Sometimes people are AMAZING

I think I've spoken about the English family I babysit for sometime. Well they are great I love them! They are the MacDonald's and they live in San Marino. I've known them for almost 5 years (I worked with Bradley, the youngest, in Kinder care). Well over the years I think I've established a cool bond with them and we've had some fun times, even going to D-LAND together. I've also got to know Laura's (the mom) parents on their yearly trips to visit.
They know that I truly love English culture and I always have some off the wall questions to ask them...I love their tabloids and their celebrities...footballers and W.A.G.S. and music. So I always get some fun mags to read when they come back from visiting. Well yesterday I got a real treat.
The last time I saw Laura's parents was in June or July, we were talking about England and their upcoming elections. I happened to mention that Wayne (a footballer) and Colleen (his fiance) had gotten married over the weekend, they told me they knew it was coming but didn't know when and if they could get the magazines with the exclusive wedding pics they'd save them and send them to me at Christmas.
So cut to yesterday, my brother handed me a bag with not 1, but all 3 OK magazines featuring all the details from Wayne and Colleen's wedding. There was also a copy of the new Girls Aloud CD and her dad recorded and burned a Girls Aloud TV special that aired over there and a letter from Laura. I haven't seen her or the kids since October, but she's been holding on the the mags. They are going through a hard time right now and she's been really busy so she kept them safe and sent them with my brother when she had the chance. BTW, if you don't know who GA is then you don't know anything!
I was so touched that not only did they remember the magazines, but they also went out of their way to send me something they knew I couldn't possibly get here. In our day to day lives, we get beaten down and hung up on the small things and personally the last week has been very hard, so to know that there are some folks thousands of miles away who thought about me (even if it was months ago) and thought to do something nice for me, is really nice and makes me feel things about myself that I don't usually feel.
This isn't the first time Laura's dad has done something for me either! I asked if he could find me the last (previous) GA CD for me, and when he didn't find it at the first store he went to he ended up going to several different stores to look for it (which for a man his age is embarrassing , I guess ) and when he found it he sent it over to me.
Kindness and generosity warms the heart!

Thank You!

San Diego

So a couple of weeks ago Amber and I went down to San Diego to see No Doubt in concert. We planned an overnight trip going down on Friday for the show and coming home on Saturday. But since it was the long weekend we turned it into a weekend trip. Now, since we were going to stay longer we decided to go on a city tour and take our cameras so that we can get some cool shots of the area. We also decided to change hotels (thanks to Paul), and move from the first hotel, which was in Chula Vista close to the concert venue, to a hotel in San Diego close to the Gaslamp district, cause that's where Amber wanted to go hang out on Saturday night.

So we drove down on Friday and stayed at Best Western. Then on Saturday we drove from Chula Vista to San Diego and checked into the Westgate Hotel (pictures above). This hotel was very nice, we got a free upgrade and had a step-out balcony with a view of the harbor and mall. We decided not to go on the city tour...partly because we asked the concierge about it and she told us it sucked and suggested a different one, partly because we just didn't want to leave the room.

We did, however, go across the street to the mall and look for a movie to watch (cause the price for a movie at the hotel was 12.99), but we couldn't find the movie we wanted, so we walked around the mall for a while and then around the block and we stopped to get lunch. On our way up to our room the elevator stopped at a ballroom full of wine and champagne (seriously). When we got off to our floor we decided to take some pictures and as we where doing so a couple got off the lift with a dolly full of boxes of wine. Well they happened to be our room neighbors and Amber made a comment about having a party and they gave us some of their wine. Not only that but they came back and asked if we would want Champagne too, then went to go get it and brought it back to us. We drank and lounged most of the afternoon, deciding to do a different city tour that would pick us up by the mall the next day.

We went out to the Gaslamp and walked around ate and did a little shopping, the next morning instead of getting up we lounged some more (neither one of us wanting to get out of bed) we didn't actually talk until the movie we were watching was almost over. When it did end we got up and sadly checked out. Went and got coffee and hit the road again.

That drive was unexciting except I did think I got on the wrong freeway for a minute. We stopped at DAIRY QUEEN in Mission Viejo for lunch and got back into LA about 3pm. I dropped of Amber and went home to sleep.

All in all I had a great weekend, even though we didn't do what we set out to do, it turned out to be pretty perfect!

Interesting Photos

well he's my first "Interesting Photos" post. These three are all from work...the first is a nice little hamburger joint called Happy Cow...if you want a peaceful lunch this is where you go...best hamburgers for the price in Downtown (that I've found so far).

The second is a bird that landed right outside the office window. It sat there looking down at traffic for 20 mins. I had to take a photo...it never came back!

The last is a tree that's outside the building by a little fountain/pond. There was something about the tree that I found cool, so I snap a pic.

Enjoy

I'm back!

Have you ever witnessed something...a bird landing really close to your foot, someone singing rather loudly in the Supermarket (in my case, it's usually me doing the singing) or just some random beauty in a place where you don't expect it...but you're alone and can't comment about it, or the one person you know who will really "get it" is too far away to even try to communicate with? Well I have, and I've decided to start doing something about that. I will start taking photos of these things I experience with my camera phone and I will upload them (everyday hopefully) and share the circumstance surrounding the photos with you all, so that you can experience just a little bit of what I see throughout my day.

Not all of them will be big adventurous things, most will be small and quiet, but they are just interesting...interesting enough for me to want to share them with you. So I hope you enjoy them and maybe begin to look for those little things around you too.

Oh Well, that's all I have to talk about right now...My next post will include some interesting photos I've taken in the past few days and I'll talk about the No Doubt concert and trip to San Diego!

Until Next Time!

No Doubt in Concert!!!

Tomorrow at this time I will be driving down to San Diego with Amber to see No Doubt at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater. We will be spending the whole weekend down there taking in the sights and sounds of the city!

I'm so excited not only for the concert but also because I don't have to go to work tomorrow! I think it'll be good!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Google Someone

anyone (well someone you know, but not well)...a classmate or co-worker...and see what comes up. We have to remember that anything we do this is remotely connected to the Internet will find it's way to anyone through google searches. I just found some interesting stuff about someone!
Going to bed now!

