Surpise, Surprise...Superbad!

If there was one movie that I would have put on the list of "Definitely Not Seeing" it would have been Superbad. The coming of age story of "can the classic nerdy, socially inept guys lose their virginity before they graduate?" really just is not up my alley. So, what happened last week? I went and saw Superbad. In my defense, a guy asked me to go and paid for it...it wasn't totally my choice.

The most surprising part of this situation is that is really was pretty damn funny. I am shocked and amazed, but I have to freely admit that a good portion of the movie did move me to laugh. Is it cinema at its best? Clearly not...it dropped f--- over 200 times (more than Scarface), it has more hand drawn pictures of penises than any one person really needs to see, and who really needs to watch the blood on the pants scene. But laugh I did. It dips about 45 minutes into it and doesn't pick up again until the last few minutes, but I do not regret spending some time watching it. Superbad wasn't as bad as I thought...imagine that.

Flicks and Pages

I would usually do separate blogs for these two topics, but why? I'll just combine since I clearly didn't take the time this weekend to sit in front of my computer and do it!

Flicks

I have gotten back to my movie watching ways recently. Tivo has plotted against me, making me watch shows I have recorded instead of popping in a DVD and watching it. Ok, that is really all my fault, but I would rather blame a piece of electrical equipment than actually own up to my own inability to get off the couch, open up the case and insert the disc in the player. Lazy with a capital L. Here are my lame, but infinitely exciting reviews of some films I have watched.

Bobby-I finally got around to this flick. Being a history buff, I of course, wanted to watch it. The cast was also intriguing, since it pretty much was jam packed with stars. Can Lindsey Lohan act? Is Ashton a believeable hippy druggie? Demi a raging alcoholic diva? Well, for full disclosure, I must admit, I started watching the movie on Friday night and actually turned it off mid-way through and read my book for about an hour. I think that might be telling. I finished it on Saturday morning. Great to learn the incidentals to a historical event, but not all that intriguing of a movie. Lindsay married a hobbit to save him from Vietnam. Does that really take chops to portray? Not really. It wasn't a horrible film, but it just didn't hold any mystique or have any amazing attributes. It was just a way to pass 2 hours, that's about it.

Capote--This was a good flick. The reason being: Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Not a news flash, I know. I am just getting around to this one and I should have seen it before. His portrayal of Capote is amazing. The nuances, the gestures...really a great portrayal of the historical character. He carries the film and really makes it worth a recommendation. I even want to read In Cold Blood because of it. I would definitely put it on your list...maybe not the absolutely next movie you watch, but something worth getting off the couch for, really.

The Squid and the Whale--Just Say No! I was a member of the movement in the 5th grade, wore the green shirt with pride (my sad, pathetic elementary days...such fond memories!). I stand by the slogan today. This movie is a mess. Its kind of indi...so many may not have heard of it. I almost feel bad bringing the movie to your attention; your ignorance of the flick is probably best. But at least now you won't make the mistake of taking a peek and possibly doing yourself a disservice and renting it. It just is very random and not all that interesting. The one thing I pulled from this movie: us children of the 80's really must have been suffering internally to have grown up with those clothes, the cars, etc. Very frightening!

Pages

A Thousand Splendid Suns--This is the new book by the author of The Kite Runner. I had been told that Kite was depressing and so I decided to skip that read, but then saw this one and the dust jacket synopsis intrigued me. So, I picked it up. Great book. I love learning about a new culture, new time period, etc. He is very good at pulling you into a new world. He paints the picture starkly. But I must say, some of what is in there is just personally horrifying. I try not to be culturally biased. My way of life is not everyone's way of life. But I could not read and not feel a sense of horror of the Taliban years of Afghanistan. We have horrors here in our own culture, though. I know I have been horrified by these stories as well, but the overall sanctioned acceptance of the horrors brought to life in the book astound me. I guess I take it a bit more personally being a woman. I had some difficulty reading it at night before I would go to bed since I really didn't want those thoughts running through my dreams, etc. This is a good read, but definitely difficult at times. I was at Borders yesterday and I picked up Kite to read, but it definitely won't make it in my bag for my vacation next week. It will most likely be worth my personal discomfort, but not when I am sitting next to a pool sipping a cocktail!

Well, these are my reviews. I am sure that not all that informative or exciting, but nonetheless a free service from you trusty friend, Mischa! Really, I do this to get out of having to write about my boring life...

Next time, you can look forward to reviews for The Hustler, A Fistful of Dollars and Y Tu Mama Tambian on the flick side of life. I might try to actually catch a current film...you never know! For Pages, I have two choices for my traveling pleasure: Nickle and Dimed (probably not going to NYC either since it is quite the serious tome about the working poor in the US) and Those Who Save Us. Of course, I may end up finishing Kite before I review again...

No, it can't be true, can it?

I have heard a nasty rumor around the valley...that at high elevations the aspen trees are already starting to turn? How can it be? We got our last snow at the end of June and the signs of fall are rapidly approaching? Did we have a summer? My head is spinning.

Champagne and Popcorn Dreams

I am sitting in my office at 11:00 pm, waiting for a special champagne dinner to end (so I can help clean up!), sipping champagne and eating some Pop-Secret popcorn. I am trying to have will power and not go eat the fabulous free dinner at 11:00 pm at night. The chocolate cheesecake that is just sitting there for my enjoyment. No, my 100-calorie pack of popcorn is my friend. Yeah, yeah...the weakness...the champagne. But how many offers of nice champagne do you get?!

