what big eyes you have

2009-05-21T16:43:00.010-05:00

Its seems only fitting that my blog would have sumthin' to say about the Wolf Extravaganza going on over on Amazon.com (seeing that there's a wolf up there on my header...oh whatever...)

This shirt is pretty popular today...I think making it to the top seller. There have been hundreds of reviews written today about its awesomeness and ability to improve your life and stuff like that. For example...

Unfortunately I already had this exact picture tattooed on my chest, but this shirt is very useful in colder weather.
--
Once upon a time, I was a poor kid living in Hawaii with my moms, my dad had left us and gone back to Africa. I missed him terribly. One night I just looked up at the moon and said "Dad, if you're out there, one day I'm going to make you proud." I then burst into tears and howled at the moon, screaming with blinded rage and the unfair hand fate had dealt me. Out of nowhere, a mysterious old man with white hair and imobile arms appeared and said "my friend, I have a gift from your father." he proceed to hand me this t-shirt with 3 wolves, howling at the moon. "Like me", I thought to myself. Cut a long story short, I credit this inspiring moment with my becoming the first wolf President of the United States of America (and wolves). I still wear the t-shirt, albeit slightly tattered, in the oval office to this day. It's the one thing I wouldn't change.
--
You know, I almost didn't buy this shirt. It's a little on the pricey side, and I recently lost my job at Skate Land due to the economy and all. Well, the economy, plus they said they were tired of me being late and holding my mouth under the nacho cheese spigot all the time. You try being on time when your mom forgets to wake you up even after you totally asked her to wake you up at 4:30. Anyway.
So finally the shirt came in the mail. I was real excited because me and Darren had planned to hang out at the Wal-Marts that night and I wanted to look good. This girl Misty that I've had my eye on was supposed to be there. I'm supposed to be dating Misty's cousin Shelby but she keeps saying she wants to live more of a fancy lifestyle. I'm pretty sure she's been cheatin' on me with Norm's brother Jason, who is probably going to be promoted soon at Sears.
Anyway, I got the shirt and put it on. I wore it with my overalls, but I didn't wear the overall straps because I wanted them to hang down so you could see the three wolves real good. I decided to finish off the look with some black tennis shoes. I made sure my mullet was extra-spiky and I was ready to go.
What can I say? Misty loved the shirt, and I also think Shelby was jealous. Every guy needs to buy this shirt, especially if you're single.
--
This t-shirt goes brilliantly with my cologne 'Sex Panther' - it's actually made out of real bits of panther.
--
I received this screen-printed cotton dream the other day. I put it on, taking care not to disturb my perfectly coiffed mullet. I, too, felt strange and amazing things happening to me. I looked at myself in the mirror, and much to my surprise I didn't see Michael J. Fox standing there. I saw Justin Timberlake. I immediately humped my ego into submission. And had a cigarette. Menthol, of course. Pure sexy. True.

Anyways, its kind of hard to deny its appeal. Obviously. I was looking at the picture above so I could save it for this post and, I kid you not, I actually had someone come up behind me at work and ask where he could get one. So, truthfully, it does attract the opposite sex. However, this dood, known as Mr. Pervy around the office, only stopped long enough to ask where he could get one for his grandson, so, I didn't land a date out of it...oh well, next time!

2009-05-15T16:09:00.004-05:00

This girl likes to eat out, but just like everyone else, I am trying to watch my budget these days. Luckily, I came across this great little money-saving site called Frugal Feaster. They feature daily restaurant specials and Happy Hour's around town that include alcohol, appetizers and meals. So the next time you're planning Happy Hour, don't forget to call me and don't forget to check up on the deals of the day! ;)

Favorite finds...
Taverna 258 W. 2nd St.
Happy Hour M-F: 4-7pm
1/2 price appetizers & pizza $5-$7 (one of the best margherita pizzas you'll find around town)
beer of the month $2.5/bottle,house red & white wine $4/glass, italian sparkling & italian red sangria $2.5/glass (I love me some Italian sparkling wine and sangria!!)
UPDATE: they don't have Italian sparkling wine or sangria on the happy hour menu (or at all!), but its still a great happy hour deal; that I fully recommend. Their frozen bellinis will give ya a good buzz.

Moonshine Grill 303 Red River St.
Happy Hour M-F: 3:30-6:30pm
1/2 price appetizers $4-$7 (it might sound crazy, but trust me, "corn dog" shrimp are really good and I love a good baked brie with chutney)
$4.00 select cocktails and wine

2009-05-14T16:13:00.004-05:00

MOBAMA!

