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All posts for the month August, 2012

The End of Summer Movie Watching

Published August 12, 2012 by Malia

Next Saturday will be my last day here at home before I make the trek back north.  It’s kind of hard to believe that in a week summer will be over and the school year will be starting up.  It’s been a good summer.  I’ve gotten to hang out with friends and family, gained a “niece,” and relaxed.  It’s been a hard summer, too.  Grampa’s death was a not too subtle reminder that I come from a fairly small family, and almost all of them are quite a bit older than me.  Being reminded how mortal we all are is never much fun.

I also got to see a fair share of movies this summer.  Here, in no particular order, are what I saw and what I thought.

The Avengers

If you haven’t seen this, you should.  Actually, you need to go and watch all the films that lead up to Avengers (Hulk, The Incredible Hulk, Ironman, Captain America, Ironman 2, & Thor) and then go watch it.  I should mention that even though Ironman 2 came out before Captain America, I actually found Ironman 2 to be much better once I had the Captain America storyline.  There’s so much in Ironman 2 that draws on the Captain America storyline.  This film was fun, well done, and really amazing in both 3D and 2D.  I’ve seen it a couple of times, and I can’t wait to see it again.

Men In Black III

The Men in Black (MIB) franchise has had a special place in my heart ever since I was sitting in a bus for a band trip to D.C. and saw the first MIB film on a little tiny t.v.  While the second one was not great (really, my favorite part was Frank the Pug singing “I Will Survive), I still have good memories associated with it.  Ten years later, along came MIB3, and I was equal parts exited and terrified.  My terror was pointless.  The film is excellent, and had all the charm and sweetness that it should have.  Frank the Pug was pretty much the only missing element (he’s there, but not like I would have liked).

Brave

This was Disney’s newest addition to their Princess collection.  This princess was much more Mulan than Cinderella.  She’s not happy just sitting back waiting for a man.  This film was filled with girl power messages, but it also had much to say regarding family and responsibility for the choices we make.  So much fun, and so beautifully done.

Snow White and the Huntsman

I think people were quick to dismiss this film because of a general dislike of Kristen Stewart.  That’s too bad.  This was a really good movie.  It was so dark and creepy, just the way a fairy tale ought to be.  Sure, some liberties were taken with the Snow White story, but none that were unacceptable.

The Three Stooges

I never watched the Stooges growing up, so I went into this one unsure of what to expect.  It was well done, but overall, I just couldn’t get into it.  I’m not the biggest fan of physical comedy, and that was what this film relied on.  It had its moments, but I have zero desire to see it again.

Ice Age 4

Sid, Manny, and Diego.  Need I say more?  This newest installment was much better than the forgettable third one, and as good as the first.  The second installment is still my favorite, but this one was fun and made me laugh.

Hope Springs

Let me star with the good.  This film is basically Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carell.  Occasionally, you see another person, but overall, those three people carry the entire film.  They succeeded at proving they’re awesome actors, and they all did amazing.  However…here’s the bad.  The first quarter of the movie is really bittersweet and funny.  Then the rest of the film is a downer and all about sex.  Seriously.  I have no idea how this film did not get an R rating.  Sure, there’s no real foul language, but the dialogue is surprisingly graphic, and what Jones and Streep do onscreen outside of the therapists office is beyond squirm worthy.  The film does end on a positive and realistic note, but it feels like it takes hours to get there.

Overall, not a bad summer for movies.  I’m still hoping to catch Dark Knight Rises and Paranorman before I leave next Sunday.

Friday Night Questions

Published August 11, 2012 by Malia

-Am I the only one who thought that the NASA scientists celebrating the landing on Curiosity was one of the most adorable things ever seen?  Follow up…Can you call scientists adorable?

-Does it seem that NBC spends more time than necessary showing Olympians in tears because they didn’t win or move on?

-Why haven’t I started packing yet?  Follow up…What should I pack?

-What can be done with stubborn hair that has a mind of its own?

-Why do my fingernails feel heavy when I put fingernail polish on them, but my toenails don’t feel heavy when I paint them?

-Why can’t people get it through their heads that no life (theirs or anyone else’s) is worth a text or call they send or receive while driving?

-Why does, “Call Me, Maybe” keep getting stuck in my head?

