TOP 10 FILMS - 2011

A look back at 2011

So it begins, the end of another year past and the start of a new year to come. There are always big plans and big ideas that swirl around my brain as to what the new year will hold for me. I vow to myself that I will do new things, become more confident, make life better. But I never follow through. My brain and thoughts are easier to dream than to actually accomplish.

In the anticipation for 2012 let's look back at 2011:

I directed the 9th production for NK drama with Camp Rock: the Musical, which was a wonderful experience filled with laughter, tears and a fantastic production. It proved how much I love my kids and how much they fill my life with just pure joy (and much aggravation on top of that). The good always outweighs the bad, these kids bring me happiness.

Two trips to Florida, a fun fun time with friends in Disney and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

A nice relaxing vacation to Hawaii with my mom, including two absolutely amazing Lost tours.

I visited Mark and we had a lovely time together, as usual.

Carrie and I celebrated our Christmas tradition in RI together. I also visited NY to her place in Astoria, we had many fun adventures, including meeting some fun celebs.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Jim Parsons (Sheldon, Big Bang Theory), Justin Kirk (Andy, Weeds), Susan Sullivan (Martha, Castle) and many more.

Favorite movies of 2011:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Bridesmaids
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Favorite TV shows of 2011 (new):

American Horror Story
Once Upon a Time
New Girl

Let's bring on 2012, and hope it's a better year than this. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I'm On My Way

"well i'm on my way
i don't know where i'm going
and i'm on my way
i'm taking my time, but i don't know where"

thank you paul simon

butterflies in the stomach
there's nothing better

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Robin Wright & Joely Richardson

December 22, 2011

I read the book and highly anticipated this movie as the book was incredible. I try not to get too set in the book story when seeing the movies based on them because I am usually disappointed when they cut things out or add in things or change things in any way (I'm looking at you Water for Elephants!) so I went into this movie looking at it as its own entity, completely different from the book.

So by doing so the changes (and there were three apparent changes) didn't bother me. I can see why they changed certain things and it worked, and had the same outcome/effect the book did. Other than those changes the movie stayed true to the book and I was left loving Lisbeth Salander more than I did after reading.

Salander is one of the strongest characters that I have read in a book, and if it is at all possible she's even more kick-ass in the movie. Rooney Mara is BRILLIANT in the role! Not only does she have the look of the character and fits the role perfectly, her portrayal of Salander is spot on. Daniel Craig plays Mikhael Blomkvist just as I pictured him and the him and Rooney Mara had great chemistry.

There is one scene that is difficult to watch, and if you have read the book you know which scene I'm referring to. But it just makes the revenge scene so much more awesome. The film is very dark, which I love.

A MUST SEE! LOVED IT!

10 out of 10 stars!!!!

We Bought a Zoo

We Bought a Zoo
Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johanssen, Thomas Haden Church, Elle Fanning, Colin Ford, Maggie Elizabeth Jones & Patrick Fugit
December 24, 2011

Based on a true story about a single father who upon the death of his wife bought a zoo.

It was an uplifting film, a story of loss and the eventual gain of something wonderful and adventurous due to that. How tragedy can ultimately lead to something so great. A real adventure for the adventurous!

This movie will make you laugh and cry, tears of happiness. Bring tissues! And Maggie Elizabeth Jones who plays Rosie (the 7 year old daughter) is simply adorable!!!!!!!

I'll give this 5 out of 5 stars.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton & Josh Holloway

December 24, 2011

Not being a big fan of Tom Cruise the only reason I had an inkling of wanting to see this movie was for Josh Holloway, aka Sawyer from the show LOST. Who can resist him? You think you can? TRY IT!

Anyhoo...I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie. Lots of action and crazy stunts, with a twist at the end. It's a typical Mission Impossible movie. So not much to say about it. but I enjoyed it.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

The Darkest Hour

The Darkest Hour
December 25, 2011

A christmas tradition between Carrie & Myself is to see a movie on Christmas day after the dinner celebration at my family's home. This is the movie we saw.

The movie began with the main characters in a plane on their way to Russia. They arrive, go to a meeting about some such site they had an idea about that they want to sell to the Russians so they can become billionaires. The site involves tracking each other and finding fun clubs wherever they are ?? I'm not quite sure. They spent so little time building up the characters and what was happening it didn't set in my brain. Basically from that point, they get screwed over and spend the night in a bar commisserating (sp?). Then all hell breaks loose when electric invisible alien whatever they are (it was never really explained) start attacking and within five minutes 95% of the population has disintegrated into thin air. Then it was the fight to keep themselves alive and get themselves home.

The movie was...entertaining...but other than that...well i'll leave it at that. If you are looking for an actual story don't see this. In my opinion it had absolutely no plot, no character development and seemed to be just thrown together, with an unsatisfactory ending.

I will give it this - the 3D is awesome! And the special effects were pretty cool. So for those two things alone I will give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Mirror, Mirror - MARCH 16!