What's up with Michelle Obama (as I affectionately refer to as MOBAMA) looking super-fierce lately?

DAAAAAAAAAMN! HOT MAMA!

2009-05-11T17:45:00.001-05:00

Currently swooning over the upcoming Tracy Feith/GO International line for Target. This new line couldn't be more "up my alley!" It's colorful and chock full of vintage style...oh, and affordable.

Texan-born designer Tracy Feith's vintage-inspired GO International collection of flowy boho dresses and printed swimsuits hits stores May 17th. Feith described the collection as eclectic, with shorts, swimsuits, tops, jackets, pants and dresses ranging from $14.99 to $44.99. “There are easy flowing pieces and more fitted numbers,” he said. “There are items for the beach and the office. The clothes will be equally at home in the city as the country.” Feith cited a cotton maxi floral printed dress as one of his favorites.

Isn't this line the cutest?? I'm previewing shots of the new line that I would actually wear; as not all of this line is for me.

I love the idea of pairing a cute, vintage style circle skirt with flats and an edgy rock-n-roll tee (not like the one pictured here...edgier). The jackets are really sweet and the outfit with the cardigan would be super-cute with some lived in jeans.

The dress below is also from the new collection. I found the image somewhere online. The chick who posted it apparently got a really early sneek preview. I heart that dress!! With a belt to cinch it at the waist it will be perfect. Tracy Feith is also pictured here. He's an avid surfer and he obviously fits the profile. Last image is of the first lady who is also a fan (of the regular, pricier line)! I love how Mrs. Obama is always picking really cute vintage style clothing that accentuates the female form.

2009-05-05T17:31:00.005-05:00

Can you guess what this is?

The stunning tulip fields of the northern Netherlands.

In the first picture, an extraordinary 60 million tulips can be seen coming into flower. More than three billion tulips are grown each year and two-thirds of the vibrant blooms are exported, mostly to the U.S. and Germany. The bulbs were planted in late October and early November, and these colourful creations are now ready to be picked and sold as bunches of cut flowers in florists and supermarkets. Their dazzling colours are thanks to the years in the 17th century when Tulipmania swept the globe and the most eye-catching specimens changed hands for a small fortune. But like a rainbow, this colourful landscape is a short-lived phenomenon.
When the flowers are gone, the land will be cultivated for a rather more mundane crop of vegetables.

Thank you Nature.

2009-04-28T16:48:00.002-05:00

BEASTIE BOYS ARE COMING TO AUSTIN!

SRSLY?!

OMG.

I'm always saying if there's one show I want to catch before I die its the Beastie Boys. I love me some Beastie Boys. Happy Day!!

{one of my all-time fave albums}

The Austin City Limits 2009 lineup was announced today. Other bands include {that I want to see}: Thievery Corp, Sonic Youth, Ghostland Observatory, Grizzly Bear, Bon Iver, Michael Franti (HEY, V!!!) Phoenix, Passion Pit, Mos Def.

October 2-4

3-day passes are $185

2009-04-24T11:50:00.002-05:00

currently craving a short stop hamburger. ah, childhood memories. bag-o-burgers.
yum.

2009-04-22T16:12:00.007-05:00

Today, I'm a happy girl.
I FINALLY updated my Etsy shop! Its been quite some time, but it feels good to be sewing again. Here's a pic of my new labels too.

I really do enjoy the creative process, but sometimes I get lazy. During this season I really enjoy being on the back patio with a glass of wine and a game of Scrabble with Alex. I'm going to really try to keep it up this time though. I'd like to expand my offerings and I have so many ideas for new products I'd like to sell. My friend Lauren was just suggesting "brag books" and I've been wanting to make some cute upcycled throw pillows out of old clothing. Anything re/upcyled really sells well on Etsy. I've also had this idea to make cute hampers for {dirty} clothing. I'm trying to stick to product ideas that I don't already see too much of on Etsy. Do you have any ideas for me that you'd like to share? If so drop me a line!!
Happy Earth Day, folks! :)