Adele...

I could only wish I sounded this good! Makes me want to cry!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y34we6OP30

Lazy Days

This weekend was uneventful and some what lazy, but it was also pretty perfect. Saturday was lounging then off the get my hair done and today was more lounging (this time at Amber's in the Air Conditioning), washing the car and watching the Laker game with my god-dogs (yes, god dogs). Next weekend will be very eventful, hopefully not as hot, but I'll talk about that more later in the week. Tomorrow is back to work, which I'm not looking forward to, but hey we all have to do it. At least, I am only working 4 days this week, with a four day weekend and another 4 day week. Sweet! I'm excited for what's in store!

I hope you had a great weekend....Have a great week!

m

They're Back!!!

Okay so my last post was about the protesting teachers getting arrested outside of the LAUSD building by my job. I mentioned that originally the teachers intended to stage a "sick out" today but were compelled to go to work. Well after the school bell rang, to signify the end of the day, the teacher's association donned their red shirts (these are they official protest shirts) and came out to strike in front of the building again.

Now I can't be sure that these are the same teachers that got arrested earlier, but according to the news those individuals should be out of jail by now and could very well be back outside protesting. I can't see them (they are on the other side of the building) but I can hear them and I can see the traffic being caused by the street closures.

They have a point to make and they will be heard. Unfortunately I don't think it's going to make a difference.


UPDATE: According to the news the teacher arrested this morning were all off track....they did not intend to block the street and were peacefully picketing on the sidewalk across from the building when riot police arrived. When they saw the extremes LAPD resorted to, they then decided to sit in the street. And finally one of the first to be put in the "patty-wagon" was the teacher's association president.

DRAMA at LAUSD

So, I work in Downtown LA across the freeway and cat-a-corner to the Los Angeles Unified School District Headquarters. Well if you don't know, LAUSD is the largest district in the country and is currently going through the process of canning thousands of teachers and staff, because due to several reasons (including the poor economy) there's not enough money to pay them. Well the teachers are upset and have been pretty much camped out protesting the school board for weeks. I've gotten used to seeing picketers out marching in front of the building and every now and then (usually the same day as a big decision) there is a large gathering and march.

Well today is a little different. Earlier this week it was reported that the teachers were going to stage a "sick out", thousands were going to call in sick and leave the schools completely crippled without their presence. However, the superintendent found some law that he used to compel the teachers union to make all the teacher's actually attend work. I believe they might have come in an hour late, but all should have reported. So, I thought there would be no real problems here, just the usual small group. Well I was wrong...

I've done my best to take a picture of the may lay down below, but only having my camera phone and being 31 floors above the action, my shots are not coming out well. A slightly larger (50 to 75) group of people have stage a "sit-in" in the middle of the street, completely blocking traffic. Although they are peaceful they are breaking the law, which has cause the LAPD to send out about as many police in RIOT GEAR....yes helmets, shields the whole nine yards. There is a helicopter hovering and about 30 mins ago (11:30am), a patty-wagon arrived! It's like a movie, honestly.

My aunt, who works for LAUSD, is in that building and she sent me an email letting me know that her building is in "lock down" until further notice. So basically she's stuck! I called her a short time ago and asked if she was okay, she's fine, but said she doesn't know how she's going to get home, seeing as there is another protest scheduled to start at about 1:30pm. And apparently there was some kind of ruckus down there as well.

This is just some craziness that I thought I'd never see in my life. People staging "sit-ins" the next thing you know they'll try to actually take over the building....I guess that's why it's locked down.!!! Well it seems like all the protesters have been put into the patty-wagon and are on there way to jail. The police are starting to leave but the news vans are still here, so watch the news tonight and you'll see it in great detail (or whatever story the news decides to put of there!)

Bye!

Mrs. Obama

I have watched and read how the world has been captivated by the first couple, but primarily with the First Lady. I have to admit that I too am captivated by her.


In my youth I remember two First Ladies...Nancy Regan and Hilary Clinton. I remember Mrs. Regan because of the "Say No to Drugs Campaign" which the public schools forced down our throats as children (and for some reason I always picture her in red). Mrs. Clinton I remember as being very homely looking and young. Well she was younger the her recent predecessors. I also remember alot of talk about her putting her career on the back-burner so that her husband could thrive. Now, I know that between these two women was another Barbara Bush, but because my parents are stanch Democrats and I don't really remember her doing much, I don't ever think about her.


In the last 8 years (give of take a few months) we had Laura Bush who, in my opinion, didn't do very much either. Which leads to Michelle. Now, I'm not saying all this because she's black, I'm going to say what I am saying because this is what I feel...black, white or purple!


I believe that our country needed some new blood, a new spirit in the white house. We needed youth, energy, culture and modernity! I believe that when the President and Mrs. Obama moved into the White House we finally got it. I am awed by the example she is setting not only in this country but in the world. I am proud that this country has stood up and embraced this woman...and as the world has done the same, I am proud that I can say I live in the country that put her on the world stage and I'm proud to be a woman and have a role model to look up too and yes I'm proud that she's African-American...but wait...there's more!


If she was a Caucasian, Asian or Indian woman bringing this type of poise and brightness to the world I would be just as proud. You see my pride isn't just in her color, it is in her. If Jed Bartlett and Dr. Bartlett (West Wing reference )had been real I would feel that same amount of pride. In her first 100 days she set out to show the country what kind of First Lady she wanted to be and in the middle of that she showed the world that the U.S. could be so much more than it currently is.


She hasn't hidden away in the White House, she's gone out gotten her hands dirty in the garden, volunteered for vets, gone to visit schools and more remarkably went to every major D.C. office and thanked the staffs personally shaking hands and letting them know that the First Family and nation appreciates what they do.

I could talk about her fashion, her hair and make up or the way her husband and children look at her, but I'm more interested in how the world and the country see her. If they look through my eyes they'd a strong woman, who knows who she is, knows who her husband is and knows what kind of mother, wife, first lady, daughter and role model she wants to be. I and many others aspire the know those things about myself some day and I'm glad that there's a woman on the forefront to show us that!

Why Not Me?

