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September 29, 2004
Happy LOSTday!
Today is Wednesday, and you know what that means...LOST is on tonight at 8pm on ABC! Everyone should be tuning in! It's the best new show on TV! Tonight is the second half of the two-part premier, so you don't want to miss it! Exciting stuff here. The previews showed all kinds of fun stuff, more mysterious sounds in the woods, fist fights, gun shots!, handcuffs!...what more could you ask for? Oh yes, hobbits. Ok, not really, but actors that play hobbits, and really cool other actors, too. Tune in folks, don't be left out in the cold!
Ok, done ranting about that now. My next predicament are the movies that are coming out this weekend. Three that I want to see, and one of them is only in limited release, it's the one I want to see the most, so I probably won't even get to see it! I Heart Huckabees. That looks so unusual. It's drawing me to it. I want to see it! Jude Law, again...Mark Wahlburg, Jason Schwartzman...Dustin Hoffman...Lily Tomlin...c'mon! It's going to be awesome! But, alas...limited release! So frustrating. Then, there's Ladder 49 and Shark Tale. Shark Tale is in what I would call overkill release. That movie is why I Heart Huckabees will not be in my favorite theater...it's in about four of them! Couldn't they spare just ONE theater for Huckabees? Guess not. Maybe it will be showing in Boston! There's an idea! Hmmm....hadn't thought of that until just now. I like it.
Only four days until we leave for Boston (well, five to get through today). Yipee!
Posted by karen at 08:55 AM | Comments (1)
September 28, 2004
It's a grey day...
It's all kinds of rainy outside today. I believe this may be the remnants of Hurricane Jeanne wooshing her way through our area. It's better than Ivan was, I suppose. That caused some serious flooding here last week. It's just raining, a lot. This makes it a good day to get a lot of work done, though. Don't feel much like running outside in the beautiful weather when it's not beautiful, right?
So, I woke up today feeling particularly icky. That's the only word I can use to describe it. Hy head's a little achy, and actually, my stomach is not so good, too. I keep convincing myself I will feel better soon, but I haven't yet, and it's almost 2:30. I will, though. Positive reinforcement can make me feel better, I just know it! If not today, tomorrow. For sure. It all feels weather related. I've always joked that I'm a walking barometer.
On a completely different note, I've discovered, ok, I didn't discover, but I found a great new CD that everyone should listen to and appreciate. Some already have, and I should have payed attention, I know, I know, but my friend, Scott Brickell, sent me this CD, he is now managing them, and they are just the coolest group/artist/duo whatever, I have heard in a long time. Monk and Neagle are their names. Trent Monk and Michael Neagle. You could check out their website at monkandneagle.com or check out a really cool interview with them at fusemagazine.net I would highly recommend this website. Completely. With no reservations.
So, there you go. Only five days until Boston! Yay!
Posted by karen at 02:11 PM | Comments (0)
September 27, 2004
Weekend Wrap
Well, I had a GREAT weekend. Let me sum up...
Friday night, I got to hang out with Mindy & Stacey for a little "girl time." That was a ton of fun. Steak and salad and friends...what more could you ask for. The kids were there, too, which was really fun. It seemed to me that Dalton, her four year old, was flirting with me. Very cute.
Saturday morning, I got to sleep in, a little longer than I expected, and I woke up and watched a little Spongebob. Love that Spongebob...is everyone aware that the Spongebob Squarepants Movie is coming out on November 19? Wee Haw! That should be fun. Well, after a failed attempt to attend a breakfast buffet with Stacey on Saturday morning, I successfully talked my brother into going to see "The Forgotten" with me. That's a movie, in case anyone was wondering. I really liked the movie. My brother described it as one long X-Files episode, which I would have liked anyway...loved the X-Files. My favorite show while it was on. I thought the movie was sci-fi fun, while keeping me guessing at the same time. There were little twists that I wasn't expecting, which I love. There were moments that made me go "NO WAY!" which I love. Plus, I really like the actors in the movie...Julianne Moore, Dominic West and Gary Sinise were great in their various parts. There were definitely some story points that were stretches to believability, but I think that was part of the appeal of the movie for me. It made you stretch your brain a little. You had to believe what was happening, to GET the movie. If you like sci-fi, and dramatic stories, and even if you don't especially like sci-fi, I think you could buy into this film, for the drama. Just prepare to test yourself. I would definitely recommend it.
