Category: Movies

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 75)

January 13th, 2012 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), Bob the Dog, Creative Endeavors, Movies 26 comments - Tags: , , ,


1.

This week on Totes Awesome Channel, we talk about our favorite childhood movies.


Youtube Link

What were some of yours? As listed in my video, mine were Mrs. Doubtfire, Princess Bride, and Beethoven.


2.


It was 6 in the evening on Sunday when I found myself with dinner already made (thank you, slow cooker!), the boyfriend gone for another couple of hours, and the dog exhausted and napping. I decided to treat myself to a movie and some alone time on my couch. I rarely get alone time on the couch. I randomly picked HappyThankYouMorePlease from Netflix instant play, and I was so pleasantly surprised. Very uplifting. If you find time this weekend for some couch time, I recommend watching it.

I’m posting the trailer but wait! Before you watch it, maybe don’t spoil the movie and just trust me. I think part of the joy for me was not knowing anything about the movie before seeing it.


Youtube Link


3.


Speaking of movies, Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was an amazingly done movie. I left very impressed. Three hours and not once did I want it to stop. I don’t want to recommend it though. Watch if you can stomach sexual violence in movies. The movie made me want to give the book series a second try.


4.


A couple of bloggers gifted me some awesome spreads. I haven’t been to the grocery store this week but I must remember the bread!


The homemade grape jelly and marshmallow fluff were sent to me from the food swap I participated in as a member of the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance. The cookie butter was part of a gift box my sweet friend, Danielle sent me. She sent me a loot of journals! I LOVE JOURNALS!

The journal loot and cookie butter as aforementioned:



5.

Sketchbook Project 2012 needs to be postmarked by January 31st. Last year when I did Sketchbook 2011, I had all the pages started on and most of them completed by the first day of the year. It’s now January 12th and I have over twenty blank pages! PANIC! This weekend I strive to start ten pages. Wish me luck. I need it.


A couple of the sparse pages I have done


6.

I taught Bob how to roll over in less than 30 minutes this week! It’s still touch and go though. The next day he rolled over for “sit,” “lay” and “shake.” We’re still reinforcing it every night. Here he is last night.


Youtube Link


7.

This week’s moments of bliss: ♥ being treated to a home cooked Korean lunch ♥ a full journal loot from Danielle ♥ warm chocolate cookies while watching a movie ♥ date night ♥ Vietnamese coffee and licking the condensed milk spoon ♥ planning Valentine surprises with girl friends ♥ reading 1984 makes me grateful for my thoughts and books ♥ three day weekend ♥ morning pages ♥ pizza night (no cooking and cleaning!) ♥ using up Groupons before they expire ♥ monthly credit card cycle starting over ♥ getting to know my sister slowly through emails


Question: What are three highlights from your week?

2011 in Review

December 29th, 2011 · · Big Brothers & Big Sisters of America, Bob the Dog, Creative Endeavors, Holidays, Houston, Lists, Love, Memories, Misadventures, Movies, Photographs, the not so single life 29 comments - Tags: , , , , , , ,

I’ve posted yearly recaps since 2008. I’m a stickler for tradition so here’s my recap for 2011.

Previous years: 2008, 2009, 2010

I had a good year.

Note: All links open in a new window.

January

February

  • It snowed.
  • I didn’t see Alan often because of his work.
  • BDF (Best Dudie Friend) visited Austin! This ended up being the only time I saw him this year.
  • BDF surprised me with cookies. His note gets me Google search hits that make me a little sad.
  • Sent out Valentine cards and socks to my girlfriends.


    • Alan and I hanging out

March

  • Alan took me to my first NBA game, Heat vs. Spurs.
  • BFF had cake balls delivered to me at work.
  • My solemate (deliberate misspelling) visited Austin.
  • Went to Austin’s 2nd Annual Bacon Takedown.
  • Went to Sketchbook Project 2011 tour stop in Austin.
  • Hosted my first giveaway on the blog.
  • Attended a free screening and Q&A with director of Meaning of Tea, a fantastic documentary about tea. Really!
  • Alan and I had a two part dinner to celebrate our three year anniversary at Haddington’s and Uchiko (my favorite restaurant).
  • Attended Austin Food Blogger’s Alliance Launch Party and applied for membership.
  • March was a turning point in my life. I faced myself in therapy. I’m still reaping the benefits.