 

The Fun of Getting Older

Published August 10, 2012 by Malia

This afternoon I was talking with my friend (the one with the adorable baby) and she mentioned how excited she is for The Hobbit.  I’m equally excited, and this led to the conversation of how amazingly fun it’d be to go to the midnight release.  It’d be awesome to see people in their costumes, and to be in the theater hearing people clap and cheer anytime there’s anything in the movie that funny or amazing.  Unfortunately, once you get past 25, going to a midnight movie becomes something that you don’t bounce back from easily.  Sure, it’s no big deal staying up until midnight, but usually the movie lasts at least two hours (and if Lord of the Rings is any indicator, Hobbit will be at least three hours).  This means that if you have to be anywhere first thing in the morning, you will get limited sleep which will severely limit your functionality.  This isn’t a terrible thing, but I’ve discovered that most bosses don’t appreciate it if you come to work as a zombie on a day that’s not Halloween.  Well, there’s still a few months to decide, and whether I see it at midnight or a few days later, I can’t wait!

Who?

Published August 9, 2012 by Malia

Today was my mom’s 60th birthday, and we went and did birthday type activities.  Said activities wore me out.  In lieu of an actual post tonight, I share this wonderful image with you all.  Enjoy.

 

(I really wish I had been clever enough to come up with this.  And now I feel the need for a Who marathon.)

You’ll Be An Adult For Forever!

Published August 8, 2012 by Malia

This has been the summer of babies.  As mentioned previously, I became an honorary aunt this summer.  On top of that, this past spring my cousin and his wife had their first child.  Whenever I see either baby, I’m reminded just how quickly childhood passes.

Personally, I wasn’t in a big hurry to become an adult (and some might argue that I’m not an adult).  I wasn’t in a rush to get my driver’s license.  My parents pretty much had to drag me to the DMV.  (Side note: I enjoy driving now, and I’m so glad they made me get my license.)  I never dated, but since no one was really interested in dating me that pretty much that point null.  Mom and dad certainly didn’t do much pushing to make me grow up.  They made sure I knew basic adult things like driving, cooking, cleaning, living on a budget, and being a polite, responsible human being.  Looking back, it’s pretty clear to me that I am so glad that they let me be a kid when I was a kid.  But, I digress, back to the babies.

I’ve been thinking about what I would want to tell kids as they are growing up and facing all that goes along with being an adult.  By no means is what follows a complete list (I’m sure I’ll make additional posts with follow up thoughts), but here’s what I’ve got now.

1.  Have Fun

This probably seems like a no-brainer, but to me it’s important.  Fun is different things to different people.  Some people find running to be fun.  Others find skydiving fun.  I find sitting for hours on end, in a quiet room, alone reading giant books to be fun.  When you are an “adult” it’s incredibly easy to get bogged down in work or personal issues and never come up for air.  This will turn you into a hollow shell of a person.  Make time, even if it’s only a few minutes, to do something you enjoy.

2.  You are NOT the smartest person in the room.

“But wait!” you may be saying, “I’ve got an IQ that’s triple what yours is.  I build rockets and perform brain surgery at the same time!  Sheldon Cooper was based on me!  I don’t watch Jersey Shore.”  Yes, these are all things that are evidence that you are smart.  However, I have always maintained that everyone is smart (keep in mind, I developed this theory years before reality tv became a regular part of daily life), but we’re all smart about different things.  I’ve known people who really struggled with reading and considered themselves dumb, but they knew absolutely everything about raising cattle and were incredibly successful at it.  I’ve also known people who can figure out difficult math problems and with only a pen and a napkin, but when it comes to music, they’re pretty lost.  I’ve got loads more examples, but my point is that you should never look down on someone just because they don’t get what you’re saying.  It doesn’t mean they’re stupid, it just means that your expertise is not their expertise.  I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t excel at something.  Treat everyone with respect, and never consider someone beneath you, just because you don’t think they’re as smart as you.

3.  Life’s not fair.

When I was in high school I was really good at music.  Along with all the school band and choir groups I was involved in, I made it into honor bands and choirs all over the state, and I frequently got to show off.  Towards the end of my high school career (I can’t remember  if it was my junior or senior year, it was a long time ago), I received a letter inviting me to participate in a trip, along with other kids from around the state, doing musical performances.  These performances would be in Europe.  I desperately wanted to go, but I didn’t even get my hopes up because I knew it was financially impossible.  My parents saved all year just so they could send me to music camp and let me take lessons.  I was so busy with music, and other extracurricular activities, there was no way I could’ve even hoped to come close to making enough at a job to make it.  So, I threw away the letter, and when I  got a call from my former band director’s wife (who was in charge of the trip), I was able to hold my ground and tell her it was just impossible.  Was it hard?  You have no idea, but I survived.  I really hope to make it, at least to London and Loch Ness, someday; but if I don’t, it won’t be the end of the world.