It's a lament I frequently cry out to God...but I'm starting to get the feeling he's not listening!

Star Trek

Yesterday was Mother's Day in two countries (Mexico and the U.S.), so my family celebrated by taking my mom to see Star Trek in IMAX! And because this is one of the movies on my list I will review it for you here...
First and foremost, this review is based on IMAX...so I suggest that you see it in IMAX, but it will only be there for 2 weeks (at least that's what the guy said as he was introducing it). So go get your tickets now (well read this first).
If you know nothing about Star Trek don't worry, J.J. Abrams and the writers did a great job of giving the fans and non-fans alike a great film to watch. If you pay attention you shouldn't get confused.
I loved the casting, they all make appearances and no one disappoints and (for those who know the show) they all say there catch phrase's...you have to wait, but they're in there. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto do excellent jobs as Kurt and Spock! I for one started to forget about Mr. Nimoy and started to fully realize Quinto as the love able Vulcan. Checov, Sulu, Bones, Uhura and Scotty all play their parts and make this ride even more fun.
If you like action there's plenty of it, lots of fist fights (including one between Kurt and Spock) and lots lasers! The whole movie center's around Eric Bana's Nero seeking revenge...and although his ship was impressive Bana didn't do anything for me or the movie...in fact, to tell the truth, the whole movie was really about the crew. The story was good, it made sense with the Canon and was wrapped up in the end.
Besides Bana's brooding there's nothing bad to say about this movie. So I encourage you all to go see it (in IMAX) as soon as you can.


Live long and....

Sad...makes me want to cry.

I was reading an article this morning about a solider stationed in Iraq who killed 5 and injured 3 other military personnel. The more of the story I read the sadder I got. The incident took place at a stress clinic in Camp Liberty. I can only assume that the solider was there seeking some kind of treatment to whatever may be ailing him.

I'm not going to preach that he is not at fault for his/her actions, what I will say is...if this person is already showing signs of stress, so much so, that he's seeking help then why does that person have access to a weapon?

Although this shooting is painful and sad the information I gathered from the rest of the article broke my heart. This type of shooting (officer on officer) although more prevalent during Vietnam, has happened before in Iraq, as recently as September 08. And more soldiers have died of non-hostile incidents then have in combat. Most of these incidents stemming from PTD related suicides...and 5 SOLDIERS ATTEMPT SUICIDE EVERY SINGLE DAY IN IRAQ.

5 EVERYDAY!

I think that, for no other reason than this, we need to bring our people home and get them ALL the help and love they need and deserve. My heart goes out to all...the living and the unfortunate dead...lies took them there...hopefully hope will bring them home!


Below is a link to the article I read, if I got any facts wrong I'm sorry.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/11/baghdad-us-soldier-dead

These are a few photos I've taken so far this year, I thought I'd share them....What do you think? Is it still Tuesday?

It's Only Tuesday!

I've had such a long week and I realized halfway through the day that it's only Tuesday! I already wish this week was over so that I can get on to the next. I'm sure tomorrow will be worse.

Hope your week is better!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Tomorrow is my mom's Birthday! She's celebrating by making everyone go to church with her. It should be a fun day full of high speed, reckless driving, panic and my dad being angry at everyone. I'm sure I'll write about it soon.

Happy Birthday Momma!

Pirates, Chicken Alfredo and Housesitting...

I'm at Paul and Amber's house again this weekend (just for the day and overnight). They went up to Pismo and didn't take Shelby (the dog) so she and I have had a laid back day of movies, food and car washing. Speaking of car washing, the worst part of washing your car is after it's all said and done...and you come back to it later and a bird has already defaced it (....several times!).
Today was a great day, I made brownies, watched the American President and the Notebook (for the first time) cooked for myself, washed my car and some clothes and now I'm wrapping up the night with a little Pirates of the Caribbean. I've also cleaned the kitchen (they thought the cleaning lady was going to come before I got here, but she called and cancelled at the last minute, so if I wanted to cook, I had to clean...) it wasn't that bad, just plates and glasses, they ate out last night so I didn't have to worry about pots and pans.
Anyway, work this week was okay. I'm not looking forward to this up coming week, but this month starts my summer swing off right...next week Star Trek beams into theaters and I don't know about you but Zach Quinto looks hot with Vulcan ears! It would only be better if Lt. Commander Data was in it, but since this is a movie only involving the o.g. characters I'm kind of assed out on that. In a couple of weeks it's No Doubt, then Comic Con, my birthday and Vegas baby...and in between some babysitting opportunities and more house sitting! I'm so looking forward to this summer, it should be really cool.

Until Next Time....WAY IS THE RUM GONE!

Random

So Lindsay got dumped by the girl she never actually confirmed she was dating, but her sister still doesn't think she's a lesbian...I just think she needs a sandwich!

Tom Cruise..still crazy

Britney is still crazy too, but at least it's not scary anymore, it's kind of funny.


I really like our first lady and the way she dresses.


Even though things change, they always stay the same.


the swine flu isn't actually from swine (at least that's what the chick on GMA said)


Louis Black makes me laugh no matter how many times I watch the same special.


I can't figure out way country music is getting better and everything else still sucks!


I don't understand why they would push Harry Potter back 8 months then move it forward two days....just leave it alone already!


Tahmoh Penikett (just look him up)


Bradley Cooper barely covered by a sheet in He's Just Not that in to You.


Boys are nuts!

Thank You Miss California...

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with Miss California's opinion about gay marriage, but I can certainly thank her for standing by your convictions and giving her honest opinion. What people have to understand and realize is that not everyone in America or the world agrees with homosexuality as a lifestyle, nor do they believe in gay marriage.
So you didn't like her answer to the question. Fine, that's your opinion, that's your right...but it's also hers! She has the right to her own opinion and beliefs, she obviously grew up in a Christian home where she was taught that true relationships ordained by God are between a man and a woman. I was taught that too, would I have given that answer, I don't know. But I do know that I would have tried to be true to myself, my heart, my God and my family. She didn't say anything negative, yet she is being dragged through the mud. I think it's truly unfair and wrong.
I stand up and say THANK YOU to Miss California for standing up and being honest, that's what I think our role models should be. We live in a society where having where loose morals is okay, but standing up for what you believe in can get you verbally beat down and abused in public...damn....it makes me ashamed to be here!