So, moving along on Saturday. How much do I want to divulge here, I got to talk to a good friend on the phone for a little while before I went to church. That was really fun. Then, I went to church, where we started our next sermon series on Experiencing God, where the technical crew seemed to be Experiencing Technical Difficulties. I kind of felt bad for them. Worship was great, though, and the message was great. Came home, watched Moulin Rouge. Love that movie...Ewan McGregor is so great in that. Who knew he could sing, too?
Ok, Sunday...we're almost there...I did The Firm Tone & Sculpt workout. Good Grief...my legs are SO sore today. It hurts to stand and sit...and walk...and, well, pretty much move at all. It's a good pain, though. It proves that I worked the muscles...and that I need to work them more. Yeesh. I was going to go see First Daughter, another movie, on Sunday afternoon, but I was inspired to stay home. I made a late lunch, and read a book...I finished the book. I decided to try to finish another book, and I did. Harry Potter #3, done. I then got some much needed errands done. Did a little exploratory shopping for some upcoming events and holidays, and did some filler grocery shopping, since Stacey and I leave for Boston in less than ONE WEEK! Yipee! Came home, made dinner, which was really good, if I must say so myself, which I must, since no one else was there to enjoy it. I realized I had not talked to anyone all day when Stacey called me, and I basically talked her ear off for about 45 minutes. Funny. Thanks for listening to me babble Stace, I appreciate it!
Finally, Sunday night, I watched Star Wars: Episode IV A NEW HOPE, my new DVD. So very cool. What a great movie. There's just not enough good things to say about Star Wars. But, was that a Gungan in the Cantina now? What is a Gungan doing in the Outer Rim? I didn't understand that. oh, well. Anyway, I finally finished the DaVinci Code after Star Wars was over. What a great, productive day. I felt really good about myself. Very...productive.
So, here's hoping I can continue the trend...here's hoping.
Posted by karen at 10:49 AM | Comments (1)
September 24, 2004
Planes and Stuff
So, today, I bought a plane ticket and am prepared to fly for the first time since 9/11. I wasn't much of a flyer before 9/11, but after that, I was dead-set against it. But today, I bought a ticket to fly to North Carolina. It's going to be good. It's going to be fine, and I have seven weeks to convince myself of that. I'm sure it will be fine. It will be worth the trip, so that's all that matters.
I have a few other phobias. Just a few. Spiders and small closed in spaces. Typical things. So, I can get over the flying thing. Sure. I've got seven weeks.
Today, I was surfing around on-line and found a "Pirate Name Generator." After a series of questions, they assign you a Pirate name based on your personality. Here's mine: "Mad Mary Flint" And here's the commentary on it: "Every Pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!" Fun stuff. It's so Friday.
Stacey and I are going over to our friend Mindy's tonight for a little girl time. It's going to be fun! Can't wait!
Posted by karen at 02:13 PM | Comments (2)
September 23, 2004
LOST...
Well, some things are better than your expectations, and last night was full of that. To begin with, the new series on ABC, LOST, was better than I expected it was going to be. A TV show better than MY expectations, now how often does THAT happen? Not very often, I'll tell you. It was so...thesaurus time...because last night it was decided a word better than awesome would have to be used, because that is overused. So, I'm going to go with STUPENDOUS! and another word in the thesaurus, when looking under "awesome" was "zero cool." I'm not really sure what that means, but it sure sounds neat, doesn't it? So, anyway...loved the season premier of LOST. Matthew Fox as Jack is a great leading man, a strong, wise doctor who pushes fear to the back of his mind with a simple mantra...1...2...3...4...5...what a great use of storytelling, using the same idea later in the show with Kate pushing her fears away, already showing Jack's influence and leadership. Then, there's Charlie, my favorite, a little bit of comic relief in a horrible situation, at least in the first episode. Aside from the fact that he is a Lord of the Rings Alumnus, Dominic Monaghan does a great job as the rock star who's kind of out there. I loved his character...and the list goes on and on. J.J. Abrams did a fantastic job of pulling together an incredible group of characters who have to interact with each other in this incredibly tense situation. It's great the way he uses the little nuances in the storytelling to bring the human element to this humongous tragedy. I'm sure those fans of J.J. Abrams noticed the cameo of Greg Grunberg, of Felicity and Alias, as the short-lived pilot. Poor guy. He survives the crash, only to be eaten by an unseen monster. Bummer. So, J.J. does it again. I'm a big fan. I can't wait for next week. The suspense is killing me! But as a very good friend has told me, I am supposed to savor this moment...it's part of the joy of the story (however, he also pointed out this was supposed to be a two-hour season premier, so I don't have to savor it too much...I can be really impatient to see next weeks show. :)
Speaking of very good friends and exceeding my expections...