Life’s not fair.  There are going to be times when you don’t get what you want.  Don’t believe me?  Watch the Olympics.  Everyone wants the gold medal, but only one person gets it.  If you aren’t into sports, go on a job interview.  There’s always at least one job candidate who doesn’t get hired.  This candidate might be you.  It’s no fun to be rejected.  Sometimes it will make no sense, and even if you fight for yourself, it still may not end in your favor.

4.  Take advantage of travel.

Missing out on Europe brings up the fact that if you do get to travel somewhere, go, even if it’s only within your state.  Visit museums.  Even if it’s just the local historical society’s  county museum.  Historical places are important.  They teach us where we’ve come from.  Attend at least one county or state fair in your life.  All of this will all expand your mind and experience in ways that television and internet can’t.  (Although, if you can’t travel internationally, watch the Rick Steves’ travelogues.  Not only will you get to see many amazing places you might not see otherwise, he’s got loads of travel tips that are useful, even if you never travel the world.)

5.  Write

You may never be a best selling author.  So what?  Just because no one reads what you write, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write.  Write stories.  If they’re terrible, don’t feel obligated to share.  If you can’t write stories, keep a journal.  Even if the best you can do is, “Had tacos for lunch with roomie.  I think I’m going to buy that lamp I saw at Menard’s.”  These things may not seem important now, or even like something you’ll forget, but someday you may forget, and then you’ll be glad you wrote.

6.  Avoid reality television.

I’m not talking about HGTV teaching you how to pick the perfect house.  I’m talking about things like, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, Big Brother,  just to name a few.  I try to avoid reality shows, but the few times they’ve been unavoidable, the behavior shown by the stars makes me cringe.  These “stars” are vain, selfish, rude, and morals get thrown out the window if it means they could do something to increase ratings.  Reality shows don’t show what the real world is like.  What concerns me the most about them is the fact that too often it seems they advertise that this week Person X  gets into a fight Person Y.  What is that teaching a society that does nothing but watch hours and hours of this stuff?   If nothing else, avoid reality shows, because five minutes of a reality show is the most intellectually draining thing I’ve ever encountered.

I do have more to add, but it’s getting late, and I’m getting tired.  So, for now I’ll end here.

I Am Not My Size

Published August 7, 2012 by Malia

I am not fat.

My body is fat.

This mortal shell that holds my soul has enough flubber for Robin Williams to make a sequel.  Unfortunately, when I look in a mirror or see a photo of myself I don’t easily see anything beyond the flab.  Due to this, I hide from cameras (or volunteer to take the picture so there’s no actual record of me looking the way I do.)  I’m working to change this, though.

This summer I’ve made a giant effort to work out on a regular, almost daily schedule.  I’ve also taken to wearing some tops that up until this year I never would’ve considered wearing.  Mostly, this was due to the fact that it’s been so beastly hot here in Nebraska, the idea of wearing t-shirts has been overwhelming.  So, some really cute camis were purchased from Torrid, and I’ve even worn them out in public.  More than that, I’ve even taking some pictures of myself in some of them gasp!.   I’d post them, but I’ve not worked myself up to be that brave yet.

I will lose the weight.  It’s just taking time.  I wish it wasn’t so frustrating, but I suppose the frustration is what will make it worth it.

The Little Things

Published August 6, 2012 by Malia

I had an interesting conversation today.  I was spent the afternoon with my best friend and her beautiful baby, while her husband met with his guy’s group.  After the group finished, my friend and her hubby gave me a ride home.  During the ride, my friend was sitting in the front while her husband drove, and I was in the back with the baby.  My friend said something to me about my being the baby’s aunt.  This prompted her hubby to ask me if it was odd (not exact wording, but I’m forgetting the word he used) for me to be baby’s aunt when I’m not biologically related to baby.  I told him, no,because there is the possibility that this is my only shot at being an aunty.

I’m an only child, and single as single can be.  It was so special to me when my friend called  last fall to tell me that I was going to be an aunt.  She has a few more brother’s and sister’s than I do, so it’s not like baby girl would be without aunts and uncles.  Still, to be an honorary aunt means so very much to me.

