Thursday, December 19, 2013
Reflections........
As 2013 draws to a close, and thank goodness for that. It's time to reflect on the year that was pretty much a suck fest. That's not to say that good things didn't happen this year, because they did. It just seems that more bad than good came out of 2013, same with its predecessors 2010-2012.
To say I've had a run of not so good luck over the past four years would be an understatement. Taking the leap of faith to move to New York has been both a blessing and a curse. I love living close to NYC, I really do, but the city and I have our moments. Sometimes we're best friends, everything is rosy and we love each other, but sometimes the city is a cruel, cruel bitch and I hate her with a burning passion. Now, I don't live in NYC proper. I actually live up in the Hudson Valley, which is gorgeous, but it's a world away from everything. At least that's the way I feel, plus I spend so much time in NYC that I consider that more my home than my actual town. Sounds strange, but that's me in a nutshell. I'm going off in a different direction now, which I also tend to do. The focus here should be 2013.
As 2012 closed, I was hopeful because I had been accepted into another university in the city, on that I can afford, and I was looking forward to my semester. When 2013 started I still had that hope. I actually had hope off and on in 2013 but the year was sneaky like that. It would lull me into a false sense of security many times only to jerk the rug out from under me, so I was looking up at the sky. Fortunately most times I could look at the sky and think 'wow, that's beautiful' and 2013 would not win, but as we enter the last few weeks, I think I'm about to concede to the year. To accept the fact that 2013 was more powerful than I was and wins this round. I hear you saying 'don't give up, you still have two weeks, anything can happen. Things can be turned around!' All true statements, it's the wild card 'anything can happen' statement that worries me.
Where was I? Oh yes, conceding to 2013 like a bad politician. You see if you look at my overview of 2013 you'll see that I did get most of the things I asked for. I made new friends, who I adore, and can't imagine life without. I got to see my best friends minus one for a weekend of fun and frolic in NYC. These girls are my support system and I honestly don't know what I'd do without them. I saw friends fall in love, get married, get pregnant, you know the good stuff. I didn't experience any of that. Honestly I'm too old to have kids I think, and I'm beginning to believe the falling in love/marriage thing just isn't in the cards for me. And that's fine. So while everyone was having these life changing moments, I was having my own. I got another almost 4.0 in school, one A- spoiled it for me, but that happened when I took Mandarin too, so I consider myself lucky it wasn't a B. I had a super fun summer just hanging out at my usual spot in the city, drinking and chatting with people. I found a job in a place I really do like working. My co-workers are great, as are the bosses. I was back in school taking awesome classes that were challenging, but interesting. Sounds great right? It was, then my appendix decided to rupture on my third day at my new job. I had to go in for emergency surgery and had a ten day hospital stay including being there on my birthday. I was able to look at this in a positive way though. It was like I was being told to slow down and re-evaluate things. Try to pick out the things I really wanted to do. Trouble is I thought I was doing what I really wanted to do, and now I'm not so sure.
Reading this post back so far, it doesn't seem so sucky the things that have happened. Maybe because I didn't mention all the death, break-ups, financial struggles, broken-heartedness (is that even a word? Is now.) I guess when writing about thing that happened I do tend to focus mostly on the positive. Yes, I've had major financial struggles thanks to my hospital stay, and yes I have had more heart break than I feel I can take, but maybe my outlook really is a positive one. And maybe, just maybe I won't be conceding to 2013 just yet. I'm just hoping that 2014 has more compassion for me and my friends than 2013 did. And maybe, just maybe, 2014 will be the year I take that creative writing course so I can try to fulfill my dream of actually writing a novel. Or at the very least keeping up with my blog. Although that being said, I already know of one part of 2014 that is going to be completely sucky. Oh well, life goes on right?
May 2014 be kind to all of you.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Just another ramble...
It is the tenth anniversary of the release of one of my favorite films, Love Actually. Now, it isn’t my favorite film of all time, that would be The Quiet Man or the original version of The Picture of Dorian Gray, but it is in my top ten. If you haven’t seen it, many haven’t, it’s a cute little film about love, loss, the holidays, hope and oh yeah love actually. (see what I did there). I don’t know if people are starting to rewatch it for the first time since it came out, or if they’re just rewatching for the however –th time, but it seems like there is a lot of Love Actually bashing going on. Some are calling it unrealistic, impossible, and cheesy, this could all be true, but……it’s a film. It’s escapism. I don’t think there is a film out there, that is entirely realistic, not counting some documentaries and even then we’re usually getting someone’s point of view on a subject, not necessarily an unbiased view. Do these people really believe that Brad Pitt could save the world from a zombie attack, or that Will Smith can also save the world from whatever? That to me is the whole point of a film. You go in to escape mode for however briefly and you know that what you’re seeing could be impossible, (think Kevin Costner as Robin Hood), but at the same time you’re supposed to be entertained. If you spend the entire time picking apart what could or couldn’t happen, you’re missing out on a chance to get away from the actual real world and become part of another place and time. Maybe I’m too biased because it is one of my favorite films, and maybe I just don’t like people picking it apart, but I think it’s bigger than that. To me Love Actually as I said earlier is about love, loss, and hope. Sure not everyone gets the love they want, but they still have hope at the end of the day. Well at least a little. If you’re watching it thinking ‘ooh that’s kind of creepy that Sarah is obsessed with Karl’, then maybe you aren’t looking close enough at Karl. He’s hot! Not only that but who hasn’t had a crush on a coworker? It happens. Then let’s address the Mark and Juliet thing. Another unrequited crush. Again, as I can definitely attest to, it happens. That’s not unrealistic or creepy. It’s just life. I’m not going to go through the whole film or blog posts and address each point. That would take forever and I’m not that persnickety. Personally I like to think that the things in the film could happen. Well, the only thing I don’t think is very realistic is the Alan Rickman cheating on Emma Thompson. Why would he do that? She’s amazing and a zillion times more beautiful and cooler than the younger chick. Plus, I’d like to think that I could have a Karl, or a Mark or even a Jamie! Mostly a Jamie I think. Colin Firth is my actor of choice. I think people in today’s world, need a little Love Actually. I’m not saying everyone should watch and love it, if it’s not your preferred genre, but just watch something that you can escape into. Something that will leave you with a feeling of hope, or a feeling of goodwill towards others. Or even a feeling of you can go out there and kick the bad guy’s ass! Whatever works for you. The real world is too full of the other stuff, too full of hate, cynicism and not love actually. All the things we see on the news and while we’re out on a daily basis. Plus it’s the holidays, we’re supposed to believe in a little bit of fantasy. If we didn’t there wouldn’t be so many Christmas films about Santa. Not saying he doesn’t exist, I’m just using him as an example.
So what’s my point? I’m really not sure. I’m tired of the Love Actually bashing, yes, but I’m also tired of people taking films, and books actually, and pointing out why they aren’t. Let me just say this once more. They aren’t meant to be! They’re meant to be enjoyed for what they are. I also believe that things are as realistic as you want them to be, and if that escapism makes you happy then so be it. Let us who want to believe in Love Actually alone. Your words and picking it apart aren’t going to change that fact that we think love is all around. Even in airports, which by the way I do think are romantic. I’m just glad that as cynical and jaded as I can be, I haven’t stopped believing in things all together. I still have hope, I still have a tiny bit of faith that one day things are going to work out in the way I want them to. Maybe it won’t be like in the films, but then it wouldn’t be real life and that is what I’m looking for. Real life with a touch of magic.
P.S. If you want to watch a funny Christmas film, try to find ‘A Star for Christmas’ it’s worth watching just for the line ‘I saw myself kissing you in my Universe Door.’ Or something along those lines.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
10 Basic Facts About Me
Since I'm having trouble figuring out what to write these days, I figured I'd do this Twitter Trending Topic. So here goes. Somewhat of a user's guide I suppose.
1. If I give you a compliment, it's because you deserve it, not because I'm trying to suck up to you. I'm a genuine person and I give sincere compliments. I don't try to compliment someone in the hopes that they'll like me more, or treat me nicer. It's just not my way.
2. I can be a bit of a handful at times, and get a little out of control with things. I don't realize that I'm doing it either, so if you're ever around me, you see this happen and you get scared or annoyed. Just tell me to dial it down a notch. I won't be offended.
3. I treat everyone equally, and how I'd like to be treated. I don't care what you do/who you know/how much money you have. I'll treat you the same as anyone else. After all who knows what will happen tomorrow. Anyone of us could be in a much different position, and I'd like to think my friends and other would still treat me the same way, after all I'd still be the same person inside.
4. I prefer thoughtful gifts to expensive or the ones of the usual variety. I'd much rather have a box of Tunnock's Tea Cakes from you because you remembered I liked them, than a diamond bracelet from Tiffany's. Not that I don't like diamonds, but I don't need extravagance, just thoughtfulness.