Posted by karen at 08:56 AM | Comments (2)
September 22, 2004
Happy Birthday Frodo & Bilbo!
This is one of those days when I'm trying to figure out which emotion is going to win out. Ever have one of those days? It's a great day for any die hard Lord of the Rings fan, such as myself, because it is Bilbo & Frodo's birthday. In the books, this is the day of the 'Long Expected Party." When Bilbo left for, ultimately, Rivendell. It's a good day.
It's also the day that LOST premiers. A hugely anticipated television show for me and many others. Smallville's season premier is also tonight. CSI: New York is also premiering tonight. A good day for television, to sum up.
It's ALSO the first day of FALL! My most favorite season in the ENTIRE world. That's kind of a silly statement, but you know what I mean. It's a beautiful day...again. We've been having a lot of those lately. Beautiful days. Last night, I had a Mary Kay party at my house, which was really fun. I was doing it as a favor for a friend, but it ended up being really therapeutic for me. It had been a rough day at the office, and I just really needed a night with the girls. It was great.
Today again, work is feeling really...not overwhelming exactly...I don't quite know how to describe it. It's not really annoying, maybe it's still pretty frustrating. Just little things that are bugging me. Sometimes, everything just seems harder, you know? I think it's a combination of the weather and I just really want some time off...it's coming soon. I'm keeping my eye on the prize. So, I'm fighting for a positive attitude...I'm about 80% there, although the 20% negative is pretty dark.
Well, Happy Birthday to Frodo & Bilbo. Literary Legends. I'm wearing my Frodo Lives T-shirt in honor. I do stuff like that. It makes me happy. I wish I had dug out my 'Let the Wookie Win' T-shirt for yesterday, but I thought of it just a little too late. Maybe that's what's wrong. I'm in a t-shirt funk. Could be...something to ponder...
Posted by karen at 12:41 PM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2004
The Dark Side of the Force...
Today is such a great day! It's the day that the Star Wars DVD comes out! I've got my Star Wars soundtrack blaring in the background...I'm in the spirit. Then, like Darth Vader's theme looming in the background...the dark side of the force enters...itickets has darkened my day. Things keep randomly disappearing from the events that I have added. Why, do you ask? Nobody can give me an answer! It is SO STINKING FRUSTRATING! I've taken to deep breathing exercises to try to calm down, and to keep from swearing every time I come upon another thing that has been changed that I didn't do. AAAUGH!! It's killing me to be out of control!!!!! Help me Obi-Wan, you're my only hope...
Posted by karen at 03:32 PM | Comments (0)
September 20, 2004
So many thoughts, so little time...
There is so much running through my head right now, I just want to get some of it out, so I can get on with my day!
First on the list is the fact that I saw four movies this weekend. Two in the theater, two in my new "Home Theater." Yep, I bought a new Home Theater System in honor of the release of the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD tomorrow. That is a momentous event in my life. I'm a Star Wars geek since the age of 4. Action figures and all. Bring it on Lucas! It's about time! Anyway...so, I purchased a rather inexpensive Home Theater System to further enjoy the Star Wars DVD experience in my home. The first DVD I tried out on it was Return of the King, of course, I couldn't watch the whole thing, but I had to put that in first. So, there's that.