2009-04-08T16:17:00.008-05:00

Fashion + Design + Reality Competition TV = #1 FAN
It's probably no secret that I can talk about Project Runway for HOURS! It's my most beloved show on television and I'm a die-hard fan. Sadly, PR has left the BRAVO-TV family and moved to Lifetime, but that's a topic for another day because today I want to talk about how excited I am about the new fashion competition show debuting in less than a month on BRAVO: The Fashion Show. I admit, at first I was extremely skeptical. It felt to me as if my most beloved program was being replaced and I was not a happy {couch} camper! But then I started reading the interviews with Host, Isaac Mizrahi, whom I've always had a bit of a soft spot for. He can't replace Tim Gunn, but he doesn't need to because Mizrahi is fabulous {and flamboyant} in his own right!!! He's the only reason I've agreed to let myself watch the new show. Ok, that's a lie. BRAVO is practically the only channel I ever watch! Mizrahi's interview with MediaBistro was quite insightful, a little profound and very entertaining; just like the man himself. In fact, he likes to think of himself as a 'champion of telling it like it is.' I say "bravo" to more Isaac Mizrahi on TV!!

Among my favorite interview tid-bits...

MediaBistro: It seems as if Bravo's plan is to have your show fill the void left by Project Runway. What do you think?
Mizrahi: "I don't really see it at all as competing with that show. It's just a fashion competition show. There should be more than one. There are so many food competition shows on every channel."

MediaBistro: Your collections and certainly your attitude toward the business in general have always been very optimistic. How significant a part has that played in your career and your desire to keep trying new things?
Mizrahi: "I've trained myself to think a certain way. For me, there's nothing in life but bravery. There's nothing in life but looking at the thing you're most afraid of and doing it. That, to me, is all. You can see it in my clothes. The clothes for Liz [Claiborne] are so optimistic. If you go and just wear black for the rest of your life now because there's a recession, the circumstances have won. They've won out. You have lost the big hard battle. It just like what President Obama was saying: Now is not the time to lose the battle, now is the time to see all the gray areas and try to work within those areas. I want you to think about a pink print. You take one step at a time, one belt at a time, one shoe at a time, and you'll get there."

The Fashion Show
Premiere May 7th, 10pm ET, BRAVO-TV

Isaac Mizrahi
Host, Judge
Mizrahi, already a big name in the faashion industry, became a household name when he introduced his eponymous line for Target. Recently, he's made the move to Creative Director for the Liz Claiborne brand, which Michelle Obama has been seen wearing. You can't go wrong when the First Lady is a fan of your brand!

Kelly Rowland, Judge and Co-Host
Best-selling Grammy-winning solo artist and a founding member of Destiny's Child, the top-selling female recording group of all-time.
Fern Mallis, Judge
Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion. She is widely credited as the creator of New York “Fashion Week.”
Laura Brown, Guest Judge
Harpers Bazaar

Mizrahi and Mallis definitely have the fashion knowledge to judge such a competition, but I'm not quite sure where Kelly Rowland fits in with the fashion world. I have a feeling that should the show do really well, she could be replaced as co-host for future seasons. I also noticed from reading the contestants bio's that most (if not all) of the contestants have worked in the fashion industry in a major way or have already developed their own lines, whereas, it seems like PR had a lot more fresh-faced newbies. However, the major difference is that "America" will decide the winner. That element makes the show so much more competitive and turned the show in to a 'popular party'. Now, each contestant has to make the viewer fall in love with them. Basically, the editing of the show can either make or break you. We'll see what happens!

For the record, I currently watch the following BRAVO programs:
Top Design, Top Chef, Flipping Out, {occassionally} any of the Real Housewives of OC/Atlanta/NY/New Jersey, and Kathy Griffin. Re-runs of: Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, Law & Order.
!!

2009-04-08T12:25:00.009-05:00

I'm just so 'over-the-moon' excited for my dear friend Chad Kelly who has been selected to participate in the M+D+F 2009 Exhibition of Innovative Furniture by Emerging Designers in the Austin Area, presented by fine modern furniture purveyors, Design Within Reach (Austin studio). This is so amazing because Chad is basically a self-taught carpenter. But when you have natural talent combined with passion for your craft, it all comes together, right? His lamp design below (submitted for M+D+F) is all original. Isn't it fabulous?! I totally want one of my own. Chad's handmade goods, including fabulous retro-modern tables, can be found rigt here on Etsy.

