I know he has range as an actor. Now, for me, he has depth.

I wouldn't even spend a Red Box $1 on this.

I cannot recommend this movie.

Consider yourself warned.

Movie Review - Melancholia

Melancholia is, by far, my favorite Von Trier film. And, by far, one of my favorite films of the year.

I'm a "light" fan of Kirsten Dunst, meaning I enjoy her acting but will not rush to see her in a film. There has to be more than just KiKi to get me excited.

After this film, I've changed my tune towards her acting. She was superb. Portraying a character who suffers from mental illness and has a major depressive episode is something she does deftly. There is no victim or hero in her character - she is who she is, and it's clearly evident in her portrayal. What I most loved about her in this film is how seamlessly she transitioned between scenes & showing the audience her feelings - she made a connection with the audience (me) that I search for from main characters in most films and am usually let down.

Supportive characters Kiefer Sutherland, Stellan Skarsgard, Alexander Skarsgard, John Hurt and Charlotte Rampling all give very good performances - they are woven into the story perfectly, and however short their face-time, they are definitive to the story. No fodder at all - very rich, tasty treats that pop up throughout.

Charlotte Gainsbourg as Kirsten's sister, did a fine job of playing a sister dealing with a broken family, while trying to keep her own afloat. If anyone is a victim here, it's her, by all counts - of herself, mostly. While Kirsten is the main play, Charlotte could be considered a second main - the film is broken down into two parts, "Justine" which is Kirsten's character, and "Claire", which is Charlotte's character.

The cinematography is breathtaking - I know this sounds corny but if there is a better word for how lush this entire movie feels, give it to me and I'll gladly use it. The opening scenes, however "artsy" you may categorize them, are like melted warm butter for your eyes. The music that permeates the film is fitting, like a warm onesy for the adult movie-goer. It's a combination that is intoxicating.

I gush. I know. But I truly liked this film.

It was filmed in Sweden, primarily at Tjolöholm Castle, which is on my list of places on earth I must visit. It's like a dream. Really. It is.

The plot is this - Kirsten's character getting married, and at the same time a planet called Melancholia "might" be hurtling towards a collision with earth. Angst, and more angst, horseback riding, marriage strife, meals on the terrace, a potential deadly world event, a couple baths, and the end. If you want more deets, go here.

I'm not going to spoil this for you by giving away the very surprising ending. What I will say is that this movie is a journey. It is spying inside the mind of mental illness. It is spying inside of failed and flawed marriages. It is peeking behind the curtain of a filmmaker's dreamscape. And I'm so glad that Von Trier decided to share this with us.

It is also a disaster film, but maybe not in the true meaning of the word.

Check it out.

My neighborhood park

I've always enjoyed living near a city park, whether it's Forest Park, Francis or Tower Grove.

Last weekend I took Ollie over to TGP for a walk, and there was hardly anyone there. I guess everyone was recuperating from the World Series festivities and Halloween stuff. The quiet of the park, along with the beautiful fall colors of the leaves, inspired me to take a few pics.

I have to add that using apps like Instagram and Hipstamatic can turn a boring photo into something that looks professional.

Yeah, Oliver decided to drive home. His paws just reach the pedals.

Why I Love Fall - Redux

10. Baseball - I am a new fan to this very complex sport, and now that we're in the running for the Series, well, I'm hooked.

9. Cooler weather - I am at my best during this time of year. The smell of wet leaves, the chill in the air, damp mornings and evenings on the back porch. I dig it. I really do.

8. Football - specifically, college. Go Bison, go Tigers, go Jayhawks. Nuff said.

7. Oktoberfest - I love a month that is dedicated to celebrating beer. My favorite at the moment would be Lips Of Faith Fleur by New Belgium from Ft. Collins.

6. Halloween - everything about this holiday makes me smile. The candy. The costumes. The decorations. My family has a long-standing tradition (this marks our 20th anniversary) where we get together, deep fry everything (fries, shrimp, etc.), hand out candy, watch scary movies and play cards. It's a blast, and I look forward to it every year.

5. Wineries - I love me a little long-stemmed culture on a hillside with my homeys.

4. Foliage - Missouri has phenomenal changing of the leaves. The colors are unlike anything I've ever seen. I guess growing up in North Dakota, where there are 4 trees and you have maybe 21 minutes between summer and winter will do that to a girl.

3. NBA - I think basketball players are incredible athletes. Constant movement, multitasking, speedplay. Astounding.

2. Bad horror movies - I recently reviewed the Human Centipede. I would consider this to be a bad horror movie. Bad in a good way. Others would include Motel Hell, I Spit On Your Grave, Basket Case and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre II. Actual bad horror movies would be Albino Farm, Alligator X, and any of the Saw movies.

1. Good horror movies - nothing beats a good horror movie this time of year. My favorites include Halloween, Devil's Rejects, The Shining, Grindhouse, The Exorcist, Inside, 30 Days of Night, Let The Right One In.

Movie Review - 50/50

I saw the movie "50/50" this weekend.