The movies I saw this weekend were as follows...Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Wimbledon, Dirty Dancing Havana Nights, and Dogville. Interesting combination, no? Sky Captain was phenomenal! I loved every second of it. The story was all kinds of action, with fun characters, and a cute romantic sub-plot, all on the canvas of blue screen, but it didn't really feel that way, which is what made it so cool! I had read a lot about the technique they used to make this film, which is what made it so intriguing to me, but I left feeling like I wasn't overwhelmed by that, and that is also what impressed me so much. It was the fun action and the characters. Now, granted, there wasn't a TON of depth in the story, but WHO CARES? That's not why I went to this movie. So, four stars for Sky Captain...highly recommended for anyone who enjoys action movies, or big blockbusters. You won't be disappointed. Plus, it's a British actor, Jude Law, in the title role. Love those Brits! Speaking of Brits...I move on to Wimbledon...another one of my favorite actors, Paul Bettany. This movie was a romantic comedy revolving around the tennis Championship Wimbledon (hence the name...duh). An aging British tennis star hooks up with an up-and-coming American tennis star and she inspires him to kick in his killer instinct and play better. I won't give away the ending, but it really kicks butt. A very fullfilling romantic comedy. Very fluffy and happy. Not a lot of depth, again, but hey, if I want depth, I'll talk about Dogville...and I'm getting to that. I would highly recommend Wimbledon, but the way, if you're into those happy romantic comedies, which I am, to a point. Four stars, as far as romantic comedies go. P.S. I love Paul Bettany. He's British, you know. Ok, moving on...Dirty Dancing, Havana Nights. Hmmm. Not sure what to say about this one. Well, Diego Luna was in it...he's great. I saw him in Y Tu Mama Tambien, which I would never tell anyone to see, but it was a good movie. I felt like I needed a shower after watching it, so I would not recommend it to most of my movie viewing friends. But I do like Diego Luna. That's why I rented Havana Nights. Patrick Swayze was in it, too. There were a lot of little tributes to the original, which was kind of fun, but it did not live up to the original. I'd say, maybe 1 1/2 stars. Save your money, or watch the original. Now, Dogville, that was an interesting movie. I've been trying to rent it for the past three weeks, I'd say. The concept intrigued me. It was filmed exclusively on a soundstage, with minimal sets, therefore relying on the actors to create the movie. Everything took place in one location...Dogville. The movie was a criticism on America by some foreign director, and I'll have to say, he was pretty darn critical. It was a very long movie, a prologue with 9 acts, as it said when it started. It totally drew me in, though. I found myself disgusted with the characters' actions, but strangely detached at the ending. It was a really unusual movie. Artistically, it was an amazing film, and the story was, I don't know how to describe it...it was disturbing, but somehow it felt important. The message felt important. This movie is definitely not for everyone. In fact, I wouldn't recommend it to most of my movie viewing friends, but there are a few that I think would appreciate it. I'm glad I finally got to see it. Nicole Kidman and Paul Bettany starred. So, that was my movie viewing for the weekend. I started early on Friday, and really watched three on Friday, and then Dogville late Sunday night into Monday morning. So, it was a full weekend beyond the movies...
I feel like I did a ton of stuff on Saturday. I did my daily workout, fixed myself some breakfast, watched some Spongebob (love that show! Season 2 is due out on DVD in October!!), did a little shopping (bought my Home Theater), got to church...
Ah yes, church...we finished our series on the DaVinci Code, of which I did not finish reading before we finished the series. I have been distracted by reading about four other different books since I started it. I am about 3/4 done with DaVinci. I just need to FINISH IT! And I will. Unless a book is REALLY bad, it never goes undone. We start our next series on the Experiencing God book. Is it me, or does our church sound like a book club? It's really not like that, but it sure does sound like that today. :) After church, I came home and attempted to hook up my Home Theater system...I got it all hooked up, after a slight snafu with the Radio Shack man, and the cords I needed, sat down on my couch, ready to blow myself away...no dice. I messed with it for hours...nothing...wait, this is great...so, Sunday, I called Mom & Dad, begged for their help, they came to my rescue. My Dad checked the connections...they all seemed right to him (I really didn't think I was a COMPLETE idiot. I can read instruction manuals, after all, I'm a girl). We're messing with it for another hour. Get this...I turned up the volume. It worked. Duh. So, all is well now. I have beautiful surround sound in time for Star Wars tomorrow. Yipee!
And now, for my ruminations on today...it's beautiful. There was a slight chill in the air...I love it! Fall...bring it on! The sweaters, the sweatshirts, the jackets! I don't shop for these things for nothing, you know! I love this time of year! I have an apple spice scented candle burning in my office...'tis the season!
Posted by karen at 11:25 AM | Comments (2)
September 17, 2004
FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!