Event info:
DWR Presents: M+D+F Sunday, May 3, 5-7pm
M+D+F 2009 is a juried exhibition of innovative furniture by emerging designers in the Austin area. Organized by the DWR Austin Studio, M+D+F provides an opportunity for peer, public and professional recognition for up-and-coming designers and firms. Judges for M+D+F 2009 are hotelier Liz Lambert, Jack Sanders, founder of Design Build Adventure, interior designer Tracey Overbeck Stead and Steve Ross, professor of architecture at University of Texas and founder of Design Build Alliance. The judges will award prizes for best of show, best sustainable design and individual awards for lighting and furniture. The winning entries will be presented at the Austin Studio on May 3.
RSVP by April 30 to austin@dwr.com.

Congrats buddy! You're already a winner in my book!!

2009-04-02T16:38:00.002-05:00

Dude, what's up with this wind??

You know its windy when you see birds having a hard time flying...

2009-03-26T09:26:00.006-05:00

RuPaul...why did you go and do this????

"YOU BETTER WORK...FOR CHANGE!" ;)

This is the promotional card for RuPaul's reality TV Show "RuPaul's Drag Race".

Ok, I admit. It's kind of clever. Only in America...

2009-03-25T15:49:00.010-05:00

"I'LL EAT YOU UP!"

Why do I have such a soft spot for kids movies these days? Probably because this one is based on the beloved childrens book Where The Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)!

The new trailer for Where The Wild Things Are has just been leaked. It's really sweet too. Check it out before it gets removed (scroll down to find). The film, set to be released October 16, 2009 is directed by Spike Jonze, video/movie director (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich). We've all read the book about the imaginary adventures of a young boy named Max, who is angry after being sent to his room without supper. His angry mother calls him a 'wild thing' and Max is so cross he shouts back, "I'll eat you up!" He then creates a forest inhabited by many large imaginary monsters, who crown him their ruler. He then befriends a large monster called Carol, who helps him understand the meaning of love. The book is a personal favorite, behind The Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein). Great director...Great book...I'm so excited to see this!!

Fun Facts:
-The book is only 10 lines long.
-The open call for Max was huge. It took several months and thousands of boys auditioned from several countries worldwide.
-Spike Jonze was approached by Maurice Sendak and was asked to take on the film adaptation. A movie had been on the burner since the early 90s, and Mr. Sendak had not been able to find anyone fitting to take it on.
-The costumes were created by The Jim Henson Company, who were responsible for the Muppets and Labyrinth creatures.
-It has been said that actors in the monster costumes would wear the head for no more than half an hour at a time, after which they would have 10-15 minute breaks in front of an air conditioner. Stunt performers would remain fully suited for hours at a time, without air conditioning. (Dude, I've been there! I used to make extra money by dressing in a huge mouse constume and it was WICKED HOTTTT!)
-Filming began in 2005. Early development of a film version was leaning towards a fully-animated film.
-Much of the footage was shot in Melbourne, Australia.

Update:
I am even more excited about this movie now that I've learned Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is composing the music (read)! Seriously??!! Awesome!!

2009-03-24T16:16:00.006-05:00

Some heavy stuff has been weighing on my heart and I need to let it out. I contemplated posting something so personal here. Afterall, Leo’s never like to show their vulnerable side. But this blog isn’t read by many, and of those that I know read it…you’re all my friends/family and close to my heart.

Recently, I had my heart broken beyond what even I could comprehend. I turn inward when I am hurting because I have to figure it out on my own. {stubborn much?} But for me there’s always music to draw strength from. Melodies combined with killer songwriting/poetry are like my crack. I think that’s why I could never live without the sense of sound. I thrive on the expressive nature of music to convey my thoughts. It runs in the family…I learned music appreciation from my Father.

The one song that comes to mind during this sad time is “Bulletproof Soul” by Sade. She sings about unrequited love, being used, and transforming into a stronger person.

I was so in love with you
You rarely see a love that's true
Wasn't that enough for you
Wasn't that enough for you
I would climb a mountain
I wouldn't want to see you fall
Rock climb for you
And give you a reason for it all

You kept on thinking
You were the only one
Too busy thinking
Love is a gun
(The gun is a metaphor. You used my love as an advantage to hurt me.)

Hit me like a slow bullet
Like a slow bullet
It took me some time to realise it
(I saw the end coming, but to delay the inevitable pain-the slow bullet theory-I stayed with you.)

You keep on thinking
You were the only one
Too busy thinking
Love is a gun

I know the end before
The story's been told
It's not that complicated
But you're gonna need a bullet proof soul
(What goes around comes around and you have it coming to you.)