Overall, a very good flick. It didn't over-dramatize - I felt it stayed well within the "believable" when it came to the character's reactions as well as the kind of interactions that family, friends, and care-givers might have when dealing with cancer. Tough stuff, touching and real.

It had it's funny moments (how can it not, with Seth Rogan at the helm?) but it wasn't a comedy by any means. It's a drama, and I went through many napkins trying to mop up the tears and snot, especially towards the end. Be warned - it's sad. It's somewhat depressing. And it stays with you longer than you want it to after leaving the theater.

I am a solid fan of Seth Rogan. I am also a fan of the more bit-players in this movie - Angelica Huston, Anna Kendrick and Bryce Dallas Howard. But this movie made me more of a fan of Joseph Gordon-Levitt than I was before. I still haven't gotten through "Inception" (doubt I ever will at this point), but JGL gives a really strong performance in most movies I've seen him in, 50/50 being no exception.

**SPOILER**

One of the scenes I liked the best was when the cancer doc was doing dictation in front of JGL, rattling off the diagnosis with the huge, scary medical terminology while the patient sits there, smiling, waiting for the doc to greet him. Then the doc, after being interrupted by JGL, tells him he has cancer, what kind it is, and then JGL walks over to the window, and the docs voice starts to fade and white noise is amped up. From what I understand, it's pretty common for someone who's just been told that they have cancer to not hear much of the rest of the conversation.

**END OF SPOILER**

This is a good movie. It's a renter, for sure. Not really one to see at the theater, unless you just can't wait.

Monday reflections...or substandard rambling. You pick.

1. So the SJP movie bombed this weekend. Did anyone really think it was going to be a hit? If so, umm, get out much? Sorry, but she jumped the shark after SITC. Move on.

2. I have decided I'm not a fan of HUGE crowds unless I have an assigned seat and can leave when I want to. This is why I will not be going to events such as the Balloon Glow, Live on the Levee, or Race for the Cure ever again. I will show my support in other ways.

3. I am still staying away from Indian food. The nightmare from last week still haunts me. I'm sure you really wanted to know this, but whatev. It's my life.

4. I'm pretty sure the universe is trying to tell me a few things. And I have decided to just go with the flow and see what happens with the first one, use my best judgement on the second, and make a doctor's appointment for the third. Trust, wisdom and karma will show me the way.

5. My dog is a creature of habit, and when I interrupt these habits it backfires on me in kinda gross ways. I need to adhere to our routines more, because he deserves the best life ever.

6. I cancelled my Netflix account. I am not going to play into their oh-so-obvious corporate greed and won't be a partner to their oh-so-obvious business lunacy. Hello again, Redbox...

7. I have a new favorite band today, and they are The Big Pink. The song is Dominos. It makes me want to wear all black, don my Doc Martens, and dance in a mysterious, shoe-gazing way.



8. I recently discovered a song I really, really like, which is from a band I really, really can't stand. Not sure how I missed this gem by Jimmy Eat World, but I am glad I found it now.

5 Forks Up

I ate at India Palace for the first time last night.

I've lived here for 21 years and have resisted going because it's in a crumbly, old hotel near the airport. Which isn't appetizing to me in the least.

Even the elevator smelled skanky on the ride up, which almost made me regret my decision.

Once there, we were seated and the amazingness began.

Great view of tiny, blue airport lights.

White tablecloths.

Turbaned waiters.

And then the meal.

It was the most delicious Indian food I've ever eaten.

But wait.....

*TMI ALERT*

Five minutes after leaving the restaurant, I was praying I made it home.

Yup.

Not sure if it was a specific spice, or the special naan, but my gut was not in check. It was rebelling in a big way.

I seriously considered pulling over to a fast food joint on the way. I was mapping out my route, thinking about what was down the road in case I needed to make a pit stop.

I made it home. Barely.

It wasn't pretty.

Needless to say, while I enjoyed the meal, the entire experience has put me off of Indian food until further notice.

The joy.

Ukulele du jour - Jake Shimabukuro's take on "Bohemian Rhapsody".

What's better than hearing it is WATCHING him play it.

The joy.

My new favorite font

It's called toyphabet.

I love it.

Go here to check it out.

Movie review & weekend recap

Friday saw "Contagion" - really good flick. Soderbergh delivered once again. It wasn't over the top at all - very much what would seem a realistic look at what would happen to countries should a deadly outbreak happen. Most facets were covered - government, scientific, law enforcement, conspiracy theorist, family. Gwyneth Paltrow was barely in it, but Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Lawrence Fishburn all gave good face time. Jude Law was annoying, and didn't really add anything to the film in my opinion. There is a very touching scene in which Matt Damon is looking at pics of Gwyneth and crying - see if you can catch the hidden message. Soderbergh genius. I highly recommend this movie.

Saturday went to Art Outside at Schlafly Bottleworks, and scooped up a couple prints and some jewelry. Caught up with an artist friend, Mark Sheppard, and ran into a couple old friends from my university days. Afterwards took my prints to Hobby Lobby to get framed, and picked up some ceramic pumpkins for my mom's fireplace mantle. Later on met up with friends for some drinks.