5. Don't judge me and I won't judge you, along those lines respect my opinions and I'll respect yours.. We're all different, that's what makes this world a more interesting place. We don't all like the same things and that's ok. If you think the music I listen to is rubbish, that's fine, but it's what I like and what makes me happy so no matter what you think about it, I'll still listen to it.
6. I like to read. I almost always have my nose stuck in a book, or have a stack of books in my room waiting to be read.
7. My favorite flower is the sunflower. It makes me happy. My favorite colors are pink and purple. Keep these in mind for fact number 4. ;)
8. If you want to know something about me, ask. I'm an open book and I don't mind answering questions. If I do mind, I'll tell you that's something I'd rather not answer.
9. I don't do things unless I want to. Yes, I'll hem and haw sometimes, and pretend that I'm letting you convince me, but the truth is, if I don't want to do it. I won't. Simple. Life is too short to spend time doing things you don't want to do.
10. Yes, I really am this nice. It's a curse. That doesn't mean I can't be a bitch when need be, but I think being nice is, well, nice. I do realize it can be annoying at times so I try to tone it down, but you never know what someone is going through and a kind word or smile may be all that gets them through the day.
So there you have it, 10 basic facts about me.
1. If I give you a compliment, it's because you deserve it, not because I'm trying to suck up to you. I'm a genuine person and I give sincere compliments. I don't try to compliment someone in the hopes that they'll like me more, or treat me nicer. It's just not my way.
2. I can be a bit of a handful at times, and get a little out of control with things. I don't realize that I'm doing it either, so if you're ever around me, you see this happen and you get scared or annoyed. Just tell me to dial it down a notch. I won't be offended.
3. I treat everyone equally, and how I'd like to be treated. I don't care what you do/who you know/how much money you have. I'll treat you the same as anyone else. After all who knows what will happen tomorrow. Anyone of us could be in a much different position, and I'd like to think my friends and other would still treat me the same way, after all I'd still be the same person inside.
4. I prefer thoughtful gifts to expensive or the ones of the usual variety. I'd much rather have a box of Tunnock's Tea Cakes from you because you remembered I liked them, than a diamond bracelet from Tiffany's. Not that I don't like diamonds, but I don't need extravagance, just thoughtfulness.
5. Don't judge me and I won't judge you, along those lines respect my opinions and I'll respect yours.. We're all different, that's what makes this world a more interesting place. We don't all like the same things and that's ok. If you think the music I listen to is rubbish, that's fine, but it's what I like and what makes me happy so no matter what you think about it, I'll still listen to it.
6. I like to read. I almost always have my nose stuck in a book, or have a stack of books in my room waiting to be read.
7. My favorite flower is the sunflower. It makes me happy. My favorite colors are pink and purple. Keep these in mind for fact number 4. ;)
8. If you want to know something about me, ask. I'm an open book and I don't mind answering questions. If I do mind, I'll tell you that's something I'd rather not answer.
9. I don't do things unless I want to. Yes, I'll hem and haw sometimes, and pretend that I'm letting you convince me, but the truth is, if I don't want to do it. I won't. Simple. Life is too short to spend time doing things you don't want to do.
10. Yes, I really am this nice. It's a curse. That doesn't mean I can't be a bitch when need be, but I think being nice is, well, nice. I do realize it can be annoying at times so I try to tone it down, but you never know what someone is going through and a kind word or smile may be all that gets them through the day.
So there you have it, 10 basic facts about me.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A musical blog...
Since I did a blog based on my top 10 favorite movie moments, as inspired by a fellow Tweeter, I thought I should do a music one. I know that this one will be even harder than the film one since I tend to hoard music. Also as I said with the film one, my tastes change from day to do as to what I want to listen to/watch, but I'm going to try to pick 20 songs that I never get tired of, maybe 25, we'll see how it goes. If I can link the videos in here, I will. I'm still not sure I know how to do that. I have to say that my two loves are music and books. Always have been. Ever since I was very small, I had some sort of stereo, whether it was an 8 track player that yout had to wait until a certain point in the song to change the track to get to the beginning of another song, or a record player. Music has always been a part of my life, that being said, I'm not musical at all. I tried to learn to play the guitar with no luck, I can't sing but I do love singing along (very badly) to my favorite songs. Who doesn't? And yes the rumor you may have heard is true, I seem to have a thing for drummers. Jon Farriss from INXS, Roger Taylor from Duran Duran and Larry Mullen Jr. from U2 have always been crushes of mine. I also seemed to gravitate towards drummers in local bands when my friends and I would go to shows. I don't know why, it's just a thing. I don't even do it on purpose. I'm also going to try to not have more than 2 from the same artist. Just to make things more difficult for me of course.Not every song will have a great story, but some will have stories, great or otherwise. Anyway......enough nonsense, let me get this list started.
So here it goes....in no particular order, my top 20 (maybe 25 or even 30) songs of all time (or today). Oh alright, let's make it an even 30.
30. Charlie Rich "The Most Beautiful Girl"
This is a song that always reminds me of my dad. He was a big Charlie Rich fan, and having grown up in Alabama, a big country music fan. That's the music I grew up on. I have fond memories of traveling with my parents in our motorhome and this song coming on the 8 track (there's that blast from the past again) and my dad singing it, with me joining in. It's a song that just takes me back to a happy time, but at the same time it does make me miss my dad. I do feel lucky that I have the memories of him that I do. Bittersweet I'd say.
29. Donny and Marie Osmond "Little Bit Country/Rock n Roll"
Again a song from my childhood. My cousin and I would put this on at my grandmother's house and pretend to be Donny and Marie. I remember us in my grandmother's living room, singing into hairbrushes as loud as we could, dancing around. In some ways it seems odd because I was always a very shy child, but I suppose since I was in a place where I was comfortable, I was fine. Sometimes my cousin would try and switch it up so he could be a little bit country, but I'd never let him. Don't tell him I said that ;)
28. Elvis Presley "Moody Blue"
I honestly don't remember where I first heard this song or who had the album. It might have been my aunt that used to babysit me. She's the one that also introduced me to the Beatles at about the age of 4. This song always makes me feel better no matter how I was feeling before, and I can't help singing along. I suppose it's the way some men feel about us women.
27. Tom Jones "Delilah"
Yes, I'm a Tom Jones fan. I even went to see him concert once, but I didn't throw my knickers on stage. I wouldn't do that. This song reminds me of my 29th birthday, which I spent in England, Liverpool to be precise. I was visiting a good friend of mine and she took me to a club called Flares I think it was. I just remember this song coming on and everyone in the place singing along, something that I had never seen happen here in the States. It just added something extra to my birthday celebration. Good times.
26. Generation X "English Dream"
This may have a lot to do with me loving anything British for as long as I can remember. I did go through a small punk rock phase when I was younger, not in the way I dressed, but with the music I listened to. On the outside I looked preppy, but on the inside I was punk, well I thought I was anyway. I know now just how wrong I was. I still loved listening to the music though. I think I actually heard about them from my cousin, of the Donny and Marie song. He was younger than me, but still knew about all the cool music. I don't even know how he knew, but he always did. Anyway, this song has always been a favorite of mine. Not for any special sentimental reason, just because.
25. Londonbeat "I've Been Thinking About You"
Now, this one does have some sentimentality to go along with it. When I was almost 21, my best friend and I were down in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, hanging out. It was one of the few places we would go in the summer, just to walk around and shop. This time there happened to be a Brazilian Naval Academy ship in town, and we ended up meeting some of the guys from the ship, and they invited us to the reception on board. The day before the reception we went to meet up with a couple of them, and one was looking for a song. Because his English wasn't so good, and my Portugeuese back then was non-existant, we were having trouble figuring out what song he wanted. We asked, is it sung by a man or woman. Answer..yes. Is it fast or slow? Answer...yes. This continued until we were in my friend's car and this song came on the radio. Luis got so excited, he started yelling in the car "This is it!! This is the song!!!" So everytime I hear it I think of that moment and it makes me smile.
24. David Bowie "Young Americans"
This was tough because I'm a Bowie fan so picking just one song of his that I liked was almost an impossible task. I picked this one for no other reason than when I was writing this, and listening to music, this happened to be the one Bowie song that came up in iTunes. So there you go. iTunes chose for me in this case. :)
23. The Clash "This is Radio Clash"
Again, huge Clash fan so it's tough to narrow it down to just one (and I still might put another one on the list). This one has always been one of my favorites, and I can't really say why, it just is. It's just one of those songs that I could listen to over and over. It also has a good beat and makes me want to get up and dance. That is very important when picking songs I love.
22. Duran Duran "Lonely in Your Nightmare"
Of course this wasn't the first Duran song I ever heard, but this one has always, always been my favorite. I am also a big Duran fan, and have been since the beginning. This song just makes me happy. I love the beat, the lyrics. I love singing it at the top of my lungs. It's just one of those songs.
21. Tom Waits "I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love With You"
No story, just a song I really like.