You keep on thinking
You were the only one
Too busy thinking
Love is a gun

I know the end before
The story's been told
It's not that complicated
But you're gonna need a bullet proof soul

You were trigger happy baby
You never warned me let me free
It's not that complicated
But you're going to need a bullet proof soul
Think you got it but you got all the trouble you need
I came in like a lamb
But I intend to leave like a lion
(I was naive, like a little lamb, but I grew stronger from this experience.)

It hit me like a slow bullet
It hit me like a slow bullet

Damn Sade. Thank you.

2009-03-06T12:52:00.011-06:00

This is a post about the new movie Watchmen, which up until a few days ago, I was VERY excited to see. Why the change of heart? Because I thought Monica Bellucci was in the movie playing the role of Laurie Jupiter/Silk Spectre II. I have a mega girl-crush on Italian actress, Monica Bellucci, who only gets more beautiful as she ages.
(Side note: 99% her movies are excellent - but I have to deduct one point for the god-awful piece of crap that was Shoot 'Em Up. Stellar cast; it just didn't go over well.)

Anyways...how did I confuse the first chick in this picture with the most beautiful woman in the world??

The first girl is Malin Akerman, the actress in Watchmen.

It was the bangs and dark hair and stuff was moving fast when I saw the trailer.

SEE?!

By the way, I have to add that whilst watching the trailer for Watchmen I couldn't help think about what a good "shampoo commercial" it would be with all the hair flipping Malin Akerman does! Seriously, it's all in slow-mo just like a shampoo commercial! Let me tell you what her real super-power is...keeping that long hair untangled while she fights crime! It's all pretty and perfect. I can't even drive with the window rolled down without looking like I've never seen a brush.

Actually, I have to add one more thing...what kind of street-walker outfit is that up there? I don't know anything about this comic, but from the looks of those garters I'd probably guess the superhero is some sort of superheroprostitute?!

2009-03-04T17:17:00.005-06:00

I heart Vanity Fair for this:

And Seth Rogen for this:

via VanityFair.com :: Comedy's New Legends photo shoot

2009-03-04T17:13:00.002-06:00

Dood. It's just a game of ping-pong. Get. Over. Yourself.

2009-02-20T15:54:00.003-06:00

The shoe fug continues...

Are THESE possibly fuglier than the "camel-toe" shoes that were spotted on SJP (see post below)? Guess who was sporting these beauties...

Heather of GoFugYourself said it best:

You know when you are rummaging around your junk drawer and you pull out a tape measure, an old Tacone receipt, three stripped screws, andd 20 feet of old phone cord, all in a giant tangle? Most people either shove it back in and walk away whistling innocently, or try to separate the parts. Courtney Love, apparently, puts that mess on her feet and goes out for a cocktail. We are not the same, she and I.

2009-02-20T13:21:00.008-06:00

Me and bacon are like this {insert tight grip hug} -- if you can picture me hugging bacon -- haha!
Whenever I have bacon in the house I get excited..."ooooh, I'm gonna have some bacon today!"
This little print available on Etsy {here} was practically made with me in mind! It was featured today on Design*Sponge. I came upon the post whilst eating pizza with bacon on it. True story.
Print reads: "Bacon is like a little hug from God"

2009-02-17T16:57:00.005-06:00

My new favorite blog: FAILBLOG.org

HIGH-FIVE FAIL

BABY STORE FAIL

2009-02-17T16:36:00.002-06:00

OMG! I love when TV reporters slip up!
Watch the following clip for not one, but TWO peen slips! She'll probably never ever report on peanuts again!!

2009-02-10T16:45:00.002-06:00

Speaking of Sex in the City...

I like SJP a lot, but these are still the UGLIEST shoes I've ever seen!

No. Just NO.

Seriously. They look like hooves.

2009-02-06T15:57:00.008-06:00

Odd movie news...

Sex and the City is getting a sequel?

Sex and the City is getting a sequel!

YOU DECIDE.

I liked the movie...sort of. There was definitely a funny part or two, but for the most part, I thought the movie was kind of depressing. But then, anyone who knows me well knows that I hate being in touch with my sappy emotions!

via IMDB

The "Sex And The City" Sequel Has Been Confirmed!!! Sure, we'd already thought it had been confirmed months ago but apparently all of those times it wasn't really confirmed. So now, and only now, you can officially get excited about sitting with your girlfriend in the theater and watching pretty much the exact same "Sex and the City" movie you were dragged to the first time around.