Still Waiting

Did you get the job?
The dream job
with the interview that went so well
I sit and I wait
One month later
I called again
It was the second time in a month and he seemed annoyed
He could have been annoyed about anything
But I just need an answer
To the question
Did you get the job?
I was told by many calling a second time isn't being pushy
It's not a rejection
He told his boss is at a stand still
At a stand still
Sort of like my life
I'm hoping in the next two weeks I know
I know that comes from within me
The knowing, right?
I'm hoping they give me a phone call either way
But that doesn't happen often
You just never hear
So I applied to more jobs
Hoping to hear
How long can this last?
How long can I last?

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving came early. No, it didn't. I just cook for my friends.

Everything I made was homemade.

You see that gravy. When I let it refrigerate it got a little too thick, but it still went over well.

Cranberry sauce. This was homemade. Appreciate it. It went over well :) This was a big hit, actually.

We were too busy eating to remember to take a picture of the bird. I know I'm bad! But it went well. It all went well.

I still have left overs. And a Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

the interviews

I got a job
as a host
in a steak house
and then I didn't
I wonder sometimes
all the times
"the plan"
it was for the best
dreams do come true?
i'm not sad
i had another interview
for the dream job
dreams do come true?
i sent thank you cards
i smiled and i was confident
i did everything right
i said everything right
when does that happen?
and here i wait
the day before thanksgiving
for an answer
to a question
i've been asking myself for a decade
maybe longer
what are you gonna do with the rest of your life?
what is your life?
i know too much introspection
but all these thoughts race through my head
as i sit and wait and prepare
for disappointment?
for approval?
what would i do with approval?
i did celebrate with a thanksgiving dinner with friends
i celebrated the dream job interview and the success of it
i took it in
like you should
regardless of the outcome
but what will the outcome be?
four days later
i wonder
31 years and 4 days

MIRROR, MIRROR

Click on the title and it will bring you directly to the trailer.

Julia looks amazing in this. I can't wait for March 16, 2012.

Once Upon a Time...

Once Upon a Time
Starring: Jennifer Morrison, Lana Parrilla, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jamie Dornan, Jared Gilmore, Josh Dallas & Robert Carlyle
Premiere Date: October 23, 2011

"...and they lived happily ever after."

Or that is what the fairy tales have us believe. This show takes on that notion of happily ever after and throws a curveball. We see in the Pilot episode the dwarves standing over a glass coffin as Prince Charming rides on his horse to say his last goodbye. Like in the original version he leans over and kisses his fair princess Snow White and with a gasp of breath she awakens. It is happiness all around as the scene switches to their wedding day, a joyous event. That is when the Evil Queen storms in declaring this to be the last happy day anyone will be celebrating. For she will enact a curse so evil that there will be no more happy endings for anyone. (get your mind out of the gutter Mark!)

How does this curse work? Well, we find out that all of the fairy tale characters have been transported to the real world; our world, to suffer through life frozen in time un-knowing of their lives in the fairy tale world. They won't know who they are, or who they loved. Time will stand still, they will never age and they can never leave the town of Storybrooke, Maine or 'bad things will happen'.

In fairy tale world, Snow White is worried for their lives after the Evil Queen's announcement of the dark curse. She rubs her pregnant stomach as she says she must visit someone to find out how to fix this. Prince Charming (whose name is James) tries to disuade her to no avail. Who is this someone you ask? None other than Rumplestiltskin. He is locked in a jail cell, which we find out in later episodes was done to him by Cinderella. He tells her (only after she tells him the name of the baby) that on the 28th birthday of their daughter Emma, she will come and break the curse. She will be the only hope for them all.

So back in the real world we meet up with Emma on her 28th birthday, and as she blows out her candles a young boy by the name of Henry appears surprising her with the news that he is the baby she gave up for adoption 10 years previous. He convinces her to come back to Storybrooke, Maine with him because yes he was adopted by Regina Mills, the mayor of the town...and also the Evil Queen in the fairy tale world!

The show takes place between fairy tale world and the Storybrooke town. We meet and get to know the fairy tale characters in a way we never had before. We find out a different version of what we have all grown up with. And I can't wait to find out more. Once Upon a Time just grabs you in, puts you under the spell of it's darkness and goodness...you learn never to make a deal with Rumplestiltskin - who is known as Mr. Gold in Storybrooke...and you realize that there is more to the story when it comes to why the Evil Queen hates Snow White.

The acting is stellar! Ginnifer Goodwin's portrayal of Snow White / Mary Margaret is perfect, she gives the sweetness we have all known of Snow White, but throws in a strong independence and fierceness that we haven't seen of the princess. She has made me love Snow White, when previous I did not. Jennifer Morrison plays the character of Emma (the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming) terrifically, if that is even a word. I like her in the role and can't see anyone else playing her. Jared Gilmore, who plays Henry is just so adorable and a great actor at his young age. Jamie Dornan (Sheriff Graham) and Josh Dallas (Prince Charming) both are pretty nice to look at and are equally superb as their characters.

