If you've never seen 'A Muppet Family Christmas', I am sad for your child self. It's one of those priceless old shows that has gotten lost over time, but has only gotten better and better. Jim Hensen even makes an appearance at the end.
December 21, 2008
December 17, 2008
the joy that is reality television
The husband and I thought 'Law & Order' was on tv last night, but we were wrong- it was the premiere of 'Momma's Boy' instead. The premise is pretty plain: three attractive, mother-smothered young men get to choose from a pack of 30 women- but the whole time, their mothers live with all the women and constantly have their hands in the process. The first 40 minutes played out like 'The Bachelor', except with three young men instead of one, and noticeably younger and overly emotional women. And then, AND THEN, this gem of a mom surfaced:
This is, at the same time, ridiculous and brilliant. Just in case we get bored of watching one man form relationships with multiple women, we can turn to the other two and THEIR multiple relationships. And if THAT'S not enough, there's always Mrs. B and her outspoken, obnoxious wackness. It's like watching a train wreck! I want to look away, and I probably should, but I just can't tear my eyes off the scene!
p.s. This combines two of my favorite things. I have no shame in loving this kind of tv.
This is, at the same time, ridiculous and brilliant. Just in case we get bored of watching one man form relationships with multiple women, we can turn to the other two and THEIR multiple relationships. And if THAT'S not enough, there's always Mrs. B and her outspoken, obnoxious wackness. It's like watching a train wreck! I want to look away, and I probably should, but I just can't tear my eyes off the scene!
p.s. This combines two of my favorite things. I have no shame in loving this kind of tv.
December 7, 2008
"What Would Jesus Buy?"
This documentary is a little bit frantic and schizo, but it brings up a whole lot of important and interesting questions. And, of course, Reverend Billy's hair makes it all worth it. Go put it on your queue.
November 26, 2008
A New Experience
A week or two ago, I wanted to see Rachel Getting Married and whined my husband into going with me on one of our shared "the stars have aligned" days off. This movie wasn't widely released, but he tracked down a theater fairly close to us that advertised "bargain rates" in the afternoon, so we went for the 2:00 show.
First thing: their movie posters are not paper movie posters- they are snazzy screens that change over every few seconds. And just inside the doors, past the ticket desk, is a beautiful glowing bar. It felt like walking into a swanky hotel or something.
And then we discovered that "bargain rates" = $9/ticket. WHAT? In what universe is that a bargain? And then the guy asked if we wanted to upgrade to VIP seating for an additional $3 each. My husband says, in all seriousness, "so why would I want to upgrade to VIP seating?" The guy gives him a look like, "are you mocking me? Because this is my job, and my boss is somewhere behind me so I have to offer you this nonsense." And my husband says, "no seriously, why is VIP seating so great?" So the kid mumbles something about bigger seats, and a server serving right up until the movie starts, and we say no thanks and move on.
A mere 20 feet away, we come across a broad, curved wall with these magical words: "COMPLIMENTARY POPCORN". Really. The pop and popcorn were FREE. And there, my friends, was the bargain. If you were planning on buying popcorn anyway, you'd totally break even. And then, inside the theater, we walked past the VIP section (very clearly marked), sat one row behind it, and gazed longingly at those cushy recliners with their wee beverage tables. It's like walking through business class on an international flight on the way to your half-the-size seat in coach. And you just know those suckers in business class FULLY recline for a restful trip, while you will most likely have the head of the guy in front of you right under your nose for 6 1/2 hours when he reclines his seat before takeoff.
All I'm saying is, the next time you come to Denver, we will go. And we most definitely will sit in the VIP section and sip cocktails (probably not so free) and stuff ourselves with complimentary popcorn.
First thing: their movie posters are not paper movie posters- they are snazzy screens that change over every few seconds. And just inside the doors, past the ticket desk, is a beautiful glowing bar. It felt like walking into a swanky hotel or something.
