The warm liquid is a welcome blessing this morning on this dreary damp day. I recall the weather guy last night saying that by mid-morning it will be sunny and beautiful. It looks like a thick cloud layer this morning may thwart any outside plans that I had. I am not going to complain however (except for having to click the furnace on this morning - BRRRrrrr) because the moisture is a blessing and we need it.
Two themes this week - CHANGE and COMPLETION.
Completion first - my first semester of going back to school wraps up this week. I look back to 16 weeks ago when it started and think - "whew" and "that wasn't so bad". I think I said that right after childbirth too. YIKES! But the first few weeks seemed very hectic and I couldn't get into the groove. It seemed I was always stumbling and frantic to get the assignments done and submitted by the deadline. BTW - all the courses were online. However, as the semester kept going, it seemed to be a little easier for me. And I believe if I recall many people said that it would be that way. So "you all were right". As I finish up this week (hopefully have it all done by the weekend), I think I will be a straight A student which hasn't happened since HIGH SCHOOL! Maybe we should all wait to go to school until we are well into our 40s. Probably not reasonable huh? I have discovered in this process that I am not sure I could take an actual classroom class at this point. I am sure there are things that are lost in translation between the online chat and what the other students are submitting for assignments, but I think I may be too old and impatient to sit in a classroom and hear some of the comments, attitudes and ideas of the younger students. Patience! Praying for patience!
Another completion is that Miss Bailey graduates from DMACC this next week. Wednesday night we will all converge on Wells Fargo Arena (yeah - the arena) for the largest graduating class from DMACC in their history. She has done very well in her community college experience and we are proud of her. We attended her last vocal concert last night where she had a solo and did such a good job. Curtis videotaped it so watch Facebook and/or here for a post when it gets edited. The next process is under way for her. Job interview next week and hopefully she can secure a FT job while she tries to save some money to finish her 4 year degree.
Change (and a sort of completion) -- Today is the one year anniversary of my transition to Central Iowa. I can't believe that it has been a year already. Many things have happened in that year - too numerous to list here - however in the big picture they all have been positive. While this sort of thing is always a challenge, it was definitely the CORRECT decision for me and for my family. It amazes me that the process started October 2010 after a little journey to a spiritual place in North Carolina. After that retreat, I knew that I needed to make a big change in my life. And four months later the transition began.
So now there is a new job, a new house, a new life -- that sounds KIND OF like a Michael Buble song (sexy, sexy man - in a nerdy sort of way) - and I'm feeling GOOD.
So back to typing my last film class journal and studying for my Intro to Human Services (that still makes me laugh) final. I have missed posting here -- sorry for the delays. I will have more time this Summer. I decided not to take any classes this Summer -- many reasons, but most of all I am looking to transition to USD online courses sooner than a graduation from DMACC maybe. Don't want to go through the motions of getting that degree from DMACC and then not everything transfers. Colleges seem to like to do that for some reason. So off this summer and back at it this fall finishing up at either DMACC or USD.
Have a great day y'all and I want to share with you something that brought me immense joy this week. Take a quick five minutes and watch the video of Sophia Grace and Rosie meeting Nicki Minaj on Ellen. Those two little girls have so much energy and "WOO HOO"ness that I hope it is never squelched by any one. My favorite part is the reactions of the parents because they know what this means to them to meet their idol. And I LOVE Nicki Minaj. Watch and laugh -- and have JOY today!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Where have you been.........
It has been a little while since I posted. I know.....I know.
But I am in my last week before finals of this first semester. What a whirlwind! And I really haven't had a whole lot to talk about. I think my previous post/rant/b&$ch about some men and their oppression of women, I just spent all my words and energy.
I have a new topic rolling around in my brain so hopefully it will decide to pop out on Saturday morning while I am having my coffee intake.
Catch ya all later!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Not a war on women - A war on humanity!
Just when I said I am going to change the name because I don't really rant on Rho's Rants. Here comes one bubbling up from the bottoms of my feet. And I am pissed about it. I was going to title this "Conception Begins at Erection" (Curtis laughed and asked where I had heard that? I MADE IT UP because that is how ridiculous all of this sounds to me), but that isn't really what this is about.