Thinking of de-cluttering

For the last couple of years I've planned to overhaul my bedroom to make it less clutter-filled and more me. But I have never actually done it. It's a time consuming process that I'll have help doing but the lazy dog days of summer never actually amount to anything more than lazy days.
But I have gotten serious about it this year and have decided that I'm going to get rid of the things I don't need and give myself more space in my crowded little room. I've been wanting to paint since....well for a long time and I haven't, but even if I don't paint it this summer, I am planning on getting some new furniture (mounted shelves, a small TV stand, a drafting desk and chair), these are all things that I'd like to have and all will eliminate clutter and add space to my room.

I'm also going to declutter my online life. Starting sometime this summer I'm going to close my myspace and facebook accounts. I'll keep my blog, because even if no one reads it it's therapeutic for me to be able to write it down...and I have no intention of getting a twitter account. I don't really see the point and frankly if I'm tried of facebook and myspace then twitter won't last long.

Hopefully all this will work out, but since I'm actively trying to work on it now, I'm sure it will, in some form. Alright, until next time!

Movies Reviews

Hello All,
A few months back I sat down and charted my movie going schedule for the year. Well I've seen some of these films (5 to be exact) and I wanted to give my reviews of them. So here we go....

UnderWorld 3: Rise of the Lycans
I actually liked this movie better than I thought I would. If you know anything about the Underworld franchise then you know it's a vampire/werewolf movie. This film gives the back story of how the Lycans (Werewolves) came to be and how they went from salves to enemies all because some were scared of the unknown. All in all I think this a movie that boys would like, and if you've already invested yourself in the franchise, in this adds to the story.

Bride Wars
I've loved Kate Hudson since Almost Famous and Anne Hathaway since Princess Dairies and I love anything having to do with weddings, so put those two in a wedding movie and you've got me! It didn't disappoint, but this is NOT a guy movies, unless he's gay! This is strictly a girlfriend flick, something to go see (or watch on DVD) with your friend, before or after a nice dinner and glass of wine. It's about friends, who despite wanting to hate each other they realize that they can't really be apart. But it's fun to watch them mess each other up while they slowly figure things out. It's kind of predictable, but who cares, it's a good funny, crying girly movie!

Confessions of a Shopaholic
Speaking of girly movies....here you go. NO BOYS ALLOWED! Not cause we don't want you, but because we don't think you'd understand. This is a cute little movie about well shopping and a girl trying to find her real self, even though she doesn't know that's what she's really looking for. In the end, like all fairy tales, she gets the job, the boy, her friend back, and lives happily ever after. I don't know if these things really happen, but we can all hope!

Madea Goes To Jail
Tyler Perry is a fool! But I'm glad he's given us Madea and Uncle Joe. It's sad at times and you may cry, but with all of his movies Tyler Perry underlines this laugh out loud funny movies with warmth and a message and integrity, love and friendship. Sometimes, we need to laugh, but that doesn't have to be the whole story and it's not with this movie. There are several story lines that inter-connect, but it's worth just sitting back and letting the story take you on a journey.

Knowing
I liked it, I think. This is a good movie. I have to stay that the writer got me! I thought I figured it all out halfway through the movie only to be thwarted in the end. I'm not mad about that, I'm just a little underwhelmed with the all too used cliche used to end the movie. It's worked, but I felt like saying, "NOT AGAIN", in the middle of the crowded theater. Nic Cage and Rose Byrne were good, but the kids are the real story. The little girl, so creepy in the beginning is great and the little boy was perfect. I'd say go see it a let me know what you thin about it. It was a good ride and I may just buy the DVD, not many get me and I can appreciate that this one did!


So that's all I have to say, hopefully I'll get out to see Fast and Furious soon. Until Next Time!!!

New Camera

My Best Friend Amber and I decided to take a Photography class, so that we could learn the basics of taking good pictures. It's cool, because I've always had the desire to learn about photography, but never made the effort.



So I went out and bought a new/old camera. It's not ditigal, so that I can learn how to develop film. It's a Cannon 35 mm all black. So far I've only taken a few pictures but we're going to get some books and go out and start experimenting on them (she got a camera too), so that we kind of know what we're doing when the class starts. I'm really excited about it. Hopefully I'll soon be posting some photos (after getting them developed then scanning them onto the computer) posted on here for your viewing pleasure.



I'm so excited!!

Yes...I am, in fact, Alive!

Hey Everyone,

I haven't posted in a long time but I'm alive and well. I'm actually waiting for my computer to be fixed so that I can start updating this thing again.

Right now I don't have anything ridiculously exciting going on in my life, I'm just working, hanging and sleeping...and watching my Twilight DVD on repeat (actually I took it out last night so that I could watch SWAT, I was in the mood for a Colin Farrell fix).

Anyhoo, just thought I'd send out a line. Until next time!



m

I make lists!!!!

One of my co-workers just asked me if I have short term memory lost, because I asked her to make me a list of items we will need to set up a big meeting in our office tomorrow. The list is small (only about 4 items) but I have to go to three different places to collect the items in question, and I have to do that by 4:30 while also doing my regular duties around the office...and anything else that might pop up.

She's been here almost three years, so she knows how all this works. I've been here a few months and I'm learning as I go along. So I may not know (or in this case) have ever seen the items she's requesting. So, I have to find them, because she won't. I have to make sure we have all the stuff because it's my resonsibility, but I can't just let my other tasks go undone to suit he needs at this exact moment.

It's very frustrating to me to that people just think that you're stupid because you ask for their help in the slightest of ways. I don't think it's dumb....I make lists every single day, to make sure I do what I need to do and get everything done in a timely fashion. So when I ask for a list it's not because I have short term memory lost it's because I want to make sure I'm getting the job done right.

Also, this particular co-worker likes to add on, so 20 minutes ago I only need to get these platters, now I have to get food warmers, chill wine and beer and get the wine glasses ready and that's only the prep tomorrow will be more intense with more changes, adjustments and lists, I'm sure!