Sunday went to the Rams game with my family - the first few minutes were spectacular, after that it was an exercise in futility. Lots of injuries, loudness, but homemade cookies from the saved the day.

All in all, it was a very good weekend.

Next weekend? I really need some tree time, outside time. We'll see what the week brings.

Touch My Monkey

So today is Dress Like Steve Jobs Day.

I didn't know this, or I would have dug out my black mock turtleneck tshirt.

We were discussing this fact at work just now, and came to the conclusion that Steve stole this particular look from Mike Meyers "Dieter" skit from SNL.

You know the one...I call it the "Touch My Monkey" look.

Black top. Glasses. Nerdy.

See below:

Dieter

Steve Jobs

See?

Improved pace 'cause of the chase

So I was chased while on my way to Tower Grove Park this morning for my morning run.

Some crazy lady yelled at me when I passed her, asking me for change for the bus.

Um, I'm running. No purse. No money, honey.

I didn't answer her, and I guess that was my mistake. She proceeded to start screaming at me, and I slowed down to look back and she was running down the sidewalk chasing after me.

Nice.

I just sped up a bit, crossed Grand and kept on going, hearing her screams start to get more and more faint.

Needless to say, I took a different route back home after my run.

I had my mace, but would rather not have to use it.

The thing is, my neighborhood can be sketchy, but it's block by block, and my route to the park is through the good blocks.

Thinking this is a one-time deal.

Still - makes for an interesting morning.

Concert Calendar

It's jam packed with sweet musical goodness.

9/15 Jennifer Knapp @ORH
9/16 Margot & The Nuclear So & Sos @Firebird
9/20 Viva Voce @Firebird
9/21 Joy Formidable @Firebird
9/23 Horrors @Firebird
10/5 Mat Kearny @Pag
10/9 Beirut @Pag
10/14 Tapes & Tapes @Firebird
10/29 Mike Doughty @ORH
11/3 We Were Promised Jetpacks @ORH
11/16 City & Colour @Pag

The music...the music....

I am beyond excited.

Beyond.

One of my favorite singers of all time is coming to the Old Rock House next week and I scored tix. Just in time.

I met Jennifer Knapp back in 2000 when I was working as a director for a virtual reality company. Chordant Music Company, a Christian music label had contracted out one of our 8-seat VR theaters and I worked the event. Jennifer was there, a tiny little thing with a huge, soulful voice, and I quickly fell hard for this girl's singing.

Now, I'm not a huge Christian music fan, but I like what I like. And I like her. So I am just jazzed to be able to see her once again, and in a smaller music venue:



Another one of my favorite singers, Mike Doughty from the former great band Soul Coughing, is coming to the ORH as well - as is We Were Promised Jet Packs.






My goodness - can this day get any more fantastic????

I think not.

This girl loves life. Immensely.

My love of racing

Long ago I was neighbors with Helio Castroneves' lead engineer, Andy Borme, which got me into KART and Indy racing. Andy was a great guy, really loved the mechanics of racing, and didn't really enjoy the politics behind the big racing companies and ownership. He was always intent on providing the best technical advancements and making sure the vehicle was safe. When a driver crashed and was hurt or killed, it affects all involved, especially the engineering team - they would always wonder if something they did played a part in the wreck.

I've since followed Helio on to many wins, and have also watched other drivers from that time go on to make it big (Paul Tracy, Tony Kanaan).

It's a tough sport. Takes incredible focus, strength, and timing.

Came across this video from a recent race. It's a great example of how milliseconds can be a deciding factor when it comes to staying on the track and destruction:



Scary.

Must-see movies for Fall 2011

Melancholia - I've long been a fan of Kirsten Dunst. Throw in Lars Von Trier and Charlotte Gainsbourg, and it's a recipe for yummy cinema.


Paranormal Activity 3 - because I'm a sucker for scary trilogies:


Contagion - stellar cast, outbreak, world catastrophe. Matt Damon. Kate Winselt. Jude Law. Love. Love. Love.


Take Shelter - Man has weird dreams and visions about the end of the world. Builds a bomb shelter. Freaks his family out. Michael Shannon makes me happy.


Martha, Marcy, May, Marlene - A young woman flees a cult, gets paranoid that they're coming after her. Looks pretty unique.


50/50 - Seth Rogan truth-based dramedy about a friend who has cancer. Joseph-Gordon Levitt. Done.


Weekend - fresh, wounding and hopeful. These are the words I would describe from just seeing the trailer. Interested in seeing if this is true about the film as a whole.


Machine Gun Preacher - Gerard Butler. If you know me, you know I don't need to say any more than his name.


Life, Above All - a young girl facing the AIDS crisis at home in South Africa. From what I saw, it reminds me of the beautiful film Yesterday.


Higher Ground - Vera Farmiga stars in and directs in this story of a woman's journey with Christianity.

The votes are in - Anchorman it is

It's official.