The two standout performances (for me - although I think EVERYONE is phenomenal) are Robert Carlyle (Rumplestiltskin / Mr. Gold) and Lana Parrilla (Evil Queen / Regina Mills). Robert Carlyle is so convincing as Rumplestiltskin you forget that he's just playing a character, a creepy and scary character! Lana Parrilla has this way about her that makes her portrayal of Evil Queen and Regina different but recognizable to each other. She creates this sympathetic character that you both love and hate, and love to hate!

I highly recommend this show, and I give it 30 out of 10 stars!

You're (not) Gonna Regret It!

American Horror Story

Starring: Connie Britton, Dylan McDermott, Jessica Lange, Frances Conroy & Taissa Farmiga

Premiere aired: October 5, 2011

Very rarely does a TV show come along that is in the genre of horror...and even more rarely does it compare, let alone surpass horror films. This one does just that and more. I have a fascination with ghost stories, and once I saw the preview for this show I was so excited, it looked great.

Mark had expressed interest in this at first, although he entitled it American Horror Gothic...he still claims rights to finding this before me. From the creators of Nip/Tuck and Glee this show is brilliant! I love the format of each episode, starting out with a crime / murder that took place within the house in the past, then following up with the credits (which along with Dexter and True Blood is one of the best opening sequence of any TV show) and then it continues with the story of a family who moved from Boston to Los Angeles to start anew. From a creepy neighbor (Jessica Lange) to a maid (Frances Conroy) who appears older to the wife and younger to the husband this show keeps me scared and wanting more with each passing second. It has quickly climbed the charts of my favorite television series list. (Lost remains # 1!).

Connie Britton, who plays Vivien, the wife...is so great in this role. I had never seen her in anything else, but now that I can see what a great actor she is, I want to check out Friday Night Lights, for Mark has told me she was amazing in that show. Dylan McDermott, who plays the husband is very nice to look at and plays the role of the cheater perfectly. You don't want him to be found out, but you despise him for cheating at the same time. Taissa Farmiga, who plays their daughter Violet is wonderful as the dark teenager with a habit of cutting. Frances Conroy is both sad, haunting and strong in the role.

I do have to say though, out of all the characters, the neighbor Constance is the creepiest character in the show, and she's one of the only ones (besides the family) who is actually living! She is played by the brilliant Jessica Lange.

If you haven't watched this show, if you haven't seen even one episode, get on it! It is brilliant!

I give this 10 out of 10 stars *********

The Ides of March

The Ides of March
Starring: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood

Saw: October 22, 2011 with Mark

I saw a preview for this once and thought it looked really good. And who can say no to watching Ryan Gosling and George Clooney for 2 hours? Hummana Hummana!

I'm not a huge fan of politics in general but this movie intrigued me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It amazes me the nonsense and bullshit that goes into managing a campaign for any position in the government, especially what people will do to ensure that their candidate they are working for gets into office. I knew politics was all dirty work but this took an inside nosedive into the innerworkings of it all...from promising a senate seat to a major influential person who stands for everything the candidate for President is against just for votes, to covering up an affair.

I was surprised to see Evan Rachel Wood, who has changed so much since her days on Once and Again and the movie Thirteen. She has grown to be a great actress from watching her in this and as the vampire queen in True Blood. Marisa Tomei however, who is one of the greats, has a small and rather insignificant role in this film. She speaks her lines with her head tilted to the side and only contribution to the film is to expose a secret meeting between Gosling and Giamatti. For such a great actor to be put in that small of a role was disappointing.

Other than that the story was great, you wanted so badly to believe in Mike Morris (Clooney) and to believe that he was the right choice for President. You feel for Steven (Gosling) as he has to cover up an affair and you see how that weighs on him. I recommend you see this movie.

I give it 8 out of 10 stars. ********

To Travel Is To Live

I have so much fun traveling. I really, really do. I lose myself in the destination that I choose. And how do I choose my destination? I let it choose me. I am often overcome with an image. This image could be something as generic as the Red Wood trees in San Franciso or a picture of a rainy day in Seattle. I then imagine myself living there. Whenever I travel anywhere I want to experience this moment as a resident. Because I am dreamer and I often dream about moving away. If I did move, where would I move to? Does any place outside of New York City really belong to me? I spent my childhood afraid of getting lost. I take trips now, on my own, each year, with the intent of getting lost. Because the best part of being lost, is finding your way again. Traveling has helped me each time I've been at a crossroads with finding a new road to take, that just might have a little less turbulence.

Looking for a change

I have always wanted to live in California. Ever since I was 17 and went with my Grandma to visit my extended family in Santa Barbara. Initially I had wanted to go to UCSB (University of California: Santa Barbara) but when I was looking at schools I decided on Salve Regina in Rhode Island. Although I'm glad I went to Salve; I never would have met my friends ... including Mark if I hadn't, I also regret that I didn't follow my first love.