Movie of 2009

So you all know how much I love movies, how I enjoy going to the theater and letting the film engulf me into it's storyline. So at the beginning of every year I go on to Movies.com (which was taken over by fandango and now sucks!) and see what movies are coming out. I then do my research and decided what movies I want to see. I calendar them and make notes about if I'm willing to go out to IMAX or opening weekend to see them. It's a very involved process.
There are movies that I hear about years before and wait patiently to see, and then there are some I have no desire to see until a commercial or trailer sparks my interest. Also, some actors I will always go see in films...Angelina, Keira, Johnny, Orlando, Jennifer G. (not to be confused with any other Jennifer's), Natalie, Shia etc. . Then there are stories that interest me that will always have my attention. Over all I'm pretty interested in all types of films dramas, comedies, girly, action....kick ass movies and movies that make me smile. The biggest drawback is a movie you think will rock but sucks and you end up wanting your money back, but I've seen many more movies that I loved then ones I've hated.
With all that said, below are the movies I'm interested in seeing this year. Maybe you'll go see them too.

1. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
2. Bride Wars
3. Confessions of a Shopaholic
4. The International
5. Madea Goes to Jail
6. Transformers 2
7. Star Trek
8. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
9. X-Men Origins: Wolverine Watchmen!!!
10. Knowing
11. Fast and Furious
12. Angels and Demons
13. Terminator Salvation
14. Public Enemies
15. 2012
16. New Moon
17. The Princess and the Frog
    

Seeing spaces in my head

I'm peaceful with the unknown I see before me.

Unkind as it may be I follow endless corridors to find the truth in my being.

Misunderstanding pushing me forward into more confusion, more searching...

Surrender is the only option, but my feeble mind will not allow it,

I am not ready to give it all.

I'm weak, hateful, angry unable to comprehend the spaces I see in front of me.

Unwilling to allow myself the freedom to explore them.

Watching I see only what I will allow, never reaching deeper into the darkness to find truth,

I'm scared of the darkness fearful of the unknown unwilling to shake it off and continue to search.

Yesterday

I was a proud American yesterday...not a proud African American but a proud American! I was grateful that we've come as far as we have. That people have gotten past the history of this country to greet a black family as the first family and be happy for them. We, as a nation, didn't just elect a black president, we elected a black family to represent us. To go out to the world and say look at us, we are adults now and we can look past the small things, like color, and see the bigger picture like humanity! I am honored, hopeful and curious to see what the future will bring and if this first time deed will also translate in other countries around the world.

I am not so naive to think that everyone in this country voted for him or sees past his skin (or name), I'm not blind to the racism and prejudice that still haunts us. I am not so abundantly happy that I don't fear for the safety and care of this, our first family. I am extremely sensitive to this new situations flaws, distractions and dangers...but I am more hopeful.

I hope that these next four years will lead to more understanding and help ease racial tensions in this country. I hope that people will look on this family as an example of a good family, not just a good black family. For generations, white people have always had very visible families to look up too, now (besides the Cosby Show) black people do to.

Congratulations Mr. President, Mrs. Obama, Malia and Sasha....and congratulations to you America.

What I've learned...

Recently, I've learned

You don't have to spend lots of money to keep yourself warm when California decides to act like Alaska...

Sometimes things work out even though you didn't think they would...

People care about you and miss you when you're not around...

If a relationship isn't working bo matter how comfortable you just have to walk away...

Disappointment comes in many forms but so does unexpectant love...

You should tell the truth, even if it'll cause damange.

Songs for Sudan

Hola folks, as some of you may know I'm part of a music group with some friends of mine (and my dad). We haven't played together in sometime but we are getting together to help raise money for a good cause.

My church, Marina Christian Fellowship, has started and continues to develop and sponsor a school and orphanage in Sudan. I believe we currently have about 60 students attending school and we have about that many picked out to enter housing as soon as it's completed. Over the last few months the church and different artists have been putting on benefit concerts to help raise money and awareness for our cause. So this Saturday, January 10, 2009, it's our turn.
The name of the band is What is Love? we are one of two acts performing that night, the other artist is Rachel Rodriguez. Tickets for the event are $15 and unfortunately we are not selling tickets at the door you have to purchase them prior to the event. Which actually helps, if you think about it, the money goes to the cause whether you show up or not! But I hope you come.
You can go to the church website which is www.marinachristian.org and look for the Songs for Sudan section. There you will find all the information regarding our concert and future concerts planned for this year. Also, if you'd like to give a flat donation and not attend a concert, that is also appreciated.
Thanks so much for your help in this project. I hope to see you there!!!!

Stop the Insanity!!!

I have decided that I'm not going to participate in the time honored tradition of making New Year's Resolutions and I'll tell you why. They don't work! We make these "promises" to people, but not really ourselves, at least that's the case with me! I've tried to do all sorts of things, from losing weight to saving money etc. but when it comes down to it, I'm truly not motivated to do anything.
So this year I'm not going to sit back and tell people what I'm going to change, because I'll be lying. So for those of you who would ask me about my potential resolutions, here's my answer...

I don't have any. I'm not going to lie just for conversation. I don't feel the need to add pressure to my life or complicate myself. I'm done with that falseness. I'm happy and hopefully that this happiness will continue throughout this year. Hallelujah!

Movie Review (Christmas Edition)

Everyone has a favorite Christmas movie, some are long standing family traditions, other's not so much. Over the years Christmas movies have gone from sappy to funny to lovey and goofy. Cartoons, dramas or romance everyone has an opinion on Christmas movies.
So, I decided for this years final movie review I would review my favorite Christmas movies.

I'll tell you right off that I haven't seen most of the Christmas classics, so It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and the original A Christmas Carol are not on this list, neither is the ballet version of the Nutcracker. I've never had the patience to watch these movies so I've never forced myself to sit through them. I know someone going to try to convince me to watch at least one, but I have no plans to, so don't try. My movies are more modern!

First, Love Actually, I have to say this is the first Christmas movie I've ever insisted on watching only around Christmas for the sake of it being a Christmas movie. I love this film, it's sweet, funny and heartbreaking but it never gets old. The film follows several different story lines that all intersect at some point, even when you try to figure out how you get from the prime minister to porn stand ins, it happens. It all works and leaves you with a smile and quite possibly the funniest annoying song in your head.