We've decided to go as the cast of "Anchorman" for the Go! Halloween run.

My main goal was to find a costume that required a mustache.

And yeah, you can add a mustache to just about anything. But we were looking for authenticity.

I will be Ron Burgundy. Trying to figure out how to work Baxter and some scotch into the costume.

Looking forward to seeing the trident and Sex Panther.

Should be a really good day - thanks to Mike for the suggestion.

So.

I keep stumbling across things from my deep past which remind me of a time when I was very happy.

Things like Sandlewood incense. Ani DiFranco albums. Journaling. Birks & wool socks. My old guitar playbook. Pastels & charcoal.

Was I happy simply because of these things? Partly - they were comfortable, they were mine, and I discovered each one during a certain time in my life that's connected with a really good memory.

And yeah, I've made new memories since then, but the collective of these memories is like a connection to an old, dear friend.

It was a time when I didn't know my future, felt like I had all the time in the world, and wasn't so digitally connected that I couldn't take time to let the "here and now" sink in.

I think it might be time for an experiment.

Infuse these items that invoke warm memories of the past into my digitally-enhanced present. See what happens.

This weekend is as good a time as any to start.

I swear

I rarely have time to watch the local news, whether it's in the morning, after work or in the evening.

It's for this reason I get most of my local news online. But it's getting frustrating.

When I go to a local news website and click on a video I
want to watch, I ALWAYS have to sit through a frickin ad.

It's SO annoying. And the fact that these ads don't give me the choice to "skip" after 5 seconds makes me even more mad, because I appreciate that option.

I have sworn to never give my business to the following:

Quicklane Tires
The Retirement Coach on KTRS
Leafguard Gutter System
Lumiere Place
Rivercity Casino

Randomness

So tired I think I fell asleep in hypnotherapy class tonight.

Dating is fun.

I have a sport sock addiction. I love fresh, white sports socks that wick away moisture. And have extra heel cushioning.

Is kind of over reality television. Give me an After School Special or Monday Night Drama of the Week and I think I would be happy.

Read an article on Japanese Scotch, and would like to try some.

In my next life I'd like to be a symphony conductor.

9 weeks to the 1/2 marathon. Hmm.

Treasures her friendship with Brian - there are few people on this earth I can confide in without hesitation, and he's one of them.

My favorite fall outfit of leisure is comfy jeans, wool socks, an oversized long-sleeved mens waffled t-shirt.

I think I would've made a good hippie.

Things that go boo in the night

I live in a haunted house.

My neighbor just confirmed it.

I already knew this.

How?

Because I see shadows move in the doorway to my dining room. Day and night.

Because I can feel a presence. I've lived other places where I feel nothing. I feel it here.

Because one night, when I was headed out, I heard a woman's voice distinctly say in my ear, "I don't think that's going to work." And I was alone in the house.

And finally, because I caught my dog playing with someone in my kitchen last night. An invisible to me someone, but visible to him someone.

So, my neighbor told me all about the woman who died here in 1971, from cancer. Apparently she was a very nice person. Which is why I never feel scared.

I always feel comfortable in this house. So knowing what I know now explains a lot.

Right out of college my husband and I lived on the top floor in one of the oldest houses in St. Charles. It was haunted. By evil.

And we're talking really, really evil. Creeps me out to drive by the place.

I might have to tell this story soon, but not at night, and not before I'm about to go to bed.

Sleep tight....

Zero tolerance for effing up my movie-going experience

My favorite theater in St. Louis is the Tivoli, for the following reasons:

1. It's fancy, and everyone could use a bit of fancy every once in awhile in their lives.

2. It plays the more obscure movies that usually aren't formulaic, might have subtitles, and could very well inspire you to change professions, partners, or your hair color.

3. It is in a hip/cool/swank part of town, so when you're done with the movie you can turn left or right and experience tasty Thai, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Greek, pub or street fare.

My second favorite movie theater is the Hi-Pointe, mostly because I feel like I'm seeing a move back in the 60's. The chairs are squishy/comfy, you purchase tix outside which throwback-cool, and the testy canine that frequents the lobby makes me laugh and cower at the same time.

My third favorite movie theater is the Plaza Frontenac, mostly because of the films - foreign, off-beat, political. And I do like window shopping for outrageously expensive fountain pens and cufflinks.

But If I go mainstream, it's gotta be an AMC theater. They feel newer, cleaner, and have better popcorn than the Wehrenberg theaters.

And now, I just received some news which might make me dump my longstanding AMC and hook up with the competition.

Apparently, Wehrenberg now has a "zero tolerance" cell phone policy in their theaters.

I. Love. This. LOVE IT.

I am easily distracted. Always have been. Bird, blue sky, beep-beep kind of distracted. It's a wonder I haven't driven off a bridge or fallen into an open manhole.

And when I'm at the movies and I see a bright light flickering out of the corner of my eye, my eyes wander...away from the screen...and I lose precious plot points, dialogue and time.