20. ABBA "Waterloo"
Yes, I know. It's one of those songs that always seems to be on people's lists, even people who say they don't like ABBA. Really though, how can you not like this song? I know you're thinking about it and singing it in your head as you read this. You're welcome. I still haven't faced my Waterloo......hmm....
19. Dean Martin "Mambo Italiano"
Since I was younger, I loved Dean Martin. I've seen every Lewis/Martin movie that exists. This was a tough choice. It was between this and Volare, which I also love. I think this one just makes me feel more like dancing than the other. I don't have a great explanation for why this is on my list, but it is. So accept it :)
18. INXS "Burn For You"
Again a very tough choice since like the above mentioned bands, I have loved INXS from the beginning. This song just reminds me of their Australian roots. I can't explain why, but I listen to this song and I think "Australia", that doesn't happen with all of their songs, just this one. Oh and of course Jon Farriss is awesome on drums in this song, as he is in all of them.
17. U2 "Desire"
Loved the album Rattle and Hum, reminds me of good times when I was younger. I remember my best friend and I driving around town with the windows down and this song blaring. So it's one of those brings back good memories songs, and well Larry Mullen Jr. on drums ;)
16. Wham! "Club Tropicanna"
Again, the memories of youth. I was a freshman in high school, and we had an exchange student in our school from England. Luckily she and I got to be good friends. One day she had her walkman out and was dancing around the parking lot at lunch. I asked what she was listening to and she let me hear. It was "Club Tropicanna." I listened and really, really liked it. C'mon how can you not like a place where drinks are free?
15. OMD "Sailing on the Seven Seas"
This is one of my favorite OMD songs. Not one I really grew up with in the 80's, but still a great one from when I was still young. I saw them recently in concert and they played this song. I don't think I've ever been as excited as I was to hear a song live. It was the highlight of the concert for me. I can play this song over and over and over again and never get tired of it.
14. Now that I'm at number 14, I'm thinking I may have to create an honorable mentions list. Too many songs....So for # 14 we have New Order "Shell-Shock"
One of my favorite songs off of one of my absolute favorite soundtracks, 'Pretty in Pink'. I love every song on this album. I remember listening to it over and over again my freshman year of university. This song though would have to be my favorite off of the album. I can't explain why I love it, or what it is about it that I love. As soon as I hear it, I have good memory flashbacks. So maybe that's why I love it so much. All tied to sentimentality I suppose.
13. A little off the beaten path, but it's "Nessun Dorma"
I don't have a favorite of this aria, I love them all. Even the Aretha Franklin version! It's one of those arias that just calms me down and kind of makes me go into a zen like state. I can listen to it many times over (as with all these songs) and never get tired of it. Just one of my favorites.
12. Icicle Works "Whisper to a Scream"
A great track from the 80's, in my opinion. You can't help but sing along at the top of your lungs, well I can't, and I have friends who do the same, so I know it's not just me. I hear the song and I'm instantly transported back to my teenage years, back to school dances, back to the John Hughes era. Not always good times back then, but more good than bad I'd say.
11. Big Country "In a Big Country"
What I said about the above song, applies to this one. I've also always found it to be a good song to sing when you're feeling down. Always makes me feel more positive after.
10. The Cure "In Between Days"
Another song that reminds me of driving around town in my friend's car, singing loudly with this song up full blast. Also reminds me of one of my high school crushes, who of course didn't know I existed. This was almost always played at the school dances and my friends and I would get out there and dance, next to said crush obviously. Since that's what we did in those days. Always brings back good memories.
9. Blur "There's No Other Way"
Tough to choose a Blur song that I love more than the others, but I picked this one. Only because I do find myself singing it from time to time. Doesn't really have any memories attached. Just a song that I really like.
8. The Clash "Janie Jones"
I think this song is just one of those songs that as soon as I hear the first note, I start whipping my hair around. I shouldn't do that at my age, but I can't help it. It just brings that out in me. As I said before, I love the Clash so it's tough to pick just one or two, in this case that are favorites. As I also said, my favorites do change from time to time. For now, this will stick here.
7. Duran Duran "Safe"
A recent Duran song from their latest album. This song also inspires loud, bad singing. I don't know if it's the funky bass line or what, but I absolutely adore this song. I think it's my favorite off of the album. I have actually had this song on repeat for at least an hour and didn't get tired of it. Now that's saying something.
6. INXS "Don't Change"
Again, my love for INXS shows. I love this song, the lyrics, the music, everything. It makes me feel happy, and when they play it at the end of the shows, it makes me tear up a bit. A fantastic song, even better when Michael used to sing it. The new version with Kirk, Andrew and Jon is great too. Especially at the concert, when Jon is up front for a bit. I know, there I go again with the Jon Farriss thing. Can't help it.
5. Ultravox "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes"
Love the song, no explanation, just love it. Always have.
4. Depeche Mode "Shake the Disease"
Finally a Depeche song in here. Again, another of my favorite bands since they formed. This has always been a particular favorite of mine. It also reminds me of a crush of days of yore. This time he did know I existed, but we were good friends. Always the way...anyway it's just a fantastic song.
3. George Michael "Faith"
Loved this song and album when it first came out.I actually had to buy a second copy of the cassette because I wore the first one out. It was released my senior year in high school and I think it just has all those getting ready for university, moving away from home/friends, enjoying my last year with those friends type of memories attached.
2. The Kinks "Waterloo Sunset"
Probably going along with my love of anything to do with London/England/UK. Plus I always visualize the sunset over Waterloo Bridge when I hear this song.
1. The Beatles "In My Life"
One of my favorite songs from The Beatles, and again I had a hard time choosing. They have so many songs I love, but this one has always been a favorite of mine. It's somewhat bittersweet and just lovely. Reminds me of people in my life that are now gone but definitely not forgotten.
That was really tough and as I expected, I picked out far too many songs. So here's a few that didn't make the top 30 list. Not because I don't love them equally, but because I was trying to keep to my limit.
Belouis Some "Some People"
Morrissey "Everyday is Like Sunday"
The Smiths "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now"
Billy Idol "Sweet Sixteen" and "Rebel Yell"
Chris Isaak "I Believe"
PJ Harvey "Good Fortune"
When In Rome "The Promise"
Tears for Fears "Head Over Heels"
Madonna "Borderline"
Berlin "No More Words"
The Verve "Bittersweet Symphony"
Smithereens "Evening Dress"
Nik Kershaw "The Riddle"
Gorillaz "Feel Good Inc"
Kylie "I Believe in You" and "Wow"
Duran Duran "Nice"
INXS "Elegantly Wasted"
Big Audio Dynamite "Rush"
Too Much Joy "Crush Story"
and for now that's it.........
So here it goes....in no particular order, my top 20 (maybe 25 or even 30) songs of all time (or today). Oh alright, let's make it an even 30.
30. Charlie Rich "The Most Beautiful Girl"
This is a song that always reminds me of my dad. He was a big Charlie Rich fan, and having grown up in Alabama, a big country music fan. That's the music I grew up on. I have fond memories of traveling with my parents in our motorhome and this song coming on the 8 track (there's that blast from the past again) and my dad singing it, with me joining in. It's a song that just takes me back to a happy time, but at the same time it does make me miss my dad. I do feel lucky that I have the memories of him that I do. Bittersweet I'd say.
29. Donny and Marie Osmond "Little Bit Country/Rock n Roll"
Again a song from my childhood. My cousin and I would put this on at my grandmother's house and pretend to be Donny and Marie. I remember us in my grandmother's living room, singing into hairbrushes as loud as we could, dancing around. In some ways it seems odd because I was always a very shy child, but I suppose since I was in a place where I was comfortable, I was fine. Sometimes my cousin would try and switch it up so he could be a little bit country, but I'd never let him. Don't tell him I said that ;)
28. Elvis Presley "Moody Blue"
I honestly don't remember where I first heard this song or who had the album. It might have been my aunt that used to babysit me. She's the one that also introduced me to the Beatles at about the age of 4. This song always makes me feel better no matter how I was feeling before, and I can't help singing along. I suppose it's the way some men feel about us women.
27. Tom Jones "Delilah"
Yes, I'm a Tom Jones fan. I even went to see him concert once, but I didn't throw my knickers on stage. I wouldn't do that. This song reminds me of my 29th birthday, which I spent in England, Liverpool to be precise. I was visiting a good friend of mine and she took me to a club called Flares I think it was. I just remember this song coming on and everyone in the place singing along, something that I had never seen happen here in the States. It just added something extra to my birthday celebration. Good times.
26. Generation X "English Dream"
This may have a lot to do with me loving anything British for as long as I can remember. I did go through a small punk rock phase when I was younger, not in the way I dressed, but with the music I listened to. On the outside I looked preppy, but on the inside I was punk, well I thought I was anyway. I know now just how wrong I was. I still loved listening to the music though. I think I actually heard about them from my cousin, of the Donny and Marie song. He was younger than me, but still knew about all the cool music. I don't even know how he knew, but he always did. Anyway, this song has always been a favorite of mine. Not for any special sentimental reason, just because.