Second, The Family Stone, there are only two Sarah Jessica Parker movies I like, this is one (the other is Girls Just Wanna Have Fun). It's about a family and what happens when a brother brings his new uptight girlfriend into his very laid back family's lives. Comedy ensues and soon you're laughing and by the end crying. Great movie (I think I reviewed it previously).

Lastly, Four Christmases, I've got two words for ya...Vince Vaughn, you know I love him. He teams up with Reese Witherspoon and an all-star cast and you can't go wrong. It's full of awkwardness, funny dialogue and Vince getting beat up. It's fun all around...a good movie to watch when your snuggled up in bed or wrapping gifts.

At the heart of all these movies are good stories with a message. I enjoy them all and hope that they will bring you all a little joy too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

It's a beautiful day in the Neighborhood

Over the last few weeks we've had some really cold days here in Southern California, so much so that I thought I'd unintentionally moved up North. But now that the rain has passed and the clouds have gone away we see why people moved to Los Angeles in the first place.
Today was an absolutely beautiful day! Not a cloud in the sky, no fog with a slight hint of smog (which is good for LA). The mountains were clear everywhere you looked and there's still a sparkle of snow on some. Depending on where you looked it felt like you were staring at a postcard. It's actually felt like that for a while even when it was raining, once the snow fell, it seems like anytime you looked off in the distance you were staring at a mat painting, breathtaking!
Days like today are why I love where I live! There aren't too many places in this world where you can see the clear blue ocean one direction and the snow-capped mountains in the other. Because I work in a high rise I can. On one side of the building there's the ocean on the other the mountains. It's the beautiful of Los Angeles...
Also, it's not hot, but not cold...just a bit chilly (during the day at night still freezing), so you can wear those pretty winter scarves but you don't have to be completely covered up. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, I'm glad I'm here to see it!

Emotional Rollercoaster

I just updated my facebook to read Melly Mel is on an emotional rollercoaster and I am not sure how to get off.

There are a lot of things going through my mind tonight and I'm not sure how to handle it all. I know that I'm angry and hurting, but I'm not sure why or how to resolve it. I'm struggling against my better judgment in some ways, trying not to make mistakes but trying to keep the people around me happy. In the shuffle I'm losing myself. Maybe I need to get away and be alone...because even if I'm with other people, I tend to feel lonely.
I'm emotionally raw, broken, alone, scared!

i need to take more photos of myself

I hate taking photos, I have for a very long time. But I've recently found that I don't really have any of myself and armed with my camera decided to change that, but I was looking through my pictures and realized that when I take all the pictures, I'm not in any of them...I need to change that. So I have a new mission, I'm going to start taking pictures of stuff around me, but also of me with that stuff and with people. We'll see how that goes!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Hello,

I'm don't expect to get on the computer tomorrow so while I have the time I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving...and to let you know some of the things I'm grateful for

This year I'm most grateful for the light on my path....God doesn't give us a clear path with overwhelming light. He likes to give us a rocky path with as little light as possible, so that we can't rely on him to help us make the decisions we need to make. He helped me this year, before I could even ask for it, He lit my path not before I took a step, but as my foot was coming down...and sometimes, He just picked me up and did all the walking. I'm still struggling with somethings, but I know that God is with me on this journey and I'm truly Thankful for that.


What are you thankful for?

Dedication to you!!!!

This is one of my favorite songs from the WICKED soundtrack...it's the story of the witches of OZ. Before and somewhat after the arrival of Dorothy. This is a song that Glinda and Elphaba (the wicked witch of the west) sing together. And I wanted to dedicate it to those of you in my life who've made an impact on me...here it is.





GLINDA

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you:


Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good


ELPHABA

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend:

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you:


GLINDA

Because I knew you:


BOTH

I have been changed for good


ELPHABA

And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for


GLINDA

But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share


BOTH

And none of it seems to matter anymore


GLINDA (ELPHABA)

Like a comet pulled (Like a ship blown)
From orbit as it (Off it's mooring)
Passes a sun, like (By a wind off the)
A stream that meets (Sea, like a seed)
A boulder, half-way (Dropped by a)
Through the wood (Bird in the wood)


BOTH

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better?


GLINDA

And because I knew you:


ELPHABA

Because I knew you:


BOTH

Because I knew you:
I have been changed


For Good.

Have you ever thought...

about words and phrases we use and where they came from?



We go along through life saying things to each other, some are considered respectful, others not so much...but have we ever actually thought about them.



Most "bad" or Cuss words are words turned around to be used as an insult, some are just strange...anyway, below I'm going to list some words that I've questioned, see if you've ever questioned them too. If I don't list a word you think I should let me know. As I find new words to question I will update this post....but for now here they are (yes cuss words will be listed..you have been warned)





You're Welcome (something you say after being told Thank You)



Your Highness...I like this one, but it took me forever to realize exactly what people were saying



Ass...it's a donkey how'd it become my butt?



shut up....i can understand the shut part...but what about the up?



make out...hummm, okay?