The culprit of said flickering light is usually a misanthropic Gen Y'er or Bieber-haired Millenial who cannot be without some form of digital communication for over five minutes, lest their heads explode from missing out on a perfectly-placed, smiley-faced icon or an OMG.

Pisses me off to no end.

I once had to sit behind a lady who USED HER CELL PHONE LIGHT TO KNIT WHILE SHE WAS AT THE MOVIES. WTH?? Almost slapped the baby blue off of her Coldwater Creek cardigan.

Will I give up the cleanliness, newness and tasty, buttered carbs of the delightful AMC establishments to sit in a musty, old, weatherbeaten Wehrenberg theater which promises no distractions?

Why, yes. Yes I will.

Until AMC gets on board, you can find me at the Wehrenberg Des Peres getting my distraction-free, sucky-popcorn film-going experience on.

Maybe the best movie of the year

Troll Hunter

Surprisingly great. It is a very unique story, told in mockumentary fashion (because, well, trolls really don't exist, right?)

The CGI was captivating - the trolls looked like something out of a very well-illustrated storybook.

The cinematography makes me want to visit Norway. Stunning. Man, find me a forest!

The actors put on decent performances. I found myself feeling for them as the movie rolled on.

The ending? Thankfully, it delivered.

5 out of 5

7 weeks to heaven

October is my favorite month of the year, for the following reasons:

1. Cooler temps. Nothing like running in 60 degree weather.

2. Coats, sweaters, tights, boots, scarves. How can you not love fall fashion?

3. The smells - wet leaves, wood-burning fireplaces, roasting pumpkin seeds.

4. Camping - see #1, 2 & 3.

5. Shaw Art Fair - in my opinion, this is THE art fair of St. Louis. Many local residents host national artists in their homes, it's a beautiful neighborhood, and lots of affordable options. Oh, and they usually have some really great food vendors on hand to satisfy any kind of craving. When you're done shopping, you can walk on over to the Botanical Garden for a lovely stroll through the Japanese Garden.

6. Football, rugby and hockey. Can't get enough. CAN NOT.

7. Nature outings - there's this spot on Hwy 94 just outside of Defiance, but before Augusta where you can pull off the road and take in the most breathtaking view of rolling hills filled with multi-colored leaves. It's autumn at its finest. Hiking in the Mark Twain Forest, Busch Wildlife, or Castlewood is amazing this time of year.

8. Oktoberfest - beer, friends, food, and fun. Need I say more? Nope.

9. Washington, MO - I love taking a drive down to Washington, MO on the backroads (Hwy D, DD, Z) to check out the small town church chili dinners, antique stores, yard sales, and vegetable stands, all the while listening to NPR. Upon arriving in Washington, lunch must be had at Wimpy's, followed by walking the downtown area and hitting up the Amish country store for homemade taffy and cinnamon popcorn. Then, an early dinner at Aldo's, a family-owned pizzeria that has THE most amazing sausage/mushroom pizza. Finally it's a dusk drive back to the STL, again listening to the soothing sounds of NPR.

10. Halloween - my second favorite night of the year. My entire family gets together, cooks burgers and gets the deep-fryer out for french fries and shrimp, and we take turns answering the door, handing out candy and playing cards. Too much fun.

11. Farmers markets - Soulard, Kirkwood, St. Charles. Apples for pies, squash for dinner, and everything in between.

12. Centennial Farms or Eckerts - apple picking, pumpkin picking, hay-bale mazes and homemade honey stix.

The countdown begins. Now.

Shorty-short movie reviews

Barney's Version - whoever put together the trailer must have been on crack. This movie was pretty superb. It had a good feel, Paul Giamatti was splendid. It's a great character study with a murder mystery weaved in for good measure. A little long, but very satisfying.

Frontiers - wicked weird French horror flick. Outstanding special effects are worth the rental.

Cowboys and Aliens - naptime with popcorn.

Friends With Benefits - an entertaining summer flick. Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis fit.

Sarah's Key - book was much better, although I'd gladly watch Kristin Scott Thomas make soap, so it was worth it to me.

Mutants - slow, boring French zombie flick. Would've made a nice TV series.

Tokyo Gore Police - if you know me, you know I'm good with gore. This movie did me in. It beat me. Had to turn it off after 8 1/2 minutes. Feeling queasy just thinking about it. It's probably a good movie, but I'll never know.

Horrible Bosses - great. Charlie Day is like comedic cocaine for me. I need him. Everyday.

Midnight In Paris - love seeing the city, tolerated seeing and listening to Owen Wilson.

Bad form, Bravo...

So I lost 1.5 hours of my life watching the first half of the Real Housewives of New York City last night after I got home from class.

First, you may be asking why I watch such crap. Well, because it's easy on the brain after a long day at work and a long evening in class. It's been my guilty pleasure, but as of last night, I'm done.

It was horrible. I've watched each of the four seasons of this reality show, and have to say that with the departure of Bethenny, it's taken a 90° downhill turn.

Nothing about it was entertaining. Or funny. Or remotely civil. It was the brunettes vs. blondes, and nobody won in my opinion.