Just calling what is going on by old, white, legislators a "war on women" is wrong. Let's call it what it is -- A WAR ON HUMANITY. And if we are not paying attention, we will be the boiled frog. You know what I am talking about? The adage that if you put a frog in boiling water, they will jump out immediately. But if you put that same frog in a pot with water that just keeps getting hotter and hotter that it will cook to death before it realizes that it is in the heat. THAT is what this feels like to me.
Here are some examples I came across this week that I felt were "worthy" to share:
Wisconsin repealed the Equal Pay State Legislation that makes it illegal in the state of Wisconsin to pay a woman a different rate than a man for the same work. The argument by the governor is that there are federal laws that take care of that. I know doing the work that I have done for many years, that while federal legislation is great, state laws have more merit when it comes to follow through and prosecution.
Another example from this week is a question and answer session with Virginia House Speaker Howell. It is apparent in the video (link above) that he is uncomfortable with her line of questioning and instead of answering her questions he starts to belittle her. Telling her that he must use "littler words so she can understand him". I call douche bag!
Arizona just passed a law signed by Governor Brewer that life "begins two weeks before conception". That doesn't even make scientific sense. But we probably shouldn't let science get in the way of this intelligent discussion huh? That might have too many big words in it for our wee little brains to handle.
I could go ON and ON and ON and ON with examples, but they really serve no purpose other than to make me very upset and illustrate how the heat is being turned up and we are going to be boiled alive.
I am currently reading a book called Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women. The link is the NY Times review. The title comes from a proverb that says WOMEN and GIRLS hold up "HALF THE SKY" in the world. But their point is that in countries where women are oppressed - sold into slavery - sexual or labor, there will likely be more incidents of war, famine, and poverty. As the review states, the book starts off with:
“Gendercide,” the daily slaughter of girls in the developing world, steals more lives in any given decade “than all the genocides of the 20th century.”
That line alone blew me out of the water. We focus so much on the casualties of war, but pay no attention to these victims around the world that are sold at the tender young ages of 7, 8, 9 - not exaggerating. The families of these young girls are told that they are going to be "working" in fruit markets or as housekeepers and then they get to the city and are forced to have sex with men and the money stays with the person (usually a woman) that purchased them. Why the girls? They have young boys too? Why are they not sold? The authors so eloquently (better than me) point out that "girl's don't matter". They are "less than" so it makes it easier to sell them. GENDERCIDE!
The book spends a lot of time talking about maternal birth rates and poverty and how we as a "civilized" country do nothing about these world atrocities. That millions of girls just "disappear" each year and we do nothing about it.
So HERE is where my rant comes in. We spend so much time arguing pro-choice, pro-life, pro-abortion, pro-WHATEVER! Can we please spend as much time working on even addressing the issue of the GENDERCIDE? Informing the world about this war on humanity?
But it leads to me to make the connection between the poverty rates in the United States that mostly affect women and children and this increased pressure on women to "conform" to standards of ridiculousness. The ridiculous "vaginal ultrasounds" before a woman can have an abortion. The expectation that everyone that has to make this AWFUL choice is having a party and celebrating is completely and utterly WRONG! I will state right now, that I don't believe in abortion. I DO believe that a person has a right to choose what happens with their bodies. I DO believe that this medical procedure is currently legal in the United States. And God help you if you Mr. Gray Haired White Man would ever have to make this life changing decision. Judgement is not yours!
The fight going on in the Senate right NOW with the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act - This should be a bipartisan NO BRAINER. But it has turned into a political mine field and threatens the lives of so many women, children, and men. Iowa's own Senator Grassley is in the fore-front of this fight and on the wrong side in my opinion. It has become ridiculously political.
Okay - my brain is calming down. Mostly because I am on medication for a terrible ear ache and now I am just tired. What do I want you to do?
AND DON'T BE A BOILING FROG! The water is getting HOT! JUMP MY FRIENDS! JUMP!!!!!!
Just calling what is going on by old, white, legislators a "war on women" is wrong. Let's call it what it is -- A WAR ON HUMANITY. And if we are not paying attention, we will be the boiled frog. You know what I am talking about? The adage that if you put a frog in boiling water, they will jump out immediately. But if you put that same frog in a pot with water that just keeps getting hotter and hotter that it will cook to death before it realizes that it is in the heat. THAT is what this feels like to me.
