Bring Change 2 Mind

Grad school has seemingly sucked out all the energy for my creativity to write, so while I spend the next few days soul searching I thought I'd share (yet another) youtube clip. Its a PSA for the campaign Bring Change 2 Mind, which advocates for the destigmatization of mental illness in society, as well as bringing support to those suffering from, or who know people who are suffering from a mental illness. As a psychologist-in-training, it is a passion of mine to bring awareness to the general public the misconceptions about mental illness that have gone on far to long.

Here's the video that caught my attention, featuring Glenn Close. I also included a link for the campaigns website after the video:




http://bringchange2mind.org/

Love

As this is the second week of midterms this post will be quite short:

I happend across this trailer will purusing through the internet and was pleasantly surprised. Love is a film to be released in early 2010 by the band members of Angels & Airwaves. Immediately I was skeptical when I read that first introduction, but the trailer really impressed me. The story centers around an astronaut that becomes isolated and stranded in orbit.

The trailer reinds me a bit, conceptually, of The Fountain. I am at once intrigued and skeptical of the film, but also remain optimistic of this movie as the trailer looks quite promising.

Check the bands website which is full of content on the movie: http://modlife.com/angelsandairwaves

And here's the trailer:

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

In light of Halloween coming up I decided to show some of my favorite non-scary Halloween movies:

Nightmare Before Christmas



Casper



Edward Scissorhands

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

Twilight Woods

I am currently sitting amongst piles of papers and stacks of books in front of a day long marathon of Grey's Anatomy - welcome to finals week. Before this started I did manage a little shopping spree to help stave off the inevitable. One of my stops was at Bath & Body Works where I discovered what I have now termed 'My scent of the season.'

Twilight Woods

According to the Bath & Body Works website: "Master perfumers have blended apricot nectar, mimosa petals and Tuscan cypress to create this hypnotic fragrance, inspired by a romantic walk in enchanted woods. "

I can only describe the scent as sweet while still having a warmth to it. I tend to shy away from fruity scents as they remind me too much of sprays I used as a teenager - but the light sophistication of this scent is what drew me in. Always a little wary of trying too a new fragrance I decided to pick up the roll on version. At only $7.50 I figured I couldn't go wrong and I am so excited that I did. I highly recommend picking up this scent!

(image from Bath & Body Works website: www.bathandbodyworks.com)

Paranormal Activity: Spoilers

So I just got out of a screening of the new horror film Paranormal Activity. Overall I felt that the movie was okay, nothing too incredible - but worth a trip to see if your into horror movies. I wanted to review the movie since it's been forever since I've seen one in theatres, but in order to talk about this movie there will be some definite major spoilers (you've been warned)....

I felt that the movie had definite potential, but it was comparable to the TV show "A Haunting." Where there are reenactments and nothing is taken too seriously. I've heard that a lot of people were laughing/talking during screenings of this and I will be the first to admit that I was one of those people. I definitely was scared that things were going to jump out at me during the movie, but it was not one of those films that stayed with me afterwards. The character development was interesting - as the film continued and the demonic happenings increased Micah became more of an a**hole and Katie more of a witch with a b. By the end of the movie I felt that Micah had it coming to him after being so mean to Katie and then antagonizing the demon. The Ouija board scene was somewhat laughable mainly because it was predictable and then having it catch fire was a bit over the top. It was a bit of a tease to go into the story about the other possessed girl and then not learn anything more about it. I suppose its because its a mock-u-mentary, and we aren't suppose to learn anymore than the characters do but I found it rather frustrating. I suppose after years of horror films I'm conditioned to want to know why the person is being followed around by a demon, not just how the demon is follow them around.

The whole ending I felt was a bit of a cop out. Not only was Micah the dumbest character to not realize how clearly messed up Katie was (aka possessed), but the ending felt a bit over the top. Obviously the movie was going to have some sort of major ending, but it felt like it was too far of a stretch compared to the previous scenes. To have possessed Katie throw her dead boyfriends body at the camera and then stare creepily at him/camera for an ending was a bit too traditional Hollywood ending for a movie that survived off of more subtle things (like the noises and the sheets moving).

Overall I felt the movie was okay. Definitely not the best horror film I've seen, but worth a look just to see what all the hypes about. Apparently it was leaked on the Internet awhile ago and there are various endings. After reading about them I would have gone with just ending with her rocking on the floor, totally creepy. The character development was nice, with the couple getting more hostile toward each other and the demon feeding off the negative energy. I liked that the movie's scare was fueled more by what you didn't see or assumed was happening. As the audience was limited by seeing only what the supposed handheld camera saw I felt like my imagination filled in and added to the on edge feel. Additionally, it was interesting watching a film without a score behind it - I hadn't really noticed it till I read off of a few message boards. I suppose the demon's footsteps provided the "soundtrack" for the film.