Each of the ladies dished out their fair share of meanness, some more than others. The brunettes really ganged up on Alex, but she took it in stride and help her own. Good for her.

It's not worth going into detail, but I was disgusted by everyone, even the host, and can't spend any more time on this tripe.

My new guilty pleasure? Not sure yet. But you can bet it won't be on the Bravo network.

Movie Review - Horrible Bosses

Want a lot of good laughs?

See this movie.

Here is a short list of reasons why:

1. Charlie Day - just watching this guy open his eyes makes me laugh.

2. Colin Farrell - he's just so gross in this movie. Genius.

3. Jamie Fox - MuthaF*cka Jones. 'Nuff said.

4. Charlie Day - he's like the illegitimate child of Bobcat Goldthwait and that weird kid you went to Jr. High School with. Strange, funny, a mess, and a voice that varies in pitch depending on his stress level.

5. The Ting Ting car scene. So simple, yet so wet-your-pants-from-laughing-so-hard funny.

6. Jason Bateman - he's back after a brief foray into smugdom.

7. Charlie Day - dammit, this guy is funny.

I get the feeling that a lot of the scenes were ad-libbed. The flow seemed natural. Jason Sudeikis is okay - he's a bit smarmy for me.

Jennifer Aniston? She was Jennifer Aniston saying dirty words. No big deal.

Enjoy.

Movie Review - The Rite

Watched this a couple weeks ago.

Wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did.

I am always on the lookout for good, spooky movies. This one delivered in spades.

I'm a huge fan of Anthony Hopkins. He didn't disappoint.

The thrills and chills in the movies weren't of the "boo" kind, but more of the constant creepy kind.

There was a great backstory on the wayward priest, in terms of his upbringing, career choice, and the path he eventually chose to take.

There is also an element of science to it, when the exorcists & journalists are taking class. I would like to attend one of those classes.

There's a spooky scene with a demon-possessed mule - unique and weird, but it worked for me.

And if any of you know me, you know it takes a lot to get me scared. During the first half of the movie, I had to turn it off and walk away because I was getting too spooked.

It's not in my Top 10, but definitely in my Top 20.

The Dr. Is In

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

I love this quote. It's from Dr. Seuss.

However, there is something missing that I think is important, which should come after "say what you feel"....and that's "in a kind way."

I don't know if it's a generational thing (evidence it pointing in this direction) but I encounter many people who say what they feel in a completely offensive, insensitive and unkind way.

Sometimes it's not what you say, but how you say it. A person can express their feelings in a way that is kind, or at the very least neutral. It's called tact. It's a skill, to be certain, but everyone can learn it.

And this goes for email also. It seems etiquette has been overthrown by laziness. Greeting, complimentary close, signature. Not including these is a show of disrespect, plain and simple. If you're too lazy to include these in an email to a colleague, manager or stranger, be prepared for a defensive response or none at all.

The love of my life

Before marriage therapy class started last night, I had a conversation with Suzie, a classmate, which made us both very emotional.

It was about the loves of our lives.

Her best friend and love of her life, Martin, passed away in March. She talked about visiting his grave often, telling him about her day - the challenges, the triumphs, and about how much she missed him. She said that her grief was incomparable to any other loss in her life.

I shared with her the details of my loss, when my best friend died in 2005. It was a very difficult time of my life, and I often wish I could go back and do things over again.

Suzie said she hoped to someday find that kind of love again, but she just wasn't ready now. I shared with her how I went for years without thinking I could get that lucky again, but that in 2007 I was fortunate in that I found that love again.

Oliver came into my life through chance. I was not looking for him, but he found me. And that was the beginning of what is for me, one of the greatest love stories ever told. :-)

Coincidentally, my friend Ash posted this on her Facebook page just now, which made me remember last night's conversation. Below is her tribute to HER best friend:

He is not just a dog
He is my friend
He is my family
He is my partner
He is my companion
He is my defender
He is my hero
He is my eyes when I cannot see
He is my ears when I cannot hear
He taught me to be kind
He taught me to be compassionate
He taught me to be human(e)
I am his voice

It's the sound - my favorite words

Words. They're pretty powerful.

"I love you." Put a few together and they can swell a heart.

"Never again." String a couple up & they could tear a couple down.

One of the sweetest words on earth could be "yes", like when it's the answer to the question "Will you marry me?"

It can also be one of the most harrowing of words to the ears of a mother, when she asks her son if he will be going overseas to fight a war started by a ego-busted Texan with a penchant to "do what's right" in the most wrong of ways.

But then there are words that, when used on the rarest of occasion, delight. It could be they way they roll off the tongue, or what they look like when spelled out, or even their meaning. Whatever the case may be, I have a few favorites:

milquetoast - wussy

titleist (misprounounced "tit least" for a very long time)

replete - filled with, or stuffed

assclown - does this need an explanation? If so, you might be one.

deuterogamist - someone who marries for a second time. I aspire to be one.

cacafogo - a spitfire. I aspire to be this also.

stoopnagel - an idiot. My mom used this word alot when I was little, and it made me giggle. She was divorced. Figure it out.

chapeau - fancy French word for hat.

crapulous - it really means drunk, but I like to use it to describe a situation, thing or person which is the opposite of fabulous

lavavjilla - Dishwasher. It's probably the only Spanish word I can tolerate.