Here are some examples I came across this week that I felt were "worthy" to share:
Wisconsin repealed the Equal Pay State Legislation that makes it illegal in the state of Wisconsin to pay a woman a different rate than a man for the same work. The argument by the governor is that there are federal laws that take care of that. I know doing the work that I have done for many years, that while federal legislation is great, state laws have more merit when it comes to follow through and prosecution.
Another example from this week is a question and answer session with Virginia House Speaker Howell. It is apparent in the video (link above) that he is uncomfortable with her line of questioning and instead of answering her questions he starts to belittle her. Telling her that he must use "littler words so she can understand him". I call douche bag!
Arizona just passed a law signed by Governor Brewer that life "begins two weeks before conception". That doesn't even make scientific sense. But we probably shouldn't let science get in the way of this intelligent discussion huh? That might have too many big words in it for our wee little brains to handle.
I could go ON and ON and ON and ON with examples, but they really serve no purpose other than to make me very upset and illustrate how the heat is being turned up and we are going to be boiled alive.
I am currently reading a book called Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women. The link is the NY Times review. The title comes from a proverb that says WOMEN and GIRLS hold up "HALF THE SKY" in the world. But their point is that in countries where women are oppressed - sold into slavery - sexual or labor, there will likely be more incidents of war, famine, and poverty. As the review states, the book starts off with:
“Gendercide,” the daily slaughter of girls in the developing world, steals more lives in any given decade “than all the genocides of the 20th century.”
That line alone blew me out of the water. We focus so much on the casualties of war, but pay no attention to these victims around the world that are sold at the tender young ages of 7, 8, 9 - not exaggerating. The families of these young girls are told that they are going to be "working" in fruit markets or as housekeepers and then they get to the city and are forced to have sex with men and the money stays with the person (usually a woman) that purchased them. Why the girls? They have young boys too? Why are they not sold? The authors so eloquently (better than me) point out that "girl's don't matter". They are "less than" so it makes it easier to sell them. GENDERCIDE!
The book spends a lot of time talking about maternal birth rates and poverty and how we as a "civilized" country do nothing about these world atrocities. That millions of girls just "disappear" each year and we do nothing about it.
So HERE is where my rant comes in. We spend so much time arguing pro-choice, pro-life, pro-abortion, pro-WHATEVER! Can we please spend as much time working on even addressing the issue of the GENDERCIDE? Informing the world about this war on humanity?
But it leads to me to make the connection between the poverty rates in the United States that mostly affect women and children and this increased pressure on women to "conform" to standards of ridiculousness. The ridiculous "vaginal ultrasounds" before a woman can have an abortion. The expectation that everyone that has to make this AWFUL choice is having a party and celebrating is completely and utterly WRONG! I will state right now, that I don't believe in abortion. I DO believe that a person has a right to choose what happens with their bodies. I DO believe that this medical procedure is currently legal in the United States. And God help you if you Mr. Gray Haired White Man would ever have to make this life changing decision. Judgement is not yours!
The fight going on in the Senate right NOW with the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act - This should be a bipartisan NO BRAINER. But it has turned into a political mine field and threatens the lives of so many women, children, and men. Iowa's own Senator Grassley is in the fore-front of this fight and on the wrong side in my opinion. It has become ridiculously political.
Okay - my brain is calming down. Mostly because I am on medication for a terrible ear ache and now I am just tired. What do I want you to do?
- Read this book. It is amazing and eye opening and disturbing and inspirational
- GET INFORMED! Not just from one news source. In fact - not news at all - read alternate websites, books that have scientific research on the matter, and form your own opinions.
- Speak out
- MOST OF ALL VOTE! Women can not stay home this election year. We must ascend on the polls as if there is a revolution
AND DON'T BE A BOILING FROG! The water is getting HOT! JUMP MY FRIENDS! JUMP!!!!!!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
A new look
If you are a regular (really?....I am sorry! There are more exciting things) you likely noticed that I have changed things up a little bit. My background was a bit boring so I changed up the display. I also changed me blog name. Instead of Rho's Rants -- that seems to have a negative energy to it - I have decided to call it "Living a Joy-Filled Life". That energy feels better. And I think that I wasn't "ranting" as much as sharing with all of you. I apologize if it has been too much some times. So mucho bueno.
