Pork Chop Dilettante

Movie Monday

I know I'm a day late, but when I woke up this morning it felt like Monday, so this still counts.

For my first review of 2010 is the movie Up in the Air, which released late last year. I had no idea what to expect from it, because I didn't really understand the plot from the trailers that I saw. Low expectations are usually good for me when I watch movies. Anyway, here is where I issue a SPOILER alert:

George Clooney's character is an emotionally and physically isolated businessman who fires people at companies across the nation for a living. He's likeable enough, but he has the usual annoying consummate bachelor quirks--casual relationships, lives in a hotel, barely knows his family. Then, magically, two women come into his life that each have major impacts on his philosophy. Yadda yadda yadda. I know that some people found the movie to be depressing, but I didn't. It wasn't a happily ever after kind of film, but it also wasn't one of those pretentious indie films that has a tragic ending because, well, that's practically the only kind of ending there is for a pretentious indie film. So. I think it was provocative enough to leave the viewer thinking about what it's like to be laid off, or how you'd really once you let it sink in that you spent most of your adult life shutting everyone, including your own family, out. You now have no memories that involve others who are close to you--you are always alone. Definitely something to ponder.

I'm glad I saw it. Some movies speak to me, and this one did. Netflix it, baby!

Temptation

    

I’m in a fight—with someone who shall remain nameless—because she has introduced me to the drool-worthy shoes by Chelsea Crew. Holy schnickes. I’ve been scouring the interweb for great deals on this pair of shoes, and perhaps I will be successful. I’ll be sure to let you all know. I can’t stop thinking about those shoes today.

In other news, I am absolutely thrilled now that yard sales are in full swing. I have a few to check out this weekend.

I can’t help myself. But seriously, I’m on a budget so I am trying to find used versions of what I need, like a toaster or a blender. Shouldn’t be much worse than the crappy blender from the 1980’s that I’m currently using. Oh, and I use a skillet to make toast. So that gets a little annoying.

I wish that instead of working today, even though I’ve been very productive, I was at home cleaning my apartment. I am suffering through CHAOS—Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome—and need to remedy that. When I get home in the evenings I’m usually too tired to clean, but sometimes I have my moments. Tonight I need to do my taxes (I am such a slacker), so the decluttering will have to wait. At least I’m getting a refund this year, so maybe I can save up for a new vacuum cleaner…

Today is Tuesday, so it’s too late for me to do a Movie Monday review, but next week I’ll be discussing Whip It, Up in the Air, and New Moon. As for the rest of this week, who knows what I’ll write. Perhaps I’ll finally find time to take photos of all the treasures I found at Delaware Seashore State Park last Friday. It was a goldmine!

Movie Monday

As promised, this week's movie is Happy-Go-Lucky.

Image via www.thecia.com.au

Wow, I'm not sure what to say about it. I think it is at times painful to watch, which I'm sure is intentional, because the main character (Poppy, played by Sally Hawkins) is ceaselessly cheerful. Sometimes I wished she'd shut up instead of desperately trying to fill dead air. I suspect that the film is a study of her quirky personality: at first it seems like it is one-dimensional, because she is happy to the point of being flaky. But eventually you see all her layers; she is able to settle down and act like an adult when one of her students is showing signs of trouble at home. When she is on a date with a coworker, she softens and takes time to pause the conversation with a lingering stare into her date's eyes. Their cute, but not annoying, flirting indicates that they have been programmed with the same sense of humor.

There seems to be no real linear plot, just a glimpse into her ordinary life. I'm glad that I watched it, because I always enjoy quirky characters. If you can follow the thick London accents and offbeat storyline, then definitely rent it!

Movie Monday

On both of my blogs I am trying out an editorial calendar--you are now officially introduced to Movie Monday, peeps! I will be reviewing whatever movie comes my way each week, be it current or classic. I will be the first to admit that I am far behind on certain films, and I have no shame. So here is my inaugural post:

Image via horror-movies.ca

Up for review this week is the 2007 time-travel horror flick Cronocrimenes (Timecrimes), directed by Nacho Vigalondo. It's dubbed in English, which in the beginning is a little cheese-ball, but I'm grateful I didn't have to read and watch the movie at the same time. The premise is that a regular Joe (except it's technically a Spanish movie, so perhaps he should be called a "Jose Regular") is enjoying a voyeuristic break in his new backyard and witnesses a young woman disrobing in the woods. Of course, since his lover has driven off to fetch dinner, he decides to track this lady down. He ends up discovering her naked and unconscious, and is suddenly stabbed in the arm with a pair of scissors by some crazy dude whose head is wrapped in pink bandages. After a short chase scene, Jose Regular ends up in a time machine and goes back about one hour in time. The rest of the film is the story of him trying to right his wrongs. It's a lot like watching a train wreck, especially because A.) it's a bit horrific and B.) you can't look away even if you want to.

This is not a slice 'n dice film, but it seriously increased my heart rate. I can't explain why, but it freaked me out and I really enjoyed it. Have you seen scary movies that show the bad guy chasing the protagonist, and instead of running after him, he walks slowly and confidently? The whole movie was like that. Very creepy.