Scritti Politti - it's just a kickass name for a band.

croissant - they are tasty, and I lurve to hear how people try to pronounce the word all French-like and fail. I don't pose - it's "crahsahnt" to me, not "cwuhsahhhh."

doppleganger - Drew Barrymore played one in a sucky movie. Means "twin"...

egregious - superbad, in the best of ways.

superb - it's the epitome of good.

insouciant - couldn't give a crapulous.

spatula - because I am an "ula" fan. Dracula, tarantula.

onomatopoeia - did you think I'd leave this one out? Silly you...

NOW THEN...there are a few words I cannot stand. They make me shudder. For real. And I know I'm not alone in this...

moist - umm, gross?

panties - it sounds wussy, and when paired with the above word, well, ew.

snippet - it makes me uncomfortable. So does Whippet. Don't know why.

gawd - are you a stoner?

epic - are you a stoner?

Most every word in the German language - yes, I can speak/read/write in German, and that's probably why I hate it. Geshchshchsharumph. So damn guttural.

Pus/mucus/snot - kinda goes without saying.

crusty, scab or crusty scab - same as above.

harum scarum - wth? It just frightens me. Weird-ass word...

dopesick - no explanation needed.

slacks - probably the worst word in the English language. To me. Oh hell, it should have been eliminated back in the 1970's when the apparel went out of style.

This message will self-destruct in 10 seconds....

Hardcore.

In a word - this isn't me.

I'm more fluid, flexible, fun. The three F's if there was such a thing.

However, I am getting hardcore about my running, and have gone all strap-on in preparation for the Rock-n-Roll 1/2 Marathon.

I have three going simultaneously when pounding the pavement, and two when at rest.

The first is my BodyBugg. This helps mainly with caloric intake tracking, not so much running, but it's a complimentary electronic companion (CAC). It resides at all times on my upper right arm, cradling my tricep.

The second? My iPod which sits snug on my upper left arm, ready to let loose with selected cacophonies that infuse my every step. My playlist rocks, yo. Don't be hatin'.

The third, and quite possibly most important toy-tool of them all is my Garmin. It wraps lovingly around my left wrist like a good boyfriend should, giving me progress notes at the tap of a finger. Oh, and did I mention the heart rate monitor? Good times.

I feel like the a less-scary, intense Ethan Hunt a la Tom Cruise what with all this gadgetry.

And yes, most runs I feel like I'm on a mission, impossible.

Yet I keep on going. Up to 3.5 miles now, somewhat comfortably. Which means, I'm not dead yet.

Don't mess with my childhood

I hate MTV.

It was decent until around 1993, at which time the music was dialed down and the reality crap was turned up. The Real World was on the mark until 1998, when the Seattle season took it to new lows.

MTV has produced a few movie which I like - Wayne's World, Wayne's World 2, and Austin Powers. It's amazing how they've been able to continue to churn out frothy, feature-length chum from so-so skits from Saturday Night Live. Case in point, MacGruber.

They've now sunk to an all-time low. Beyond low.

They've remade Footloose.

How dare they mess with my childhood.

Not only have the prettied it up, they've also put a "Step It Up" twist to it, which goes against the very nature of what the original film's message was.

It ain't broke. Don't try and fix it.

My Top 10 Albums

Got the inspiration to compile this list here.

Billy Bragg - Workers Playtime
Beastie Boys - Ill Communication
X - Under The Big Black Sun
The White Stripes - The White Stripes
Poi Dog Pondering - Wishing Like A Mountain and Thinking Like The Sea
Beck - Sea Changes
Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes
Ani DiFranco - Imperfectly
Lou Reed - New York
U2 - War

Super 8 - good, not great

I saw Super 8 this weekend.

It was good, but not great.

A very cool premise - young filmmakers shooting a low-budget zombie movie using a Super 8 camera stumble upon a secret the military has been trying to keep undercover for many years.

The pull and promise of this movie isn't so much the monster, but rather friendship, overcoming tragedy and the innocence, purity and goodness of youth.

It missed the mark a bit. Perhaps it's because I kept comparing it to the Goonies and Stand By Me, which in my opinion are two of the best young-buddy movies of all time. The actors playing the two main characters - the young boy and girl - were outstanding. Really, really good performances by both. But the main supporting characters - the dads and the boy director - just didn't have me feeling anything. And the other young boys who made up the rest of the motley film crew didn't get enough depth for us to really feel anything for them.

The flow throughout the film never faltered - it was a very smooth production, no huge plot holes. The ending was a little shrink-wrapped for my taste, but it really wasn't important at that point.

4 out of 5 stars. A good summer flick.

Oh, and stay for the credits. You'll be further entertained.

Own it

Doled out some tough love today.