Now, a baby is no little thing, but this conversation got me to thinking about the things in my life that I cherish that other’s might scoff at.  Things like Grampa’s golf marker.

A few weeks ago, my grandfather passed away.  It was a bittersweet passing.  He’d been in such bad shape, and had fought for each day for so long, it was a comfort to know that he wasn’t miserable anymore.  We had the funeral, and the following day we (mom and I) went through some of Grampa’s things that my aunt hadn’t dealt with yet.  (My aunt is seriously amazing.  She’s been an absolute rock throughout this whole ordeal.  I wish people could know how amazing she is.)  Anyway, while going through stuff, I found this:

 

(It reads, “Here Lies Roy”)

 

Considering  I found this the day immediately following the funeral and burial, this is incredibly morbid.  It’s also incredibly funny.  I know if Grampa were here he would find this incredibly funny.  It was almost like Grampa left this to remind me of his great sense of humor and incredible optimism.

The little things.  Finding contentment in the life you’ve got, even when you can’t do or have that which you want.

2 Years

Published August 5, 2012 by Malia

Not a big post tonight, but since I’m trying very hard to make an attempt at everyday blogging, it’s a post all the same.

I realized tonight that two years ago my life got turned completely upside down.  In fact, I was in such shock and depression that I spent the better part of ten days only getting out of bed for food and the bathroom.  I was a mess.  Looking back, knowing all the facts, it’s still hard, and there’s still an ache inside, but I’m so much happier now than I was then.

I’m just amazed how quickly two years can slip by.

Olympic Fatigue

Published August 4, 2012 by Malia

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not the biggest sports fan.  I don’t usually, voluntarily, sit for hours on end watching people play with balls.  All that changes, though, when it comes to the Olympics.  I love the Olympics!  I love watching sports that typically don’t get a lot of press.  I love the soft human interest stories.  I cry when the underdog wins.  I cry when our (USA) athletes do phenomenal. I cheer for the girl’s gymnastics team, and for Michael Phelps to win just one more medal.  (Seriously, they should just put him on all the cereal boxes at this point.)  However,  I think I’ve hit an Olympic sized wall.

Tonight, I was disheartened by the bad sportsmanship of the commentators during the women’s volleyball game.  The U.S. ladies were playing Serbia, and one of the commentators read something that one of the U.S. coaches had said regarding Serbia  being a worthy team to play against.  The commentator then went on this tangent about how he thought that the coach must be drinking the Kool-Aid, because some teams just aren’t worthy.  Seriously?  Sure, I was cheering for the U.S., but I wasn’t sitting there thinking, “Serbia should’ve  just stayed home, they look ridiculous.”  I can tell you that all those girls on the Serbia team are a million times better at volleyball than I am (granted, that’s not probably the best comparison).  Considering how far they’d gotten in these games, they deserved more respect than that commentator gave them.

My other issue tonight, the one that told me that I probably need a break, was the fact that when I saw they were going to show Men’s Trampoline finals, I couldn’t wait to see them, and was over the top disappointed when they only showed 5 minutes of the competition.  I enjoy watching the trampoline routines.  They’re scary, but so much fun.  I guess NBC only showed what they did because we had no one in medal contention, but still, they shouldn’t have listed it and kept mentioning it for such a brief showing.

I’ll be back watching them tomorrow night, but I’ll be taking a break during the day.

It occurred to me today that I’ve only got two more weeks at home before heading back north.  I’ve got to pack, and get my last hang out times in with my friends and family.  I’m really looking forward to this next school year, but I’m also incredibly nervous.  I know I shouldn’t be, but in some ways school is much more intimidating when you’re older than when you’re fresh out of high school.

Now, it’s time for sleep.

This blog will make you lose weight*

Published August 2, 2012 by Malia

The other day  I read this list on Pinterest of “ways to lose weight.”  On the list was, “Start a Blog.”  Well, it occurred to me that I didn’t need to start a blog, because I created this blog about a year ago.  I had this idea that I’d blog about moving away from home and going back to school as an “old lady.”  Well, I think I only had one blog entry, and it ended up getting deleted because it was written in anger and frustration.  I sounded like a whiny baby.  However, the blog remains.  It’s pretty much unused, and since I’m considering this new school year a restart, I’m going to attempt to do what I was going to do a year ago.  So, here’s to a new school year, and the goal of a successfully up-kept blog.

 

*Results are inconclusive at this point.