But they say everything happens for a reason. Maybe I wasn't meant to be out there at that time. Mark and I were destined to be best friends. He is a very important person in my life. Also, I probably wouldn't have met Carrie, because without Salve I wouldn't have been friends with Tara...and without being friends with Tara, we wouldn't have made that trip out to LA, where I met Carrie. I also wouldn't have known or made friends with Kris...and without knowing Kris I wouldn't be friends with Kari. It's like a spiderweb of friendships. I don't know what I would do without my friends I have met in college and in association with college. I wouldn't be the person I am today. But I always wonder...if I had gone to UCSB where would I be right now? Who would my friends be? Who would I be?

But we can't change the past, but we can change the future.

Yes, I did try to live out there after graduating college. I never made it past my cousins' house. My dream was to make it in Hollywood...no not necessarily an actor...I had thought of being a Director at one point. I'm not cut out for that though. Needless to say I came back. And if I hadn't come back I wouldn't have met Elle and Carrie.

The point of all of this is. I feel stuck. Stuck in whatever rut I am in right now. I need a serious change, and have known that for quite some time now. Working for my Dad hasn't been the best for me. Almost ten years has gotten me to a point of dreading every day. I am at a stalemate at the moment and don't know how to get myself out. How to dig myself out of this ditch.

For the past two years I have been planning on the big move. From this tiny state to the Golden Coast. I mean, who doesn't love California? It's simply the most laid back and wonderful state...sunshine and lollipops!

Originally I had been thinking of moving in the vicinity of Los Angeles, not directly in the city itself, but just on the outskirts (maybe Malibu?? Santa Monica?? HA - in my dreams!). But I found this wonderful apartment complex in a suburb of San Diego called Rancho Bernardo. It has the feel and look of a beautiful resort, and the moment I found it the place called out to me. So I have my heart set on it. I will see a model 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom in March, and hope that it speaks to me.

I am scared - out of my mind! But without fear and without progress where are we? Riddle me that! Okay, so I'm trying to convince myself that this is the right decision...and I am excited for it. But there are many times where I just lose sight of the joy and the fear takes over full force. It's not that I don't have support. My family supports me and I have family out there, a cousin who I am very close with lives just 45 minutes north of this place. My biggest fear is money. That is it. Money and a job.

But I know I have to do this, not only for my sanity, but also because I have to follow my dreams. Follow what I want to do. Make my life exciting. It is definitely time for an adventure. Who knows where it will lead.

Food For Thought

Punch 913 Broadway

My friend Tami and I went to dinner. I had a hamburger (no bun, lots of good fries). She had sea food. She loves sea food. It was a good time to catch up. It was good atmosphere and service. And did I mention I liked the fries?






The Dutch
131 Sullivan Street

Linda and I (with Tristan) traveled to Soho for brunch. A fantastic one with pastries, pancakes, eggs, alcohol.


Revel
10 Little West 12th Street

The three of us also ate dinner together. Linda was hungry for some meat (she got a lot that week). I opted for the pasta (and probably need to lose a few pounds because of it). A terrific space.

We also had some hot dogs (or Linda did). I don't do hot dogs.

La Linda Takes New York

Linda came to New York for business (but managed to sneak pleasure into the mix like only she can) over the last week. It had been a year since I had seen her. It had been five years since we met. Whenever I meet someone after not seeing them for so long I do wonder how have they changed? How have I changed? What have I forgotten about them? I forgot just how warm of a person Linda is. She is always examining each day and looking to extract everything she can out of each moment. The good and the bad. One of her favorite quotes is : "Life begins outside of your comfort zone." And seeing her everyday I was reminded of how she lives her life in this way. We are braver than we think. We are smarter than we think. And each time she comes to New York I fall in love with this city in a new way.

Pat me down and call me crazy

New York City

9/30/11 - 10/2/11

What one will do for a good mac & cheese meal. Have you ever been physically assaulted at a restaurant? All we wanted to do was eat a delicious meal of what Mark had told me was the best mac & cheese ever made! Was that too much to ask? It was 11:15pm and I know I was starving. But before we could be seated in the cramped space of the Hudson River Cafe Mark was accosted by a gentleman who worked for the bar/restaurant and patted down as if he was a known terrorist. I was then called over to a woman to have my bags searched as if I were his accomplice. Where did he take me? Why were these people treating us like we were about to blow up the place? That mac & cheese had better be as good as Mark said it was I thought to myself. It was.

What do Johnny Depp, bad acting and creepy fingernails have in common? Nightmare on Elm Street, that's what. Yes, we watched that upon our arrival at Mark's dwelling. It creeped me out a bit, although it was cheesy and the acting wasn't stellar (nancy's mom I'm talking to you!). So afterwards we watched the episode of all episodes of the hit series Friends...'The One Where Everyone Finds Out'. Classic.

Saturday morning proved to be what we assumed was a beautiful day. Not sunny, but a nice day to walk around. The walk to the subway stop in harlem was nice, we enjoyed it. Taking the subway train was exactly like usual, smelly and noisy but fast. Then we exited the subway station in the city...and that beautiful day turned into a rain storm of wet! So we walked to the High Line and it would have been gorgeous and really nice to just sit and enjoy the view, but because of the rain and our lack of sweaters and umbrellas, it was just ... wet.