It's not something I enjoy doing. And I don't do it often, because the effort is often rewarded with resentment, no matter that the tough love is delivered with care.

But when you allow someone you don't completely trust access to financial and other meaningful parts of your life based on a "verbal agreement", you are responsible for what happens.

So own your mistake. Acknowledge your part in it. Correct it (if possible). And make changes so that it doesn't happen again.

And who am I to say "own it"? Because I own my part in past mistakes - divorce, breakups, staying in a job I hate so long it makes me miserable, family rifts, etc. I am far from perfect. And I don't want to be. But I do my best to learn from my missteps so I don't repeat the past.

Now, hold up your right hand and make a fist. Hold up a finger for each person (outside of your family) that you are constantly looking out for. And when I say constantly, I mean every day. Every action and thought is done so with keeping them in mind.

I'd bet the change in my pocket that if you were to use that hand to play rock/paper/scissors right now, you'd be far from paper.

Juggling kittens, dodging lava and flossing with barbed wire

Life is a bit crazy right now, good thing I'm finished with class.

I welcome the crazy, tho. I'm not a glutton for corporal punishment. I just get super-efficient and do my best work when under the gun and stretching for breath.

All that said, if I hold my breath, which I often do, I end up a quivering, gelatinous mess by the end of the day. Case in point - today.

I am going to head home shortly for an evening of self-imposed R&R.

Challenges

This neck/arm pain is getting old. The chiro doesn't seem to be helping. The constant pain is wearing me thin, and getting me a little depressed. I haven't seen my personal trainer in three weeks, which bums me out. And having numb fingers isn't fun - makes biking a challenge.

I was reminded today I have tix to see Ted Leo tonight. Not sure I'm up for it. I saw Colin Hay on Wednesday but left early due to this stupid nerve pain.

So as to remind myself what concerts are coming up, I've updated my iCal and am listing here:

6/7 She Wants Revenge @ Firebird

6/8 Neon Indian/Asobi Seksu @ Firebird

6/15 Detroit Cobras/Girl In A Coma @ Firebird

6/23 Matt & Kim w/The Thermals @ Pageant

6/24 Swinging Utters @ Firebird

7/9 Matisyahu @ Pageant

7/15 Get Up Kids @ Firebird

7/24 Riverboat Gamblers @ Firebird

8/5 Pains of Being Pure At Heart @ OB

Light in the darkness

The last 10 days have been, well, challenging.

However, I discovered that one of my favorite bands, who I first saw on a 3-bill in Las Vegas, is coming to grace our fair city with their rawness.

Swinging Utters @ Firebird 6/24

It's been about 5 years since I last saw them.

It's about time.

Let the superfecta begin.

Superfecta starts tonight - 4 shows in 4 days.

1. Ezra Furman & Harpoons @ Firebird

2. Cosmic Cow @ Llewellyns

3. Bass Drum of Death with Bagheera@ Firebird

4. 30 Seconds to Mars @ Pageant.

It's official.

I love my life.

Suckin' it up...

It's been "a week".

Can't really go into it, but have tried my best to block out the din and rise above the muck this week.

What's getting me through is the awesomeness I have planned this weekend.

Friday, hanging with J - movie, then Herbies, then off for some pinball and happy shenanigans.

Saturday b-fest at my new hangout, Van Goghz, followed by lunchy & records with K, then getting my punk on with my stylist, and ending the night with a movie, dinner and some New Wave covers at Llewellyns in Webster Groves with C.

Sunday day is hanging with the fam, then off to see my FAVORITE Stl band, Bagheera, with K.

What am I doing right now? I'm working for the weekend.... :-)

Can I share your eyeliner, Jordan Catalano?

Man. I dorked.

My musical tastes are pretty infinite. Jay-Z, Tuck & Patti, Buddy Guy, Meat Beat Manifesto, Dead Can Dance, This Mortal Coil, Robyn Hitchcock to name a few. And I really like 30 Seconds To Mars. Don't love them, but like them, and am in the mood for some really good emo rock right about now and a reminder of my young adulthood.

See, Jared Leto will always be Jordan Catalano to me. You know, the deeply emotional but scarred and scared crush to Angela on "My So Called Life".

I admire a man-band that can pull off the eyeliner and nail polish and not come across as whiny wannabe rocker-posers. And they pull it off. Zexy.

But I waited too long and didn't get tickets to the rock show next Monday.

And I am bumming in a big way.

Thinking I might have to hang out in front of the Pageant to see if I can score some affordable tix.

Sigh.

My fave make-out songs are taking a beating...

I am a child of the 80's.

I made out (and still try to, on occasion) to such hits as "Take My Breath Away", Bon Jovi's "Never Say Goodbye" or "Slave To Love" by Bryan Ferry.

Recently, two of my beloved mackin' songs have been RUINED, yes, RUINED.

First, MacGruber tainted Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings" when they created the most horrifying sex scene in the history of film. See below:



This made both my eyes and ears bleed.

But then Juicy Fruit messed with "Angel" from Aerosmith.

I will never chew the Fruit again.



The horror.