25. Londonbeat "I've Been Thinking About You"
Now, this one does have some sentimentality to go along with it. When I was almost 21, my best friend and I were down in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, hanging out. It was one of the few places we would go in the summer, just to walk around and shop. This time there happened to be a Brazilian Naval Academy ship in town, and we ended up meeting some of the guys from the ship, and they invited us to the reception on board. The day before the reception we went to meet up with a couple of them, and one was looking for a song. Because his English wasn't so good, and my Portugeuese back then was non-existant, we were having trouble figuring out what song he wanted. We asked, is it sung by a man or woman. Answer..yes. Is it fast or slow? Answer...yes. This continued until we were in my friend's car and this song came on the radio. Luis got so excited, he started yelling in the car "This is it!! This is the song!!!" So everytime I hear it I think of that moment and it makes me smile.
24. David Bowie "Young Americans"
This was tough because I'm a Bowie fan so picking just one song of his that I liked was almost an impossible task. I picked this one for no other reason than when I was writing this, and listening to music, this happened to be the one Bowie song that came up in iTunes. So there you go. iTunes chose for me in this case. :)
23. The Clash "This is Radio Clash"
Again, huge Clash fan so it's tough to narrow it down to just one (and I still might put another one on the list). This one has always been one of my favorites, and I can't really say why, it just is. It's just one of those songs that I could listen to over and over. It also has a good beat and makes me want to get up and dance. That is very important when picking songs I love.
22. Duran Duran "Lonely in Your Nightmare"
Of course this wasn't the first Duran song I ever heard, but this one has always, always been my favorite. I am also a big Duran fan, and have been since the beginning. This song just makes me happy. I love the beat, the lyrics. I love singing it at the top of my lungs. It's just one of those songs.
21. Tom Waits "I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love With You"
No story, just a song I really like.
20. ABBA "Waterloo"
Yes, I know. It's one of those songs that always seems to be on people's lists, even people who say they don't like ABBA. Really though, how can you not like this song? I know you're thinking about it and singing it in your head as you read this. You're welcome. I still haven't faced my Waterloo......hmm....
19. Dean Martin "Mambo Italiano"
Since I was younger, I loved Dean Martin. I've seen every Lewis/Martin movie that exists. This was a tough choice. It was between this and Volare, which I also love. I think this one just makes me feel more like dancing than the other. I don't have a great explanation for why this is on my list, but it is. So accept it :)
18. INXS "Burn For You"
Again a very tough choice since like the above mentioned bands, I have loved INXS from the beginning. This song just reminds me of their Australian roots. I can't explain why, but I listen to this song and I think "Australia", that doesn't happen with all of their songs, just this one. Oh and of course Jon Farriss is awesome on drums in this song, as he is in all of them.
17. U2 "Desire"
Loved the album Rattle and Hum, reminds me of good times when I was younger. I remember my best friend and I driving around town with the windows down and this song blaring. So it's one of those brings back good memories songs, and well Larry Mullen Jr. on drums ;)
16. Wham! "Club Tropicanna"
Again, the memories of youth. I was a freshman in high school, and we had an exchange student in our school from England. Luckily she and I got to be good friends. One day she had her walkman out and was dancing around the parking lot at lunch. I asked what she was listening to and she let me hear. It was "Club Tropicanna." I listened and really, really liked it. C'mon how can you not like a place where drinks are free?
15. OMD "Sailing on the Seven Seas"
This is one of my favorite OMD songs. Not one I really grew up with in the 80's, but still a great one from when I was still young. I saw them recently in concert and they played this song. I don't think I've ever been as excited as I was to hear a song live. It was the highlight of the concert for me. I can play this song over and over and over again and never get tired of it.
14. Now that I'm at number 14, I'm thinking I may have to create an honorable mentions list. Too many songs....So for # 14 we have New Order "Shell-Shock"
One of my favorite songs off of one of my absolute favorite soundtracks, 'Pretty in Pink'. I love every song on this album. I remember listening to it over and over again my freshman year of university. This song though would have to be my favorite off of the album. I can't explain why I love it, or what it is about it that I love. As soon as I hear it, I have good memory flashbacks. So maybe that's why I love it so much. All tied to sentimentality I suppose.
13. A little off the beaten path, but it's "Nessun Dorma"
I don't have a favorite of this aria, I love them all. Even the Aretha Franklin version! It's one of those arias that just calms me down and kind of makes me go into a zen like state. I can listen to it many times over (as with all these songs) and never get tired of it. Just one of my favorites.
12. Icicle Works "Whisper to a Scream"
A great track from the 80's, in my opinion. You can't help but sing along at the top of your lungs, well I can't, and I have friends who do the same, so I know it's not just me. I hear the song and I'm instantly transported back to my teenage years, back to school dances, back to the John Hughes era. Not always good times back then, but more good than bad I'd say.
11. Big Country "In a Big Country"
What I said about the above song, applies to this one. I've also always found it to be a good song to sing when you're feeling down. Always makes me feel more positive after.
10. The Cure "In Between Days"
Another song that reminds me of driving around town in my friend's car, singing loudly with this song up full blast. Also reminds me of one of my high school crushes, who of course didn't know I existed. This was almost always played at the school dances and my friends and I would get out there and dance, next to said crush obviously. Since that's what we did in those days. Always brings back good memories.
9. Blur "There's No Other Way"
Tough to choose a Blur song that I love more than the others, but I picked this one. Only because I do find myself singing it from time to time. Doesn't really have any memories attached. Just a song that I really like.
8. The Clash "Janie Jones"
I think this song is just one of those songs that as soon as I hear the first note, I start whipping my hair around. I shouldn't do that at my age, but I can't help it. It just brings that out in me. As I said before, I love the Clash so it's tough to pick just one or two, in this case that are favorites. As I also said, my favorites do change from time to time. For now, this will stick here.
7. Duran Duran "Safe"
A recent Duran song from their latest album. This song also inspires loud, bad singing. I don't know if it's the funky bass line or what, but I absolutely adore this song. I think it's my favorite off of the album. I have actually had this song on repeat for at least an hour and didn't get tired of it. Now that's saying something.
6. INXS "Don't Change"
Again, my love for INXS shows. I love this song, the lyrics, the music, everything. It makes me feel happy, and when they play it at the end of the shows, it makes me tear up a bit. A fantastic song, even better when Michael used to sing it. The new version with Kirk, Andrew and Jon is great too. Especially at the concert, when Jon is up front for a bit. I know, there I go again with the Jon Farriss thing. Can't help it.
5. Ultravox "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes"
Love the song, no explanation, just love it. Always have.
4. Depeche Mode "Shake the Disease"
Finally a Depeche song in here. Again, another of my favorite bands since they formed. This has always been a particular favorite of mine. It also reminds me of a crush of days of yore. This time he did know I existed, but we were good friends. Always the way...anyway it's just a fantastic song.
3. George Michael "Faith"
Loved this song and album when it first came out.I actually had to buy a second copy of the cassette because I wore the first one out. It was released my senior year in high school and I think it just has all those getting ready for university, moving away from home/friends, enjoying my last year with those friends type of memories attached.
2. The Kinks "Waterloo Sunset"
Probably going along with my love of anything to do with London/England/UK. Plus I always visualize the sunset over Waterloo Bridge when I hear this song.
1. The Beatles "In My Life"
One of my favorite songs from The Beatles, and again I had a hard time choosing. They have so many songs I love, but this one has always been a favorite of mine. It's somewhat bittersweet and just lovely. Reminds me of people in my life that are now gone but definitely not forgotten.
That was really tough and as I expected, I picked out far too many songs. So here's a few that didn't make the top 30 list. Not because I don't love them equally, but because I was trying to keep to my limit.
Belouis Some "Some People"
Morrissey "Everyday is Like Sunday"
The Smiths "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now"
Billy Idol "Sweet Sixteen" and "Rebel Yell"
Chris Isaak "I Believe"
PJ Harvey "Good Fortune"
When In Rome "The Promise"
Tears for Fears "Head Over Heels"
Madonna "Borderline"
Berlin "No More Words"
The Verve "Bittersweet Symphony"
Smithereens "Evening Dress"
Nik Kershaw "The Riddle"
Gorillaz "Feel Good Inc"
Kylie "I Believe in You" and "Wow"
Duran Duran "Nice"
INXS "Elegantly Wasted"
Big Audio Dynamite "Rush"
Too Much Joy "Crush Story"
and for now that's it.........
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Another year.......
So apparently, as I assumed, I'm not good at blogging. I started this blog last January actually and now have 2 posts. I did have more, but I deleted them. Not because I didn't want people to see what I had written, since that is the whole point of a blog, but because that's the way I am. I write things, then get uncomfortable thinking it isn't written well enough, or I didn't do this or that, then I delete it. It's something I'm working on.