Why do I have to keep having this Conversation

With a new job comes new people, new attitudes, new (old) conversations and new adjustments.
This job is no different. When I start a new job, I sometimes sit back and try to figure people out (like at Disney) but other times I put myself out there not knowing what to expect. Over time I start to get comfortable and my personality sets in, I've stated on this blog before that I have no tolerance for stupidity and I tend to be a quiet person. I don't have to be the center of attention and frankly I can be in a room with someone and not feel obliged to talk to them. Not because I don't like them, but because if I'm in my own head space, that's where I want to be. I'm a multi-tasker, I can do one thing and be thinking about 25 other things at the same time. My mind is always running and when it's running I'm usually not looking to have a conversation with someone else.
I honed this talent the last time I worked in Downtown LA, for most of my time with that company I sat by myself and there were days when I was in the office completely alone. I didn't talk to anyone then and I found that over time I couldn't wait for the noise to die down so that I could be alone. So that I could think, work, just be. I escape in my head and it leads me down different paths. Sometimes I make plans, sometimes I pray, sometimes I reminisce about good times that I've had with good friends.
I'm saying all this because my boss said that she's getting complaints from co-workers that I have a bad attitude. She knows that I like to be quiet sometimes (some of the other people I work with are the exact opposite). They think that because I'm not talking to them that I'm giving attitude. They think because when they ask me a question and I give them the truth that I'm being a bitch. I don't like to sugar coat and I don't have to talk to them.
I was really angered because the person I know complained is my boss' best friend. I've had conversations with him and frankly I'd rather not speak to him about much. He's condescending and "above" it all. When you ask him a question he gives attitude...but still can't help you. I don't complain because I don't feel that there's anything to complain about. I just keep to myself and I don't talk to him. But apparently he feels the need to complain about me. The truth is this, sometimes people need to look at themselves too. I look at myself all the time, I know that I give attitude, I know when I give attitude, but I also know that sometimes, no matter what you say to people or how you say it, they are going to get offend just because you are the one saying it to them.
I'm tired of having to explain myself to people, I don't ask them to explain themselves to me, I don't ask them to cater to me, why are they asking me to do that to them. I talk people at face value and try not to prejudge them based on what other people say. I like to use my own experiences and give people the benefit of the doubt. I try not to step on any toes or rule out any suggestions, but that doesn't go both ways and I'm tired of everyone thinking I'm a bitch when all I want and need is to be in my own space.

Dinner With Friends

So, tonight I'm at the Blackstead house having dinner. Amber, Paul, Mike (Paul's best friend), Laura (Amber's mom), David (Paul's dad) and I all sat down to Bar B Que Tri Tip, Parmesan potatoes, baked beans and Lemon Squares for dessert. The food was really good, Paul grilled the meat and Laura made everything else. We ate around the table and had good conversation.

I love coming over to their house for dinner. It's always a good time with good food and you never know when you are actually going to go home, if you're going to watch a movie or play Guitar Hero. No matter if it's BBQ, roast or orange chicken and potato salad, we always eat well and have a blast.
My favorite meal that Amber cooks is her version of Orange Chicken and fresh made Potato Salad. I don't know how she makes it but I know it's good and after a while I start to crave it. And then I have to give her a call and ask if (or more like when) she'll make it for me again. When her mom's in town, there's always an unspoken guarantee that there will be some kind of fresh homemade sweets in the house. YUMMY!
If you've gone to the link to see my Idaho trip pics then you've seen who all of these people are. When we get together we have fun and laugh alot. Mike and I don't see each other very often so when we get together we act like complete morons and Amber always gives us the O.M.G. look when she thinks we have gotten out of hand. I think that Mike is used to getting that look from all his antics with Paul. But I only get these looks when Mike's around....so yeah, it's all his fault. David is well, he's David...he is tough to crack but when you get used to him, if you can, he's a crack up. His humor is dry and most times you think he's mad at you, but he's not that's just who he is. Laura is nice and she likes everyone (almost), she always gives people the benefit of the doubt and she puts up with all of us crazies and she makes good food.
Anyway, days or nights at the Blackstead are good times. The boys love cars and the girls love talking while we watch the boys work on cars. And I love the dogs...well I love one and I like the other one. She's not really a dog, she's just weird. But, I digress...nevermind...I'll end this post on that thought. Until Next Time...

WICKED!!!!

This past weekend, my friend Amber, my brother and I went to see WICKED at the Pantages theater in Hollywood. So, I thought I would give you a review of the show and tell you about my experience.
First of all, the theater is beautiful, if you like old Hollywood art and history then you have to visit this place. I can only assume that it was renovated prior to this revival of Broadway shows having long engagements in Hollywood theaters. It takes you back to when men wore suits and women knew that dressing up didn't involve jeans and a cute shirt. It was a fabulous place to see a fabulous show.
WICKED is the untold story of the witches from the Wizard of Oz, we see them all Glinda, the Wicked Witch of the West and the Wicked Witch of the East and how their lives were all tangled together and ultimately "wrapped up" when Dorothy and Toto came to town. It takes place in Oz, of course, where there are talking animals, a road made out of yellow brick, a university called SHIZ and of course a Wonderful Wizard.
I do have to say that the musical is based on a book written by Gregory Maguire in 1996. I tried very hard to read this book in it's entirety but after three attempts (the last two i didn't even get as far as the first) I gave up. But I didn't have to read the books to understand what was going on in the musical. In fact, from what I read in the books, the show explained it better anyway.
The outlying set was really mechanical, but if you know anything from the book you understand that it is set is the clock of the time dragon (which in the books, tells the truth of all things, but isn't featured in the musical). There are bright shiney lights all around the set, but they aren't always on, though they'll blind you when they do come on. The costumes, are great they're kinda funky, but you have to expect that, you're in OZ, And the animals talk...they are flying monkeys and yes the Wicked Witch of the West is green.
The truth of the story is simply this... "are we born wicked or is wickedness thurst upon us?". We see the Wicked Witch, whose name is Elphaba, and how she grows thru college and how she comes to be what we see in the Classic tale "The Wizard of Oz". But there's always another side to everyside, and ultimately you see that that tale is just a retelling from someone on the outside trying to look in. You'll laugh, smile and if you're anything like me you'll cry a bit. you'll be moved by the friendships. disgusted by the lies and inspired by the music. The singing is fantastic...and I saw the show with Elphaba's standby actress (the lead wasn't in) she rocked the house...then brought it down.
If you've never seen a musical then I suggest that you go see this one, it's 2 hours long, but it doesn't feel that way and the close of the first act will truly take your breathe away. The only thing is that production on this show stops in January, so if you have the time go....

I know I didn't say much, but I don't want to give the story away and I fear that if I get into the story I'll let something slip. Okay, well here's something...it starts in OZ after Dorothy and the Wizard leave and the story is told in flashback.

Thought for the day

Sometimes we find things around us to distraction us from what we want, need or have to do. It's easy if you have a demanding career, a family, an active social life or even just lots of shows saved on TiVO! But think about what you really want to accomplish, either for yourself or for others...whether it's a goal previously set or just a whim. Sometimes it's good to just sit and put things into perspective and see how your life's going. See where you've come from and how that has changed or empowered you in the now.