Two day headache is finally gone this morning. I know that it was a sinus and tension headache combination, but I slept many hours yesterday and couldn't get it to go away. Finally after 800mg of ibuprofen and another good nights sleep it has disappeared. I think this little additive helped a lot.
Chili's marketing persuaded me to try this. Normally, I love their margaritas. I didn't like this one. :( Their gimmick of the upside down bottle is just that. A tiny bottle of Corona that should inject itself into the margarita as your drinking it but it didn't. Oh, don't get me wrong, I drank it all, but won't likely order it again. So it was likely the ibuprofen and some more sleep that finally did it, but the picture looks cool.
We have another busy week at the Dean ranch. All the kids are coming home for a weekend. As they get older it is so much harder to do that. But fingers crossed cause Jordan isn't here yet, but I think we are going to make it happen. So a bit of grilling, some games, and fun will be had by all. I love my adult children. Why can't kids go from 5th grade directly to 25? It would make everyone's life (including their own) easier. But I don't think it is supposed to be that way. God gives us teenagers so we will want them to all leave the house at 18. All the trials and tribulations have been worth it as they are amazing adults.
School wraps in about two weeks. YEAH TWO WEEKS! This first semester was a learning experience for me. Not just the obvious book learning element, but an experience about my patience and organization of time. My patience with the fact that I have to go through the motions with a couple of these classes. For example, my writing class is about business writing - the How To Do Business Letters, etc - I do that every day at work and have been able to use some of my work stuff to satisfy assignments. However, I get a bad attitude about it. I get impatient and forget that I just have to go through the motions and do all the requirements. So now I just two weeks of that. Oh yeah and finals! YIKES! But again, just have to go with the it and take it one class and one day at a time.
That doesn't make me any less exhausted some days - thus a tension headache. I think that I am a pretty active middle age person that can juggle many things. It has been a taxing few months. I have given up some of my favorite activities to get this done - camping in front of the TV for hours, etc. But I just have to remember this is temporary. I can do anything for a short period of time. But I think Zoe expressed it the best. Laying in the sun just chilling. I want to do that! But give me a beach chair, a fun beverage, and a cabana boy - okay don't need the boy part - but a book (not school work) would be great.
Til next time Joy Filled Readers! Laugh at least once a day this next week please. GIGGLING releases a natural endorphin chemical in your brain-- GIGGLE AWAY!
Two day headache is finally gone this morning. I know that it was a sinus and tension headache combination, but I slept many hours yesterday and couldn't get it to go away. Finally after 800mg of ibuprofen and another good nights sleep it has disappeared. I think this little additive helped a lot.
Chili's marketing persuaded me to try this. Normally, I love their margaritas. I didn't like this one. :( Their gimmick of the upside down bottle is just that. A tiny bottle of Corona that should inject itself into the margarita as your drinking it but it didn't. Oh, don't get me wrong, I drank it all, but won't likely order it again. So it was likely the ibuprofen and some more sleep that finally did it, but the picture looks cool.
We have another busy week at the Dean ranch. All the kids are coming home for a weekend. As they get older it is so much harder to do that. But fingers crossed cause Jordan isn't here yet, but I think we are going to make it happen. So a bit of grilling, some games, and fun will be had by all. I love my adult children. Why can't kids go from 5th grade directly to 25? It would make everyone's life (including their own) easier. But I don't think it is supposed to be that way. God gives us teenagers so we will want them to all leave the house at 18. All the trials and tribulations have been worth it as they are amazing adults.
School wraps in about two weeks. YEAH TWO WEEKS! This first semester was a learning experience for me. Not just the obvious book learning element, but an experience about my patience and organization of time. My patience with the fact that I have to go through the motions with a couple of these classes. For example, my writing class is about business writing - the How To Do Business Letters, etc - I do that every day at work and have been able to use some of my work stuff to satisfy assignments. However, I get a bad attitude about it. I get impatient and forget that I just have to go through the motions and do all the requirements. So now I just two weeks of that. Oh yeah and finals! YIKES! But again, just have to go with the it and take it one class and one day at a time.
That doesn't make me any less exhausted some days - thus a tension headache. I think that I am a pretty active middle age person that can juggle many things. It has been a taxing few months. I have given up some of my favorite activities to get this done - camping in front of the TV for hours, etc. But I just have to remember this is temporary. I can do anything for a short period of time. But I think Zoe expressed it the best. Laying in the sun just chilling. I want to do that! But give me a beach chair, a fun beverage, and a cabana boy - okay don't need the boy part - but a book (not school work) would be great.