****ALSO****

Coming to theater near you...The CANDYLAND movie...yes, based on the board game we played a million years ago. Can you smell the desperation?

via IMDB

Universal is currently developing a movie version of "Candy Land," one of many of Hasbro's popular racing board games.
Etan Cohen, whose credits include "Tropic Thunder" and "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," is set to write the screenplay.
Directing the live-action film is Kevin Lima, the guy who also helmed 1999's "Tarzan," "102 Dalmatians" and "Enchanted."

2009-02-05T16:23:00.018-06:00

===> IKEA DEAL ALERT <===
Only 100 people were lucky enough to snag a super fancy queen mattress set for $400 last Saturday, but IKEA keeps cranking out the deals! Well, not mattresses, but dressers. The MALM to be exact and it's a pretty sweet deal. All 3-drawer MALM dressers will be on sale for $39.99 on Monday, February 16th only. Regular price is $69.99-$79.99 and they come in a decent array of colors (pink too). We picked up a few of these awhile back for Alex's room and I really like them (we got white). They are much nicer in person than they are in photos. They weren't too hard to put together (its always easier if you work in pairs). They seem sturdy too. I'm thinking about getting the another one for storage to start off my sewing room. The limit (there's always a limit!) is one per customer, but I'm curious how would they know if I bought one and came right back in and bought another one...repeating that process 'til I'm all MALMed out?!

2009-02-04T12:44:00.015-06:00

Eeeeeee!! I am WAY excited to see the new movie, Coraline. Its directed by Henry Selick, who also directed The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach. Coraline looks like the best of those movies put together...TNBC was not creepy enough and JATP was a little too creepy for my taste. Coraline fits right in the middle. We would watch JATP practically non-stop back when Alex was around five because it was her favorite movie. Coraline also reminds me of the excitement I felt over Sprited Away, one of my all-time favorite movies. I love it when movies directed towards children can be just as entertaining for adults. Coraline will be in theaters this Friday, February 6th. Some theaters will be showing it in 3D, although I could not find a nearby theater showing it in 3D, so perhaps it will be released later? I hope so!

Fun Facts:
==>Coraline has also been made into a stage musical, produced by MCC Theater in New York, with music and lyrics by Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields.
==>At one hour and forty minutes long, Coraline is the longest stop-motion film to date.
==>The first stop-motion animated feature to be shot entirely in 3-D.

2009-01-29T17:03:00.008-06:00

This could make me laugh every day for the rest of my life.

VIA YouTube

I also find it hilarious that the dogs name is "Stains." What a charmed life this dog leads!

That stare-down reminds me of my friends' dog, Bo (RIP). That dog could look thru your soul.

2009-01-25T16:28:00.006-06:00

Just wanted to update with pictures of Alex in her pretty party dress. She was so excited to wear it. We finished off her birthday celebrations last night with a special dinner for our little teenager. It was the first time we got all dressed up and took her to a nice restaurant and she loved it.

2009-01-23T16:36:00.016-06:00

Joaquin, WTF? Midlife crisis?

Joaquin has given up acting to start a rap career and apparently this is the look he's going with. There's video out there of him rapping if you care to search. It's painful...I couldn't get past 10 seconds. Casey Affleck (who is BFF with Joaquin) is doing a documentary on his new venture, but some people are alluding/hoping that its all a big joke. He's obviously capable of transforming himself for a role. Walk The Line comes to mind.

I went to see his last movie, Two Lovers, at The Austin Film Festival; Gwyneth Paltrow co-stars (I've never really cared for her, except for The Royal Tenenbaums, one of my favorite movies). Honestly, I thought Two Lovers was a stinker. The plot: Set in Brooklyn, the main character (Joaquin) lives with his parents who keep trying to set him up on dates, but he falls for his neighbor who is already in a rocky relationship of her own. The backstory: he lost his true love and became suicidal. That aspect of the characters' life wasn't explored much, but had it been, I think the story could have been more interesting. Overall, it was lacking in character development so it was hard to understand or even feel emotions for these people beyond annoyance. Sometimes movies are shot in a way that all I can remember is gray and darkness. That's what I recall when I think about Two Lovers. I read somewhere that the movie will probably go straight to DVD.

