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).

Confessions of a Wedding Planner

If I could choose a profession other than psychology it would have to be wedding planner. I watch all the wedding shows, seen The Wedding Planner like 500 times. And while I myself don't know if I'll ever get married, I like the planning and detail that goes behind such a big event. That being said when I came across an article in Cosmopolitan called "Confessions of a Wedding Planner," I knew I had to read it. In it a wedding planner discusses some signs that they've seen while planning weddings that indicate a couple may not be headed for matrimonial bliss. The article also had me laughing because it reminded me of The Wedding Planner when Jennifer Lopez's character dooms Matthew McConaughey's future marriage based on the couple's choice of a first dance song. While no one can predict exactly how a marriage will turn out the article is definitely and interesting one.

Here's the article and the scene from The Wedding Planner:

Confessions of a Wedding Planner

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Slumdog Millionaire

What can I say about Slumdog Millionaire that hasn't already been said? I had delayed watching this movie for awhile as the hype surrounding it had initially turned me off. I will admit that as I popped this into my laptop my original thought was that I would simultaneously try to get some other things done as well. Additionally I had originally predicted that I would only watch half the movie and save the rest for later. Neither of these predictions came true as within 30 minutes I was completely engrossed in the movie and watched it till approximately 12 am.

The story was incredible in the traditional love story sense. Romance movies these days are often less about epic love stories and more about cheesy romantic comedies, filled with predictable plot lines. Not only was this story ridiculously romantic, but it's plot was equally as amazing. I cannot stress how much I enjoyed this film and that if you haven't seen it definitely go out and rent it!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

If you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes - Mark Twain

While most of the time I tend to agree with Mark Twain on this, this past week has proven us both wrong. As the city gets plummeted with nothing but dark rainy days I find that despite liking the occasional rainy day this continued "grey out" is starting to affect me. Weather.com (www.weather.com) predicts that we will be blessed with about another week of this kind of weather.

Trying to make the most of rainy days can sometimes be a challenge. While the prospect of trying to accomplish all I had hoped for in Boston during these last few months has been slightly derailed, it does allow for other things to get accomplished...mainly cleaning.

That being said the pile of books next to my bedside calls me, as does the list of movies I have been dying to see...finally rented Slumdog Millionaire and just finished The Simpsons Movie and Dazed and Confused. I shall never underestimate the powers of procrastination after this week...

Cooking: Quiche with Ham and Cheese

Today was pretty much a day filled with last minute paper - work and things I've put off for the past week and a half. That being said, I did manage to cook up this quiche courtesy of Start Cooking (http://www.startcooking.com/).

Start Cooking is the website for people like me who have lived for years on microwavable meals and pre-packaged foods. Not only are there easy to follow videos with printable recipes, but there are also instructions on things such as how to measure, cut, marinate, etc.

Needless to say for people like me who can barely boil water this website is perfect. While I had intended to take a picture of the quiche I created I got a little over-zealous about eating it, thus ruining the perfect photo-op. But as I believe in visuals here is the video that helped in the making of my Tuesday night dinner:

2012

So they are making a film that revolves around the predicted doomsday for earth (as per the Mayans) near the end of 2012. The film stars John Cusack, Danny Glover, and Amanda Peet. I must admit I wasn't initially too caught up in the hype over the teaser trailer, but the second full trailer is pretty impressive. The special effects could really make or break this movie, as my movie experience makes me doubt there is much of a enthralling plot line to go along with the crashing earth scenes.

As the year 2012 approaches in real life, and as earth-lovers predict the doom of our planet daily - this movie I am sure will resonate with many people. I wont lie, the trailer felt a little like "The Day After Tomorrow," but with less of an emphasis on people causing this damage and more that this was predestined since the beginning of time.

Well here is the second trailer for the film. Apparently its been pushed back from its original release date in July to sometime in November - time will tell.

Standing Outside the Fire

This song has exemplified my life these past few days...