I have nothing witty or amazing to tell you about. So, a random assortment of my deep thoughts will have to do. (the popcorn makes me philosophical).

-Barry Bonds and the homeruns...yea, rah, yea, he made it. He has taken the record from Aaron. The bastard stole it from the hero. Has he attained it completely unfairly?--yes. Did MLB do anything about it?--no. 1 + 1 then = 2. Does he deserve the coverage?--yes. OJ probably did commit murder back in the 90's, but guess what...he is still a free man and always will be. Barry Bonds will be the reigning king of the homerun ball until someone else has learned to dope even more ingeniously. Case closed, end of story.

-The Midwest in the summertime...is beautiful! I spent the weekend in Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago and it was low 80's all weekend. I went to Detroit last weekend for a wedding and it was gorgeous, even getting a bit nipply on a rainy morning. I obviously need to spend more time in the Midwest during the summer. I have judged it unfairly. (yeah, that champagne is kickin in!!!)

-Grandpa update...he has his prosthetic leg and is doing great!! He has been able to visit our land up in the UP. He can get in and out of the car and is transferring from his wheelchair into a seat like a pro. Now that is a happy 90th birthday! We were all scared he wouldn't make it to this point, so I just have to say how happy I am for him!!! He is such an inspiration to me...

-Tomatoes!! I decided to attempt to have a green thumb this summer and actually potted a couple of tomato plants. I love, love, love tomatoes and homegrown are the best. So, why not give it a shot. Well, I have had a few green ones sitting there for weeks and was getting discouraged that they would ever turn red. I am ecstatic to report that today, one turned a lovely shade of putrid greeny-orange. Yeah, you were expecting me to say red...gotcha! But I have no doubt in a day or two I will have a red, ripe cherry tomato to pop in my mouth. Woohoo!

You know, kettle corn and champagne aren't that bad together. You don't believe me, I know...I wouldn't either. But its better than gaining the weight I am trying so hard to lose...so it will do for tonight. How is it that I am in a good mood after working 12 hours? I don't ask these things...I just accept it as a little gift. Everyone...smile!!!! I am!

Sports Blog...All in One!

I haven't blogged in a while and I really am overdue...

So, let's just get the sports blog out of the way and then maybe later this week I can whip up a life update blog. Or at least something that doesn't include some sort of ball (well, you know what i mean!).

Tennis

Yes, it has been that time of year again: Wimbledon. My favorite tournament. Because of constant rain delays, I rarely got to see any live tennis. But we can't be too choosy. I watched what I could: before work, after work. I even tracked scores while at work.

But today, oh, today. Some of the best tennis I have watched in a very long time. Men's final: Federer (#1 in the world) v. Nadal (#2 in the world). Now, the grass definitely favors Federer, but Nadal has vastly improved his game so he can compete on the fast surface. Now, everyone knows I am just kinda in love with Rafa Nadal...oh, beautiful man. Love him! Anyway, I would root for him just for sake, but to root for him to beat Federer who has won 4 straight Wimbledon titles and the cockiness to prove it? Oh, yeah. I was pulling for Rafa. It wasn't to be, but it went 5 sets and was just beautiful. A lot of times when you get #1 v. #2, you just don't really get high quality tennis...one will dominate due to surface or mental strength, etc. But today both players were just masterful. A win by Rafa would have completely made my day, but great tennis comes awfully close to the same thing. (And I got to cook while watching...two of my favorite things!).

So, now we are going to start up the US Open Series leading up to the US Open in Aug/Sept. My sister and I are going to go for a little trip to NYC for the Open, so I will be following all of the leading events. Its prime tennis season and I am so ready to be sucked in!!

Baseball

A few months ago I promised to give baseball a fair shake this summer. I have argued (pretty successfully, I might add) that baseball is not a sport and that to call it so is just wrong. I have always bored watching this GAME and didn't have much respect, gotta admit.

Mid-year report: Well, it is now the All-Star break and I have watched quite a bit of baseball. I decided to go back to my roots and follow the Chicago Cubs. Being that they are on WGN, I can see most of their games. Also, I did follow them briefly when I was living back in Indiana, so it seemed to make some sense. I have tried to watch some other games too...just to get the full perspective. I actually went to a Dodgers/Cubs game in LA with my friend Larry.

I still stand by the "non-sport" designation, but I have been enjoying myself. Its great learning something completely new and it is kind of interesting. For instance, I now know that there are 8 current teams that have never won the World Series. I know that the Cubs are above .500 and are threatening a struggling Brewers team for the NL Central Division lead. I know that the season is way too damn long. I know that baseball still isn't a sport! Haha...

I actually found myself enjoying a game a couple of weeks ago that had 1 run scored in the whole game...now that is a scary admission...and neither team was the Cubs. And that run was a homerun in the 8th. I'm a big person and can admit these things. I won't hide my excitement when I see Theriot go 4-5 against the Rockies and the Cubbies pull out a 10-9 win in the bottom of the 9th. Did I watch some of every game of the Brewers series just to see if the Cubs could match up against the division leaders? Yup...ok, I am admitting way too much!

I am not going to give a verdict yet...since we are only half way through the season. Will I keep up my watching and my ESPN.com following of the Cubs and baseball in general? For this year, I do think I will. Am I a lifetime fan of baseball from here on out? We're pleading the 5th until the end of the season. Are we sure we have to have another 70 or so games of baseball? Football does start before the end of the season...now, that is something to look forward to!