The whole reason I created this blog was to have a place to rant, write, whatever. Also I wanted it to be a place where people, if they were interested, could come read and learn a bit more about me. I wanted it to be a place where my friends could come to see what I was up to, or maybe even learn things about me they didn't know. After all, I am an international woman of mystery. On good days anyway :) Things didn't turn out that way. Only two blog posts stuck. I'm going to give it a go again and hopefully in 2012 I'll be better at it.
So as 2011 comes to an end, I'm happy to see the back of it. It's been a rough year with a lot of loss, but it was also a year of some pretty good times, with pretty good friends. Those friends, I can't imagine my life without. I'm thankful every day for them. I also have met new people, started a new job, met great people there, and have a bit more positive outlook on things. Despite being single once again, which actually I don't mind. I'm able to do what I want, when I want. I can sing loudly and badly to Kylie songs, while stuffing my face with chocolate chip cookies and no one can judge me for that. Well you all can now since I put it out there, but you know what I mean. And that's things in a nutshell really. I'm glad to see the end of 2011 and hope that 2012 kicks ass, not just for me, but for everyone.
Now I'm off to delete my Christmas message video that I made........maybe.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Holidays for whatever you celebrate!
The whole reason I created this blog was to have a place to rant, write, whatever. Also I wanted it to be a place where people, if they were interested, could come read and learn a bit more about me. I wanted it to be a place where my friends could come to see what I was up to, or maybe even learn things about me they didn't know. After all, I am an international woman of mystery. On good days anyway :) Things didn't turn out that way. Only two blog posts stuck. I'm going to give it a go again and hopefully in 2012 I'll be better at it.
So as 2011 comes to an end, I'm happy to see the back of it. It's been a rough year with a lot of loss, but it was also a year of some pretty good times, with pretty good friends. Those friends, I can't imagine my life without. I'm thankful every day for them. I also have met new people, started a new job, met great people there, and have a bit more positive outlook on things. Despite being single once again, which actually I don't mind. I'm able to do what I want, when I want. I can sing loudly and badly to Kylie songs, while stuffing my face with chocolate chip cookies and no one can judge me for that. Well you all can now since I put it out there, but you know what I mean. And that's things in a nutshell really. I'm glad to see the end of 2011 and hope that 2012 kicks ass, not just for me, but for everyone.
Now I'm off to delete my Christmas message video that I made........maybe.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Holidays for whatever you celebrate!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
My Top 10 Favorite Moments in Movies
First I have to say sorry that the videos aren't embedded in the text, that there are just links to them. I couldn't figure out how to do it the other way. This is probably why I shouldn't blog.
Inspired by a fellow tweeter, I decided to do my top 10 moments in movies that I love. This was difficult for me for a few reasons. One, I'm a Libra and we're known to be indecisive. Two, along these same lines, my top ten can vary from day to day. For instance, if you asked me what my top ten favorite songs are, today it would be one list, tomorrow another. There might be overlapping songs but as with most people things change based on my mood and other factors. So it took me a bit of time to think about movies I love, there are many, and then more time to think about the scenes in the movies that are my favorite. That's not to say that this list won't change, but for the moment I think this is pretty much it. Don't ask me tomorrow though.
I also decided to try to not make it my Top 10 Favorite Romantic Movie Moments, that was tough because I am a super girly, girl and I love so called chick flicks. I did put a few in, but only a few.
So here goes, in no particular order, well maybe a little order......
10. Arsenic and Old Lace. The scene where Mortimer finds out.
I love old movies and actors. I think I love black and white films more than the ones from today. That being said, one of my favorite actors of all time is Cary Grant, and this is definitely one of my favorite movies of his.
For me it was so hard to choose an exact scene from that movie that I love more than another, since I think the whole movie is great. If pressed, I’d have to choose as I said, the moment where Mortimer finds out that his sweet little aunties have been killing unsuspecting men with poisoned wine. The look on his face when he accidentally finds the body in the window seat, and the look he has when it dawns on him that isn't an accident, but that his aunts are doing this on purpose is priceless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy4BRNRwgo0
9. Harvey. The scene where Elwood P. Dowd explains how he met Harvey.
Another all time favorite actor of mine is Jimmy Stewart. I even have a slight connection to him since my great-aunt taught his twins when they were in elementary school.
Harvey has always been another favorite movie of mine. I remember watching it with my dad when I was fairly young and I've loved it ever since. This scene is where Elwood explains just how he met Harvey, who if you don't know, is a giant rabbit that only he can see. I think it's a sweet scene, that tells us a lot about the character of Elwood P. Dowd. It's a scene that makes me cry, just a bit, but don't tell anyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYU6mSIF8ww
8. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. The scene, well as it says on the youtube clip, the scene with Newtonian Physics.
I fell in love with this movie the first time I watched it. I think Gary Oldman and Tim Roth have great chemistry and play off each other very well. Again, with this movie it was hard for me to choose just which scene I liked the best, but I decided on this one as it always makes me giggle when I watch it.
Gary Oldman playing Rosencrantz, or is it Guildenstern, is always "discovering" things. In this particular scene he discovers physics, but when he tries to show Guildenstern or is it Rosenrantz, of course it all goes awry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5_ayuaCzZs
7. The Quiet Man. The scene where Sean Thornton sees Mary Kate Danaher.
This is another movie I love due in part to my dad. He loved John Wayne, and all John Wayne movies. This one was on, every time it was shown on tv. Back in the days before any sort of video cassette or DVD. It of course was usually on around St. Patrick's Day, so I still watch it around that time of year. Again, the chemistry between the beautiful Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne is fantastic. The scenery is beautiful. I think it's just a good movie all round, sure it may be a bit cheesy in parts, but that just adds to its charm.
Ok, so this is where the hopeless romantic in me steps in for a bit. This is just a simple little scene, Sean is out for a smoke and he sees Mary Kate tending her sheep. Just from that one look that passes between them, you can sense the chemistry. You know that somehow, some way they're going to end up together. It's that look of attraction, yet not quite attraction. So simple, yet it says so much.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2BEdLZBRJA&feature=related
6. Goodfellas. The scene, that everyone remembers.
What a lot of people may not know about me is that I love movies, books, tv shows, anything to do with mobsters/gangsters. I think I must have been a gun moll in a past life. I don't know where this interest came from, but it's one of those things that's always been there.
Goodfellas is one of my favorite movies, as I've said with all the others. Like I said, I love lots of movies. Instead of going through and trying to pick some obscure scene that I might love. I decided to pick this one. The one where Tommy (Joe Pesci) loses it when someone says he's funny. I don't think I have to explain more since most everyone knows the scene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E84VqqCPI7w
5. Amelie. The scene where the mean man gets it.
Well not gets it in a Goodfellas way, he gets what he deserves. Sadly I couldn't find a video clip on youtube, but I'll keep looking and if I find it I'll add it.
In this scene, the grocer down the street who is always putting down his employee gets tricked by Amelie and he begins to think he's losing his mind. At some point Amelie sneaks into his house and switches things around. She switches his slippers for smaller ones, switches his toothpaste, his programmed numbers in his phone, plays around with his light. All sorts of things to make him think that something is going wrong. The best part is when he goes to call his mom, the number she had programmed in there instead, is for the mental hospital. I'm sure I'm not explaining it very well, but just watch the movie. It's a cute, fun movie. On a side note, another great movie with Audrey Tautou is Happenstance or Le battement d'ailes du papillon, which is its original title.
4. Pane e Tulipani (Bread and Tulips). The scene where Costantino Caponangeli first arrives in Venice.
Costantino is a plumber, but is hired by Rosalba's husband to find her. They left her at a service area and she decided to go to Venice for awhile, but she won't let them know exactly where she is. Truth is, she's enjoying being away for a bit. Costantino knows nothing about being a detective, only what he's read in books and comics, but when he's offered the job, which he needs. He accepts. He lives at home and it seems like he's fairly naive and hasn't been away from mama much. He arrives in Venice and gets basically swindled by a guy who tells him that he can give him a great deal on a place to stay. The con artist talks up the place, making it seem like a palace, and at a steep price. Despite the price, Costantino agrees and goes to the address he was given. Turns out the address is a run down boat, not a B&B like he had expected. The look of pure shock and horror on his face when he realizes what has happened is awful, yet at the same time comical. He sucks it up though and in the end comes out better off than he started.
Now, here's where my hopeless romantic strikes again. I can't help it. Despite being fairly unlucky in love, I still am a romantic. At number 3, is a scene from one of my absolute favorite chick flicks, Bridget Jones' Diary. Sad to say after this movie came out, people started calling me Bridget. Too bad there's no Mark Darcy about.
