five good things : August 2011

August was kind of a crap shoot for me.

I spent about 2 weeks with a nasty stomach virus that blew in like a storm and lingered much longer than necessary. I'm still not convinced that it's fully gone, because the last few days it's been bothering me again.

The virus was so bad that I missed my 25th high school reunion and my sister-in-law's birthday celebration.

I also didn't drink coffee or eat dairy for 2 weeks. Two of the major food groups and I was unable to enjoy either. It practically killed me.

On the other hand, the hateful heat that plagued us for the month of July disappeared and we had some very nice, unseasonably cool weather. I hope that it's a sign of a beautiful Fall to come.

1. The Help

I don't get to go to the movies as often as I would like, so when I do I want to see something that is great. This is a great movie. I loved the cast, all of them. I loved that this movie showcased so many fantastic actresses. It was as good as the book, which is rare. I highly recommend it.

2. I was surprised with tickets to not one, but TWO shows that I really have wanted to see. We'll be seeing Kathy Griffin in September and Wicked in December, on our anniversary! I couldn't have been more surprised or happy. I can't wait!
3. Watching a new team come together.

This year Evan moved up to 11x11 play, on larger fields, a new coach and with an almost totally new team. That is a lot of changes in one season. They had their first test as a team during the Rush Kick Off Classic, and performed very well. They won the first three games and lost the final game. While they do have some work to do this season, I saw some really good soccer. I can see the improvement Evan has made in the short time he has been training. It should be an exciting season.
4. Transitioning to high school.

Sometime in the two weeks before Transition Day, I started to get emotional and freaked out about the fact that my baby girl will be in high school this year. How is it possible? It's just the most bizarre feeling to me. She has handled it like a pro. Her supplies are organized. She's printed out several copies of her schedule. She's found some friends to have lunch with. She even mapped out her route from class to class, complete with arrows. I was a basket case in HS. I was so afraid to be alone in classes. She's just so cool about it all. How did I give birth to this uber smart creature?

She even attended her first school function: the freshman dance. And she had fun. We are ready to tackle this year! (some of us more than others)

So, I don't have a fifth thing this month. I consider myself lucky to have anything good to focus on after being sick. I will take my four good things and file them away.

August 2011, you weren't the worst month, but you weren't the best either.

Hello, September.

Christmas Break movie review

We made the best of the looong winter break by renting lots and lots of movies. Almost as good as going to a warm locale, no? No, definitely not. But we were entertained more often than not. Here is a quick review of each movie we saw, in case you were thinking of catching a flick or two.

'Star Trek' This movie was way better than I thought it was going to be. Bart & Evan had seen this at the theater, so I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. Great story, great cinematography. Gotta love JJ Abrahms! Two thumbs up!

'It's Complicated' Really funny movie. Just as good as I hoped it would

be. Meryl was adorable. Steve was wonderful. Alec was awesome. The theater was packed (which I usually hate) but only added to the fun of the movie. And I can't forget John Krasinski-he was a riot.

'Avatar' in 3D Even though I saw this a few days before the break, it's worth mentioning again.

A visually stunning movie, a must see in 3D just for the forrest scenes alone. James Cameron made a fantastic movie. Two thumbs up!

'Land of the Lost' a totally ridiculous movie, but highly entertaining. A love for Will Ferrell is a must. Beware-the language is a little racy for kids! Mine thought they died and went to double entendre heaven.

Best line of all movies watched: "Matt Lauer can suck it!"

'Funny People' I really wanted this to be funnier,

considering the title and all. Good performances, but sort of depressing. And the best line of the movie was cut. You'll have to watch the gag reel to catch it. One thumb up.

'The Taking of Pelham 123' Never saw the original, but kudos to the remake! Great performances, inventive storytelling, made-my-palms-sweaty action sequences. Lots of swearing-not kid friendly. Two thumbs up!

'Up' Out of all the movies we saw during the break, this was by far my favorite. I wish I had seen it in 3D at the theater. I wish I hadn't

discounted it as yet another cartoon movie. This movie had me crying at three different spots. Crying! The story was incredibly moving and the animation was fantastic. Two thumbs way UP!

'(500) Days of Summer' Our very first 'on demand' movie almost turned into a disaster, but once we got the glitches fixed, all was good. Totally delightful. Two thumbs up!

'Transformers:Revenge of the Fallen" Totally stupid. A major disappoinment after the cleverness of the first movie. This movie is a teen boys' wet dream. The rest of us, not so much.

'District 9' Now here is an interesting sci-fi movie! Very creative storytelling, good performances, and kick ass aliens. Two thumbs up!!

' Nine' I love a good musical. (In fact, I have had the soundtrack to 'Funny Girl' stuck in my head for weeks. Thank you, Glee!) The performances were good, the songs were good, the story was good. But not great. Fergie was great, Who da guessed.

'Four Christmases' Another good but not great film. I usually like Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, but something about them was a little off. Whatever. It was enjoyable. A fine way to pass 2 hours.

It's quite possible I missed a movie or two. Pretty much when I seal up the Netflix envelope I forget what I am holding in my hand. Anything is possible. I hope my reviews helped and will make you want to see a few of them in your spare time.