Simply a Good Day

You know how you feel when you have just had a good day...just simply that...not extraordinarily unique, not shout from the highest mountain...just a wonderfully simple good day? That is how I feel right now. Did I do anything amazing or out of the ordinary? No. Did I just enjoy a day doing mundane life stuff that just simply made me happy? YES!!!!! I will prove nothing amazing transpired...just good.

• Started the day at 7:30 am. (Yeah, no longer can sleep in, but what can you do?)
• Made spice muffins from scratch (first time I have baked in a while...felt so good!)
• Slipped back into bed to read a bit...fell a sleep for a wee nap.
• Showered, dressed in a simple sun dress, got ready, ate lunch.
• Walked the Vail Farmer's Market, finding only 3 "farmers" stands, but got some yummy tomatoes, corn and pea pods!
• Went to Blockbuster to pick up a few new movies (Blood Diamond and Little Children)
• Stopped at Home Depot and Wal-Mart for some flowers, plants, supplies and dirt!
• Called my Dad...it is Father's Day!!!!
• Had some juicy watermelon for a treat.
• Walked to the library, returned some books and got a couple of new ones (a novel set during the Bubonic Plague and O, Pioneers!)
• Walked to our local lake, sat in the grass, under the bright blue sky and sun, read a few chapters of O, Pioneers!
• Came home, made dinner (BLT and corn on the cob...wonderfully delightful)!.
• Played in the dirt, planting all of my new flowers! (which I will probably kill, but it is nice to have other life in the condo with me!)
• Talked with my sister.
• Watched Blood Diamond.

Not one amazing or life altering event today. Just a lot of little things that brought joy. Maybe I could have more days like this if I just let them be and be happy with the smallest things in life. Sometimes I really think I get in my own way. Not today...just a simply wonderful day! Hope you have one too!

Maybe I am Not That Old...

This past weekend, I made the trek down the mountain to Denver to go to The Police concert. My friend emailed me about some tickets a co-worker was trying to sell and we decided to go. Why not? It's only $55 and it is to go to the most anticipated concert of the season. Being an 80's lover, I figured it was right up my alley.

I found out that I am not all that old and decrepit. Yeah, there were songs I definitely knew...but I realized that they weren't songs I knew because I experienced life while listening to them. I knew songs because they are such a part of modern pop culture and I have heard them replayed over and over again. Roxanne...much beloved song...1978. I was 3!!! Even my older brother wouldn't probably have been listening to it in the house since he was only 8. Message in a Bottle-1979. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da-1980. At least Wrapped Around Your Finger and Every Breath You Take were released when I was 8!

I know we all have bands like this...we just know some of their music so well and then another half of their repertoire, not so much. I had this experience at my first Journey concert. They actually played their music kind of in chronological order and I was lost for the first half of the show. I was wondering if I had a great misconception of who I thought was Journey. Then they hit the 80's music and I was home, but I had never even been exposed to their 70's stuff.

So, about the concert...it was fun...the music I did know was pretty good. Sting still sounds like Sting. Minimal stage...3 huge screens in the front. Not much chatting. Concert was a little under 2 hours. Had a good time...but didn't have an earth-shattering, amazing time. Definitely glad I didn't pay $250 for tickets as so many had. But I had a friend at the concert who was 5-10 years older than me and she lived this music. She had the greatest time and was glad to have plunked down the money.

For a day, though, I didn't feel so old...there was actually some 80's music that was even a bit before my time. And I got to see a legend perform some great music. All in all, a good time had by all.

In My Own Backyard

I know, I just blogged...but I know you want more!

Quickey...

This is what is in my backyard right now (sorry the pics aren't better...not enough light if you can believe that!).

I knew a rodeo would be back there every Thursday of the summer (no, I am not kidding!), but rides...a Ferris Wheel...maybe I could walk over and get some yummy, sticky cotton candy as a treat!!!

What Can One Girl Fit Into a Weekend?

A couple of weeks ago I decided it was time to return to the sunny land of California. It had been over 2 years since my last visit and now that I live much closer to the land of palms, I figured it was time. My parents had been wanting me to visit for some time and so for all of these reasons (and more I won't bore you with), I found the flight and made it work.

I originally thought it would just be a visit to San Diego (where my parents reside), but I had not seen my sis' new condo and so a visit to the OC was necessary. Well, then I found out that my friend, Larry, who lives in Germany, was going to be in Orange County for the Saturday of my visit. Michelle now goes into planning mode. How do we maximize the visit and make everyone relatively happen and completely wear myself out? I'VE GOT IT!

I will book a flight that leaves Denver at 7:10 am on Saturday. Now to some that seems like a reasonable flight time, right? Let's remember that I live 2 hours away from that airport! Yup, I got up at the lovely time of 2:45 am (!) to get to the airport for my flight. At least it is a direct flight. Let's have my sister pick me up, drive me to the OC, look at her condo for 2 seconds, take a shower (give a girl a break...not gonna take a shower at 2:45 in the morning!), and get ready. What am I getting ready for, might you ask?

My drive up to Northern Orange County to meet Larry so we can drive up to LA for the Dodgers/Cubs game!!!! Again, seems simple enough...yeah, no. Then let's get stuck in at least 15 miles of traffic on the 5 and get to Dodgers Stadium (paying $15 to park!) at the top of the 5th! Yeah...good times! The Cubs has already scored their 4 runs...we at least got to see the Dodgers score a couple and the Cubs did win. And of course, there was beer!!! Larry kept this girl well supplied and also bought very nice tickets, so I actually followed the game and enjoyed! No one is more shocked by this admission than me! The game portion of the story must end with the continued traffic on the 5 coming home too...I was missing my mountain small town at this point!