Following that we decided we needed to solve a crime to get our minds off of the weather. Thankfully we found an exhibit at Discovery Times Square, a CSI: The Experience exhibit. What a coincidence! We were assigned our case number and we were on our way to speaking for the victim. After compiling the evidence at the scene, we analyzed blood spatter, did a toxicology test on the victim, analyzed the shoe prints and fingerprints. Finally we did a blood analysis on the victim and the blood found at the scene. SHOCKER! The perp was the vic's twin brother! Who would have thought!

Famished we were, crime solving does that for you. So we went to my favorite sandwich shop, Cosi on W 51st Street & Broadway. <3 delicious. I had my usual a tuna melt. Mark had a grilled chicken & lettuce. We then met up with the very fashionable Carrie. After chatting we walked on over to the Eugene O'Neill theater where we put our names in for the Book of Mormon lotto. Sadly none of us won. :/ Carrie Beth left us to go home herself. Mark and I decided on then going to see the movie 50/50 starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anjelica Huston and Anna Kendrick. The movie was good...made me cry and laugh.

Ryan Gosling is hot. Even when he plays a crazy lying murdering SOB in All Good Things. The movie also starred Kirsten Dunst. Where has she been? This is a classic example of how the rich and powerful can get away with murder and know how to cover things up. Based on a true story. Liked it a lot.

Sunday morning I had a delicious burned pancake, just how I like it! Mark made it for me and I loved it. I also really liked the cupcakes he made the day before. The pancake was better though. I love pancakes. Then we watched some Queer as Folk before my departure.

Thankfully it was not raining and we got to spend the next hour in dry clothes and not shivering. But one last stop before I left....



Yummy!!! My delicious tuna melt.

Crazy in NYC

Crazy pants (LindsAy) came to NYC - Dont forget the A!

It was her second visit to the Harlem neighborhood that I've been residing in since I moved in over seven years ago. She got scared of a bang and swore she'd never return. But when they started smoking crack on my front steps I couldn't turn her away :)

We watched A Nightmare on Elm Street (introducing Johnny Depp!), All Good Things (Ryan Gosling is my third husband), Friends (The One Where Everyone Finds Out), Queer as Folk (because I might be queer... shhhh), and Adventures in Babysitting (Lindsay loves her Anthony Rapp... don't fuck with the babysitter).

And then we went to the cinema and saw 50/50 which is currently my second ranked film of the year. It takes place in Seattle (filmed on Pike street!). And it's really well acted and feels truthful. My kind of movie. We should have stayed in the theater (it rained all weekend!). But we traveled to the High Line (a must see).

And we went to the CSI experience at the Discovery Center. This was fun. I made cupcakes (Lindsay enjoyed them more than she expected too I think :) ). And I made pancakes.

And we also ate The Hudson River Cafe: 697 West 133 street. They have the best mac & cheese ever. Lindsay also devoured the sweet potato fries. I got grouped by security and her bags were checked. We look suspicious. But the food is worth it. I try to take everyone there that will go. It's just so worth it.

And the subway. We rode the subway. And we talked and laughed and had fun like friends who have known each other for more than a decade do. Come back soon - but skip the bus. Gate 71-74 no way!

He Told Me

He told me I smelled nice.
And that I was sweet.
He told me I was husband material.
And then we had sex.
He actually wanted to find the spot that would arouse me.
And he asked about my life.
He was turned on by how shy I was.
I was a little shy. Nervous. For he would be gone in an hour and I probably wouldn't ever see him again.
He wasn't my type.
And I'm not sure if I liked him. But I was interested. I was interested in his life.
He graduated with a degree in print journalism. He had a minor in English. He was a flight attendant. He got his masters degree in public health. He teaches at a community college part time.
That is a life.
And my life? What is my life? It's been a year since I was laid off from a career that was not for me. Was that a career?
You're your problem. You're also your solution.
What is my solution? I have to stop dreaming. If I wasn't sick. If I didn't inherit money. Would I have more?
This is happiness. I am happy. I am searching.
This is me. Introspective. Wondering. An aimless wanderer.
Will I ever let myself be loved?
He told me I was husband material.
Do I want a husband? Or do I just like the idea of one?
Everyone's rejected. I'm braver than I think. I'm stronger than I know.
Can I live my life alone?
I've always liked to share.
He grabbed my face before he left.
Shocked at the blue eyes that looked back at him. My eyes.
Most people are attracted to my eyes.
Will I ever be attracted to the person I am?
Good enough to be loved.
He told me I was husband material.
And then he left like all the rest.

Aruba

It was suppose to be for my brother's wedding, but he ended up marrying a few months earlier. The entire family was suppose to come. An unexpected health scare had them canceling last minute. I showed up. And I saw beaches filled with sand so white and so soft I thought it was a dream. The water in the ocean was bluer than I'd only seen in pictures. And not just blue - but about seven different shades of blue. I took an off road jeep tour and snorkeled in a natural pool. The island itself is only 19.6 miles and only developed with the various hotels they build to house the tourists. They do have a volcano. The cuisine is average (but the smoothies were great). I'd never seen so many iguanas. There is no gay scene (how lame). And my brother's children. It's a lot of work being a parent. And the two boys just don't behave. It gave me a headache. But I escaped to the movies one afternoon ( I saw The Help for a second time. Viola Davis is marvelous). And I was glad to have the opportunity to come. This will be my last vacation of the year.