Til next time Joy Filled Readers! Laugh at least once a day this next week please. GIGGLING releases a natural endorphin chemical in your brain-- GIGGLE AWAY!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
End of a Girls' Weekend
What a whirlwind! After getting to know each other a little bit on Friday night, it was time for bed to gear up for our busy Saturday.
Saturday morning we all slowly got up, ate some breakfast and then got ready for our shopping trip to Jordan Creek Mall.
We spent quite a long time in the Justice store. Not one of my favorite stores, but the girls love it. Then we went to Claires - Again - #2 on my least favorite store. But they did want to go to Barnes and Nobles so that was a redemption for a little bit.
After about 4 hours the girls were exhausted and wanted to head home. So we went back home with all of our new clothes, new shoes, books, and craft supplies.
After a short little rest to rejuvenate, craft time started. The first project was to decorate acrylic picture frames for each one of them to keep. We had stickers, jewels and ribbons. The girls did a great job.
The four lasses were energetic and amazing and tired and tiring. But, that is completely what I planned during this weekend. I think by the end of the weekend, they were ready to go home and have some routine too.
I know that we will do it again. I love girls this age. I love their giggles, their creativity, and their innocence. I cherish them as a the young women they will grow up to be.
Saturday morning we all slowly got up, ate some breakfast and then got ready for our shopping trip to Jordan Creek Mall.
 |
| Marissa, Quinn, Kiona, and Hannah - getting ready to leave |
 |
| I told them to "act silly" |
 |
| The two older girls helped me very much this weekend - thanks ladies! |
 |
| I like to call these two -- Woo Hoo Girls in Training! |
 |
| Bailey is helping me with the shopping task - Thanks Bailey |
So we started at Trader Joes for me and then headed to TJ Max for Bailey. Then off to the mall.
 |
| Kiona got one of her new birthday presents. |
 |
| Quinn and her new outfit |
 |
| Kiona the fashionista - had to make sure that mom approved of the skirt |
We spent quite a long time in the Justice store. Not one of my favorite stores, but the girls love it. Then we went to Claires - Again - #2 on my least favorite store. But they did want to go to Barnes and Nobles so that was a redemption for a little bit.
After about 4 hours the girls were exhausted and wanted to head home. So we went back home with all of our new clothes, new shoes, books, and craft supplies.
After a short little rest to rejuvenate, craft time started. The first project was to decorate acrylic picture frames for each one of them to keep. We had stickers, jewels and ribbons. The girls did a great job.
The next project was creating braided keychains......Bailey was the leader here and helped each girl braid and put together their project.
After crafts were complete (except for some extra braiding by Bailey), it was time to go outside and do some energy releasing activities. Walking on the trails, hula hoops, etc. Lots of energy - we could solve all energy problems if we could harness that stuff.
The four lasses were energetic and amazing and tired and tiring. But, that is completely what I planned during this weekend. I think by the end of the weekend, they were ready to go home and have some routine too.
I know that we will do it again. I love girls this age. I love their giggles, their creativity, and their innocence. I cherish them as a the young women they will grow up to be.
Subparts are an important part of who I am
I have subparts. Not multiples, but parts of me that kick in and take over when some times they shouldn't. Some of them developed because of the person that I am (and that's okay). Some of them developed as a survival skill during a very hard time in my life (and that's okay too). But what happens is that when I don't control their energy, they can take over.
So what do I need to do help contain that energy? Meditation? Intimidating. But I will try. I have to think about meditation. What does it look like for each person? In my head, I am sitting on the floor, legs crossed chanting OOoommm.. But does it really have to be like that? How about a walk by myself - no headphones, no walking partner, just me. Or a bike ride. Or sitting alone in the dark without interruption just breathing.
All I can do is try. Today - subparts - stay in your corner and only come out when I need you not when you want to. Got it?
So what do I need to do help contain that energy? Meditation? Intimidating. But I will try. I have to think about meditation. What does it look like for each person? In my head, I am sitting on the floor, legs crossed chanting OOoommm.. But does it really have to be like that? How about a walk by myself - no headphones, no walking partner, just me. Or a bike ride. Or sitting alone in the dark without interruption just breathing.