I feel this is a DVD rental unless you have some deep desire to see what all the hype is about.

Victoria Secret Chicago

I recently received my birthday "gift card" courtesy of Victoria Secret in the mail. I am debating whether I should check out their new store on Michigan Avenue Thursday and try to use it. According to the website the new Chicago will have personalized shopping and concierge service, in addition to an expanded section of their traditional intimates. I wont lie I'm a little intimidated. In preparation for the grand opening Thursday Victoria Secret has a whole week of events including a signing with Marisa Miller and a collection of the infamous angel wings.

Needless to say I am intrigued and intimidated by this whole thing and may just wait to use my cheapy gift card...

P.S. Yes they have a website dedicated solely to this new opening: www.vschicago.com

Dear John

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks was one of the few books I can say I read cover-to-cover. It was heartbreakingly beautiful and painfully realistic. The book is about a man named John Tyree who on leave from the army falls in love with a girl named Savannah. He promises to marry her and quit the army...then 9/11 happens. Its a Nicholas Sparks book so its full of unrealistic romantic lines and tearful acts all under the context of a southern sun. I suppose it resonated with me mainly because the years in which I started to formulate an understanding of romantic love was also the time when I came to understand more deeply the idea of war. Now (unfortunately) this marriage of the two has become common place, particularly among people my age.

The trailer looks promising, although I haven't been all that thrilled with movie interpretations of Spark's books in the past I am hopeful. The cast looks great. The song they use in the trailer is Snow Patrol's (featuring Martha Wainwright) "Set Fire in the Third Bar."

Glee

After a birthday weekend battling a horrendous cold its things like this that make me smile...

Missing the Music

I haven't seen a musical in a while. I watched Glee the other day and realized just how much I miss theatre. I have been trying to figure out what show to get tickets to and came across this youtube clip. I will admit that despite the general buzz surrounding the show (Jersey Boys) I really had no clue what it was about. But after watching the performance at the Tony's I will admit to being intrigued...

Adoption

I was recently surfing the Internet and noticed just how many times the use of the word "adopted child" came up. It was particularly prevalent in terms of explaining a family's child in terms of a family's biological children. It was a bit disheartening. As an adopted child myself when asked who my mother was I never hesitated to answer - my adopted mother was/is/will always be my mother. Designating that a child is the "adopted child" sounds as though while they are that family's children they are really not their family's kids - at least as not as much as their biological kids.

I remember reading an article once with Michelle Pfeiffer. It was the actress's second interview with the same interviewer (though years earlier). The interviewer mentioned that they remembered Pfeiffer correcting them that her daughter was not her "adopted daughter," but merely her daughter. That thought struck me. As an Asian child brought up in an entirely white family it was never really a huge question about whether I was adopted or not - that being said people seemingly need the label in order to make sense of what they see.

Needless to say it's all just my opinion and perhaps some people are more comfortable being called the "adopted child." As for me I will just continue to refer to those who are adopted as children...

Exercise

I need to work out soon...


Maybe this will motivate me


See more videos on modelinia.com

Letting Myself Off the Hook

The dreaded daily planner. I am currently sitting next to mine as it mocks me. Looming over me, I will admit there are days when I am scared to even open its cover to reveal its contents. Seemingly innocent it's the equivalent of the "Daily Chore Chart" from my childhood. Its check-list of items enormous, it seemingly taunts me at my inability to even get through half the items.

To be fair, I recognize that I create these unrealistic check-lists. That somehow when creating these lists I imagine myself living in this fantasy world where I wake up early, run 10 miles, help feed all the hungry, shelter stray kittens, read entire encyclopedias, and have time to be back home by 6 to scrapbook it all... Needless to say that is not my life (or anyone's).

And while my life certainly holds its fair share of procrastination time I also have the tendency to wear myself out. As such I have decided to designate today as the day I let myself off the hook. While I know there are items I need to complete (dishes, homework, thank you cards...the list goes on) I also realize that allergies, poor sleep, and stress have all led to a minor burnout on the part of this new graduate student. I looked around today at my classmates - all seemed to share the same sentiment. No one quite prepares you for this going into graduate school and perhaps you can't understand it unless you experience it firsthand.

So here's to tomorrow, the day where I figure out how to bring about world peace, discover a cure to an incurable illness, fix the ozone layer, and accomplish all my homework : )

(photo -freedigitalphotos.net)

Reflection of the Day

I feel like this past month I have been neglecting key elements of my life and have been quite lazy in other areas. Chalking it up to having relocated I find myself in a state of passiveness which I am starting to resent. Its been a month now that I've been in Chicago. It scares me a bit how quickly time has passed, it seems just yesterday I was unpacking my things. It also scares me how little things have changed. That will change...