After the game, it was back down to southern Orange County and dinner with my sis. (Now let's review though...how much sleep have I gotten? Answer: 3.5 hours; how long have I been awake at this point? 18 hours. How much alcohol did I consume...that makes me utterly tired after the buzz? 4-5 beers). Ok, armed with this knowledge...yeah, Mischa is dead tired. My poor sister had a lousy date! Good thing she loves me dearly and got to spend the rest of the weekend with me.

Ok, this has gotten into so much detail, you guys are probably dead tired. I will speed this up! The rest of the weekend included shopping, shopping and oh yeah, shopping! I do so miss that living up here in the mountains, so my sis and mom and I did some damage. I took an early Father's Day hike with my dad which was fun times. We went to Point Loma (peninsula of San Diego where a lot of military is and a national monument site), did the hike, went down to the tide pools and stood in the ocean. I love spending time with Daddy-o! I went to see Pirates 3 with the parentals and it was okay. Nothing to write home about or see again. Could have been worse though...a lot worse! And last but not least, I laid out in the sun and got burned in 45 minutes. Let's just say a lot of men were staring at my chest yesterday and it wasn't because of my more than adequate rack... Still smarting from that little venture, but I will be tan soon enough!

My last little adventure of the trip was my return drive. I decided that I wanted to spend as much time with the fam as I could, so I took a late flight Tuesday night. Well, hail decided to hit Denver and of course, delayed my already late flight. I got to my car to start my 2 hour drive at 1 am!!! Yeah, this girl just doesn't seem to like to do this the easy way ever.

I really enjoyed my trip down south and found that I had missed the good ol' state of California. Gotta make sure to visit more often and of course, visit In-n-Out more often (2 times this trip!!!). I'll post some pics when I get them from my Dad.

End of the Road...this year

As all of my sports-minded friends know, the Bulls lost last Thursday and their season is done. For those that aren't sports-minded, sorry, another sports blog! Yes, it has been 4 days since the loss, but I have worked all weekend and just haven't gotten around to writing this blog yet.

Of course, there is disappointment that the Bulls couldn't get past the Pistons after taking 3 of 4 regular season games from them. That they blew their easy ticket into the Eastern Conference Finals by losing to the Nets on the last day of the regular season, hence setting up the meeting with the Pistons in the 2nd round and allowing Cleveland to be there for a 2nd time in a row. This is all stuff that doesn't put a smile on my face, for sure.

BUT, it is what it is. I last blogged about the Bulls when they were down 0-3. They finished the series with 2 wins. Two very convincing wins. Some may say that it was actually a dip in the Pistons' drive to win (as they are prone to do...see last year's Eastern Conference Finals). They wouldn't be completely wrong, but the Bulls had something to do with it too. Yes, Detroit's defense was not as strong, but the Bulls' offense finally came alive. In the first half of Game 4, they shot 72% and ended the game at 54%. That's not just Detroit getting lazy. Then in Detroit, for Game 5, they were pretty even until late in the 3rd quarter. Gordon and Heinrich again decided to show up and shoot the ball well. The Bulls' defense (which was 4th in the country for opponents field goal percentage) kicked some ass and held Detroit's guards down. Sheed got a few T's. Billups road the pine with some foul trouble. The Bulls had something to do with why the Pistons were not playing their best ball and getting two very necessary wins to preserve some pride in this series.

Right when you thought the Bulls had made it a series and might at least be in the elite number of teams to force a game 7 after being down 0-3 (as they were at home and should play better, right?), they were stymied by the Pistons and by themselves. Terrible shooting throughou the game (the 3-ball was pretty much non-existent even after taking around 30 of them in the game!) and panic at the end did them in. Yeah, the Pistons were on top of their game, but the Bulls kept it within reach the whole game...until panic set in and they couldn't seem to figure out what a decent look at the basket. In the last minute when it was decided, all of a sudden, "oh, I can hit a 3." Yeah, too late!

The Pistons know how to playoff ball...the Bulls don't. They showed their metal by beating the Heat in the first round, but they had been there before. They knew how it felt to be there and to be on the losing end. They hadn't been to Round 2 against a playoff ready team (previously, 4 straight trips to the Eastern Conference Finals). They learned a lot this year...some triumph and some defeat.

But no team in the NBA is as set up to vastly improve on this year as the Bulls for next season. Because of the Curry trade to the Knicks, they get a lottery pick in the draft (not likely to be in the top 3, but at least a chance and no other playoff team has that!). Hopefully a big man can come our way and help out with position and scoring down on the blocks. We have some great trade value...of course, Paxson needs to be smart about who he trades, as to not alter this team's chemistry too much. Inside presence is necessary. PJ Brown kicked some Piston ass in the first half of game 6 with 20 points (and mysteriously rode the pine in the 2nd), but he is Old with a capital O for the NBA. Wallace is great on the boards and D, but can't buy a bucket at the stripe and doesn't know how to create offense on the block. The Bulls need some presence down there to open up the shooting for Gordon and Heinrich on the perimeter.

I finally have some hope for my young Bulls and am back to watching the NBA. Many people knock the thug league, but if you have a team like the Bulls (could possibly say a thug-less team!), you would be watching too. Great ball, the way it should be played.

Stumping for the NBA (and a little Bulls analysis too!)