I hope to go to Sweden (to see Linda) next year. Maybe in April? And I want to go back to California (I'm thinking of Carmel). Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

Fall TV: Part 2

In an addendum to Mark's post on the upcoming shows (new or returning) I will share my thoughts.

I am equally thrilled and nervous of the television season upon us. Why nervous you ask? I know you are very curious. Well, I watch entirely too much television. I watch about all that is on the air, except Jersey Shore...I will never ever stoop that low to watch that nonsense.

Last week actually kicked off the new season with the start of the new season of Parenthood. It was a good episode. Although Haddie and Amber are apparently in a contest to see who can have the absolute worst hairstyle ever. It was hard to pick a winner.

But last night was the real start to greatness with the season 4 premiere of Castle. We were left last season with Beckett getting shot and Castle telling her that he loved her right before she closed her eyes into unconsciousness. Way to leave us hanging show! This episode was beyond amazing -- edge of your seat craziness! From the moment we see Lanie wheeling Beckett down the corridor of the hospital until the very end as Beckett reveals that she lied and she 'remembers everything' the episode did not disappoint. A great way to start!

Another show that I'm very excited for the return is Fringe. Season 4 should be another epic showdown of awesome. The end of season 3 was a jaw dropping 'what the hell just happened' kind of finale, as we see Peter Bishop disappear. Yes folks...he just vanished. Poof! Where did he go? Nobody knows.

I have been enjoying the new season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and Kyle remains my favorite out of the girls. I feel absolutely terrible for Taylor as she is a mess from her marriage woes...the earlier part of the season was filmed before her husband's suicide. It's so sad.

Now for some new shows that I'm excited for...

The sitcoms I look forward to are New Girl (Yay Zooey!), Up All Night and Whitney. I watched the premiere of Up All Night (starring Christina Applegate, Maya Rudolph and Will Arnett) and it was very funny. Whitney just looks hilarious, and I do love love Whitney Cummings (the star of the show and a comedian on Chelsea Lately). And who can't be excited for New Girl? It looks cute, funny and just all around awesome. I hope it lives up to my expectations.

I'm also excited for the new show - Once Upon a Time.

I think it's going to be a good year of shows! What are your favs?

FALL TV

Who is excited? It's that time of year! It's more exciting than Christmas when you're over 30 (like me). The fall TV season starts this week. Or maybe it officially started last week? Who knows, but I was out of the country. More on that later!

My most anticipated show? American Horror Gothic! Connie Britton (loved her on Friday Night Lights) Dylan McDermott (still hot) Jessica Lange (always good). It just looks cool. I want to love it.

I love Claire Danes. I think she's the best actress of her generation (which would be mine). And so I'm really excited she (ANGELA CHASE) is returning to television with Homeland on Showtime.

I also can't wait for WHITNEY -- not Whitney Port of The Hills/The City. But the comic on Chelsea Lately. The promos look so good I'll be disappointed if it doesn't work.

I also think Up All Night, Two Broke Girls and Prime Suspect look like something I will check out.

The only shows I still watch that are returning include Parenthood (give this a chance - it's good).

And I also really love Hung. Not because it's about a guy's penis size. It's isn't. It's dramatic and funny and very quirky (and sometimes moving). This is on HBO.

I have NO interest in Revenge. Emily whats-her-face is not for me. And certainly not as a lead. I also think Pan Am looks DULL. And they keep advertising this show like crazy. I do appreciate Christina Ricci (Mermaids forever!), but not enough to check this out.

As much as I like Chelsea Handler, her show is not peaking my interest. But it's coming mid-season so maybe it will prove me wrong.

What is your most anticipated fall show? I probably missed the most anticipated one. I know we have many readers who comment on everything we say (Lindsay is my co-blogger... if you want to send her fan mail email me). But we do read all the comments on here. It is hard because there are always so many. But we do it. Because we love you. Well, I do. I don't know about Lindsay.

Favorite Quote

"Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It wasn't until years later that I realized it was a gift."
-Mary O'Brien

So Say We All

Battlestar Galactica
Starring: Katee Sackhoff, Tricia Helfer, Edward James Olmos, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Mary McDonell, Grace Park, Tahmoh Penikett etc. First watch: August / September 2011

If one word could possibly describe this show it would be ... "Brilliant"! Or shall I say 'Frakken Brilliant'!

Taking place 40 years after the last Cylon attack it shows the people of the universe as happy and content with life. That is until a nuclear explosion wipes out most of civilization and causes the survivors to live on ships in the fleet of the Battlestar Galactica.

This ship is helmed by William Adama and has a crew of many talented and kick ass viper pilots - including Kara Thrace (played by Katee Sackhoff), whose call sign is Starbuck. What starts off as a war of enormous proportions between human and cylon transforms into what can essentially be called an epic journey to find Earth and the vast personality traits of each character and how they grow and mature throughout the series.

