Archive for January, 2010

3 Movies in 3 Days

Posted by julie on Sunday, 10 January 2010, 0:28

I saw The Road on Thursday. If you’ve read it, you know what to expect: bleak, gray, pointless road trip. If I hadn’t already read Cormac McCarthy’s book and dealt with my post-apocalyptic emotions, I think I may have had an anxiety attack; I found myself having difficulty catching a breath. The movie was somehow both sadder, because these characters were so real and believable, and more hopeful than the book, due to the magic of movie music and the addition of some slightly uplifting characters at the very end. The unreasonable hope that the father exhibits became clearer to me with the movie. If he weren’t a father, he would have let go long ago.

Last night, Chris and I watched Choke, another movie based on a novel, this one Chuck Palahniuk’s Choke. I haven’t read the book, and, although Palahniuk’s Fight Club was astounding and features a perfect cast, I’d heard nothing at all about Choke. Go see it. Brilliant dialogue, quite bizarre, Sam Rockwell.

I finished up the movie trio with Clueless, a movie I somehow missed when I was 22. Worth seeing, for its Emma references, Alicia Silverstone’s endless wardrobe changes and cute smile, and Paul Rudd. Paul Rudd. Paul Rudd. I do like that man. It probably helps that he always plays such a nice guy.

And the dishes have even been washed. Of course, I haven’t been outside since 2009…

6 January

Posted by julie on Wednesday, 6 January 2010, 22:53

Efficient this morning. Out of the house by 7:05 after Chris’s perfect waffles. Drove upriver in the rain listening to a podcast that C later told me was from a year and a half ago, not, oh, yesterday, as I thought it was. I’m going to need a bigger brain. Worked until early afternoon. Isn’t it nice to check things off the list? Museum of Natural History with the girl, who liked the Smilodon, the birds in the background murals, and drawing with colored pencils in the kids’ discovery area. On to rehearsal, where the girl spilled the Cheerios, wanted hugs, and gave everyone cheesy smiles. Then asked to put on her jacket, socks, and shoes, although C wouldn’t be there for another 20 minutes to rescue her. Salmon burgers and C’s fantastic fries for dinner.

Now for what you really want, some photos:

Zoolights at Portland's Oregon Zoo. Diana and I brought the kids on a crisp day after Christmas.

Zoolights at Portland's Oregon Zoo. Diana and I brought the kids on a crisp day after Christmas.

I'm at the beach! Pay attention to me! I'm in your picture!

I'm at the beach! Pay attention to me! I'm in your picture!

Sylvan after a pretty huge sledding wipe-out. He's always been happier outside.

Sylvan after a pretty huge sledding wipe-out. He's always been happier outside.

Two of the kissiest people I know.

Two of the kissiest people I know.