The NBA—the forgotten major league. Yeah, everybody believes that the players are thugs. Just look to Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony and you have perfect examples of the thug look and mentality (the body art is amazing!). Not gonna deny that the NBA's image has definitely been tarnished over the last decade. Overpaid thugs playing not-so-amazing ball at times. I agree that the college ranks can put on a better show 9 nights out of 10 usually, but guess what? College ball is over and there is no football (oh, and baseball is in the first quarter of the season…). Why not watch a little NBA playoff action? If there is a year to do it…it's this year. Some of the big stories below and of course, a little Bulls blogging for good measure.

1. Dallas out in the first round. Who would have thunk it? But if you look back, Dallas has a horrendous record against the Warriors and Baron Davis finally was healthy. No one really saw this potential before the series (no one picks a #8 over a #1-especially the #1 of the whole league). But looking back, we should have given GS a bit more credit. Dallas was never able to breakdown the Warriors. Yes, Dallas has Dirk, the league MVP, but he was a no-show in this series. Sometimes match-ups matter more than records and having Nelson on the bench is always an asset. Kudos to the Warriors for one of the biggest stories of the post-season! And they continue, with a thumping last night against Utah. Can they upset again? A #8 in the Western conference finals?
2. To complement one 2006 finalist going down, why not mention (at least) the annihilation of the 2006 World Champion Miami Heat? Now, everyone knows that they are a bruised team…yes. But to go down in 4 to a bad road team? Also, a young team that has no paint presence outside of the offensively deficient Ben Wallace? The Bulls have to get some credit for taking them down in 4…not for winning…but how they won. All knew the Heat couldn't withstand a 7 game series (especially without home court), but the shutdown is what is remembered. Bye…bye…Heat.
3. New Jersey is my third story of the playoffs so far. Vince Carter played most of his career in Toronto, slogging away for a sub-standard expansion team. Yeah, they were always better than Vancouver and other expansions, but never playing with the big boys. He has been searching for playoff success for quite some time. The Nets, with Kidd and Carter, started to find some success last year, but finally losing to the eventual champs in the 2^nd round. This year's Toronto team was one of the Cinderella's of the regular season. They won the beleaguered Atlantic (worst division of all major league sports), having the 4^th best record in the East. Now, I admit, the East is soft, but for this expansion team, 4^th kicks ass. They really showed their chops this season. New Jersey hit their stride at the right time. Killing the Bulls in the last game of the season to move themselves up to 6^th and drop the Bulls to 5^th. They kept that momentum and moved right past this Cinderella. LeBron (aka the Cleveland Cavs) has dominated them early on their home court, but I don't expect Carter and Kidd to take it lying down in NJ. I expect a hard series from NJ.
4. I must comment on the Lakers and Kobe, just because of my biased hatred. No fight at all from what used to the World Champion Lakers. When Kobe imploded the team just a few seasons ago, he signed his own ticket to basketball mediocrity. Kobe may have had umpteen 40+ point games this season, but what did that get him? A first-round playoff embarrassment. What Kobe may or may not have done in now my backyard (yes, just down the highway from me…the infamous Eagle County Courthouse), whatever. What he did in LA by sending off his teammates so he could be the center of attention…a crime. I hope he gets to wallow in his pain for years to come.

My Bulls. I had such hope this season. I think I just got too excited and bought into the hype a bit too much. But they're my team…how could I not? Its been 9 long years since I saw a trophy hoisted on the shoulders of one of the great teams of all-time…I wanted to have that hope again. Instead, the nemesis of my youth is back again…mocking us. Detroit and Chicago are completely different teams than their last 80's teams, but that doesn't change the rivalry that is resurfacing. Back then it was the flop-meister Laimbeer, baby face Isiah, stoic Dumars, old man center Edwards, and future Bull Rodman. The Bad Boys. Now they have sickly looking Prince, spot on Billups, Sheed dominating inside, outside shooter Hamilton and surprise signer Webber. Completely different, but nonetheless deadly effective against my young Bulls. Their defense has been stifling…getting every loose ball and forcing massive internal bleeding by the Bulls in Detroit. Yes, some of the youthful brilliance of the Bulls showed on Thursday during the first half. It was salve to my soul to see them finally play the ball I know that they can play (if not inconsistently). But the Pistons took that away in the 3^rd, causing turnovers (most of the Bulls' 12 turnovers occurring in the 2^nd half), forcing the Bulls into horrible shots (10 of 41 in the 2^nd half), and forcing the Bulls to hang their heads, killing their spirit. I am hoping that the Bulls don't go down 0-4, but it definitely is a possibility with the way the Pistons are playing right now. I fault my Bulls for being young and a horrible road-team right now. But I credit the Pistons for stepping up and playing stifling playoff ball with uncanny precision. My hats off to my nemesis…

Coherent Theme...Please!

I should blog about what my vacation and all but I am not going to yet. Not particularly for any reason...just not all that interesting in doing so right now.

Not that I have much to blog about. It snowed all day today, yeah, in April. It didn't stick, but white stuff came down all day long. It was a bit odd, I must admit. While I was in DC and in Michigan, I saw 80+ degree days...and now, I am back to snow world. Kind of crazy...but I guess that is what I get for living in the mountains!!!

I wasn't as upset coming back as I thought I would be. I still don't have much of life here right now, but it is home, nonetheless. I loved coming back to my bed and my condo. I have committed to being more social from now on and we will see how that goes. My company is having a staff outing on Tuesday and we are going golfing. Have I stated yet that I have never really golfed in my life?! Yes, putt-putt, but not real golfing. I have a feeling, alcohol will have to play a role for me to have fun that day. I will let you know my abysimal attempts at golfing...it should be quite a riot for those in attendance. If there is photographic evidence of this event, I will try to avoid posting it for fear of incrimination.