I was leary of watching this at first as science fiction isn't exactly my favorite genre of TV, Film or Novels but I gave it a go and glad I did. It became an obsession (shocker!) and with each episode passing I became more and more involved in all aspects of the series. There were times I wanted to strangle characters and other times I wanted to give them a tight squeeze.

Without giving anything away I will just say that you will be perched at the edge of your seat, unable to move a muscle, blink and sometimes even breathe! I highly recommend you watch, it is just that good!

For all of our readers, I will be starting a new 'project' beginning on Monday September 12, 2011. I am going to re-watch this show one episode a night until it is finished, with an in depth detailed blog about the episode immediately following. For more information on this project please visit that blog www.zigzag-battlestargalactica.blogspot.com and it is all there for you to understand. I hope you join me in watching the show and blogging about the episodes. I assure you, you won't be disappointed!

Santa Barbara

I had seen some of California, but had never seen Santa Barbara. I had only seen pictures and heard stories of what is known as the American Riviera. I am always looking for a cheap ticket and a spontaneous trip. I found it and it made me love the west coast all over again. I saw dolphins and seals. I kayaked and snorkeled. I ate good food and fed off the sunshine. It was simple and easy - oh, and I bought some really good wine :) It made the perfect end to a summer that has been kind to me. It was the summer I learned how to take things slow. It's actually been a year of taking things slow. And I couldn't be happier.

Let's Eat!

Striphouse - 13 e 12th street

Remember the Italian restaurant that Tom Hanks ate at in the movie Big? Since the year 2000 it has been a steakhouse. Julia Roberts has even been spotted there. But that's not why I went. A couple of good friends got together (one of them works there) and had a meal. I had the mac n cheese. I wasn't impressed. But the steak was a hit. And for dessert? A piece of a 24 layer chocolate cake. It might be the best chocolate cake I ever had.


Cafe Cluny - 284 W 12th street

I took myself to breakfast. I like to do that. I ordered the brioche french toast. I love me some french toast. The deal breaker for me in regards to french toast is the bread itself. I don't put up with any wonder bread. This french toast was delicious. It was thick and soft in the middle. And the outside was crispy. I didn't even need syrup, but of course I had some butter. I agree with Julia Child - butter is everything.


Cookshop - 156 10th Ave

I went to brunch with Henry in his neighborhood. We both had burgers and fries. Who can pass that up? The building really was ahead of it's time. It's worth going just to walk down 20th street between 10th and 9th avenue. That is one of my favorite blocks in the city. But the burger doesn't disappoint. And neither do the fries.

ALOHA! Maholo for reading!!

It all began with a car ride to the bus station, a bus ride to the airport, a 6 hour flight to Phoenix, AZ and finally a 7 hour flight to Oahu, Hawaii. That was the journey to paradise. It was tiring, and headache inducing (screaming children behind me.) On the flight from Phoenix - AZ I watched the movie "Arthur" starring Russel Brand. It was better than I thought it would be. Then they played the movie "The Family Stone" which I love so I listened to it while reading Jaycee Dugard's book, which was poorly written (what can you expect from someone who wasn't educated) and crazy to believe that what happened to her truly happened. It wasn't a fictional story. Brought me to tears.

Anyway, back to the trip. We arrived in Honolulu International Airport and took a shuttle bus to our hotel - the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. It was beautiful! Right across the street from the beach and close to shopping and the Zoo. Our room was located on the sixth floor - room 616. The elevators were very different and something I had never seen before. Instead of pressing an up or down arrow and then pressing the floor number inside the elevator, you had to scan your key card against a pad outside the elevators and then press the floor number that was located above the scan pad and it would assign you an elevator. So weird, but very cool.

We were extremely tired (what with the long 14 hour traveling day, and our bodies being 6 hours ahead - 7pm was actually 1am)...so we just went to our room and went to sleep.

The next day my mom was up at 4am and walked around, and told me later that day that even at 4am the streets were bustling with people, already a line for Starbucks. I woke up at 7:30 and we went to the beach for the day. it was beautiful. The sun was shining, the water was clear as ice and so refreshing after laying in the hot sun for a while. We ate lunch and went back to the beach. For dinner that night we ate at Wolfgang Puck express. It was delicious. Then we went back to our room and watched Soul Surfer on demand. It was eh. The acting was terrible...and shockingly Carrie Underwood was the best one in it! I KNOW RIGHT!? Helen Hunt wasn't soo bad either.

Then we went to sleep.

The next day we went to the Honolulu Zoo and saw all the crazy animals. It's a zoo, what else is there to say? I had dippin dots. yum. After the zoo we went to the beach again, we tried further down than we were the day before but the tide was too high and the beach area wasn't conducive to our beach float we used for lounges hah. So we went back to our beach. Ate dinner at a place called "Cheeseburger in Paradise" I had a chinese chicken salad. It was good. Then watched the sunset, and walked the streets. We did a little shopping in the marketplace and watched a few street performers, including two young girls Tori and Tia who were about 12 and 10 years old, who each sang a few songs a piece. They were AMAZING! We then stopped off at some Japanese festival, where Japanese people were singing this song and doing this dance. It was fun to watch them.