    • At Sketchbook Project event

April

May

  • I got bangs impulsively, changing my do for the first time in 5 years.
  • Took a canoe trip with coworkers, facing a handful of irrational fears very reluctantly. Obviously, I survived.
  • I participated in Leo’s Habit Course and developed a palate for vegetables by eating one serving a day for 30 days.
  • Flew to Boston to see BFF. We drove to New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island, all three were states I’ve never visited.
  • Read 8 books this month.
  • Totes Awesome Channel was founded.


June

  • Went home to Houston for Father’s Day.
  • Rolled down a hill inside of a ball.
  • I hit a boulder with my car. I always hit non-moving objects. Anyway, this was the start of a chain of bumper problems during the rest of the year.
  • I hemmed my first dress! As part of my new year’s resolutions, I wanted to do 10 learning tasks with sewing. This was my first major lesson.
  • Went to third Annual Cupcake Smackdown

July

  • Met Ashley D, Ashley, and Nicole of Totes Awesome Channel and recorded a vlog.
  • Celebrated my 28th birthday simply with a dinner with Alan and then a movie and drinks with friends.
  • Made my favorite video: 28 Life Lessons from 28 People (for my 28th birthday).
  • I caught up to 2007 and got my first smart phone!
  • My friend, Naz surprised me with a vlog from my dad.
  • I got really cozy with Tennessee Williams and his movies. Cat on Hot Tin Roof is excellent!


    • Celebrating my birthday

August

  • Successfully completed VEDA despite being out of town twice and moving!
  • Met up Hillary and Alex in Dallas for our second girls’ weekend of the year.
  • Moved in with Alan.
  • Used my passport for the first time since renewing it 2007. Alan and I took a vacation to Vancouver, Canada, my new favorite city.
  • Saw the bats in Austin for the first time.


    • In front of the Vancouver Aquarium

September

October

November

  • Posted a blog post every day in November.
  • Ran two blocks of a 5k for Race for the Cure and raised 460 dollars. Thanks to a lot of you!
  • Went to Texas Renaissance Festival with Brandi and Jessica. It was our third year going and we decided to only do new things. We threw knives, shot bow and arrows, and had our face painted. It was the first time I’ve ever had my face painted!
  • Had my second blogger date with Treavor.
  • Attended a We Are Girls conference with my little. It was incredibly insightful.
  • Had a Thanksgiving picnic with friends at the park. We threw a whole cooler’s worth of ice cubes into an enormous fountain, to create ripples, to help push a soccer ball to a sad toddler across the fountain. We were successful.
  • Had a progressive meal day with Kim, Thomas, and friends.
  • During breaks between eats, we made paper cranes for Kim’s tree.
  • My bumper nearly killed Kim and me and got us murdered in the woods.
  • Made our sparkly tattoos dance.


December

  • I decide to like Christmas. I discovered it took more energy disliking it than it does to give into the cheer.
  • Partcipated in Austin Food Blogger’s food swap.
  • I was without a car the whole time I was in Houston for Christmas (the bumper needed to be replaced) and was touched to have friends pick me up for dates.
  • Sewed couch pillows with help from mom.
  • Hosting a “Never Have We Ever” dinner party tonight. Post to come!


    • Bob hanging out with snowman

In writing this post, I realized this year was really sweet for relationships. It may have a lot to do with my prioritizing close friends over acquaintances and then learning to set boundaries. Recently, I’ve been in a funk about not having a life’s calling but I have to say, I’m really content with my tribe. Word on the street is that it’s the relationships that really matter.

Wishing you a terrific end of year celebration! Lots of love!


Question: What happened this year with you?

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 59)

September 16th, 2011 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), Books, Movies, Resolutions 2011 22 comments - Tags: , ,


1.

This week on Totes Awesome Channel, we talk about the books we’re currently reading.