Here's a tidbit that totally took me by surprise (not): there is a US version in the works for a 2011! I can't wait to not see it. I bet there will be a different ending.

My recommendation is that you watch this film. It's pretty gripping and worth your two hours.

Next week: a review of Happy-Go-Lucky.

Could I Possibly Have Arthritis?

I can't sit Indian-style, yogi-style, whatever you want to call it, for more than 10 minutes at a time. Whaaa, you say. Every time I go see a movie, especially if it's summertime and the A/C is really pumping, my knees ache so bad when I walk out of the theater. If I go on a trail ride that lasts more than an hour, I nearly cry as I try to unbend my knees and ankles.

Perhaps I'm too tense? That's a possibility. My mom thinks I might need more yoga. She could be right. I just think I'm weird. I also have an unending addiction to microwave popcorn. Perhaps I should invest in one of those microwave air popper thingys.

Image via www.marylanddogsledding.com

So, I always read the latest issue of the Urbanite about a month after it's been released. Anyway, in the January issue, I was so excited to read that I can go on a dog sled ride! Maryland Dog Sled Adventures LLC has a program on the Northern Central Railroad Trail in Hunt Valley, and for $75 smackeroos you can help rig up the puppies and go for a ride! I want to do this. I want to go! They have a blog, too. I didn't know this, but Fair Hill Nature Center has fun runs for dog sled teams. There are pics on the MDSA blog of the dogs on the same trails that I ride on horseback! Life is too cool.

What is up with all these movie remakes? Why does the original Jason movie need to be redone? And while we're at it, who on earth thought that The Day the Earth Stood Still needed a remix? Did you know there are three different versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers? For serious. I've actually seen two of the three. I'm such a hypocrite. I guess while I'm at it, I should make snarky comments about how many different versions of Batman there are. But I won't, because I love me some Batman.

I think I'm done for the night. Perhaps you'll hear from me later this week. Happy Monday!

Troubles with the internets

I switched to Cavalier from Verizon, and suddenly my phone line isn't working properly and now I don't have DSL. I have limited access to the internet at home, thus the infrequent postings.

I had some really cool topics to discuss on here, but of course I didn't write them down and now I've forgotten what they were. I suck. Tangent: I'm actually looking forward to the latest Terminator movie. Wow! Surprise. Christian Bale is in it--'nuff said.

My friend Melissa and I watched the weirdest movie a couple Fridays ago: Synecdoche, NY. It's a good thing we entered the theater fresh off some wine with dinner, because you need a buzz to get through that flick. The acting was great, and there were some parts that were quite hilarious, but apparently it was supposed to be a horror film (?). If by horror, one means seemingly endless investigation of the mundane, then yes, it was quite scary. I didn't hate it, but Melissa and I wondered if we should stop picking movies to watch together at the Charles...

In other news, my nephew thinks I'm his girlfriend (it's quite an honor, since there was a year or so in his life that he wouldn't let me pick him up or even push him in his stroller). I've been taking tons of pictures of events at work, and I'm thinking of eventually having an art opening with the best of those images. I'm still developing my thesis so it will be a while, but I would love have a show again.

I'm just about to finish a book called Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet. It is absolutely incredible. Melissa let me borrow it. Daniel has Asperger's Syndrome and is also a savant. He and I have one thing in common: we are both synesthetic. It's nice to read about others who experience their letters and numbers in color and have certain spatial locations for days of the week and months of the year, etc.

OK, time to go. My attention span is not the best these days. Too much Christmas stimuli.

Thank God it's over

I am so DONE with this election. I'm so glad that the campaigning is finally over. Both guys were getting on my nerves in a big way. What angers me most about any election is the escalating vitriol and nastiness from both candidates. Also, there is very little respect given to third party candidates. It's nearly impossible for someone to run for any office--you have to raise enough money to hire lawyers who will make sure you are correctly filing all your beaurocratic paperwork, first of all--and I don't think that's what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they fought for, among other things, our freedom of choice. John Stossel did a great piece on this for 20/20 a few weeks ago:

John Stossel is one reporter I'll sit up straight for.

FYI, I am eating the most delicious skillet meal right now. Who knew a frozen dinner could be so good? It's a Voila! garlic shrimp dish by Bird's Eye. I bought three (with coupons, of course) because if I send in the UPC's and a rebate form, I will get A Charlie Brown Christmas on DVD! Good deal. I might do it again and get It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, too.

Image courtesy of www.crystalinks.com

Now that Daylight Saving Time has ended, I am trying to adjust to the shorter days. Right now I feel like the darkness at 5pm is causing a bit of claustrophobia on my part. The absense of light makes me feel like I'm trapped inside a box. I'll get used to it, though. The one thing I truly love about the winter solstice is that from each day forward until the summer solstice, the days are getting longer. That's kind of pathetic, but it gets me through.