And then we discovered that "bargain rates" = $9/ticket. WHAT? In what universe is that a bargain? And then the guy asked if we wanted to upgrade to VIP seating for an additional $3 each. My husband says, in all seriousness, "so why would I want to upgrade to VIP seating?" The guy gives him a look like, "are you mocking me? Because this is my job, and my boss is somewhere behind me so I have to offer you this nonsense." And my husband says, "no seriously, why is VIP seating so great?" So the kid mumbles something about bigger seats, and a server serving right up until the movie starts, and we say no thanks and move on.
A mere 20 feet away, we come across a broad, curved wall with these magical words: "COMPLIMENTARY POPCORN". Really. The pop and popcorn were FREE. And there, my friends, was the bargain. If you were planning on buying popcorn anyway, you'd totally break even. And then, inside the theater, we walked past the VIP section (very clearly marked), sat one row behind it, and gazed longingly at those cushy recliners with their wee beverage tables. It's like walking through business class on an international flight on the way to your half-the-size seat in coach. And you just know those suckers in business class FULLY recline for a restful trip, while you will most likely have the head of the guy in front of you right under your nose for 6 1/2 hours when he reclines his seat before takeoff.
All I'm saying is, the next time you come to Denver, we will go. And we most definitely will sit in the VIP section and sip cocktails (probably not so free) and stuff ourselves with complimentary popcorn.
November 12, 2008
Can it be true?!
Just scroll down a little to the video.
p.s. we are in East Texas and the food is unhealthy and delicious, and the air is sweet and thunderstormy.
p.s. we are in East Texas and the food is unhealthy and delicious, and the air is sweet and thunderstormy.
November 5, 2008
a mere observation
After watching several months' worth of political media coverage, it's incredible to me just how many people seem to invest their money, time, hearts, and souls in a political figure. Any political figure. In a time where "religion" is deemed archaic and outdated, there is little left to place all one's hope in besides a politician, and sometimes that politician becomes a religion. This is heartbreaking to me- I can't imagine focusing all my hopes and dreams on a fallible human being who claims he or she meet all your expectations, but cannot be depended on to actually do so. Jesus is my only hope. Life is so bleak otherwise, and no politician, government, nonprofit organization, rock star, or celebrity is going to save us.
In a similar vein: have you ever been to a concert that feels something akin to a worship service? When a group of people who all love a band or an artist come together to just enjoy the experience, that mass of individuals can so easily become one entity. Concerts like that are mostly emotional, but sometimes spiritual, while worship should ideally be always spiritual, regardless of one's personal emotion. Often, it seems, the emotional and the spiritual blend and separate, and spring up in unexpected places. Does that make sense?
In a similar vein: have you ever been to a concert that feels something akin to a worship service? When a group of people who all love a band or an artist come together to just enjoy the experience, that mass of individuals can so easily become one entity. Concerts like that are mostly emotional, but sometimes spiritual, while worship should ideally be always spiritual, regardless of one's personal emotion. Often, it seems, the emotional and the spiritual blend and separate, and spring up in unexpected places. Does that make sense?
October 19, 2008
commonly referred to as: a reality check
I'm home in Chicagoland this weekend, and even though it has been a few short days I'm longing to live here again. It just feels like home, and I want to get to know the fabulous city better, and so many dear people live here.
And then I spent an hour in construction traffic, and gave myself a good smack on the forehead.
And then I spent an hour in construction traffic, and gave myself a good smack on the forehead.
October 12, 2008
gone soft in my advanced age
Woke up this morning and the house was 55 degrees. Finally caved and turned the heat on.
October 8, 2008
For future reference
If you are ever invited to be interviewed by David Letterman on the Late Show, and bail at the last minute to "go save the economy", DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES turn up in an interview with Katie Couric INSTEAD. Did Ferris Bueller let his dad see him in the cab in downtown Chicago on the day he faked sick and skipped school? Absolutely not. If he had, I assure you Dave wouldn't let him hear the end of it. "It's like we caught him getting a manicure or something!"