Honeymoon is over, the luster and shine of being in a new place has been replaced by the knowledge that work is still work no matter where you go. Stress and anxiety will follow you regardless of location - same feeling new place. That being said I am loving the city, it still gives me a sense of renewal and hopefulness that I feel I was lacking back in Boston. I am confident that this month will bring about more change (good or bad) that will hopefully bring me out of this passive state.

Today I am grateful for my understanding of what I have taken for granted. I came home to find a sign on my door declaring that due to construction my building would be without water. Needless to say my day plans are now shot, I then proceeded to complain all day. Upon further reflection I realized how much I take for granted that when I turn on the tap water comes out. Instead of bemoaning that for eight hours of one day I will be without water I should be praising the fact that for the rest of the time it does. Needless to say this puts my predicament in a greater light.

So here's to hoping that the next month will bring about just as many revelations, changes, and accomplishments...

New Moon

Alright I'll admit it I didn't read the entire Twilight book. With all the hype surrounding the second movie installment New Moon - I feel like I should probably start reading so I wont be totally out of the loop. The newest trailer was just shown at the Video Music Awards on MTV. All I can say is - (a) Dakota Fanning looks incredibly creepy in this film, (B) it looks a lot cooler than the first one, (c) clearly both a and b having something to do with what I presume is a larger budget than the last film.

Zachary Quinto

No for the five billionth time I don't watch Heroes! It seems since the show started everyone has asked me why not - mainly because I'm not a huge TV watcher and because adding more fuel to the fact that I am a complete nerd would possible cause an inferno...and then I watched Star Trek (yes I understand how hypocritical I sound in this statement but the Star Trek franchise was well established before the concept of Heroes was even hatched). Needless to say I was blown away by not only the film but by Spock (aka Zachary Quinto).

So on a whim (okay while putting off reading the encyclopedia-like stack of psychology books I have to read) I decided to see if he's been in anything else. Of course as soon as I type in his name a ton of Heroes stuff pops up. I was vaguely aware he was in the show, what I was not aware of was that he was a serial killer who plays in peoples brains...you might have me hooked right there.

An actor who can play a serial killer as well as play one of the most recognizable characters of geekdom and still look good doing it...count me in.

Forgot to mention funny. I've seen the hostage tape he posted on http://www.funnyordie.com/ but this fan made video really made me smile....

Coraline

Netflix may just ruin my life. I just started my subscription and I already have a ton of movies in my dvd queue, not to mention a ton in my instant queue. After watching Starship Troopers for the five hundredth time I decided to pop in the dvd that was actually mailed to me....Coraline

Now I am a huge Neil Gaiman fan. So needless to say when this movie came out in theatres it was with the best of intentions that I missed it on the big screen. I regret it now after having watched it at home last night. The movie follows a young girl named Coraline (Dakota Fanning) who moves with her family to a set of apartments called the Pink Palace Apartments. Her parents (Terri Hatcher and John Hodgman) are overworked and have little time to spend with Coraline so she decides to explore her new house. There she discovers a tiny door that leads to another house that looks exactly like her own only better. This world is inhabited by her 'other' Mother and Father (also voiced by Terri Hatcher and John Hodgman). These parents are attentive to her, giving her things, and playing with her. Needless to say Coraline spends more and more time with her 'other' parents. Eventually they ask her to stay with them with just one catch....she must sew buttons in place of her eyes like they have. When Coraline refuses this starts to cause problems and she begins to see that the other world may not be such a perfect place.

This movie was fantastical in the way that only a Neil Gaiman movie could be. Shot in stop-motion animation the pure joy of viewing this movie was enough for me. I agree with most people in saying this movie is definitely not meant for small children. It can definitely get quite creepy at some points in the story, and the stop-animation only adds to this factor. That being said I loved the movie! Its definitely worth picking up if like me you didn't get to see if in theatres. (bonus: the dvd I got from Netflix had an optional side to view the movie in 3-d!)

Bourgeois Pig

I had only been in Chicago a few days when I knew I needed to eat something other than microwavable meals. Being new to the area I relied on the advise of a food critic much wiser than myself...Rachael Ray. Apparently Ms. Ray had visited Chicago for her Food Network show Tasty Travels. One of the places she visited was the Bourgeois Pig.

This cafe is located right near DePaul University, but don't let that fool you. Its not your typical Starbuck's knockoff. The menu offers such sandwich selections as 'The Sun Also Rises' and 'The Secret Garden.' If the selection of sandwiches, salads, deserts, and drinks doesn't impress you then the atmosphere will. Unpretentious, this restaurant feels more like a warm and inviting house.

Ms. Ray was definitely on to something when she visited this cafe in her travels. Check it out at: http://www.bpigcafe.com/

First Day of Classes!