Random change of subject...i really don't know what to do with my limited vacation left for this year. I am committed to two weddings and a trip to NYC with my sister (I am happy to do all of the above), but there a few other requests on my time this year. I want to do everything, but I can't. Rarrrr... I love to travel and spend time with friends...the biggest joy in my life. But I just can't do it all and I just don't know who to make happy and who to let down. And I actually can do more traveling than before cause my schedule is much more flexible...as long as I get my 40 hours a week, I am pretty good. But I also cannot be missing part of every week...just doesn't set a good precedent for the staff. So, I guess I will disappoint people this year which just absolutely tears me apart. That is definitely one thing that sucks about being out west..most of my friends are out east and that just means for longer trips and vacation time expended. Why can't this just be easy?

I know, this blog is all over the map and has no coherent theme. It might be the alcohol that I have consumed...probably good to blame it on that!!! Next time will be an actual update, I swear.

Dear Travel Diary...

As all know, I went to see my grandfather up in Michigan for the first half of my vacation. He had part of his leg amputated at the beginning of the year and he has been in a nursing home since the operation. He is working hard to get strong enough to go home and leave the home. I was able to sit with him and talk, play cards...just share the same space...just feel the love that we have for each other. He has such strength, such determination, such love. I can only hope to be the type of person that he is. I really do love spending time with him, no matter where it is, no matter what the circumstances. I love him dearly!

While I was up there, I spent time up on our family's land. My uncle and I went on a 20 mile 4-wheeler adventure and had a blast. It was 80 degrees outside, beautiful blue skies, with a bright sun. We saw all kinds of wildlife and just enjoyed being outside! Later in the week, I went up to the land by myself. First time being up there by myself. It was great...I love that place! I took out the 4-wheeler and tried to find the paths my uncle showed me. Yes, I am bright enough that when I didn't know where the path was, I turned around. I am still here, aren't I?? But I did find some of the paths and it was great. Just turning off the motor and being in the still silence, with spring starting to sprout around me. Feeling the anticipation in the air...yeah, waxing poetic...the beauty of the place strikes me every time.

I went to DC next...whirlwind, definitely. I was so tired by the time I got home because of everything that I did! I was able to see most of my friends, ate some good food, did some much needed shopping and even snuck in some WT work to make a few bucks! Oh, and I completely made a fool of myself (well, no one was around, so did I make a fool of myself???) by falling on the back deck of my friends' townhouse, creating 3 mondo bruises on my body...oh yea, this was in a skirt, in the rain...and I fell on my butt!!! If I was watching I would fall down laughing...but no one saw it...and the pain prevented me from laughing at the time. I do try to be as graceful as possible!

There are many stories to be had from the trip, but I don't want to bore you with all the details. Quick rundown: bar hopping with my Mormon friends (yes, I was the only one inbibing and that I definitely did!), spending time with mohawk Zimri and his bum leg(yes, mohawk...wish I had taken some photographic evidence!), duck pin bowling (where 5 Army guys tried to pick Alison and I up...in a duck pin bowling alley and we actually admitted we had driven 30 minutes to go d.p. bowling!...so sad), two great sessions of tennis with Ali (don't ask how horribly I played...6 months will do that to a girl!), getting "my" hair back (the color is here to stay!!!), and much much more!! I had a great time...I just wish I would have had more time to play! Guess that will have to wait until September when I will be next in DC.

I had some pretty stupid, frustrating travel incidents too, but again, won't bore you. Suffice it to say...flights were canceled, running through airports in skirts with all of my luggage happened, 3-hour van ride with crazy oil riggers occurred, and much, much more. Never a dull moment when traveling with ME!!!!

At the Movies

I haven't blogged movie reviews in a while. That is due to two factors: no great movies at the theatres and not watching many movies period for me. So, in the span of a few days, I saw 3 movies that are of varying styles. Here are my reviews:

I watched On the Waterfront this weekend. As we all know, I am not an old movies fan, at all. I felt that I needed diversify a bit, so I am hitting some of the "classics." A couple of weekends ago, I finally watched Psycho (not just the scary shower scene, the whole movie!...who knew there was plot around that scene??!). Last weekend was Marlon's time on the screen. Psycho completely underwhelmed me, I cannot even explain. I don't really fault Hitchcock because back in his day, what he did was new and industry-altering. A first viewing in the 21^st century just doesn't create such excitement. I cleaned throughout the whole movie, to have something to do (and we all know how much I love to clean!). In contrast, my butt stayed securely on the couch through On the Waterfront. Now, the background music was corny (at times almost superseding the dialogue) and some of the cinematography was cheesy, but overall, I enjoyed the movie. I was truly surprised 'cause I really had low expectations. It took me like 6 weeks to finally bust it out of the envelope and watch it. I will be mocked for the following comment…but I loved that Herman Munster was in it!!! Yeah, I know he did other work than the Munsters, but he will forever be Herman to me…not a union thug On the Waterfront!

Against my better judgement, I decided to try Ben Affleck out. Hollywoodland. There has to be a good Affleck film at some point, right? Wrong! Yeah, didn't enjoy it at all. Interesting piece of Hollywood history, but that is about it. Just not worth it at all. There is just nothing else to say about this one…

Third film…Spidey!!!! Yeah, last night, I plunked down my $9 for a view of Spiderman 3. I loved the villains…Sandman and Venom. Thomas Hayden Church was a nice choice as Sandman, but the special effects for him were great!!! Topher Grace as Venom was not so exciting, but the character itself, great pick, well developed (technically speaking). The one thing that the Spidey series is able to do is to really add the comic book effects without ruining the movie. There is one scene where Spidey is running to go save someone and he runs right in front of an American flag…I could just picture that as a cell of a strip. Tobey balances the two characters well…adding the "evil" Spidey this time too. I cannot say I was doing back-flips through the aisles of the theatre, but a good flick. I didn't like the 2^nd so much…didn't like the villain or the storyline all that much. This one is a definite improvement in my eyes.