3. Bridget Jones' Diary. The scene where he likes her just as she is.
That says it all. To be honest, it was a toss up for this one. I wasn't sure if the fight scene was my favorite or this one. The romantic in me decided it was this one, well this and the end scene with my favorite line but I didn't pick that one so forget I said that.
In this scene Bridget has had it with just about everything, especially Mark Darcy who she thinks is a pompous ass. She doesn't realize that he really does like her. No need to explain more the scene says it all. Plus Colin Firth is dreamy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS8UffaEf60
2. Love Actually. Yep you guessed it, the scene where he shows his cards.
Again this really needs no explanation. It's one of my favorite scenes, mainly because who wouldn't want Andrew Lincoln showing up at your door professing his love for you. Simple scene, and again so much is said. Not really with words. You can also see it from his side, he's had this crush, he lays it all out there and then gets on with things. Something a lot of us don't have the nerve to do. We'd rather suffer in silence than tell the person we have a crush on how we feel, especially when they're married to their best friend. And yes it's pretty much the same scene as the Bridget Jones one, with different wording, but this is my favorites list so I'm putting them both.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFnSgPC-VXA
And my number one favorite from my hopeless romantic side.....
1. Serendipity. The scene where he finds the book.
My friends always tease me because I watch this movie every time it's on tv. This scene is my favorite in the whole movie, and it makes me cry every single time. Even if I flip to the movie and this part is on, waterworks. I can't help it. It's bittersweet. He finally finds the number for the girl he believes is his soulmate, but he gets it from his fiancee and on the night before his wedding. Again, as with most of the scenes I love, it's all about the look. The look of anguish, yet hope on John Cusack's face just says it all. He knows that if he follows the lead in the book, then he loses his fiancee. It's that moment where he has to decide if chasing Sara is following his destiny or if his destiny is getting married to Halley. It's all about choices and if you believe in fate, destiny, soulmates. It also shows that the Universe does always guide us in the right direction, it just might not be at the right time and it's up to us to choose what we want to do.
So at number one....the scene with the book.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFERgatAhIs
Inspired by a fellow tweeter, I decided to do my top 10 moments in movies that I love. This was difficult for me for a few reasons. One, I'm a Libra and we're known to be indecisive. Two, along these same lines, my top ten can vary from day to day. For instance, if you asked me what my top ten favorite songs are, today it would be one list, tomorrow another. There might be overlapping songs but as with most people things change based on my mood and other factors. So it took me a bit of time to think about movies I love, there are many, and then more time to think about the scenes in the movies that are my favorite. That's not to say that this list won't change, but for the moment I think this is pretty much it. Don't ask me tomorrow though.
I also decided to try to not make it my Top 10 Favorite Romantic Movie Moments, that was tough because I am a super girly, girl and I love so called chick flicks. I did put a few in, but only a few.
So here goes, in no particular order, well maybe a little order......
10. Arsenic and Old Lace. The scene where Mortimer finds out.
I love old movies and actors. I think I love black and white films more than the ones from today. That being said, one of my favorite actors of all time is Cary Grant, and this is definitely one of my favorite movies of his.
For me it was so hard to choose an exact scene from that movie that I love more than another, since I think the whole movie is great. If pressed, I’d have to choose as I said, the moment where Mortimer finds out that his sweet little aunties have been killing unsuspecting men with poisoned wine. The look on his face when he accidentally finds the body in the window seat, and the look he has when it dawns on him that isn't an accident, but that his aunts are doing this on purpose is priceless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy4BRNRwgo0
9. Harvey. The scene where Elwood P. Dowd explains how he met Harvey.
Another all time favorite actor of mine is Jimmy Stewart. I even have a slight connection to him since my great-aunt taught his twins when they were in elementary school.
Harvey has always been another favorite movie of mine. I remember watching it with my dad when I was fairly young and I've loved it ever since. This scene is where Elwood explains just how he met Harvey, who if you don't know, is a giant rabbit that only he can see. I think it's a sweet scene, that tells us a lot about the character of Elwood P. Dowd. It's a scene that makes me cry, just a bit, but don't tell anyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYU6mSIF8ww
8. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. The scene, well as it says on the youtube clip, the scene with Newtonian Physics.
I fell in love with this movie the first time I watched it. I think Gary Oldman and Tim Roth have great chemistry and play off each other very well. Again, with this movie it was hard for me to choose just which scene I liked the best, but I decided on this one as it always makes me giggle when I watch it.
Gary Oldman playing Rosencrantz, or is it Guildenstern, is always "discovering" things. In this particular scene he discovers physics, but when he tries to show Guildenstern or is it Rosenrantz, of course it all goes awry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5_ayuaCzZs
7. The Quiet Man. The scene where Sean Thornton sees Mary Kate Danaher.
This is another movie I love due in part to my dad. He loved John Wayne, and all John Wayne movies. This one was on, every time it was shown on tv. Back in the days before any sort of video cassette or DVD. It of course was usually on around St. Patrick's Day, so I still watch it around that time of year. Again, the chemistry between the beautiful Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne is fantastic. The scenery is beautiful. I think it's just a good movie all round, sure it may be a bit cheesy in parts, but that just adds to its charm.
Ok, so this is where the hopeless romantic in me steps in for a bit. This is just a simple little scene, Sean is out for a smoke and he sees Mary Kate tending her sheep. Just from that one look that passes between them, you can sense the chemistry. You know that somehow, some way they're going to end up together. It's that look of attraction, yet not quite attraction. So simple, yet it says so much.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2BEdLZBRJA&feature=related
6. Goodfellas. The scene, that everyone remembers.
What a lot of people may not know about me is that I love movies, books, tv shows, anything to do with mobsters/gangsters. I think I must have been a gun moll in a past life. I don't know where this interest came from, but it's one of those things that's always been there.
Goodfellas is one of my favorite movies, as I've said with all the others. Like I said, I love lots of movies. Instead of going through and trying to pick some obscure scene that I might love. I decided to pick this one. The one where Tommy (Joe Pesci) loses it when someone says he's funny. I don't think I have to explain more since most everyone knows the scene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E84VqqCPI7w
5. Amelie. The scene where the mean man gets it.
Well not gets it in a Goodfellas way, he gets what he deserves. Sadly I couldn't find a video clip on youtube, but I'll keep looking and if I find it I'll add it.
In this scene, the grocer down the street who is always putting down his employee gets tricked by Amelie and he begins to think he's losing his mind. At some point Amelie sneaks into his house and switches things around. She switches his slippers for smaller ones, switches his toothpaste, his programmed numbers in his phone, plays around with his light. All sorts of things to make him think that something is going wrong. The best part is when he goes to call his mom, the number she had programmed in there instead, is for the mental hospital. I'm sure I'm not explaining it very well, but just watch the movie. It's a cute, fun movie. On a side note, another great movie with Audrey Tautou is Happenstance or Le battement d'ailes du papillon, which is its original title.
4. Pane e Tulipani (Bread and Tulips). The scene where Costantino Caponangeli first arrives in Venice.
Costantino is a plumber, but is hired by Rosalba's husband to find her. They left her at a service area and she decided to go to Venice for awhile, but she won't let them know exactly where she is. Truth is, she's enjoying being away for a bit. Costantino knows nothing about being a detective, only what he's read in books and comics, but when he's offered the job, which he needs. He accepts. He lives at home and it seems like he's fairly naive and hasn't been away from mama much. He arrives in Venice and gets basically swindled by a guy who tells him that he can give him a great deal on a place to stay. The con artist talks up the place, making it seem like a palace, and at a steep price. Despite the price, Costantino agrees and goes to the address he was given. Turns out the address is a run down boat, not a B&B like he had expected. The look of pure shock and horror on his face when he realizes what has happened is awful, yet at the same time comical. He sucks it up though and in the end comes out better off than he started.
Now, here's where my hopeless romantic strikes again. I can't help it. Despite being fairly unlucky in love, I still am a romantic. At number 3, is a scene from one of my absolute favorite chick flicks, Bridget Jones' Diary. Sad to say after this movie came out, people started calling me Bridget. Too bad there's no Mark Darcy about.
3. Bridget Jones' Diary. The scene where he likes her just as she is.
That says it all. To be honest, it was a toss up for this one. I wasn't sure if the fight scene was my favorite or this one. The romantic in me decided it was this one, well this and the end scene with my favorite line but I didn't pick that one so forget I said that.
In this scene Bridget has had it with just about everything, especially Mark Darcy who she thinks is a pompous ass. She doesn't realize that he really does like her. No need to explain more the scene says it all. Plus Colin Firth is dreamy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS8UffaEf60
2. Love Actually. Yep you guessed it, the scene where he shows his cards.
Again this really needs no explanation. It's one of my favorite scenes, mainly because who wouldn't want Andrew Lincoln showing up at your door professing his love for you. Simple scene, and again so much is said. Not really with words. You can also see it from his side, he's had this crush, he lays it all out there and then gets on with things. Something a lot of us don't have the nerve to do. We'd rather suffer in silence than tell the person we have a crush on how we feel, especially when they're married to their best friend. And yes it's pretty much the same scene as the Bridget Jones one, with different wording, but this is my favorites list so I'm putting them both.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFnSgPC-VXA
And my number one favorite from my hopeless romantic side.....