These past few weeks have alternated between being exceptionally busy and being ridiculously low key. I find that my ability to cope with being alone for long periods of time has been quite helpful since moving to Chicago. I have decided to take this time in Chicago to really get to know myself as well as to fall in love with the city. Like any good relationship, getting to know a city takes time and is something that shouldn't be rushed. Needless to say I have already developed a bit of a 'crush' on the city.

Today was my first day of classes. As with every first day of classes I deliberated in front of my closet for a good twenty minutes before deciding exactly what to wear. Butterflies continued to dominate me even as I entered the classroom...luckily the people were all really nice. It helps that other people are in the exact same position - moving to a new city and starting school. Nothing brings people together quite like uncomfortable, new situations.

On a lighter note I was skimming through the Boston Globes online website (can you tell I'm still a bit homesick) and came across this article on Urban foraging. Basically people look for produce anywhere, which can include growing in between sidewalk cracks and by the roadside. There is even a video attached to the article that shows a man foraging for food. People are becoming more economically and ecologically mindful, and while I don't know that I will join in this type of food gathering anytime soon it certainly is interesting. I did notice today that there were stalks of corn growing out of a small patch of earth near the front of a gas station today (no joke!), so it seems that everyone is attempting to do their part!

Check out the article:

A new movement redefines local food - The Boston Globe

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Water for Elephants

Amongst the chaos that surrounded unpacking my new apartment I did manage to finish Sara Gruen's novel "Water for Elephants." The book is told in flashbacks by a man named Jacob Jankowski who remembers his days as part of a traveling circus.

I picked this up after seeing it on so many 'Must Read' lists and always being displayed prominently at just about every local bookstore. I am glad I decided to pick it up as it is one of my favorite books I've read so far this year. I particularly enjoyed the historical aspect of this book. Gruen (as per the ending notes and her website) took particular care in researching traveling circuses, including the language used by those working on such circuses.

I was also impressed by the authors portrayal of Jacob during his elderly years. Very rarely do I pick up a novel now-a-days where the main character is or is portrayed during his golden years. Told with humor and wit, the character of Jacob defies the stereotypes that are commonly associated with those of old age, which I found to be quite refreshing.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. An easy read, that held me captivated from page one - something (I will admit) is not an easy feat. I highly recommend reading it if you get a chance, as I type this right now I have already lent my copy out...

Chicago

Today is one of those miserable days where all you want to do is stay inside wrapped in a blanket and watch chick flicks all day. Luckily I have my Netflix movie, plenty of work to do online for school, more cleaning -- oh my adventurous life.

At least I am here in Chicago on this miserable day. That being said out of all the days to be absent from Massachusetts this one is one I almost wish I were home for.

RIP - Ted Kennedy

Reflections on Boston

I'm sitting here amongst boxes of my former life in Boston. My roommate of three years has just hugged me goodbye. Its one of those moments that I'm trying to gather all these emotions that cannot be adequately expressed in words. Today was our day together - last day as roommates hanging out. Instead of it being this somewhat reflective day of long meaningful talks we ended up going shopping together. Falling into our usual routine, just like any other day. I think its a bit too painful for me to comprehend that tomorrow I am packing my life up in a uhaul to move. This chapter of my life is over. I feel like this is the case for many of my friends. Following college graduation - we are forced to recognize that we are adults. The thing we have been striving toward for the last few years is finally here. Its scary, real, and at the same time exciting. I am reminded of this similar feeling when I left for college. The feeling of anticipation, excitement, and pure nerves. The worry that I would never be able to find anything as good as my life at home...five years later I am finding it hard to leave once again. Knowing this comforts me slightly as I remember that five years ago I felt the same dread/anticipation at the thought of Boston.

I know the exact moment when I will start to feel this for real. Its going to be when I arrive in Chicago and I am face with my first full night/day alone. When the full weight of what I have decided to take on hits me and I realize that for once in my life I have decided to take a risk. As with any risk there is the loom of failure in the back of my mind (I believe a life of hibernation and the word hermit were used...). Leaving Boston is like leaving a comfortable bubble for me. Full of friends, easily found opportunities, areas I know...I feel like if I don't take a risk now I never will. Faced with the possibilities of having either tried and failed, or staying in comfort I choose the former.

I don't know how this new part of my life will turn out, but I do know this... I will never forget the people or the times I've had here in Boston. Boston has my heart. I am sure I will grow to love my newly adopted city, but it will never replace anything I have had here in Boston. So it is with an open mind and heart that I leave this city (my first true love) to embark on another adventure.