I have a feeling that I will be making my return to the movies now that I have some extra time on my hands and I have changed my Blockbuster queue a bit so I get a better mix of movies (instead of all oldies). And of course, the summer movie season is upon us (mind you, I find the fall/early winter season better for "serious" film…not just blockbusters meant to sell tix to the kiddles).

Anyone else seen something worth watching these days???

The Missing Things

You know how sometimes you don't realize that something is missing in your life until you find it back in your life after a long absence? You know, that restaurant that kicks ass, but you forget all about it until a buddy takes you back? The friend that got lost in the last move and you run into him/her randomly and that friendship comes alive again?

Well, I found part of me that I have been missing for years this weekend. My friends' kids. Yup...the rugrats! Back in the day, many of my friends had kids and if I wanted to continue to be in my friends' lives (which as we all know I do!), I had to become child-friendly. Not that this was hard for me 'cause I really do love kids...but I made that transition to "Aunt Michelle" back in the day. When I left Salt Lake back in 2001, I bawled when saying goodbye to "my" kids 'cause I just couldn't imagine life without their moments of pure joy and love and all the other stuff. I moved to Cincy and then to DC and my friends in both locations really were childless. I forgot what that kid time gave to my life.

This weekend I went back to the land of Salt and rediscovered the pure joy. Oh, yes, there is crying and tantrums and all that drama, but the hug and kiss of a child is the rarest of joys...even though it happens all the time when you are around them. They love so easily. They share so freely. I am so grateful for my friends who allow me to have these moments with their children...I truly do cherish them. And if my readers haven't spent time with a child recently, get thee to one! It reaffirms life on a level that is inexplicable.

On a totally unrelated note (other than this thought hit me this weekend on my trip as well)...I love nature! The drive between my house and Salt Lake City is pretty much uninhabited land...desert, mountains, cliffs, rivers, streams, etc. I thought the drive would be mundane and boring (didn't think the Utah desert held much excitement!). Not so. The vistas are amazing. The wonders of nature unfold before you with every turn or ascent. I drove through canyons, mountains, deserts, valleys... I now remember why I love road trips....they are beautiful.

I am amazed at how philosophical I am tonight, but I really did find joy this weekend and I haven't had that in a bit. Thank you to all of my Salt Lake friends (and children) that gave me this respite from the real world. (y'all will get to "meet" some of "my" kids once I get a few pics from my friends...adorable!)

Vail (not Sundance) Film Festival

This was posted on my other blog last week...sorry I am behind on "reposting" to this blog. Here is it...albeit late!

Everyone has heard of the Sundance Film Festival or the Cannes Film Festival. And movie buffs and entertainment news followers have heard of Toronto and TriBeCa film festivals. But who in their right minds has heard of the Vail Film Festival. Yeah, no one, I know. But us locals...well, that's what we've got, so we go. Actually, I do feel fortunate to have a film festival in such a small community, so I plunked down my $50 and bought a pass.

Here are some of the movies I saw (the movie titles are links to webpages about the films)...

Snow Cake: Sigourney Weaver does an amazing job as an autistic mother. Quirky film, but worth a watch. Some moments were just laugh-out-loud funny. My favorite line is

Linda Freeman: Have you ever had an orgasm, Alex?
Alex Hughes: It has been known.
Linda Freeman: It sounds like an inferior version of what I feel when I have a mouthful of snow.
[Shoves some into her mouth]

West Bank Story: Oscar winning live action short...great mix of spoofing of West Side Story and the political situation in the Middle East.

Eramos Pocos: cute short that has the last minute plot twist...worth seeing. This was up for the Oscar. The above link is to YouTube, but it isn't subtitled, so if you know Spanish, watch it!

When Adnan Comes Home: gut wrenching to watch, but very good subject matter. It really makes you think about how humans judge each other based on our own values and social mores...never seeing what the other's values and mores are. I was able to see another's life and situation...one so very foreign to my own. That is one of biggest reasons I watch movies...to be in someone else's shoes and see life from another perspective.

I really had a great time spending my weekend in a movie theatre...even if some of the movies I saw were utter crap...that's what I love about festivals...you can see crap and amazing film all in one day...and you can see stuff you never would think to see in a mainstream theater or on DVD. I will be going back to Mecca next year...aka Sundance. I LOVE IT, so I am committing to the 6 hour drive to spend a few days around the other film festival rats! And of course, the Vail Film Festival will be an annual event for me, regardless of the less than stellar mix of films...

My New Baby!!!

Ok, I have been remiss...I GOT MY CAR!!!! I got it last weekend, but I didn't get around to taking a picture until today. I had to get a car wash before I took, it so here it is...my new baby!!!


I love having key-less entry (yes, most of you got that what, a decade ago, but this is my first!), the 3 power outlets, the auxilliary outlet (for my future iPod!), the 6-CD changer (the tape player will be missed...how will I ever listen to my Milli Vanilli tape now?!), the steering wheel audio controls, the sunroof, my rack (nice rack, don't you agree?!), and just the newness!!! I have waited so long to finally have a new car. My ol' girl did her thing...it was just time to do a little upgrade. If you come visit, you will definitely have a nice ride in the Colorado mountains. She will go on her first road trip over Easter weekend when I drive over to Salt Lake. That will be so much fun!!!