October 6, 2008
Personal reasons
why fall is superior to every other season:
I can step out the door without instantly sweating.
The dog gets more exercise because we can both step outside without instantly sweating.
Sleeping weather.
Scents: pumpkin anything, apple spice whatever, bonfires, dying leaves (the only dying thing that doesn't smell like it's decomposing), the first whiff of snow at night (yes it DOES have a smell), stew, soup, tea, bread baking, anything baking.
I can climb into my car without baking.
Attire: sweaters, scarves, cute-although-impractical jackets, flats (which can be worn without puddles of foot sweat), boots, and hats.
That one day we get an extra hour of sleep.
TV shows that aren't all reality shows are back.
The advent of a slew of holidays.
School supplies, regardless of whether I am personally in school or not.
...this year we have had quite the lingering-last-guest, overstaying-his-welcome Indian Summer, but after a couple of days of relief nearly a week into October, I think it's safe to say we will have our smidge of autumn, however brief.
(song of the season: Re: Stacks by Bon Iver)
I can step out the door without instantly sweating.
The dog gets more exercise because we can both step outside without instantly sweating.
Sleeping weather.
Scents: pumpkin anything, apple spice whatever, bonfires, dying leaves (the only dying thing that doesn't smell like it's decomposing), the first whiff of snow at night (yes it DOES have a smell), stew, soup, tea, bread baking, anything baking.
I can climb into my car without baking.
Attire: sweaters, scarves, cute-although-impractical jackets, flats (which can be worn without puddles of foot sweat), boots, and hats.
That one day we get an extra hour of sleep.
TV shows that aren't all reality shows are back.
The advent of a slew of holidays.
School supplies, regardless of whether I am personally in school or not.
...this year we have had quite the lingering-last-guest, overstaying-his-welcome Indian Summer, but after a couple of days of relief nearly a week into October, I think it's safe to say we will have our smidge of autumn, however brief.
(song of the season: Re: Stacks by Bon Iver)
October 2, 2008
spot on
In reference to a massive fly circling the office at work:
S: (pointing and exclaiming) We could ALL ride to Jamaica on that thing!
S: (pointing and exclaiming) We could ALL ride to Jamaica on that thing!
September 28, 2008
a brief, golden weekend
Our Young Adult Ministry group had its first retreat this past weekend in Fairplay. And WHOA did we pick the perfect weekend to be there. As hot as it has been lately, this weekend definitely gave me my fall fix.
We couldn't have asked for a funnier, more interesting, or more genuine group of people to eat, hike, play poker, pray, or watch football with. We're in the early stages of a whole lot of goodness and richness to come.
September 18, 2008
against my better judgment
So, even mentioning politics is probably a bad idea since I have yet to make up my mind on who I'm going to vote for and therefore am not going to passionately defend either side. But I do have to say that I have a huge problem with this. Not so much with the actual production and sale of the product, but with the sponsors of the event where it showed up. It was available at the Values Voter Summit, co-sponsored by American Values and Focus on the Family.
I'm not going to argue with political satire or freedom of speech, but as a Christian, this offends me. What is a Christian organization doing backing up racist material? This article states that "summit organizers were told the boxes were a parody of Obama's policy positions but had not examined them closely." Are you kidding me? What do Aunt Jemima and an implied Islamic turban have to do with policy positions? The general "waffle" idea is funny, but I think crassly executed. Organizers did remove the product partway through the summit, so at least it didn't go ignored.
On a related note, it sooms that roughly half the commercials in Colorado these days are for local politicians- or screamingly anti-politicians. It's obnoxious. November can't come fast enough.
p.s. Bryan's tattoo is from Isaiah 6:8- it says 'here I am, send me'.
I'm not going to argue with political satire or freedom of speech, but as a Christian, this offends me. What is a Christian organization doing backing up racist material? This article states that "summit organizers were told the boxes were a parody of Obama's policy positions but had not examined them closely." Are you kidding me? What do Aunt Jemima and an implied Islamic turban have to do with policy positions? The general "waffle" idea is funny, but I think crassly executed. Organizers did remove the product partway through the summit, so at least it didn't go ignored.