Youtube Link

If you don’t have video capabilities, I mention that the last two books I finished were Curious Case of the Dog in the Night-Time and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years (separate post to come). I really enjoyed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. I now have increased empathy for Autistic people. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years was a good read as well. Donald Miller really pushes for you to “edit” your life into a great story and to embrace whimsy. I’m starting The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and I am so excited about it.


2.

I got my credit card statement a few days ago. Yeah, I don’t recommend traveling 2 weekends, moving, and getting a dog in the same month. Still cooking most nights and hardly eating out (except when I travel – so last weekend in Houston was glorious). As a cooking neophyte, I am bound to have mishaps.I tried out this recipe and overdid it on the vinegar. I tried saving it with sugar, honey, and milk but to no avail. 12 dollar roast that was meant to last at least 3 days went in the trash.


The chicken, pears, and cream cheese turnovers (above) I made for Jamie were delicious though!


3.

I had leftover avocado from taco night this week, and inspired not to waste and use everything I buy, I followed this recipe and made a single serve avocado milkshake. It was delightful! I used to buy avocado milkshakes all the time for $3-$4 each, while this only cost me 50 cents to make. It’s also considered a traditional drink in Vietnam, so uh, I’m totally counting it as part of my progress towards completing my New Year’s Resolutions.


4.


Speaking of food waste, Jennifer and I went to a screening of “Dive!” at the Blanton Museum last night. The documentary is about one man’s journey with dumpster diving and feeding his family well from the dumpster of Trader Joe’s in L.A. and about the waste culture of America. The stats are staggering. 96 billion pounds of food are dumped in landfills a year, half of what we produce. In recent reports, 1 in 6 people in America are “food insecure,” which means not knowing when and where your next meal will be. How heartbreaking is that? The film was humorous, engaging and compelling. The writer/director was present at the screening to answer questions afterwards. I embedded the trailer in the next take. Click here if you’re interested in buying the documentary. It’s due to come to Netflix soon.

I walked away feeling super inspired to be more aware of my contribution to the mess. It really does start at home. On average, one household in America waste $600 worth of food a year. I made up a meal plan for the next week and we’re totally having tacos both Sunday and Monday night so I could use up the tortillas we have. I may even wake up early tomorrow and make a breakfast taco before work.


5.



Youtube Link


6.


This weekend, I’m driving with former roommate, Brandi to see an old friend of ours get married. The three of us used to be so inseparable and now Jessica is all moved away with a new house and soon to be new husband.

Here’s a photo of us in 2009 at Texas Renaissance Festival. I never fully adjust to the mandatory goodbyes in life.

Me with the bride to be!


7.

This week’s moments of bliss: ♥ Bob (never mind that he did a running head-on tackle to my face during a game of fetch) ♥ homemade avocado milkshake ♥ homemade peanut butter pie ♥ chocolate ♥ finishing a book ♥ cracking open a new book ♥ intellectually stimulating date with Jennifer ♥ Alan cleaning the George Foreman grill (I was dreading that all day and came home to it already clean.) ♥ planning dates with my little from Big Brothers & Big Sisters ♥ coffee breaks ♥ video montages of Ryan Gosling


Question: How often do you throw out food from your fridge?

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 47)

June 17th, 2011 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), Movies, videos 18 comments - Tags: ,


1.

This week on Totes Awesome Channel, we talk about our ideal meals. You can find mine below.


Youtube Link


2.


Danielle sent me a beautiful handmade postcard this week.

A longtime collector of quotes, I’m always happy to receive them. If you can’t read the script, it says, “Only a life lived for others is worth living.” - Albert Einstein


3.

Also in the mail this week, was a mandatory legal notice! My insurance company has a class action lawsuit filed against them. It was a letter briefing me on the lawsuit and then it listed my policy number, what I paid, and how much I could earn if they settle. They are shelling out millions if they settle. Want to guess how much I could receive?

28 cents! I could not stop laughing. Sadly it doesn’t pay out til next year if it pays out. Otherwise, I’d totally get in on that so I could put “Class Action Lawsuit” and 28 cents into my additional income spreadsheet this year.


4.


In just one week, Alan and I have seen 5 movies together. He’s been sick so we’ve been hitting up the Netflix. Here are one/two-liner reviews.