The Gift of Giving

Yesterday, I decided to get out the house (and the Vail Valley) and went down to Silverthorne (closest big town...outlet malls, a DQ, and TARGET!!!!). Well, I'm female and decided that a little outlet shopping wouldn't dent the bank account that much...so on I went to Old Navy.

I saw in their window display something about giving to your community, etc. I must say, even though I have spent the last 6 years immersed in non-profits, this really didn't make me stop and read the big sign. I did my shopping and was checking out. Ok, the big sign was back and since I was just standing in line, I decided, what the hell? I might as well read it. The sign explained that giving to one's community is very important and that Old Navy wanted to support their customer's philanthropic tendencies. They were giving you 10% off your purchase, hoping that you would then take that 10% savings and donate it to a charity of your choice. I thought...novel idea. Went up to the register and at the end of the transaction the sales associate told me that they were giving me 10% in hopes that I would donate it. Again, reiterating to the customer the deal that they were hoping would be passed on to a worthy cause.

This isn't huge or anything, but it struck me. It really did. Here is a company willing to give a discount, hoping that their customers will do some good. They don't just have mints next to a change collector. They don't have a big paper hot air balloon that you put your name on and stick to the wall. No ringing bells. They are asking us to be active in the giving. To take the money that we "saved" and find a cause that means something to us. I don't suspect that huge numbers will actually donate, but I give a gold star to Old Navy for passing the buck to us and asking us to pass it on to someone that is doing good.

Men Gone Wild

This is not to bash men...not at all...

BUT...in the past few days, I have noticed that men have just started going insane. News just broke this weekend that a husband strangled and dismembered his wife after an argument about her international business trips. He cut her up and spread her body parts all over a nearby park. How could an argument turn to that, especially when their two children were in the house when the killing happened?! Today, two stories broke about men going nuts. First, it seems that a father took his daughter up in a small plane and then crashed it into his ex-mother-in-law's house, killing himself and his daughter. Second, a 21 year-old husband was stabbing his 17 year-old wife with a knife and then told his 2-year old son to stab mommy, all because he thought she was cheating on him.

What is going on here? I know that men are more prone to resort to violence in general than women, but to this extent?! Sometimes I am kind of thankful for being single and childless...

Running Through My Veins...

Most of the time, I won't readily admit the fact that I was born and raised in Indiana. Now, there are worse states to have grown up in (won't name any names...but we all know a few!), but the Hoosier State is not glamorous in the least. We are talking cornfields, flat, Gary, and its saving grace...basketball. Yes, the wonderous, amazing, stupendous sport of round ball. I grew up idolizing it...every Hoosier does. It's just not natural to grow up there and in no way bow to the feet of the hoop. Blah, blah, blah...I know...I can never just actually get to a point. I have some time on my hands...why not screw with my ever loyal readers?!

My point: basketball. I have come home again. This weekend I watched 4 games while working both days. You do forget the glory...and with my schedule of late, it doesn't matter if you remember or not. No time=no basketball. But this weekend, I took the time. Got to watch my Irish play and win. Got to watch my Bulls win and lose. All and all, enough good to get the blood boiling again.

I now care who is on the bubble, who isn't, what conference is getting the most nods, whose road wins will allow them to squeek by, whose losses of late will put the dagger through the heart. It is back and I love it!! March Madness is probably one of my favorite holidays!! Oh, it may not be a holiday in CO or VA or UT, but in Indiana, its the #1 holiday of the year! And this year, two of my teams are going to the dance! It's been a couple of years since I have been able to say that...I have been more interested in NIT scores (which is the saddest truth of all!). Now, I have two nationally ranked teams going into the conference tourneys.

Ok, right now...my Bulldogs (Butler if you didn't know) are overrated at this point. Yeah, they kicked some ass early on in the season, but losses to Loyola, Illinois-Chicago and Indiana State. Embarrassing. They have 5 losses, just like many of the ranked, but those losses are to much lower RPI teams. For whatever reason, the voters believe in the Bulldogs. I just don't believe in them to the Sweet 16. Prove me wrong, boys!

My Irish...they have some promise. Their shooting is lights out...lights out. 80% of Colin Falls' made shots are 3-pointers. He is a sharp shooter with a capital S. Has anyone seen the football player parading around in a bball jersey, Mr. Harangody? Yeah, he is a brut and built for the gridiron, but he can manhandle on the blocks. He is learning still, but he just is so big. I'm not saying that the Irish are making it to the final dance, but they can and probably will surprise. A team voted to be 12th in the Big East is sitting at number 4 and nationally ranked. Them's my Fightin' Irish.

Now to switch to my Bulls. I was so happy with them this morning. They fought the good fight yesterday and I had some high hopes for my inconsistent team. Yeah, they proved themselves tonight: losing to the Magic. Damn them...why can't they be consistent? Is it really that hard in the East these days? NO!!! I love them, I truly do, but they frustrate me beyond belief. Ben Gordon...hot...hot. Kirky baby...great tandem in the backcourt. Mr. Wallace (as I call him with all respect for the hair!) is Big Ben...averaging over 2 blocks and 4 offensive boards a game and has the worst free throw percentage ever..ever!!!

Alas...I am back in my little basketball heaven. I may be disappointed along with way with L's that should be W's, but at the end of the day, how could I not be in love with the best sport ever invented...baskeball? Are there any other sports worth caring about in March??!!