I really want to hit up Sephora for a major makeup blitz. I look so pasty and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. Ugh. I need some magic powders to make me look like I have a pulse. I'll gather some of my babysitting money and pull together some essentials...soon.

Tonight I am very distracted and am therefore going to conclude this enthralling session of Pork Chop Dilettante. Toodles!

Money Makeover and Other News

I think that the messiness of my apartment is directly linked to my lack of desire to write blog posts. So, this evening I at least cleaned the dishes and took out the trash so I could write something. There's still much more to do, sadly. I've really let myself go...but thankfully I have the motivation to make my apartment look more presentable. Changing seasons always light that spark for me.

While I was at the beach, I finished Dave Ramsey's latest book, The Total Money Makeover. Man, life will be difficult for a time but I know it's worth it. I've set up my budget and am embarking on Baby Step Number One: Save $1000 for a mini emergency fund. Hopefully my credit card debt will go bye-byes and I can REALLY live.

   

I have also discovered that there is a link between two of my favorite movies: Bladerunner and Total Recall. It appears that both were inspired by Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. I knew about Bladerunner's obvious connection but had no idea that Total Recall was somehow related. I learn something new every day! Oh yeah, do you love the Schlitz poster I found promoting Bladerunner in 1982? Did you also know that Schlitz is back? Oh yes, it is.

This Saturday I am going to the Fair Hill Nature Center to volunteer with the Delaware Trail Spinners. They maintain the horseback riding trails in the park by meeting every second Saturday of the month. It should be fun! After that I'll visit my parents. They went to Cape May this week and I am insanely jealous. I even had a dream about finding seashells this morning. Of course, I was in Hawaii, but still.

OK, I'm hungry. Time to make dinners. I don't want to get the shakes like I did last night. Oops.

New Obsessions

My first new obsession is Donnie Darko. Yes, it took me long enough to see the movie, I know. It was awesome! I spent over an hour reading interpretations and analyses on web sites and discussion boards. I never cease to amaze myself with how far my geekiness reaches. I am achieving more and more every day. This movie is very bizarre and not one that I thought I'd ever like (demonic bunny rabbit soothsayers are not usually my thing). However, it is a spectacular melting pot of sci-fi, teenage angst, semi-dysfunctional families and dark humor. My only criticism is that some of the characters drop the f-bomb a little too often for my taste. It gets old after a while.

My other new obsession is Deceiver.com. It's fantabulous. I love reading about how hypocritical celebrities are (politicians, PETA, global warming fanatics) . There's always something new to learn.

Some quasi-obsessions: my new reproduction Star Wars lunchbox, She & Him, Assateague Island, and diving through recycling bins to retrieve unclaimed bottle caps from Coca-Cola products (www.mycokerewards.com). 

Catching Up

So I haven't posted in a little while. Sorry, guys. I've had a few crazy weeks! The first weekend in August was the wedding of one of my college roommates and dearest friends. I agreed to be the photographer, which is a very stressful job, but for a friend like her I was happy to oblige. Once I have adjusted the photos for the web I will post a few for you to see.

This past weekend I filled in at the barn on Saturday (hello muscle memory...doing those stalls was a bitch!) and then went to the Virgin Mobile Festival on Sunday. I had a fabulous time, but I've never been to a concert where people crowd-surfed or participated in mosh pits (I know, I live a sheltered life). My best friend from high school came up from Richmond to go to the festival with me. We were mostly excited about Stone Temple Pilots. We were able to find a spot towards the front--however that's where all the good times were happening. There was, of course, the obligatory pre-concert pot-smoking ritual, which happened all around us. Then during Plush some dude fell on my neck as he attempted to crowd surf. After that, we got stuck in not one, but two mosh pits, and finally I'd had enough of people nearly falling on my head so I ran to the far edge of the crowd so I wouldn't get hurt.

Before STP, Iggy Pop and the Stooges were on. Iggy Pop is ridiculous but very entertaining. 'Nuff said. Anyway, when we got there, She & Him was finishing up on the South Stage. They were really good! I'm glad I was able to catch their performance. After STP was Nine Inch Nails. Trent Reznor is almost unrecognizable now as a beefcake. Laura and I stood around for the first three songs but didn't know any of them so we left to go see Kanye West. Woo hoo! He was really good, as I expected. We didn't stay long enough to hear Stronger (really disappointed but I wanted to go to bed). On our way out of the race track, we heard the start of Head Like a Hole and ran back in so we could hear that live. That was a treat!

This Saturday I'm headed to the beach with my family, and let me tell you, va-K couldn't come any sooner. I have plenty of books to read and I can't wait to get out on the sand. I hope the water temp is good this year, and even more than that, I hope that it doesn't rain all week like it did last year.

 

Oh, before I go, I watched two good movies last night: The Savages and The Girl in the Cafe. Surprisingly, The Savages wasn't completely depressing considering it was about dealing with a convalescing parent and estranged siblings. The Girl in the Cafe was a thought-provoking May-December romance/social justice film that took place in Britain and Iceland. It was really poignant.