I know it's clichÈ, but thank goodness it's Friday. I've been living for this day all week. If you've been keeping up, you may already know this. It's now approximately 10:30am. I am leaving for the movie theater in 3 hours. The countdown begins. I can't wait to turn off my brain for the afternoon. Not really turn it off completely, but the part that needs to make decisions and such. That part will be dormant as long as possible this weekend. It will be GREAT! I wish it was noon. Then it would be lunch time and I could use some more time to eat and socialize.
Not long ago, someone told me they wished they could "waste" a whole afternoon at the movie theater. It took everything in me not to be offended by that, because I knew it wasn't meant that way. However, it did say "waste" and I don't see spending the day at the movies as a waste of my time. I see it as an excellent use of my free time, a mental health experience. I wish I could do more of it. I use my mind so much at work sometimes, it just needs a rest. You know? So, it's all good. I wasn't offended, but I did feel the need to defend my use of time. After all, there is also popcorn involved at the movie theater. That is my second most favorite food group, behind cake. Just before chocolate. So anyway, bring on the darkness, the movies, the popcorn and the British actors.
On another topic, I just want to publicly endorse the devotional that I've been reading all year. It's called "A Year With C.S. Lewis." It's really outstanding. It takes little daily snipets of his collected works and splits them into themed series every few days. So, you will be reading a few readings from Mere Christianity, followed by Screwtape Letters, then from his sermon series, Weight of Glory. The selected readings all have similar themes running through them for the several days in a row. For instance, right now, they are talking about virtues. At the end of August was an excellent few days about Forgiveness, which I really needed to read at that particular time. It just is a great collection of short devotions that are perfect to start any day.
So, it's finally Friday. Our on-sale for Michael W. Smith Christmas went pretty well. We sold enough to earn our lunch. Always an important question. We're currently discussing the lunch of choice. We're up for Boston Market or KFC. We're leaning toward Boston Market, for those of us watching our carbs. Yipee!
So, there we go. It's Friday. It's going to be a great day!
Posted by karen at 10:46 AM | Comments (1)
September 16, 2004
Almost there!
It's Thursday! It's SO close to the weekend! I can't remember a time is recent history (unless it was last week) where I was so looking forward to the weekend! It's been a good, productive week, I just want OUT of here! I want to think of nothing that has ANYTHING to do with work for as long as possible. Is that wrong? I don't think so. I would love to do something fun...go somewhere, shop for something, I don't know. I could have sworn I heard IKEA calling me the other day. But it might have been Crate and Barrel...or possibly the entire King of Prussia Mall. I'm not sure. I may have to get a little closer to find out. We'll see.
Tomorrow is also an on-sale day, which should help the day go faster, and then, I'm leaving early to go see Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Wimbledon. That should be a great mental health afternoon. I'm very much looking forward to it. PLUS, my last trip to the theater earned me a free movie pass. God Bless the Regal Crown Club, and my recently acheived 'Star Status.' I only have to pay to see one movie tomorrow! Whee!
Today, I got to play my Creative Ministries IT role. It was fun. I got to bestow a new computer upon Stacey! YAY! It's so exciting for me when someone gets a new computer, even if it's not brand new, but new to them. It's always a great moment. I spent the morning cleaning out the computer and tranferring files from her old computer to the new one (oh, Trish, if you're reading this, your computer was bestowed upon Stacey!). Also, making sure all of the programs will work and all of her data was appropriately transferred. I love pretending like i know what I'm doing. So far, so good. I think I've got them all fooled here....HA! HA! HA! Oh, wait...they're probably reading this...disregard that laugh...moving along. The saddest part of the transfer is that I realized that my computer is now the Pokiest little Puppy in the office, aside from the ancient iMacs that are still around. Now, don't get me wrong. My computer is wonderful. It refuses to crash...it just won't die. It's a wonderful machine. I've never had ONE major problem that has effected my work. The only thing wrong with it is that the CD/Data burner no longer works, but as for hard drive, etc, it's a rock. It's good...TOO good. I think if I accidentally spilled coffee on it, it would dry itself off. If it fell out the window, a little parachute would pop out the top. If a car ran over it, some sort of force-field would protect it. I can tell. It does not want to die. It will not die. Ever. I suppose I should be thankful. I AM thankful. I just wish my computer were faster and newer. Sorry, little computer! I love you!