X-Men First Class (2011) – Much better than Wolverine, the last X-Men movie, but not amazing.

Sgt. Bilko (1996) – Silly Steve Martin film; I fell asleep.

Searching for Bobby Fisher (1993) – One of Alan’s favorites, I had no idea it was based on a true story.

Billy Elliot (2000) – Since Alan made me watch Searching for Bobby Fisher, I in kind made him watch Billy Elliot. One of my favorite movies.

Super 8 (2011) – We saw this in an IMAX theatre last night. Loved it and I may have screamed out loud.


5.

I’ve had my cell phone number for 12 years now. For the first year I got calls weekly asking for a Debra. After that first year, the calls tapered off to maybe quarterly for a few years. Now, I still get calls for her every 6 months or so. I almost forgot about Debra until an elderly lady called this morning asking for her.

Debra, where did you go all these years? It seems like you just disappeared on a slew of people. Hope you’re okay.


6.


Would you like a riddle to tease your friends with?

Alan teased me with this and someone tweeted me the answer this morning.


7.

This week’s moments of bliss: ♥ indulging my bone marrow craving ♥ date with Jamie ♥ chocolate chip cookies ♥ sleepovers ♥ going to Houston today to visit the parents ♥ great customer service ♥ friendly conversations with strangers ♥ kiddie hugs ♥ Boo ♥ meeting goal for the third time this year and updated food blog 3 times this week ♥ reading delicious books


Question: What’s one important lesson your dad has taught you?

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 35)

March 25th, 2011 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), Giveaways, In Passing, Love, Movies, pursuit of happiness 8 comments - Tags: , ,


1.

My Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway ended last night. I was feeling nice and added a few entries for those who did not follow the rules and make new comments per entry, which explains why the numbers from the comments are not perfectly aligned with the Excel cell numbers. I ran the drawing using the Excel cell numbers.

Funnily enough, Abby of Dirt on the Rocks would have won regardless of which numbering system I used. Abby, I will be emailing you shortly!


2.


On Monday, Alan and I paid a visit to our dear friends, Selina and Ryan and their brand new baby. On our way to her house a friendly dog came up to Alan and made friends.


3.


Austin Food Bloggers Alliance is having a launch party next Tuesday. I’m excited to finally meet the other food bloggers eating up my town. Some of these folks I’ve been tweeting at for a year now! We’re overdue for some meetings. If you’re just now tuning in, I also have a food blog here: http://girleatsworld.curious-notions.net.


4.


Last night I had the privilege to see a free screening of Meaning of Tea and also hear the director, Scott Chamberlin Hoyt, talk about his lyrical documentary. I wasn’t expecting to love a documentary about tea. Truth be told, I thought I might even find it boring! Wow was I wrong; I walked away loving it. Aptly named, the movie captures the essence of tea and celebrates not only tea but the ceremony and ritual of tea. I took Brandi as my date and she said she found herself moved to tears a few times! Lucky for you it’s available to buy on Amazon. I haven’t checked Netflix though.

I managed to find a small clip of the movie to share, uploaded by one of the musical composers for the film. The film’s soundtrack was beautiful!

Documentary website: http://www.themeaningoftea.com/


5.


I started a new journal yesterday. The new journal was a gift from my friend, Naz and it kind of matches my comforter.

Love the feel of a fresh new journal. The feeling is akin to the hopeful stirrings of new years, new school semesters, new homes, and birthdays. Can’t wait to fill these pretty pages up.


6.

Jumping off of No. 4., another reason why I loved going to that intimate documentary screening, was that the director was so very much in love with tea. The people there were so very much in love with tea. The people he interviewed in his film, were so very in love with tea. It is so inspiring to be surrounded by passionate people. Zen Habits said it best in this blog post. Read it. Also, a snippet to entice you:

The gathering itself was simple: six people, simple healthy food, a little wine, a little tea, nothing else. Except that we lost ourselves in conversation so deeply that before we knew it, it was 1:30 a.m. and I was shocked at how quickly the time had passed.

The secret is also simple: when you talk with people who are passionate about what they’re doing, passionate about life and the people they love, it is transformative.


7.