Heavy Rotation

Occasionally I find myself listening to the same tunes over and over again - think comfort food but with music. As the packing is winding down and I spend my last few days in Boston, saying goodbye to friends and familiar places I have found music to be quite comforting. Here are a few that are burning up the counter on my iTunes:

• 1901 - Phoenix


• Electric Feel - MGMT


• Life in Technicolor - Coldplay


• Come Together - The Beatles


• Unbound - Robbie Robertson


• Jump Rope - Blue October

Legion

I'm sure that this movie will cause lots of controversy when its finally released in theatres in 2010 - either way the trailer looks amazing, in particular Paul Bettany as a kick ass angel:

Movie List

So there are a number of films that are going to be released later this year that are slowly making their way onto my list of movies to see. While I am still chipping away at my list from this summer, here are a few films that I am hoping to see in theatres this year:


New York, I Love You
I remember when I first heard about Paris je t'aime (Paris, I Love You). The concept was inventive - a movie composed of short films showcasing Paris. I enjoyed watching the film so I was a bit concerned when I heard that they were transferring the concept to a different city...New York. Now I suppose if you were to pick another big city to try to replicate a similar movie, New York would definitely be on that list. Perhaps I am just a little cynical as to the number of big names attached to this film, as opposed to the Paris one. Either way I will most likely check out this film when it comes out in theatres on October 16.

Here's the newest trailer for the film, featuring Phoenix's 1901:



The Lovely Bones
Here is another film based upon a novel that I have been intending to read for quite some time. Alice Sebold's book will be brought to the big screen later on this year. I will admit that what first caught my eye about this film was that it was directed by Peter Jackson (aka the director behind The Lord of the Rings films). That being said after watching the trailer for the film - not only am I hooked, but another book has also been added to my 'Must Read' list.



It's Complicated
I love Meryl Streep - her acting is superb, her choices of movies are usually fantastic, and at the age of 60 she looks amazing. Needless to say her next film "It's Complicated" looks like it'll satisfy both for a good laugh along with an actual plot line.

Here's the trailer:

Flobots - Handlebars

After a six day long stretch of work I am finally ready to relax (aka pack for Chicago), and finally figure out the name of the song I've had stuck in my head all day long...

Betsy Frost Design

While rummaging amongst some of the great pieces at the Massachusetts College of Art sale a few months back I came across a necklace by Betsy Frost. As I was in need of a mother's day gift at the time I felt the "Round Cage" with red stone was the perfect piece. Recently my mother bought me the "Pinched Pearl" necklace of which I am absolutely in love. Going through the website I found I wanted just about every piece, which is a rarity. Unique, yet classy I will definitely be shopping again from Betsy Frost Design. Check it out: http://www.betsyfrostdesign.com/

Shutter Island

In anticipation of a recent trip home (aka tons of free time to myself) I decided to pick up a few books. One was Dennis Lehane's "Shutter Island."

The book centers around U.S. Deputy Marshall Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule who are investigating the disappearance of a patient on Shutter Island - home to Ashecliff, a prison for the criminally insane. As the story continues it becomes obvious that more is going on with both the hospital/prison and the deputies themselves.

I confess that I first became interested in reading this book when I heard that it was going to be made into a movie soon. That combined with the buzz around the MA area (the book takes place in the Boston area) and the amazing trailer that just came out convinced me to pick it up. While the beginning was a bit slow to start with, the plot soon picked up pace and was quite easy to read. I literally couldn't put this book down. The book takes what could have simply been a traditional mystery book and added elements of a psychology to create a book that left me speechless upon finishing it. I cannot wait to see the movie!

In case you haven't seen the trailer:

Lightning

The rain again upsetting my plans for exploring Boston - think torrential downpours not light showers. While I am not one to shy away from rain if I need to accomplish something - a day in does not sound too terrible. At least its not thundering and lightning outside. I have always been petrified of lightning. That being said I will readily admit that it produces some of the most spectacular light shows, as is proof in this post on the Boston Globe's blog "The Big Picture." Check it out:

Lightning - The Big Picture - Boston.com

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Annabel Lee

This is one of my favorite poems that I just stumbled upon and fell in love with again...

Annabel Lee
by Edgar Allan Poe

It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of ANNABEL LEE;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea;
But we loved with a love that was more than love-
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her highborn kinsman came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went envying her and me-
Yes!- that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud by night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we-
Of many far wiser than we-
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling- my darling- my life and my bride,
In the sepulchre there by the sea,
In her tomb by the sounding sea.

Lars and the Real Girl

About a year ago I caught a BBC documentary called "Love Me, Love My Doll." The documentary concerned men who owned and have fallen in love with their full size dolls called "real dolls." These dolls are anatomically correct, life-size, and built according to the specifications of the customer. Needless to say I was a little more than disturbed at watching the documentary, but fascinated as well.

So when I heard about the plot of Lars and the Real Girl I was a bit apprehensive. People have been telling me for the past year to go and rent this movie - and I am glad that I decided to pick it up. The movie focuses on Lars (Ryan Gosling) a socially awkward man who purchases a "real doll" that he believes is a real woman named Bianca. The local doctor recognizes this as a delusion and urges Lars's family to accept Bianca as a real person in order to determine why Lars has created her as such. Eventually not only Lars's family, but the town comes to treat Bianca as a real person.