1. Serendipity. The scene where he finds the book.
My friends always tease me because I watch this movie every time it's on tv. This scene is my favorite in the whole movie, and it makes me cry every single time. Even if I flip to the movie and this part is on, waterworks. I can't help it. It's bittersweet. He finally finds the number for the girl he believes is his soulmate, but he gets it from his fiancee and on the night before his wedding. Again, as with most of the scenes I love, it's all about the look. The look of anguish, yet hope on John Cusack's face just says it all. He knows that if he follows the lead in the book, then he loses his fiancee. It's that moment where he has to decide if chasing Sara is following his destiny or if his destiny is getting married to Halley. It's all about choices and if you believe in fate, destiny, soulmates. It also shows that the Universe does always guide us in the right direction, it just might not be at the right time and it's up to us to choose what we want to do.
So at number one....the scene with the book.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFERgatAhIs
Monday, March 28, 2011
100 Facts About Me
Since this is a trending topic on Twitter, I figured I'd do it here rather than clogging up the timelines of people who might not care. Plus I can put more than 140 characters. So here goes.
1. I was born in Alabama and lived there until I was 11 1/2, so yes I used to have a very heavy southern accent.
2. In the span of a year, both grandfathers and my father passed away. I was 17 and had just graduated high school when the first one happened.
3. I've never been to Ireland, but love all things Irish. I think once I go, I won't want to leave.
4. My favorite artist is Gustave Caillebotte but my favorite period in art is the Italian Renaissance.
5. I have a half-brother that I've never met, well we have but I was 6 months old and don't remember, and a half-sister that lived with us for a year when I was about 5. Both are much older than me.
6. One of my goals is to walk the West Highland Way.
7. I'm in the midst of working on finally finishing my B.A. in Art History/Italian.
8. I speak 5 languages other than English. So 6 if you include English.
9. I was teased and picked on a lot when I was younger.
10. One of my favorite bands of all times is Duran Duran, another is the Beatles.
11. I have collected and now own a copy of every Beatles LP that was produced.
12. My favorite Beatle was George.
13. I've been a Liverpool FC fan since I was about 5 and picked their name out of the sports page. It just kind of stuck.
14. Some people think that I'm snobby but really I'm just very shy.
15. Because of all the teasing when I was younger, I'm still fairly self conscious about things.
16. I give everyone the benefit of the doubt until they give me reason to think otherwise.
17. I can't do a cartwheel.
18. I took ballet and tap lessons for 3 years when I was about 8.
19. I went to Canada by myself for a concert. It was the middle of February. Not really one of my best ideas.
20. I'm an aspiring writer and photographer.
21. I love genealogy and have been working on mine for going on 11 years now. Found some interesting characters.
22. I prefer classic B&W movies to color ones.
23. Some of my favorite old movies are The Quiet Man, Arsenic and Old Lace, Laura, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Sunset Strip.
24. My grandmother's cousin once sang backup for Elvis during his gospel years.
25. Met Jeremy Northam once and when I first saw him in the lobby of the theater and he looked at me, I tried to hide behind my pass, which was about the size of an index card. He was about a foot away at the time.
26. I hate when people feel they have to one up me. I'm just telling a story, not trying to compete.
27. I dislike people who are fake or who can't be themselves at all times. Eventually you'll be found out.
28. I could watch Bridget Jones' Diary, Serendipity, Under the Tuscan Sun over and over, and I have.
29. Same goes for Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink.
30. I never try to push my religious or political views on anyone and I hate when people do that to me.
31. I'm addicted to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (or any of the seasonal variations), but I don't like Reese's Pieces. I do like Peanut Butter M&M's. Go figure.
32. I once threw sand at a kid in pre-school because he was bullying my friend. I got sent to the principal's office and then lied and told them I was there because I didn't feel well. They believed me.
33. I have 3 tattoos and want at least one more.
34. I got my eyebrow pierced to piss off my then boyfriend because he was being an ass.
35. My favorite type of flower is a sunflower.
36. I prefer inexpensive, thoughtful gifts to expensive ones.
37. I have a hard time letting anyone do anything for me. I like to do things on my own and if I can't then I just don't do it.
38. I collect rosaries but I'm not Catholic.
39. One of my ancestors was a perfumer in London back in the late 1600's.
40. I can be impulsive and act before I think, but I almost always think before I speak.
41. The only genre of book/film that I don't like is horror. I'm too much of a wuss and get freaked out too easily. I do like things about vampires though. Again go figure.
42. The first concert I went to where I had front row was a NKOTB show.
43. I believe in ghosts and become very uncomfortable in places where they could be. I'm not saying I sense them but I've had some experiences that can't be logically explained.
44. I've been to the Bahamas twice. First time was fab, second time it rained the entire time.
45. I'd rather travel alone so I can do what I want and take my time doing it.
46. I have an autographed photo of Judi Dench. To this day I don't know who sent it. It just showed up in the mail one day.
47. My eyes turn yellow/gold in direct sunlight.
48. I'm scared of thunderstorms.
49. I've been through a hurricane (Hurricane Frederick in 1980 I believe it was).
50. I once met Michael Palin when he came into the museum where I worked.
51. Apparently my mom tells me, my first crush was on Richard Dawson in Hogan's Heroes.
52. I still watch old school cartoons, and was recently upset when watching Scooby Doo and saw they were using technology. I turned it off.
53. I've been known to read tarot cards from time to time, sometimes with accuracy.
54. My first concert was Depeche Mode/OMD back in 1988.
55. I was in the Girl Scouts for 4 years and played Juliette Lowe,their founder, in a play.
56. I hate having to rush anywhere or be rushed. I like to be early if anything.
57. I woke up suddenly the morning of 9/11 because I was having a nightmare where I was trying to run down stairs to get out of a building that was on fire. A few mins later I turned on the news and saw what happened.
58. I had a dream about Dean Martin, then woke up the next morning to find out he had passed away during the night.
59. I'm also addicted to Tunnock's Teacakes.
60. When I was around 5, instead of having a lemonade stand, I had a stand that sold my watercolors that I had done. A grad student bought them all. I made about $5.
61. I wrote a play when I was around 7, that my cousin and I performed for my parents. The one line I remember was "Who do you think we are two monks from a monastery?" For some reason I found that line very funny.
62. My idea of success is making a difference in someone's life.
63. Some people say I'm too nice. I probably agree.
64. My grandparents had a log cabin in Tennessee where we'd go for family holidays. I hated it and every time I went there something would happen to me.
65. My favorite word is prehensile. Try inserting that into everyday conversation.
66. I actually like writing research papers, even though I complain about it at the time.
67. All of my pets have been rescues in one way or another, either from the shelter or other people.
68. I often feel like I don't really belong anywhere. Like I'm always an outsider.
69. I had braces on my teeth for 4 years, complete with headgear. I got them off the day after my senior year pictures were taken. How's that for bad timing.
70. I've tried to feng shui my house and room, not sure if it's working.
71. At one time I thought about being a lawyer.
72. I'm a complete girlie girl but I do have a tomboy side and have been known to climb trees. Must be from having all boy cousins around me when I was growing up.
73. My one college roommate wouldn't play basketball with me because she said she was afraid if she bumped into me I'd break.
74. After Bridget Jones' Diary came out (the movie) people started calling me Bridget.
75. I used to bake cakes and cookies from scratch on a weekly basis.
76. I still wish on stars.
77. A few of my ancestors were beheaded for treason.
78. I love Highland Coos.
79. Some of my best friends are people I met because of Duran Duran.
80. I collect unicorns, dragons, gargoyles, angels and gnomes. Odd combo I know.
81. I love buying school supplies. Reminds me of simpler times.
82. I've never wanted to be famous and I don't like being center of attention. I prefer to stay in the background.
83. I don't like gummy candy of any kind. It weirds me out.
84. I always seem to look at the clock when it's 1:11 or 11:11.
85. I prefer walking around a city rather than taking public transportation or cabs. You get a better feel for the city that way.
86. I don't care for flying but once I'm on the plane I'm fine. It's the sitting waiting to board that bothers me most I think.
87. I love taking the train, especially where I live now and in England. Such beautiful scenery.
88. My favorite colors are any shade of green or purple.
89. I've been called flighty a few times in my life.
90. I hate to do anything half-assed. If I do I feel guilty about it. I always try my best even if I don't really want to and even if it doesn't count.
91. I'm a sap.
92. My favorite book as a child was Benjamin and Tulip. I still love to read it.
93. I started reading when I was around 4 and haven't stopped since. I remember my grandmother buying me Harlequin Romances when I was about 6. I had no idea what they were but I wanted them.