This week’s moments of bliss: ♥ laying down for “5 minutes” and waking up 2 hours later ♥ 2:30 am trips to diners on week nights ♥ eating Dairy Queen steak fingers in the car with Brandi before free movie screening ♥ being pleasantly surprised by a documentary about tea ♥ surprise cupcake ♥ private hugs and kisses in staircases


Question: Who is the most passionate person you know?

Cross-Reference Joy

November 15th, 2010 · · Memories, Movies, National Blog Posting Month '10 10 comments - Tags: , , ,


Movie Stub Journal vol 1

Last night I was doing my weekly hour of cleaning when I decided to throw out an old wallet. I poked, prodded. and peeked into all the pockets and slots and inside one I found a movie stub! I get really excited about movie stubs because I like tacking them in my movie stub journal and then jotting down a few memories. Namely, names. Names of the people I went to the movie with. So this movie stub was dated April, 15 2006! All it said was Lucky so I was guessing that it was for Lucky Number Slevin. I happened to be gchatting with my friend Davey, and I relayed the news to him.

Happy coincidence! Dave remembers watching the movie with me and with his friend, Asad. This conjured a few vague swirls of memories but I knew I watched it at least twice in theaters. It donned on me that I’m an avid journal keeper. Maybe I mentioned this movie in a journal! To the journal book shelf I went and I’m proud to say I only picked up 1 wrong journal before guessing the correct journal (Can’t wait to gift myself that label maker!).

Sure enough, I wrote in my journal that same night (early morning of April 16, 2006 to be exact) and the movie got a mention. I did indeed watch it with Dave and Asad!


I tacked the stub in my movie stub journal (vol 2).


A snippet in my journal, dated 4/16/2006.

I realize this is kind of geeky that such a simple thing gave me so much joy. But I told you, I really like dates.

P.S. Monday Writing Prompt is going on winter break :)


Question: What do you keep record of?

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 17)

August 27th, 2010 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), Lists, Movies, The Grind, Travel, VEDA, videos 11 comments - Tags: , , ,


1.


I’m about finished with my 4th week doing The Artist’s Way. Week 4′s big assignment is to not read. No leisurely reading. For me this translates to no blog reading, no reading in waiting rooms, no reading if I hop on a campus bus, no reading during lunch hours, no reading before bed. It was torture and I definitely flailed and failed. More on the whys and hows regarding my no reading experience next week. I cannot wait til Sunday, when I can read my blogs without guilt.


2.


I’ve spent a pretty penny on my car this week which has me bummed. I had to bail out on social engagements and looks like I’ll have a skeletal social calendar the next 1.5 months. One of the silver linings is I know a lot more about how tires are graded than I did before this week. Other silver linings are the good health of myself and loved ones, I’m employed, and I have good people in my life.


3.

Speaking of skeletal social calendars and good people in my life, my friend Cindy is coming for a visit from Houston this weekend. I think I can afford a cupcake. I told her other than that I plan on staring at her pretty face for free. I’m going to introduce her to Polkadot Cupcakes after work today.


4.

Yesterday’s VEDA topic was “somewhere you want to travel.”


Youtube link


5.

I’m astounded that we’re already flirting with September. Wha?!?!? There’s so much to do still! I don’t think I’ll be getting out of the country as hoped in light of my pocketbook taking dips lately (other personal dips). I’m bummed about that.


6.

I still don’t know what I want to do with my life but I feel optimistic and ready.


7.

In this morning’s VEDA recording I talk movies and TV shows.


Youtube Link


Questions: Favorite movies? Places you plan on traveling to?

King of Kong: Fistful of Quarters

July 22nd, 2010 · · Movies 4 comments

Last night, Alan asked me if I wanted to see a documentary about gaming. I politely said sure but I stifled a “mehhh” and made silent plans of slinking off to dillydally online or catch up on my blog reading. During the first ten minutes I was already tiptoeing out of the room and pretending to clean up the kitchen. Alan, more persistent than usual, put the movie on pause and waited for me to sit back down. I resigned and gave in and I’m so glad I did! It didn’t take long for me to be pulled into this rather classic story of douchebag big shot vs good natured underdog. The douchebag big shot is Billy Mitchell, the world record holder for highest score in Donkey Kong. A record that stayed unrivaled for 20 plus years. Good natured underdog is Steve Wiebe, a middle school teacher who just wins your heart. Billy Mitchell. who looks the same as he did in the 80s, proved to be a cowardly and conniving title defender.