The movie was fun in a quirky sort of way. The treatment of delusions was something I found to be most interesting. This story would not have been half as interesting had the town not chosen to embrace Lars' delusion as a way to help him through it. The best scene by far was Emily Mortimer's, when she scolds Lars for saying that no one cares about him - as the entire town has bent over backwards to accept Bianca because they care about him. The movie was definitely enjoyable and refreshingly different. The quality acting just added to the movie - so glad I decided to pick this one up!

The Time Traveler's Wife

So I finished The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and am absolutely thrilled that I did. I was hesitant at first by the length of the book, but was soon swept away by the whole love story. The book alternates perspectives between both of the novels main characters - Henry and Claire. While the changes in perspectives as well as jumps in time might have hindered other less well written books, it was surprisingly easy to read.

The premise of the story - a love story that is hindered by one character's inability to predict where in time they will be - was something that appealed to me as its not the same recycled love story plot. Niffenegger's use of different perspectives not only added to the story, but also helped to add more to the character's themselves. In addition to the obviously sad elements of the novel there was also a healthy amount of humor infused in the character's thoughts about their situation. While this could have easily been another sappy romance novel in Niffenegger's hands it becomes an epic love story between two people who find themselves falling in love with less than ideal circumstances.

I am looking forward to the movie even more and am hoping it does the book justice...

Alice in Wonderland

So the teaser trailer for Tim Burton's much anticipated Alice in Wonderland is up. The first pictures of the movie were enough to cause quite a stir and I am sure that the teaser will do the same. Hopefully the movie will live up to the hype that has surrounded it.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

The wait is finally over - I got to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince last night. The movie was everything I had hoped for and more after all that anticipation!

The movie picks up exactly where the last one did. Its the sixth year at Hogwarts for Harry and his friends, but the world for them has changed significantly as Voldemort's army of Death Eaters continues to rampage the wizarding world as they try to gain control again.

The movie (like the book) continues to get darker and more complex as Harry Potter grows older. What caught me a little off guard was the humor that was present in this film - while the darkest so far of the films, it was also the funniest. It helped to offset the somber mood of the film. As the kids at Hogwarts grow older so do their emotions. While also fighting off the bad guys, the kids (or teens I should say) were also dealing with relationships. It seems like only yesterday they were celebrating turning 11! This led to some of the funniest scenes. I'm not quite sure why it was rated PG instead of PG-13 (other than to get more viewers) as there were some parts that even made me scream (particularly the lake scene!).

The movie was incredible - slightly depressing - but absolutely incredible. Plot-wise and visually this movie was fantastic to see. One of my favorites in the series so far!

Dr. Seuss

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one
alive who is youer than you.

- Dr. Seuss

(image generated by Wordle - www.wordle.net)

Library Heartache

Bates Room

(Photo taken from Boston Globe website - www.boston.com)

So today I found myself wandering amongst the stacks at the Boston Public Library for the millionth time and found myself getting quite teary eyed as I realized that a month from now I will no longer be able to do so. Libraries have always been kind of like a second home to me. When I was little I used to wish that I would get stuck in the library overnight (think From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler just replace the museum with a library). As I grew older I actually volunteered at my local small town library - it was small but there was something that was very comforting about it.

When I went to college one of the first things I did was go to the Boston Public Library and get a card. I'm sorry to say the card has been quite under-utilized in the last few years. Studying, partying, etc. took up most of my reading for pleasure time. As the years ticked away during my undergrad experience I begin to use the library more and more. And here is where the love affair begin...

The Boston Public Library houses 6.1 million books (per the library's website) as well as housing rarer books, manuscripts, maps, etc. The overall structure of the library is quite impressive - I feel that in the short time I've been through the library there are still many places that I have not thoroughly visited. There are lecture halls, exhibits, a restaurant, an open courtyard in the middle of the library (one of my favorite spots), and absolutely tons of areas to rest, read, or study. There is something comforting in walking through the rows and rows of books and knowing all that knowledge is there for the taking. I will miss being able to access such a wealth of resources in moving to another city and feel that my fondness for the Boston Public Library is not likely to change in the next few years. I just hope that during the next five years of my education I take advantage of all the city has to offer - including its library.

As for now - with about one month left to go - I am determined to spend as much time exploring the city as possible, and this includes the library.

Gracefully Insane

So despite not finishing most of my goals for last week I was able to finish one of the books on the pile: Gracefully Insane: Life and Death Inside America's Premier Mental Hospital by Alex Beam.