I've been thinking back about the last year of my life and wondering how I came to be where I am. I know that it's all God cause if you had asked me a year ago what I would have been doing now, I probably wouldn't have had an answer for you. A year ago, I was working with kids, loving the job, the students, the teachers, the parents...even most of my co-workers. But the boss who ran the show, were jerks, who didn't and don't understand that sometimes you have to help your employees run a successful program instead of doing your best to make their lives miserible. When a pro gram has recooped 95 percent of their budget in the first 3 months of the year then you have to look and say why, how and who is making this happen. It was a team effort with the support of great parents, but ultimately because of one persons bias it is doomed to fail.

I got out of that job and moved on the another, one that started out as promising and was until I had to face the fact that I wasn't happy. The situation, in my eyes, was getting bleak and there was really nothing I could do about it. I took the job as an out of my previous job and for a while it work and I enjoyed but when I really sat down to look at yself I realized I wasn't happy. Once I finally admitted that to myself, God dropped my current job in my lap. I'm happy here, so far so good. I have no complaints. I'm learning new things and ways to look at the world around me.

The truth is that God put me in these three jobs and situations because I had something to learn and I have. I've seen, heard and experienced different things in each place, so my learning has been vastly different, but learn I have...mostly about myself, and how I should treat others....how to understand further how other people behave and why they do so. Lastly, especially in my last job, I learn patience...on many different levels. I'm glad for the experiences and the people I've met along the way... and now that I'm in a new place I can't wait to see what God has instore for me.

I' have a problem...

I'm addicted to the television show "The West Wing", now most of you probably know that the show went off the air about 2 years ago...but what you may not know is that it's in syndication and is run like four times a day on Bravo. So last week the show started over from the beginning and I set my DVR to record it. I always liked the show when it was originally airing, but I have ADD and either life got vivid or I found something else to watch, I turned my back on it. But I'm watching again and I CAN'T stop.

I watch it in the morning and...I'm hopeless. It's ridiculous, I'm nuts. it's so bad that I don't want to watch the other show that are recorded on the DVR and even when I'm bored instead of watching the other shows I re-watch West Wing Episodes....I've even put off watching Star Trek: TNG, which is like my second favorite show of all time. I just don't know what to do with myself. I have been forcing myself to watch other shows so that I can leave WW to my Saturday mornings in bed, but it's not working too well, jeez, what am I going to do!

What I believe

Let me tell you something about myself.



I'm a democrat
I believe in a woman's right to choose
I believe that a gay couple should have rights like any other, but not so sure that marriage is the answer
I believe the war in Iraq is wrong
I believe that everyday my fellow Americans are being killed for a war motivated by revenge and the control of oil.
I believe that the President elected by our country 8 years ago was never allowed to take the oath of office.
I believe that I am a victim, as a citizen, of the power of rich families with historic legacies and how they operate like I don't exist.
I believe that no child left behind doesn't work.
I believe that we are in a place in this country where we have lost not only the respect of the world around us, but the respect we used to have for ourselves.
I believe that we need a change
I believe that I am a 'real' citizen of this country and that Sarah Palin made us look stupider in the last 2 1/2 months then W. did this whole year
I believe that with what happened yesterday there is still hope to hold on to
I believe that ignorance is still rampant in this country and will be because there are some people who aren't willing to listen with respect or step outside their box
I believe that I have seen history
I believe that God is in control....and so should you.

The Election

I know that I haven't spoken about the election very much, in fact I only mentioned it once. But now that it's all said I done I'm going to give my opinion about what has transpired over this past year.
I have been raised a Democrat, my parents have always been the type to voice their opinions about the state of the country and we've always had discussions, as a family, about how we feel things are headed. We try to see who can make the best impact for our nation and which candidate would do the best job. This election was no different, but it was, at least for me. For African American people in this country this election was important but I also think it was tricky. Before Mr Obama was even a real candidate I heard a woman on TV say he wasn't black enough, because his mother was white and he was raised by his white grandparents and that black he's father was from African, he could not be truly classified as an African American. Of course there are lots of people who where going to vote for him because he's brown. Hey, that's there choice, but I wanted to know the man and how he thought.
I never really cared for Hilary Clinton, and although I love her husband, there was always something about her that put me off, but I did and still do think that Bill would be an AWESOME first man! I never felt connected to her. On the flip side, I never felt connected to any of the Republican candidates.
John McCain, although he did suffer as a P.O.W. for this country, wasn't in touch with me. I can't trust a man to take my needs and concerns seriously if he's never had to deal with them. Yes, I'm talking about living paycheck to paycheck as appose to not really having to check your bank account and worrying about losing your house and being put on the street, cause you don't have 11 (more or less) other ones to live in. And as a 29 year old woman, I don't think that this man from my grandmother's generation can really understand what I see and go through.
I knew that to be true when he picked Gov. Palin to be his running mate. As a woman, I was shocked and disappointed that this woman was given the national stage to parade around on like the perfect wife and mother. I was irritated that she was thought to be more of a mother to her pregnant teenager daughter then other women in the same position. And frankly, I was offended when during her debate she wanted to talk to the "real" American people and ended up sounding like an uneducated idiot. I'm a real American, but I don't speak that way and maybe she means that real Americans aren't really intelligent but rednecks...and if that's true then she just blew off every one else in this country.
There are reasons why people vote the way they do, but I voted my heart. I heard this man speak, he was consistent, warm and thoughtful. He didn't try to hide behind things that happened 40 years ago and he didn't shy away from the hard stuff. I honestly feel that he conducted himself in outstanding fashion, in such away that every American, not only blacks, should be proud of.

Do I believe that he can change this country around, yes, but he's going to have a hell of a time wading through the muck and myer left by W. The bad thing is that I don't think the country will give him enough time to clean up the mess, remember it took 8 years to get this deep, it's gonna take at least 8 more to clean it up.
At this point I am hopeful for the future, I am hopeful for our country and I'm hopeful for the world. And I pray not only for the safety of President Elect Obama and his family, but also that our current president won't do anything else to sabotage the White House and our nation before we square off and kick him out!