All I can do is try. Today - subparts - stay in your corner and only come out when I need you not when you want to. Got it?
Monday, April 2, 2012
What I am listening too, watching, and reading.
It has been a while since I have done a movie, music, book review in this space. I blame school, but that is wrapping up - only four weeks left of the first semester. I have worked my way through it, but not sure that I should have taken 12 semester hours. I have signed up for six hours this summer. Most of the classes from here on out are all electives so I get to take fun stuff like Introduction to Film, World Music, African-American Literature. I am looking forward to the next two semesters. Yeah -- I said it! I am sure you will hear the opposite of that as I progress.
What I am listening to:
Spotify has been my music player of choice on the internet. Normally I am a Pandora gal. I love my stations and love to hear what they pick to rotate through my artist stations. But Spotify lets me be even more specifc. If you are not familiar, you have to download the player, but then enter an artist and it pulls up all the information on that artist and you can listen to any album, single, or whatever from that artist. It is a great way to check out new artists. And I get to listen to what other people (friends on Facebook mostly) are listening to.
So my go to song for a "kitchen jiggle" when cooking or a "chair dance" at work is Wild Ones by Flo Rida ft Sia. You know that you have seen him here before with Good Feeling. I can't seem to get enough of his songs. I like this one too. He has become a favorite on my Spotify playlist. Some of you critics might say "his songs sound the same" -- don't care....I LIKE em!!
An album that I can't get enough of is Goty and the CD is Making Mirrors. The song Somebody that I Used to Know feat Kimbra is a haunting melody and this link will take you to the video. Many people tell me that they think he sounds like Peter Gabriel. I don't necessarily hear it (I think they are comparing this video to Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer video) but I am obsessed with this song. And there are days when it is in my head and I can't get it out. That will likely be a bad thing when I am sick of the song.
For local music, Curtis and I along with some great friends had a chance to see The Fez at the Englert Theater in Iowa City. The now hold the record for single day tickets sales at the Englert. YEAH! This is the second time Curtis and I have seen them. They are a Steely Dan Tribute band and are amazing. "Like" their Facebook page link above and check them out if they are coming to your town soon. Their next gig is May 12 in Iowa City!
I will keep trolling Spotify and hopefully hear some new stuff and remember some old songs too - like Simply Red - If You Don't Know Me By Now. Love this song and that is why I LOVE Spotify!
What I am reading:
Still reading school work. My literature class is having me read Alice in Wonderland - the real one by Lewis Carroll. I DO NOT LIKE THIS BOOK. I didn't even like the early movies - only like Tim Burton's rendition with Johnny Depp. But I am plowing through it and got my assignment done tonight.
I decided that I need to read a pleasure book before I go to sleep. It helps me unwind and turn off my brain. At that personal reading time, I have been reading Charlaine Harris. I started with her first book ever written. It was okay but she has definitely improved with the years. I am now working on her book "An Ice Cold Grave". This is book three in a four book series about Harper Connelly. It has been an interesting series and read. I love Ms. Harris and had the pleasure to meet her in Iowa City. If you don't know her she has written all the books that the HBO show True Blood has been based. Her books are my guilty pleasures and this series is really more of a mystery book than fantasy. Although, there is a person who talks to the dead....but otherwise good stuff! I always like a book that I can't figure out the twist until right at the end. And these books do that for me.
What I am watching:
Again, due to school, not been watching a lot of anything. I did go see Hunger Games. I went to it hopeful that it would be good. And it.....WAS! The film makers did a great job translating the book to the movie. They had to take some of the violence down a little bit for the PG 13 crowd, but otherwise it was well done. I should have probably posted this above, but am thoroughly enjoying the soundtrack.
But my DVD find this week was Lars and the Real Girl staring Ryan Gosling. WOW! It was a cute and poignant movie with many many layers of emotions and acting. Before this my favorite movie of his was Crazy, Stupid Love. I wasn't sure when it first started. But it got better. It's the story of man living in his brother's garage. He is very socially awkward - it is almost painful to watch his interactions with his brother, sister-in-law and coworkers. Then his cubicle mate shows him a website that sells life-size anatomically correct dolls. These are not your typical "blow up dolls" no way. Bianca is her name and she is quite pretty. The story then unfolds regarding his fears and issues surrounding many things like his mother's death, etc. I encourage you to rent it. It is worth the 120 minute investment.