The book focuses on McLean Hospital a mental institution in Belmont, MA. The hospital is well known for its history of psychiatric care as well as its list of rather famous patients. Beam takes a look at McLean's history - from its first conception to the lavish lifestyle that the hospital afforded its patients during their stay. At first seen as a rich individuals retreat, the hospital itself went through some radical changes as society and medicine changed. In addition to detailing for the reader how psychiatry and the hospital has changed over the years, Beam also provided some insight into the lives of the patients themselves. Beam - a Boston Globe writer - talked not only about some of the famous patients that earned their McLean "degree," but those whose stories would not have been known save for the few pages in this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this particular book. While at times the book was a bit slow, the overall clip of the book was entertaining. While its a monstrous task to include the entire history of McLean Hospital within one book I feel like Beam did a superb job. The book did not stay on any one particular topic too long - rather it touched upon certain key advancements (either good or bad) that took place during the hospitals history. I particularly enjoyed reading about the hospital when it was first built and was treated rather as a retreat for the rich rather than a psychiatric facility. Those interested in the history of psychology should definitely check this book out.

Nights in Rodanthe

I am almost hesitant writing about the movie Nights in Rodanthe...

The movie concerns two people who spend the weekend at a bed and breakfast in Rodanthe, North Carolina (hence the title) and fall in love. The movie brings together again Richard Gere (as Paul) and Diane Lane (as Adrienne). Both Paul and Adrienne find themselves drawn to each other during this weekend as they deal with their own respective personal crises. Paul is a well known doctor who is being sued from the husband of a former patient who died during an operation. In addition he is trying to mend his strained relationship with his son who he hasn't seen for quite some time. Adrienne in turn is struggling with whether to allow her husband to come back after he cheated on her. The movie is based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks.

I can honestly say I went into this movie with such hope - Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors. The man can write a good love story, but so far all the movie adaptations of his books have not been able to really captivate me quite as much. (side note: though I do admit to owning The Notebook on DVD I still prefer the book) That being said as its been years since I picked up this book and I distinctly remember not finishing it I went into this movie with no ability to compare it to the novel. To be honest this movie was boring. The lines felt too cheesy, the acting too stiff. There was not magic and no real reason to invest emotionally in any of the characters. The plot felt tired and too predictable. I wanted badly to enjoy this film but found my attention wandering elsewhere. This is one movie I would say to skip.

Push

Another Redbox choice: Push

The movie is focused on a group of individuals who are gifted with psychic abilities. These individuals are constantly hunted by a government agency known as the Division. The Division hopes to use a drug to enhance these psychic gifts and use them as weapons. The only problem with the drug...it kills the people who are injected with it. That is until it is injected into Kira (Camilla Bell) - a Pusher or individual who can insert or push certain thoughts or memories into others - who then promptly escapes from Division. The story heavily focuses on Kira's former lover Nick Gant (Chris Evans) - a Mover or individual who has the ability to move objects- who is trying to protect Kira, as well as try to bring down Division with the help of Cassie Holmes (Dakota Fanning) - a Watcher or individual who has the ability to see visions of the future.

I had been skeptical at first of seeing this movie when it had originally been in theatres, but figured that I had nothing to lose for $1 out of the Redbox. I really enjoyed the film. The entire story took place in Hong Kong, which I felt added to the feel of the film. The story wasn't too complicated and I found myself wishing there was more when the film ended, as the ending felt somewhat incomplete (i.e. the inevitable open ending for a possible sequel). The acting was a bit choppy - Dakota Fanning in particular. Overall I felt my $1 was well spent for almost 2 hours of quality entertainment.

Public Enemies

I like baseball, movies, good clothes, whiskey, fast cars ... and you. What else you need to know? - Public Enemies

Public Enemies is a movie that showcases the FBI's attempts to capture notorious criminals during the Great Depression era. Specifically the movie looks at John Dillinger (played by Johnny Depp) and the criminals he comes in contact with while trying to evade FBI agent Melvin Purvis (played by Christian Bale).

This movie was just what I needed - a little escapism in a somewhat difficult day. The movie was shot so as almost to appear as though it were footage from the 1930's. The camera was shaky (think a little like the Blair Witch Project), but not so much that it distracted from the film. There were a few points where the filming felt a bit overly dramatic, but not many.

The acting was superb, particularly on the part of Depp who played Dillinger. While I've read a few reviews that faulted the film for not providing insight into why Dillinger was the way he was. When watching the film I was under the impression that this background information was not important. As stated in the film when Depp, playing Dillinger, summarizes his life story in about two sentences.

Needless to say I recommend this movie. Its worth it for Depp alone (acting and looks...), but if you were hoping to see a movie offering more insight into the life of John Dillinger than I suggest looking elsewhere.

T.E. Lawrence Quote

"All men dream; but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act out their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.”

- T.E. Lawrence

Flirty Girl Fitness

So as I prepare for my big move to Chicago I have also been trying to research the city and surrounding area for things to do. Part of the research has involved looking for a new gym, which lead me to the website of Flirty Girl Fitness.