I was also surprised to find myself laughing out loud through out the film. It’s a very well made documentary and a juicy story made mostly out of archived video. The true story was so good, Alan was spot on when he said it is as if it was written. Trailer follows.

P.S. You can stream this through Netflix!

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 12)

July 16th, 2010 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), Lists, Movies, Resolutions 2010 5 comments


1.

Harry Ransom Center

Throughout my life I’ve heard references to Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolfe? in pop culture. In TV shows, movies, and books, and each time I wondered, what is Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? about? I received an email from the Harry Ransom Center (a museum on campus) and they’re screening (for free!) the film. So I invited Brittany, my movie buddy along to be my date last night. Neither of us did any research to see what we were in for. I knew that an emotionally abusive couple invites another couple over for drinks. Other than that, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The lady who sat next to me said she avoided watching this movie for years because she heard it was intense. Here, watch the trailer.

Needless to say, it quite a ride. The dialogue was biting and hilarious which is just as well since we needed the comic relief! I can see why it was such a sensation back in the day. I’m still processing the movie but for now, suffice to say it was pretty good and pretty disturbing.


2.

A few hours after Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? let out, I embarked on my second movie of the evening. The midnight showing of Inception. I won’t torment you by posting the trailer. If you haven’t seen the trailer, you must be living underneath a rock. The trailer has been out for what seems like a full year!

Thoughts and reactions: Alan said this may be the most fun he’s had at a movie ever, he didn’t want it to end, and he thinks everyone should see Inception at least twice. I on the other hand barely made it through. I agree it was pretty original, intricate, well woven, LAYERS, literally LAYERS of realities and fantasies happening at once. I liked the concept and the plot but the pacing was too slow for me. However, when reviewing Sci-fi and fantasy books and movies, you should know I have a hard time suspending disbelief and it’s usually not my genre. I walk in with my walls up. The other couple we went with both thoroughly enjoyed it.

2 movies. 1 night. 2.5 hours of sleep. Today will be a long work day.


3.

letter from france

I checked my mail for the first time this week yesterday night. Am pleased to have gotten 2 real letters! One from France from Ms. Brenda.


4.

letter from madison

The second letter from Madison from Ms. Jen. This has now upped my letters owed to 4 letters. Writing these letters is on the weekend to do list! I’m guessing at this rate, I’ve either already reached and or will exceed one of my New Year’s Resolutions of sending out 15 letters.


5.

book shelf

I’m all unpacked and set up in my new one bedroom apartment. I built this bookshelf with my BARE HANDS. NO HELP FROM BOYS. I’m the least handy girl I know. Brandi (previous roommate) helped me screw in some screws and that’s about all the help I got. It took me three days but never mind that, I’m a (mostly) independent woman, what what? YEAH. Do you see the black things attaching the bookshelf to the wall (top shelves)? I actually used plastic anchors and screws. I’m most proud of that. I had no idea what plastic anchors were! They’re plastic screwy things that you push into your dry wall to help “anchor” your screws and not ruin your dry wall. Do you hear that? I actually have some sort of clue of what I’m talking about.

Okay. Calm. My point is, my apartment is now homey (I only have one box of shoes left) and I built a bookshelf.


6.

I miss Houston. I miss the food and I miss the people. I think maybe in August I need to go down there. Plan a few good meals, eat some momma food… Replenish.


7.

Weekend obligations/chores: hang out with the little from Big Bros Big Sis’s of America, grocery shopping for next week, return stupid Time Warner cable box, laundry, write zee letters, cook a meal, and crank out some blog entries.

Hopefully some fun and sleep will come my way too! Happy Friday peoples.

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 8)

June 4th, 2010 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), Birthdays, Books, Girl Eats World, In Passing, Lists, Movies, the not so single life 5 comments - Tags: , , , , ,


1.