Standing Outside the Fire - Garth Brooks

We call them cool
Those hearts that have no scars to show
The ones that never do let go
And risk it the tables being turned

We call them fools
Who have to dance within the flame
Who chance the sorrow and the shame
That always come with getting burned

But you got to be tough when consumed by desire
'Cause it's not enough just to stand outside the fire
We call them strong
Those who can face this world alone
Who seem to get by on their own
Those who will never take the fall

We call them weak
Who are unable to resist
The slightest chance love might exist
And for that forsake it all
They're so hell bent on giving, walking a wire
Convinced it's not living if you stand outside the fire

Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried it is merely survived
If you're standing outside the fire
There's this love that is burning
Deep in my soul
Constantly yearning to get out of control
Wanting to fly higher and higher
I can't abide standing outside the fire

Makeup Videos

Alright I am a huge makeup fiend. I will admit that I rarely leave the house without having something on. For me its not about being self conscious, but rather I love to play around with my look. I see makeup as a grown woman's finger paint set. Reading beauty magazines is an easy way for me to learn how to achieve these different looks, but lately I've discovered more and more that the Internet is a great way to learn new techniques.

I have already written about a few websites that have garnered my undivided attention for a bit, but my newest obsession is a girl that posts on youtube called Michelle Phan. I believe it might have something to do with her ability to simplify the makeup process - rather than some makeup experts who I end up watching and come out feeling more confused. Phan's videos are actually extremely helpful (and the music she chooses is absolutely fantastic!).

Here is the first video that drew me in - a tutorial about makeup for glasses (something I can relate to!). Definitely check out her other videos

How Very Carrie Bradshaw

I hate dating. Let me rephrase that. I hate the kind of person dating turns me into. Somehow, without fail I end up resorting back to my middle school self. By the phone wondering if/when he'll call. Does he or doesn't he like me? Am I doing to much or doing to little? Is he thinking about me right now? Is he getting sick of me already? Maybe I text/call too much? Am I moving too fast?... its exhausting. The rational, independent woman in me screams STOP! But somehow the insecure little girl in me continues to ponder.

Dating in and of itself is a cruel play on individuals emotions. It doesn't help that as females we tend to over analyze (or maybe its just me). Read and re-read each text or listen to each voicemail repeatedly. Looking for hidden subtext - or meaning. And then responding with a single line of text that has been analyzed by multiple girlfriends so as to not appear too desperate, needy, available...the list goes on.

I can already hear the sighs from self help gurus around the world- I look at some of these titles and go... who the hell do these titles appeal to? That's easy, they appeal to women like me. Independent, self sufficient, busy, interesting, intelligent women who still find themselves checking their phones to see if HE texted or called.

The J-Crew Dress

Its been a long running joke between friends and I now that I have been in love with this particular J-Crew dress (or similar looking dress) for the past few years. Every year I vow to buy it and every year another summer comes and goes. This year I shall buy this dress as the J-Crew website states its on sale for $78, the only question is when...

Mental

So judging by the title of this post you would think this would be related to the fact that I have been semi-house bound for the past 4 days straight now, but in reality it's about my newest TV addiction - Mental on Fox. The show focuses on an unconventional psychiatric doctor (played by the absolutely yummy Chris Vance) who deals with solving "mysteries" involving mental conditions. Think of it like House except only with mental disorders.

I must admit part of the reason I enjoy the show so much is because it deals with psychiatric issues in a dramatic television setting - not something one normally sees. The show is more than a bit House reminiscent (before all the complicated character change over) with its mystery diagnosis and unconventional doctoring methods. But I do enjoy how the show attempts to portray mental illness as seen by the patient. I'm not saying its the most realistic portrayal of psychiatric care out there - but its definitely worth taking a peek at.

Mental is on Tuesday on the Fox network.

From the Bedside Table

I shall try to paint a picture of the last 36 hours or so:

I am sitting admits a fortress of pillows, resting upon one of many ice packs. On my night stand there consists a mess of used cups and pill bottles, as well as a half eaten bag of popcorn. Several movies also stack up nicely next the roll of cash in case of an emergency trip to the ER again. And of course through it all is my trusty stuffed rabbit who is currently sitting perched next to me in bed as I type this up in my pain killer induced state.