Flirty Girl Fitness is a gym for the woman who doesn't like traditional gyms. Offering classes like pole dancing, G.I. Jane, and Coyote Ugly - this gym quickly strips away the memories of traditional aerobic and step classes. In addition to offering a ton of classes Flirty Girl Fitness also offers a nail spa, juice bar, and a licensed bar.

A gym where I can take strip classes, get my nails done, and drink at the same time - where do I sign up?! While prices are a bit high for my grad student budget ($110/month for a regular membership) I could totally see myself doing a drop-in class or picking up the studio's workout DVDs.

Check it out at: http://www.flirtygirlfitness.com/

Be There Between 12 and 6

Here are a few goals I have for the upcoming week:

• Figure out what classes to register for my first semester of graduate school!


• Finish my thank you notes


• Finish at least one book that currently resides in the ever increasing stack next to my bed


• Exercise at least 2-3 times this week


• Try to regain a somewhat more normal sleep schedule


• Go to physical therapy


• Try to eat healthier this week aka no "Chips for dinner" nights


• Try one new restaurant


• See a matinee movie (probably Public Enemies)

Normally I don't make such specific goals for the week, but I am feeling particularly frustrated at being stuck at home as I wait for an "appointment" with the gas maintenance worker (hence the title of this post)

Have You Ever Gone A Little Psycho Over A Guy?

I was reading this blog post on Glamour magazine's "Single-ish" blog and it made me laugh: "Have You Ever Gone A Little Psycho Over A Guy?" The blog basically describes a situation where the writer got a bit obsessed following a break-up and invites readers to share similar stories. I can honestly say I read every single comment that was made to this posting. Some made me laugh, some made me reminisce, and some were too eerily like my own past experiences that I quickly skimmed down.

Needless to say I feel that most reader's were familiar with the drunken text/call and/or possible facebook stalking -- what got me was how similar these comments were. Several of the comments expressed great relief that they were not alone. That while they admit they went overboard they were happy to realize that Grey Goose, a broken heart, and a fully charged cell phone are often times a bad combination.

Well here's to hoping that everyone had a great holiday weekend and turned off their cell phones if need be. And here's a link to the original article:

Have You Ever Gone A Little Psycho Over A Guy?: glamour.com

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The Time Traveler's Wife

I remember when Audrey Niffenegger's novel The Time Traveler's Wife came out I was intrigued, but wasn't sure if the novel would interest me. Flash forward a couple of years and I find out that a movie will be made, which may save me from reading what had previously looked like a daunting novel at approximately 560 pages. As I began to hear more and more about the premise of the movie (and the novel) I started to doubt my initial dismissal of reading the book.

Then the trailer came out...

and I realize that I definitely need to pick up this book before the movie hits theatres August 14. By the end of this week I will have another book on the pile next to my bed. Here's the trailer that made me change my mind and reconsider buying the book. As a side note it also made me download Lifehouse's song "Broken" which is featured toward the end of the trailer.

I Hate Mondays...

Or more importantly I hate days that start off with this phrase: Please don't throw up. Please don't throw up. Please don't throw up...

That is how my Monday started. After 3 1/2 days of not sleeping, 4 shifts (1 turn around), and completely demolishing my back I finally reached my breaking point. With over 10 more days to go until physical therapy starts my day off started out with a bang. As I proceeded to sleeply try to do the least I had written on my "To Do" List, while also simultaneously trying not to be sick I realized that eventually I have to start taking better care of myself. My only day off turning into a complete nightmare I then decided to correct the situation by a carefully crafted secrete of mine...shopping.

By shopping I mean agonizingly trying to make it to the Walgreens down the street. It was then I realized just how cursed my day was. For not only was it my day off and a day of excruciating pain, but it was also sunny outside. Yes folks after days of soul drenching rain it was finally sunny and nice outside. I'm sure those individuals working also cursed as they stared out their windows at just how nice today was. Me? I cursed and then shuffled down to the pharmacy where (in an attempt to make myself feel better) proceeded to purchase $40 worth of makeup and beauty supplies. Kodak moment of the day: me viewing the total for how much "cheap" makeup I had purchased.

So in the effort to be held accountable in this time of cutting back here is the breakdown:

• 1 curling iron (to be fair this was on sale for $4.99)


• Two packages of hair clips (they keep breaking on me)


• Milani nail polish (okay I could have done without this)


• Burt's Bees body wash (I also could have done without this purchase...)


• Revlon Beyond Natural Cream to Powder Eye Shadow


• Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Kit


• InColor Liquid Eye Liner

Best purchase of the day: Spending $12 to get advanced tickets for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Feeling at the end of day...priceless (with full realization that working tomorrow for these purchases may change that feeling).