On a related note, it sooms that roughly half the commercials in Colorado these days are for local politicians- or screamingly anti-politicians. It's obnoxious. November can't come fast enough.
p.s. Bryan's tattoo is from Isaiah 6:8- it says 'here I am, send me'.
September 14, 2008
new acquisitions
(as of wednesday)
my mourning dove
bryan's hebrew (can you guess?)
these were belated anniversary gifts to each other... we should do this EVERY year!
September 10, 2008
the Swedish are coming!
IKEA has FINALLY decided to build a store here, which just makes me squirm with excitement. I don't think I've visited a store since I moved away from Chicagoland, so this is very good news! A lot of their furniture and products are too modern for my taste, but just wandering around the store is a huge source of entertainment. Also, my desk is from there and has served me well for the last five years or so.
September 7, 2008
hesitations
Well, here we are.
I hesitate to call my first blog a "blog," because it really was a convenient alternative to mass e-mails to loved ones while I was studying in London for a semester. When I came back, it still served as a way to update those I loved who lived far away. For some mysterious reason, the format has lost a bit of its luster and activity and relevance. I don't know if that is because of trends (xanga isn't trendy and current...?), or because the audience I write/wrote for shifted- probably both.
I find myself really put off by the idea of blogs, because they seem to break down into two categories: 1) ME ME ME WAH WAH BLAH ME MY LIFE DRAMA ME, and 2) a specific area of interest or expertise.
But, of course, many (maybe most) blogs do not fall neatly into one or the other. The ones that I read, and read faithfully, even if the writer is a stranger, are the ones that are written wittily and skillfully, almost regardless of the subject matter. See: dooce.com. That woman can write about motherhood, and nothing but, and still be insightful and hilarious.
I also appreciate blogs that draw my attention to material on the internet I never would have found on my own. Or really, just inform me in general. Otherwise, I like to hear about what my close friends (who live far away) are up to.
So, here is the problem: I have no area of expertise, therefore if I start a blog it will inevitably be a MEMEMEME blog. All I can hope for is an opportunity to work on my writing daily or regularly (MEMEME), share small details and huge events of my life for those long-distance loved ones (MEMEME), and spread some thoughts and discoveries about this huge and crazy world we live in (hopefully not always about me).
This is a venture for me, so we'll see how it goes.
I hesitate to call my first blog a "blog," because it really was a convenient alternative to mass e-mails to loved ones while I was studying in London for a semester. When I came back, it still served as a way to update those I loved who lived far away. For some mysterious reason, the format has lost a bit of its luster and activity and relevance. I don't know if that is because of trends (xanga isn't trendy and current...?), or because the audience I write/wrote for shifted- probably both.
I find myself really put off by the idea of blogs, because they seem to break down into two categories: 1) ME ME ME WAH WAH BLAH ME MY LIFE DRAMA ME, and 2) a specific area of interest or expertise.
But, of course, many (maybe most) blogs do not fall neatly into one or the other. The ones that I read, and read faithfully, even if the writer is a stranger, are the ones that are written wittily and skillfully, almost regardless of the subject matter. See: dooce.com. That woman can write about motherhood, and nothing but, and still be insightful and hilarious.
I also appreciate blogs that draw my attention to material on the internet I never would have found on my own. Or really, just inform me in general. Otherwise, I like to hear about what my close friends (who live far away) are up to.
So, here is the problem: I have no area of expertise, therefore if I start a blog it will inevitably be a MEMEMEME blog. All I can hope for is an opportunity to work on my writing daily or regularly (MEMEME), share small details and huge events of my life for those long-distance loved ones (MEMEME), and spread some thoughts and discoveries about this huge and crazy world we live in (hopefully not always about me).
This is a venture for me, so we'll see how it goes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)