And Mad Men started this week! OMG what are we going to do? We don't have cable.....We can buy the season on iTunes and it will be downloaded the next day -- so think we are going to do that......but can't wait to see what is happening with Donald Draper this year. New marriage, etc..........Cheers!
What I am listening to:
Spotify has been my music player of choice on the internet. Normally I am a Pandora gal. I love my stations and love to hear what they pick to rotate through my artist stations. But Spotify lets me be even more specifc. If you are not familiar, you have to download the player, but then enter an artist and it pulls up all the information on that artist and you can listen to any album, single, or whatever from that artist. It is a great way to check out new artists. And I get to listen to what other people (friends on Facebook mostly) are listening to.
So my go to song for a "kitchen jiggle" when cooking or a "chair dance" at work is Wild Ones by Flo Rida ft Sia. You know that you have seen him here before with Good Feeling. I can't seem to get enough of his songs. I like this one too. He has become a favorite on my Spotify playlist. Some of you critics might say "his songs sound the same" -- don't care....I LIKE em!!
An album that I can't get enough of is Goty and the CD is Making Mirrors. The song Somebody that I Used to Know feat Kimbra is a haunting melody and this link will take you to the video. Many people tell me that they think he sounds like Peter Gabriel. I don't necessarily hear it (I think they are comparing this video to Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer video) but I am obsessed with this song. And there are days when it is in my head and I can't get it out. That will likely be a bad thing when I am sick of the song.
For local music, Curtis and I along with some great friends had a chance to see The Fez at the Englert Theater in Iowa City. The now hold the record for single day tickets sales at the Englert. YEAH! This is the second time Curtis and I have seen them. They are a Steely Dan Tribute band and are amazing. "Like" their Facebook page link above and check them out if they are coming to your town soon. Their next gig is May 12 in Iowa City!
I will keep trolling Spotify and hopefully hear some new stuff and remember some old songs too - like Simply Red - If You Don't Know Me By Now. Love this song and that is why I LOVE Spotify!
What I am reading:
Still reading school work. My literature class is having me read Alice in Wonderland - the real one by Lewis Carroll. I DO NOT LIKE THIS BOOK. I didn't even like the early movies - only like Tim Burton's rendition with Johnny Depp. But I am plowing through it and got my assignment done tonight.
I decided that I need to read a pleasure book before I go to sleep. It helps me unwind and turn off my brain. At that personal reading time, I have been reading Charlaine Harris. I started with her first book ever written. It was okay but she has definitely improved with the years. I am now working on her book "An Ice Cold Grave". This is book three in a four book series about Harper Connelly. It has been an interesting series and read. I love Ms. Harris and had the pleasure to meet her in Iowa City. If you don't know her she has written all the books that the HBO show True Blood has been based. Her books are my guilty pleasures and this series is really more of a mystery book than fantasy. Although, there is a person who talks to the dead....but otherwise good stuff! I always like a book that I can't figure out the twist until right at the end. And these books do that for me.
What I am watching:
Again, due to school, not been watching a lot of anything. I did go see Hunger Games. I went to it hopeful that it would be good. And it.....WAS! The film makers did a great job translating the book to the movie. They had to take some of the violence down a little bit for the PG 13 crowd, but otherwise it was well done. I should have probably posted this above, but am thoroughly enjoying the soundtrack.
But my DVD find this week was Lars and the Real Girl staring Ryan Gosling. WOW! It was a cute and poignant movie with many many layers of emotions and acting. Before this my favorite movie of his was Crazy, Stupid Love. I wasn't sure when it first started. But it got better. It's the story of man living in his brother's garage. He is very socially awkward - it is almost painful to watch his interactions with his brother, sister-in-law and coworkers. Then his cubicle mate shows him a website that sells life-size anatomically correct dolls. These are not your typical "blow up dolls" no way. Bianca is her name and she is quite pretty. The story then unfolds regarding his fears and issues surrounding many things like his mother's death, etc. I encourage you to rent it. It is worth the 120 minute investment.
And Mad Men started this week! OMG what are we going to do? We don't have cable.....We can buy the season on iTunes and it will be downloaded the next day -- so think we are going to do that......but can't wait to see what is happening with Donald Draper this year. New marriage, etc..........Cheers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)