So, one more day until Friday. I am clinging to that with all that is in me. Survivor premier is tonight. That will be fun. Movies tomorrow, even more fun. People that have been away will return home soon. Even better...
Posted by karen at 01:35 PM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2004
'Tis Wednesday
Ah Wednesday...the middle of the week. Halfway to the weekend. It's a beautiful thing. It would be more beautiful if it was Friday, but I'll take what I can get.
Last night was game night at the Lititz Library...again...finally! After a long, LONG, LOOONNNG break over the summer, we have begun our gaming again. The pre-game merriment began with a traditional dinner out at Hoss' with Craig, Lyle and Stacey. Meat and salad...yum! Plus, we all signed up to try to win a free Ford vehicle. Here's hoping! I would actually sell the vehicle and keep the money, since I LOVE my new Saturn, but I would never turn my nose up at a new car. I also came THIS close to winning a little stuffed alligator out of one of those claw machines, but he slipped out of my grasp twice! Slippery little sucker, that 'gator! Drat! I wanted to give it to Phredd, the stuffed animal wrestler. Oh, well, I suppose it was not meant to be. So, after the pre-game activities, we finally made our way to the library for our long-awaited return to the gaming world. Well, I was a little behind the others getting to the library, and Stace was on a phone call when I got there, so we entered the library a little later than the guys, and they had ditched us to play games with others! Yeesh! So, Stacey and I played a quick game of Balloon Cup while we waited to see if they wanted to join us (I won, but it was a close game). Then, we reunited with our comrades and learned a new game called Elfenland. The premise was to get your Elf around to the various lands by way of dragons, clouds, unicorns, things that looked like R.O.U.S.'s, Elfcycles, and ugly old men. My elf was not very good at travelling (ie. I stunk at this game, but it was FUN). My elf came in last place. Oh well, I enjoyed it. As usual, I love playing these games, I'm just not very good at them. Sigh.
So, today is a new day...I'm ready for the week to be over, even though it's going pretty well. I'm ready for the weekend...for SO many reasons. For now, though, I'll just be happy in the moment, because I think we need to be happy where we are with what we're doing. Right? Right.
Posted by karen at 12:12 PM | Comments (2)
September 14, 2004
BOSTON! BOSTON! (aka Stacey Rocks!)
I'm not sure if I have mentioned my upcoming trip to Boston yet. I probably have, since I am HORRIBLY excited about it, but I think I shall take some time out to mention it again. Here goes...
Generally, I don't celebrate my birthday. I'm usually in denial of them, but for some reason, this year, I decided, "It's my birthday, darn it! My Mom didn't go through all that for me to ignore it! I'm going to celebrate! I'm going to give myself a present!" Hence, the trip to Boston. I'm not sure if any of you are aware that I'm a bit of a fan of the Lord of the Rings films. I may have mentioned it once or twice (hee. hee.). Well, the Museum of Science in Boston is holding the first stateside Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Exhibition from August to October. Ding! A bell went off in my head. What a great birthday present to me! A trip to Boston...(I've never been to Boston in the Fall)...to see the Lord of the Rings Exhibit! Now, who will go with me on such an adventure? My best friend Stacey, of course! Because Stacey Rocks! Stacey went to the LOTR Trilogy screening with me, she sat through other various screenings of the films with me...she doesn't laugh at my collection of memoribilia (at least not to my face, which is really great of her), and now, she's travelling 8 hours to Boston to look at movie props, movie technology, and all things Lord of the Rings, because she is my friend! Yay, Stacey!
So, in a few short weeks, Stacey and I will travel to one of the cities richest in Revolutionary war history to visit an Exhibition about the Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy. Go figure. I think we're going to try to fit some history in. Maybe. I also think we're going to get to leave a little earlier than expected because the Bebo Norman tour has a bizarre settlement clause in the contract. It works to my advantage. Yipee! Thanks Stray and Ann! You engaged people rock, too!!! Yay, everyone! Everyone rocks! Boston, Boston, c'mon, everyone now...BOSTON...BOSTON!!!!