94. I try not to judge people by things I've heard about them, but by how they treat me and how they are with me.
95. I know who my true friends are, the ones that would be there no matter what. I also know who wouldn't be.
96. I can draw and paint fairly well if I really put my mind to it, otherwise not so much.
97. If I don't like an artist's work, I like to read about them so I can get a better understanding of what they're about. Doesn't mean I'll like their paintings or sculptures but I know where they're coming from.
98. I almost always remember my dreams and they're almost always in color. I also once had a dream in Spanish with subtitles.
99. I sometimes get homesick when I leave England or Scotland, and I'm not even from there.
100. I cried when I found out John Wayne died.
1. I was born in Alabama and lived there until I was 11 1/2, so yes I used to have a very heavy southern accent.
2. In the span of a year, both grandfathers and my father passed away. I was 17 and had just graduated high school when the first one happened.
3. I've never been to Ireland, but love all things Irish. I think once I go, I won't want to leave.
4. My favorite artist is Gustave Caillebotte but my favorite period in art is the Italian Renaissance.
5. I have a half-brother that I've never met, well we have but I was 6 months old and don't remember, and a half-sister that lived with us for a year when I was about 5. Both are much older than me.
6. One of my goals is to walk the West Highland Way.
7. I'm in the midst of working on finally finishing my B.A. in Art History/Italian.
8. I speak 5 languages other than English. So 6 if you include English.
9. I was teased and picked on a lot when I was younger.
10. One of my favorite bands of all times is Duran Duran, another is the Beatles.
11. I have collected and now own a copy of every Beatles LP that was produced.
12. My favorite Beatle was George.
13. I've been a Liverpool FC fan since I was about 5 and picked their name out of the sports page. It just kind of stuck.
14. Some people think that I'm snobby but really I'm just very shy.
15. Because of all the teasing when I was younger, I'm still fairly self conscious about things.
16. I give everyone the benefit of the doubt until they give me reason to think otherwise.
17. I can't do a cartwheel.
18. I took ballet and tap lessons for 3 years when I was about 8.
19. I went to Canada by myself for a concert. It was the middle of February. Not really one of my best ideas.
20. I'm an aspiring writer and photographer.
21. I love genealogy and have been working on mine for going on 11 years now. Found some interesting characters.
22. I prefer classic B&W movies to color ones.
23. Some of my favorite old movies are The Quiet Man, Arsenic and Old Lace, Laura, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Sunset Strip.
24. My grandmother's cousin once sang backup for Elvis during his gospel years.
25. Met Jeremy Northam once and when I first saw him in the lobby of the theater and he looked at me, I tried to hide behind my pass, which was about the size of an index card. He was about a foot away at the time.
26. I hate when people feel they have to one up me. I'm just telling a story, not trying to compete.
27. I dislike people who are fake or who can't be themselves at all times. Eventually you'll be found out.
28. I could watch Bridget Jones' Diary, Serendipity, Under the Tuscan Sun over and over, and I have.
29. Same goes for Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink.
30. I never try to push my religious or political views on anyone and I hate when people do that to me.
31. I'm addicted to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (or any of the seasonal variations), but I don't like Reese's Pieces. I do like Peanut Butter M&M's. Go figure.
32. I once threw sand at a kid in pre-school because he was bullying my friend. I got sent to the principal's office and then lied and told them I was there because I didn't feel well. They believed me.
33. I have 3 tattoos and want at least one more.
34. I got my eyebrow pierced to piss off my then boyfriend because he was being an ass.
35. My favorite type of flower is a sunflower.
36. I prefer inexpensive, thoughtful gifts to expensive ones.
37. I have a hard time letting anyone do anything for me. I like to do things on my own and if I can't then I just don't do it.
38. I collect rosaries but I'm not Catholic.
39. One of my ancestors was a perfumer in London back in the late 1600's.
40. I can be impulsive and act before I think, but I almost always think before I speak.
41. The only genre of book/film that I don't like is horror. I'm too much of a wuss and get freaked out too easily. I do like things about vampires though. Again go figure.
42. The first concert I went to where I had front row was a NKOTB show.
43. I believe in ghosts and become very uncomfortable in places where they could be. I'm not saying I sense them but I've had some experiences that can't be logically explained.
44. I've been to the Bahamas twice. First time was fab, second time it rained the entire time.
45. I'd rather travel alone so I can do what I want and take my time doing it.
46. I have an autographed photo of Judi Dench. To this day I don't know who sent it. It just showed up in the mail one day.
47. My eyes turn yellow/gold in direct sunlight.
48. I'm scared of thunderstorms.
49. I've been through a hurricane (Hurricane Frederick in 1980 I believe it was).
50. I once met Michael Palin when he came into the museum where I worked.
51. Apparently my mom tells me, my first crush was on Richard Dawson in Hogan's Heroes.
52. I still watch old school cartoons, and was recently upset when watching Scooby Doo and saw they were using technology. I turned it off.
53. I've been known to read tarot cards from time to time, sometimes with accuracy.
54. My first concert was Depeche Mode/OMD back in 1988.
55. I was in the Girl Scouts for 4 years and played Juliette Lowe,their founder, in a play.
56. I hate having to rush anywhere or be rushed. I like to be early if anything.
57. I woke up suddenly the morning of 9/11 because I was having a nightmare where I was trying to run down stairs to get out of a building that was on fire. A few mins later I turned on the news and saw what happened.
58. I had a dream about Dean Martin, then woke up the next morning to find out he had passed away during the night.
59. I'm also addicted to Tunnock's Teacakes.
60. When I was around 5, instead of having a lemonade stand, I had a stand that sold my watercolors that I had done. A grad student bought them all. I made about $5.
61. I wrote a play when I was around 7, that my cousin and I performed for my parents. The one line I remember was "Who do you think we are two monks from a monastery?" For some reason I found that line very funny.
62. My idea of success is making a difference in someone's life.
63. Some people say I'm too nice. I probably agree.
64. My grandparents had a log cabin in Tennessee where we'd go for family holidays. I hated it and every time I went there something would happen to me.
65. My favorite word is prehensile. Try inserting that into everyday conversation.
66. I actually like writing research papers, even though I complain about it at the time.
67. All of my pets have been rescues in one way or another, either from the shelter or other people.
68. I often feel like I don't really belong anywhere. Like I'm always an outsider.
69. I had braces on my teeth for 4 years, complete with headgear. I got them off the day after my senior year pictures were taken. How's that for bad timing.
70. I've tried to feng shui my house and room, not sure if it's working.
71. At one time I thought about being a lawyer.
72. I'm a complete girlie girl but I do have a tomboy side and have been known to climb trees. Must be from having all boy cousins around me when I was growing up.
73. My one college roommate wouldn't play basketball with me because she said she was afraid if she bumped into me I'd break.
74. After Bridget Jones' Diary came out (the movie) people started calling me Bridget.
75. I used to bake cakes and cookies from scratch on a weekly basis.
76. I still wish on stars.
77. A few of my ancestors were beheaded for treason.
78. I love Highland Coos.
79. Some of my best friends are people I met because of Duran Duran.
80. I collect unicorns, dragons, gargoyles, angels and gnomes. Odd combo I know.
81. I love buying school supplies. Reminds me of simpler times.
82. I've never wanted to be famous and I don't like being center of attention. I prefer to stay in the background.
83. I don't like gummy candy of any kind. It weirds me out.
84. I always seem to look at the clock when it's 1:11 or 11:11.
85. I prefer walking around a city rather than taking public transportation or cabs. You get a better feel for the city that way.
86. I don't care for flying but once I'm on the plane I'm fine. It's the sitting waiting to board that bothers me most I think.
87. I love taking the train, especially where I live now and in England. Such beautiful scenery.
88. My favorite colors are any shade of green or purple.
89. I've been called flighty a few times in my life.
90. I hate to do anything half-assed. If I do I feel guilty about it. I always try my best even if I don't really want to and even if it doesn't count.
91. I'm a sap.
92. My favorite book as a child was Benjamin and Tulip. I still love to read it.
93. I started reading when I was around 4 and haven't stopped since. I remember my grandmother buying me Harlequin Romances when I was about 6. I had no idea what they were but I wanted them.
94. I try not to judge people by things I've heard about them, but by how they treat me and how they are with me.
95. I know who my true friends are, the ones that would be there no matter what. I also know who wouldn't be.
96. I can draw and paint fairly well if I really put my mind to it, otherwise not so much.
97. If I don't like an artist's work, I like to read about them so I can get a better understanding of what they're about. Doesn't mean I'll like their paintings or sculptures but I know where they're coming from.
98. I almost always remember my dreams and they're almost always in color. I also once had a dream in Spanish with subtitles.
99. I sometimes get homesick when I leave England or Scotland, and I'm not even from there.
100. I cried when I found out John Wayne died.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)