Then it was 9:30pm and way past our bedtime so we went back to the hotel and snoozed for the night.

The third day we asked how far Diamond Head Crater was so we could hike it on Sunday. The lady said it was a 15 minute walk from the hotel. Then we went to the beach. At 1:00pm that day (Saturday July 30th) our first LOST tour began. Our tour guide - Gregory Berquist picked us up. Along with us on the tour were two young kids from Switzerland, they spoke very little english, mostly french. That was a pain, because our tour guide kept trying to speak french and I was getting annoyed. He also told us he played Leonard (the guy who says the numbers over and over again)...btw he did not. He was in the background as an extra...so who knows what he was talking about. But he was a good guide and funny. We traveled to Kuala Ranch (sp?) and on the way saw Anthony Cooper's house, and a few jungle areas that filming took place.

At the ranch we saw Richard's cabin, the others campsite, Hurley's golfcourse, a few areas where movies were filmed and a bunch of other places. It was a lot of fun. My mom and I re-created the scene where Ana Lucia (me) killed Goodwin (my mom), a scene where Jacob (me) and Man in Black (my mom) had a conversation and some other fun things.

That tour lasted 5 hours and was a lot of fun. We went home, ate dinner and slept. The next morning we woke up and started our FIFTEEN MINUTE walk to Diamond Head. Yeah...15 minutes my ass! It turned out to be 45 minutes to the entrance, then took 45 minutes to hike up (my mom had to stop after 1/4 of the way and then I continued on my own) and I spent about 10 minutes just basking in the absolute gorgeous views of Oahu! Then 45 minutes to walk down and 40 minutes to walk back to the hotel. It was a lot of walking but totally worth it and I got shaved ice after the hike! :) YUMMMY IN MY TUMMY!

After Diamond Head we went to the beach again and then had dinner and went to bed. It was a nice relaxing trip!

Monday August 1, 2011 we woke up early and met our second LOST tour guide Scotty at 8am outside the hotel. This time we had two women on our tour who were english speaking lol. They were very nice and one of them was as into the show as I am. And Scotty was totally into the show...maybe even more than me (which is saying a lot). First let me say that Scotty is very cute and he was awesome!

We saw SO many filming locations on this 10 hour tour...The Orchid, the Bear Cages, The Temple, Dharmaville, The BEACH, The plane crash site, The beach used for Thailand, some rocks used for traveling scenes, Penny's boat and SOOO MUCH MORE! There is just too much to describe. But it was an incredible day. We ate lunch at a shrimp place, which was at the location where Sawyer shot the man who he believed to be the real Sawyer but actually wasn't. AMAZING!!!

When we returned back, we ate dinner and went to bed.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent at the pool and then the trip back home to work and boringness.

One of the best trips. So much fun. !

Food Crawl

Food Crawl

Fat Witch Bakery - 75 Ninth Avenue

The best brownie. The best brownie I have had in some time. I admit to only trying the caramel witch. I gave my niece the original chocolate one. Chocolate is her favorite. I think half of America would agree with her. But that is just more reason to go back. It is located in Chelsea Market. Chelsea Market will remind you of an upscale Faneuil Hall if you have ever been there. If not, take a trip to Boston. I grew up around Boston - well a half hour or so from the city. You can order these brownies online if you can not make it to the city.




Good Restaurant - 89 Greenwich Ave

I went with my friend Tammi to this West Village location. It looked fairly new. I had never seen it before, and I, like so many others, enjoy walking around the West Village. I got a burger. Simple right? I needed iron. If you wanted a deluxe burger it looked like this place will put out all the stops (they offer pulled pork as a topping). I indulged in their hand cut fries. Tammi went healthy - she is an athlete and always eating well. I believe she got vegetables and fish.


Ninos - 1354 First Ave

I love Nino. Yes, we met. The service is so good here I think I would go back anyway. But the pasta was incredible. And then the dessert was - gelato. Why get excited you may ask? This was gelato in a chocolate casing. Remember, half of America loves chocolate (maybe even more than that). And to top it off there was a cherry or two frozen in the middle. To die for. Tami (always on the look out for good food was my date , along with Sarah). Yes, another friend. We do not dine with strangers. The only negative is the Upper East Side atmosphere. We came from a day at the park. It was just too stuffy.

What am I eating tonight? Give me suggestions! What are you eating?

Honey, It Was Bleak For Me

Click on the link. Watch the hilarity and insanity unfold.

"It was a camalouflagian moment."

"If you guys can go up and just see - not to dictate shots."

"That bag is pow."

"It's a real diamond necklace and it's kind of pow."

"Why are you not wearing diamonds from head to toe?"

Want to Own a NYC apt?

Click on the title "Want to Own in NYC" it will direct you to the official listing of this apartment. It is worth checking out. It is a great home!