Posted by karen at 10:58 AM | Comments (2)
September 13, 2004
Monday, Monday
It's still beautiful outside, even if it is Monday. I had a really productive weekend. I got a lot done around the house, at work, and I solved all of my TV taping problems. I purchased a small 13" VCR/TV combo to put in my spare room to tape the shows that are on at the same time as other shows that I want to watch. Why didn't I think of this 4 years ago?
So, Thursday, I can now watch Survivor AND the O.C. Forgive me, all. The O.C. is my guilty pleasure, and I'm watching survivor, because a new friend I recently met watches it, and it's a fun thing to talk about. The last time I watched was Survivor Outback, and I loved Colby. I was so disappointed when he didn't win the million dollars.
I would really like to take a few days off. I haven't had a chance to do that since Purple Door. Stace and I are going to Boston in October, but that just doesn't seem soon enough. I'm itching for a mini-vacation. But alas, it will probably not happen. I'm holding out hope, though. There is always hope.
So, back to my TV solution. The only day it will not help me is Wednesday. I had started to watch Hawaii, which was a really cool new cop show, but starting on the 22nd is LOST, which looks totally cool, plus, it's done by J.J. Abrams, my Alias guru, and Smallville, which I am told is going to be pretty good this season. Only 2 TVs. Three shows...I think you see the problem. Ah, well. Life will surely go on. I choose Lost first, Smallville second, and Hawaii third.
So, there you have it. It's a new week. It's a beautiful day here in PA. I wonder what it's like in Myrtle Beach?
Posted by karen at 11:17 AM | Comments (2)
September 10, 2004
It's a Beautiful Day!
The sun is shining. The birds are singing. I saw the coolest red-tailed hawk on the way to work. Actually, it was in the Giant Center parking lot, but it was on the way to work. I will not let ANYTHING get me down today. It just feels like too great of a day for that. Nothing work-related, nothing personal (not that that's too likely)...nothing. I'm just going to go with the flow. I've also decided I want to get my hair cut. It's time. The birthday is coming up, I have a bit of money right now so I can afford it. It is time. Yep.
On a movie note, I watched The Triplets of Bellville last night. It's an animated film that was an Oscar contender this past year. It was amazing! It's hard to explain why it was so good. There was very little dialogue. The animation wasn't the cutting edge CGI that you see in Finding Nemo or Shrek. The story centered around a grandmother who connected with her grandson by buying him a bicycle and over the years helped him train for the Tour de France. There's a kidnapping involved and the Triplets of Bellville are three old women who seem to exclusively eat frogs who are involved in a rescue. If that isn't enough to intrigue, I don't know what would be. There are gangsters, chases, great music, and lots of humor. It's all fairly subtle, but an excellent, EXCELLENT movie. I would really recommend it. There's really almost NO dialogue in it, which makes it even more interesting to me. Everything is communicated with gestures and looks and drawing, really. For an animated film, that seemed to be very avant garde. I really loved it.
So there you have it! Today will continue to be a beautiful, productive day, no matter what!
Posted by karen at 09:42 AM | Comments (2)
September 09, 2004
One Email...One Song
Isn't it amazing how one little thing can change your mood like THAT! I recently bought the new Ryan Cabrera CD. It's a fun CD. Very pop...there's absolutely nothing deep about the CD. But it is a really relaxing, upbeat, mood-lifting CD for me. It hasn't really left my CD player since Monday, except to travel from office to car and back again. I'm addicted to Ryan Cabrera. So, I am in need of his happy pop music to lift me from the crashing effect that one simple email that has dashed my best laid professional plans to the ground. Isn't it funny how one little email can do that? I've been bopping around the office with a smile on my face, singing along to my new friend Ryan Cabrera (ok, not friend, but, you know). One email...crash. I'll be ok, I swing back around, but yeesh. It was such a GOOD idea. Darn it. Stupid job. It can be really frustrating sometimes. Really, REALLY frustrating. You'd think after 12 years it would get easier, but no. There's always a new challenge around the corner. I suppose that's a good thing. Sometimes. Ah well, I shall turn to Ryan. He will pick up my mood with his happy brand of pop music. I can't take it all the time, but this week, happy pop is what I want.
Posted by karen at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)
September 07, 2004
A somewhat theological question...
Somewhat on the heavier side of things...here's my question. As Christians, are we entitled to be hurt by someone and get angry for the reason behind the hurt? Offer forgiveness, and have it be met with defensiveness, and be hurt again and be empty...no anger, just be left with hurt.