What caused this you ask? Two little discs in my spine that decided to leave my spine during a fall. I can't say I blame them - I am a 23 year old klutz who has been known on occasion to fall going up stairs rather than down.

So needless to say I have decided to stay in this weekend. Catch up on some reading, watch TV, check out some movies, learn to cross-stitch...or (as is most likely going to be the case) stay in bed and sleep...One thing I have learned is this: you never know how important something is (say like a few spinal discs) until something goes wrong.

Audrey Hepburn

"I believe in pink. I believe laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing; kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles."- Audrey Hepburn

(picture from National Geographic)

I'm Easy

For some reason I couldn't get this song out of my head today:

I'm Easy - Keith Carradine

It's not my way to love you just when no one’s looking,
it's not my way to take your hand if I'm not sure,
it's not my way to let you see what's going on inside of me,
when it's a love you won't be needing you're not free.

Please stop pulling at my sleeve if you're just playing,
if you won't take the things you make me wanna give,
I never cared too much for games, and this one’s driving me insane,
you're not half as free to wonder as you claim.
But I’m easy, yeah I’m easy, give the word I’ll play your game,
as though that’s how it ought to be, because I’m easy.

Don't lead me on if there's nowhere for you to take me,
if loving you would have to be a sometime thing,
I can't put bars on my inside, my love is something I can't hide,
it still hurts when I recall the times I tried.
But I'm easy, yeah I'm easy, take my hand and pull me down,
I won't put up any fight because I'm easy.

Don't do me favours, let me watch you from the distance,
‘cause when you're near I find it hard to keep my head,
when your eyes throw light at mine, it's enough to change my mind,
make me leave my cautious words and ways behind.
That’s why I’m easy, yeah I’m easy, say you want me I’ll come running,
without taking time to think, because I'm easy.

Terminator Salvation

So I had the chance to see Terminator Salvation aka Terminator 4 over the past weekend. I can honestly say that I should have known how this would turn out as I realized that the director of the movie also directed the Charlie's Angels films, but still I went in with high hopes.

Quick Summary: The film follows the future Judgement Day that has been alluded to in the past few films. A now grown up John Connor is a member of the resistance and is working to fight off the machines that threaten human existence. While Connor knows that he is vital to this effort because of the tapes his mother left him - he is soon faced with a change in reality when he meets Marcus Wright. Wright is a former death row inmate who after agreeing to donate his body to science awakens to find not only the world different but himself as well. Complicating matters is the fact that Skynet now has not only decided to target John Connor but a teenage Kyle Reese (aka John Connor's future father) as well.

Review: So like I said I went into this film with such high hopes/prospects that it was inevitable that they would fall short of anything that was on the screen. That being said this film fell far short of ny expectation I could have had. The plot line was predictable at best, the acting wasn't too great either, and the overall affect of the movie was subpar. Christian Bale halfway through started speaking in his ever popular Batman voice - which seemed to grind me to no end as it was unbelievably obvious.

The overall feel of the movie was too blockbuster. The action sequences were good - but this did not overshadow the fact that the plot line was poor and a bit too chaotic. Certain character's I felt could have been expanded more, particularly the female roles. While I understand that the whole Terminator series is heavily marketed toward the male viewer I felt it undermined the humanity aspect of the film to focus so little on the female characters. Adding to this was the fact that too many of the films characters (save for perhaps John Connor, Marcus Wright, and Kyle Reese) had little depth to their characters - leaving me feeling as though I were watching archetypal characters onscreen rather than individuals of whose stories I could care about. And don't even get me started about the CGI cameo made by Arnold...

Basically I would say if you are a huge die hard fan chances are you've already seen this flick (and were probably also equally as disappointed), if not than I suggested either renting this film on DVD or skipping it entirely.

Ouch!

I feel like this past week has been a whirlwind for me. I somehow (I know how but am currently too embarrassed to admit how - save for close friends and ER attendees) messed up my lower back again - hence the title of this blog post. I did however manage to regain my camera and took some pictures from a game I recently attended at Fenway. This makes for a hopefully fun-filled and well documented last summer in Bean Town!