2009-01-21T17:43:00.035-06:00

As of Monday I am officially the parent of a teenager. How did this day arrive so fast? I mean honestly, I can recall helping you in to your jammies and reading you bedtime stories like it was yesterday! One thing is for sure, I wasn’t really sure where this road would lead me. Being pregnant at 17 is a scary situation to be in. But I feel like I have accomplished something I can be proud of. She is the personification of my heart. My daughter is my favorite person in the whole wide world and she’s all I could have ever dreamed.

I was given the best advice by a co-worker a long time ago. She said I should take video of Alex every chance I get. She said that pictures aren't enough to remember...you'll forget the little things, like the sound of her voice. I followed that advice and now I pass it along every chance I get. It's true too. We go back and watch her videos every now and then and it's like a little gift I get to treasure for that moment...to be able to go back in time and see her. It's not the kind of thing you can put a value on because it's priceless. To those of you reading this with small children or babies...TAKE VIDEO OF YOUR KID(S)! You'll thank me in 10 years!

She's always been a source of entertainment for us and we've always tried to make the parent/child bond a strong one. We share music, movies, tv shows and I know we can always have fun together. Even if its going to the grocery store, like we did last night. The music was pretty good and we got a bit excited when they started playing Move Your Feet (via YouTube) by Junior Senior. So we did a little dance in front of the deli counter.

I was trying t o remember some of the funnier moments we've had with Alex over the last 13 years. I thought it would be even more entertaining if I let her comment too. Here's a random list of my favorite memories:

-Alex was always getting her head stuck in things. Between chair rails, the iron patio gate at our old apartment building, between the cubicle and the wall where Larry used to work. She just loved to see where that big head of hers could fit. Thankfully, we were always able to squeeze it out because a headless child wouldn't have been as much fun.
Alex's comment: "I guess you could call it a strange hobby?"

-How about that time I (unknowingly) video-taped Alex eating the scum off of the bottom of her shoe while performing at her schools' Christmas presentation. She was 4 years old, and, OMG, it was the cutest/funniest thing! She was wearing her little red dress, white tights, black maryjanes and a bow in that curly head of hair. At this particular moment I zoomed in to record her face. I noticed that she kept sticking her finger in her mouth like she was eating something, but I can't see what's going on because I have my eyes glued to the camera. I zoomed out and I find her sitting with her legs crossed, and indeed, she is licking the bottom of her shoe with her finger and eating whatever it is she's found. In front of everyone because she's in the first row! I still wish I knew what possessed her to do this...in the middle of her Christmas presentation...in front of everyone.
Alex's comment: "What? I wanted to keep my shoes clean...yes, even the bottom! And I was bored."

-There was the time that she conned my co-workers out of about $20 dollars. It was summertime and I would occassionally take her to work for the day. It was a few days before my birthday and she went around the office asking for donations for a gift. She promised that those who donated would also get to sign my birthday card and she raised some decent change with this little scheme. The day before my bday she asks me to take her to Target because she had some money and it was burning a whole in her pocket. I didn't ask how she got the money because I assumed her Dad gave it to her (I learned that I should always ask from then on). So, all of the money gets spent on toys and candy. A few days after my birthday one of my co-workers asks what Alex got me as a gift. I told him that I didn't get anything...and well, you can guess that we figured out what happened after that. My husband did the interrogation later that night. Secretly, we were both kind of amazed at her audacity because did I mention that she was only 6 years old?!
Alex's comment: "Well, I wanted to buy you diamond earrings, but I didn't have enough money...so I spent it on myself."

Nothing has ever brought me the kind of joy that I get from being Alex's Mom. I realize how lucky I am to have a healthy child. Every birthday that she celebrates is really a gift for me.

2009-01-15T19:42:00.011-06:00

Currently loving the "new" (released in early '08) album by MGMT, Oracular Spectacular (listen on Last.FM). I'm sure you've heard their "breakout" song Time to Pretend, as it has been featured in movies, tv shows and commercials. MGMT has been named band/album of the year by a few different publications, and opened for bands like Radiohead, M.I.A., and Beck. Impressive. Obviously, I'm late to jump on this bandwagon (bad pun intended).

This album is really fun, indie/psychadelic pop. It's cohesive, but also varied in sound and did I mention really fun? For me, it's one of the best albums I've heard in awhile. I'd share my favorite songs, but that would pretty much be the whole album.

2009-01-15T16:03:00.010-06:00

I don't watch much TV, but I need to start watching this for laughs
TruTV: The Principal's Office - Thursdays @ 10pm

Oh man. My daughter will be in HS in less than 2 years.