I realize it's possible, but I don't know the proper response. I know there has been a serious change in my life, because I sincerely felt bad about being angry, hence the forgiveness, but I never imagined feeling so hurt.
Sorry for being so evasive. I can't get into specifics, nor do any of you want to hear them, I'm sure. We all have our own things to deal with, but I was just venting in the open. Seeing if anyone had any thoughts.
Posted by karen at 01:45 PM | Comments (2)
September 03, 2004
Band Irony
I've got it! Thanks to my friends at the pharmaceutical company (see previous post) I have a great idea for a new band. I would say it would resurrect ska, but I think I'd like to go more along the lines of free form jazz, or maybe big band. Yeah, big band. The name of the band...you guessed it...Trombones Labyrinth, but here's the irony, folks...no trombones. I only took half a semester of Brass Class in college. I did ok on the trombone, but not enough for performance. Ok, I think I'll go back to the free form jazz, because that will fit my irony better. All saxophones. Finally! A use for my education! Well, besides my current career, but the saxophone part! I knew it! It was out there, and now, I can put together a free form saxophone band called "Trombone Labyrinth." Are you feeling it? Oh, yeah...
Posted by karen at 07:52 AM | Comments (4)
September 02, 2004
Spam Subjects
Are you kidding me? If you are like me, and I know you are, you get about 70% spam in your email box every day. Well, today, I got about my 17,000th offer for on-line pharmaceuticals, which was by no means a surprise, but what made this email catch my eye? The subject. There are always some bizarre titles to spam emails. Some jibberish, some understated, some blank, some porn, and some like this one...brilliant. I have to admit...it pulled me in. Are you ready? Here it is:
trombone labyrinths near 091
What the? I mean...WHAT THE? It's too cool! I don't get it at all, but it MOVES ME! Maybe it's because I'm a musician and the trombone part caught my eye, and it reckons me back to that movie with David Bowie from the 80s, and when I saw 091, it made me think of Area 51, my most favorite video game. I just can't thank that company enough for brightening my day with the Trombone Labyrinths near 091.
Posted by karen at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)
September 01, 2004
September!!
I am so happy that it is September! I was just ruminating on the idea of September. Festivals are over...Fall is just around the corner, which means Oscar season is not far off, which means some kick butt movies. Although I must pause to say all life does not revolve around movies. For some reason today, I just feel good. I felt lousy yesterday. Bummed, icky, dark, morose, lugubrious (only because I really wanted to use that word...what a great word!). But today! The sun is shining! Birds are singing! Cicadas are still making their infernal racket! But it's good! All is well! I don't know what the change is, I really don't. There really isn't one, but the flipping of a calendar. Is it the simple action of turning a page that gives one the possibilities of "what is to come" in the month ahead? I am very much a calendar person, so I had to flip a lot yesterday. Maybe that's what did it. I've also been sleeping a lot better lately, which has been leading me to have some seriously bizarre dreams. Somewhat disturbing dreams. My dream last night was reminiscent of the book 'Prey' by Michael Crichton, if you've ever read it, with the clouds of nano-bots that could kill you. They were attacking me. Dreams do have meaning, I really believe that. There was much talk in the Bible of interpreting dreams. So, what in the world did that mean?! Who knows? I don't. Any input from a Joseph-type dream interpreter would be welcome. Then, there's the days are flying by thing going on. Which is good and bad. I have a lot of things to get caught up on, but with the time going by so quickly, not a lot of time to do it with time going so fast! Again, it's like the time-space continuum is all messed up...in fast forward or something. I would like to press pause and just enjoy this moment, right now. oh, there it went. It's gone. I'm still enjoying the next one though, and the next, and the next. Who knows how long it will last. For the entire Fall, I hope. This is my favorite season. The leaves changing, the cooler weather coming in. I just got my new jacket from L.L. Bean in the mail yesterday. So exciting. I'm ready for the Fall. Anytime now. Bring on the nip in the air, and the hot cocoa. Except the hot cocoa is not South Beach diet friendly. I'm sure I can find some sugar free cocoa that is. Sorry for the James Joyce-type stream of consciousness today. I'm feeling a little bubbly, and streamy. It feels good. I'm running with it. Running...
Posted by karen at 01:29 PM | Comments (3)