Last night had date night with zee dude. Alan was pretty sweet and accommodating to go watch a documentary on babies (aptly entitled Babies) with me. The documentary followed 4 babies from different corners of the world, San Francisco, Namibia, Mongolia, and Tokyo. It’s ALL babies, the documentary. No narration, hardly any other dialogue save the gurgles, baby coos, and baby teary outrages for an hour and 20 minutes. We laughed out loud a few times and I enjoyed it but it was a little slower than I was hoping. My rating is 3/5 stars. See trailer below.

When we got home, Alan reattached his manly bits by watching first game of NBA championship series. ;)


2.

Our fridge at work has pictures of current lab members. The photos have to be humorous and non-serious. I thought I could go unnoticed without a picture up but it has recently been threatened that if I don’t put a picture up, someone else will take one of me and post it. I value my autonomy so I cropped myself out of this photo taken from the weekend.

photo bomb
Photo courtesy of Jason’s facebook


3.

I finished listening to Julia Child’s My Life in France (Ten fricking CDs). It inspired me to buy her first Mastering French Cooking book. I think I’m going to make my 2nd quiche from that book this coming week. If you don’t know how to read or speak French or even sound out French words, I recommend getting the audio book to listen to instead of the actual book to read. It’s fun to repeat after the reader and laugh at yourself as you drive to and from work.


4.

I finished this book at the end of February and much to Martin‘s chagrin, I still haven’t done the book review. As much as I wanted to. I just didn’t quite understand the ending. But up to the ending it was a very humorous story about a Fup, duck (named for “Fucked up”), a grumpy but hilarious Grandfather, and his grandson, Tiny. Written in the early eighties, the story was outrageous and makes you want to own a pet duck with as much character as Fup. (She enjoys chick flicks and bullies the dogs and if memory serves, she also drinks alcohol religiously.) I’m afraid I can’t offer that much of a review, but lucky for you Martin wrote a thorough review on his blog.


5.


So last week’s 7 Quick Takes, I shared that I made my first lasagna and how excited I was. Lasagnas aren’t too terribly exciting but I’m not a skilled cook and the most mundane cooking skills (making lasagnas) are new and wondrous to me. Intimidating at first sight but fulfilling when accomplished. And I’m always surprised when things turn out well. I was surprised that the lasagna was edible and Alan’s even told me he could eat it again and wish he had more. This week’s mundane to others but intimidating kitchen skill I tackled was ZEE PINEAPPLE! I’ve always steered clear of buying a whole pineapple and cutting it myself. I’m a give it to mom to cut or buy it already precut kind of girl when it comes to this tropical fruit.

Emboldened by my conquering the lasagna (and recently the quiche), I finally conquered my silly fear of cutting a pineapple. It’s not very hard. You cut off the top and bottom, and shave off the skin. Then cut in desired pieces. All that fear for nothing. The pineapple recipe I chose was from my Steamy Kitchen cook book. Involved grilling the pineapple, drizzling coconut rum chocolate sauce on the top and sprinkling coconut flakes on the chocolate. The combination was a hit or miss with our Memorial Day pot luck crowd. Brother hated it, Brittany loved it.

cutting a pineapple isn't that hard!


6.


Recently, I’ve noticed I’ve taken an interest in nature and green surroundings. I credit this to working at a job that requires me to walk about 20-40 minutes from and to my car. The University has great landscaping. Also, I’ve never been the kind to take leisurely walks outside unless it’s an outlet mall but Brandi and I have been walking more in our neighborhood. 6 months ago, I wouldn’t ever think to myself, look at those leaves! Those leaves are different shape from the other leaves on the tree. Or lookit that flower! It’s practically the only flower on that tree!

But it’s happening. I like flowers and leaves that are not delivered to me in a vase (those won’t ever get old, just to be clear :p).

flowers!
cell phone picture from one of our walks


7.

I always run out of things to share by 7. 2 of my closest friends turned 27 and 26 yesterday and today. So happy birthday Will and Jen T. My brother got accepted into a PhD program in San Antonio. Congrats to him.

Happy Friday to everyone who reads my dribble. Thanks for that by the way. Reading. Say hi or something :).