Pneumonia, Taxes, Art, Home Repair--and Aliens--All in About a Week!

Wow, has it already been a week since I last posted?! It's a blur, really. Somehow in the last week (or so), I've managed to complete my taxes, take in a new local art exhibition, sand the walls of the bathrooms in my house in preparation for painting, see "District 9" (surprising!)--and recover from what my doctor says was the beginnings of pneumonia!

I'm tired! So today, with the weather irresistibly beautiful in that teasing way of an approaching spring, I blew off the afternoon and had a cocktail with a friend, sitting outdoors at a local hotel. VERY fancy, thank you.

Don't forget to grab life while you can!

Pneumonia, Taxes, Art, Home Repair--and Aliens--All in About a Week!

Wow, has it already been a week since I last posted?! It's a blur, really. Somehow in the last week (or so), I've managed to complete my taxes, take in a new local art exhibition, sand the walls of the bathrooms in my house in preparation for painting, see "District 9" (surprising!)--and recover from what my doctor says was the beginnings of pneumonia!

I'm tired! So today, with the weather irresistibly beautiful in that teasing way of an approaching spring, I blew off the afternoon and had a cocktail with a friend, sitting outdoors at a local hotel. VERY fancy, thank you.

Don't forget to grab life while you can!

Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" Trailer

I can't wait! 

Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" Trailer

I can't wait! 

Which "Twilight" Guy Is YOUR Favorite?

Ok, time for something totally fun and distracting! Which "Twilight" star do you think is the cutest? Now, I'm very specific on this--even though I haven't read the books nor seen any of the films (I know--way behind the times). I'll say right off that I don't think star Robert Pattinson is good-looking AT ALL! That's right, I've said it. His "Twilight" character may be something else entirely, but off-set, he has this not-so-bright expression, looks vaguely indigent and his teeth are oddly shaped.

But that's just me. Taylor Lautner is sexy, sure--but his nose reminds me of a pug, and everything else about his face is all squished together. But then there's Mr. Kellan Lutz--swoon--who gets barely any press but totally makes me weak in the knees.!

So, who does it for you? Leave your comments below.

Robert Pattinson, who plays lead vampire Edward?

Taylor Lautner, who plays Jacob the werewolf?

Or Kellan Lutz, who I WISH could be my adopted brother/vampire!

Which "Twilight" Guy Is YOUR Favorite?

Ok, time for something totally fun and distracting! Which "Twilight" star do you think is the cutest? Now, I'm very specific on this--even though I haven't read the books nor seen any of the films (I know--way behind the times). I'll say right off that I don't think star Robert Pattinson is good-looking AT ALL! That's right, I've said it. His "Twilight" character may be something else entirely, but off-set, he has this not-so-bright expression, looks vaguely indigent and his teeth are oddly shaped.

But that's just me. Taylor Lautner is sexy, sure--but his nose reminds me of a pug, and everything else about his face is all squished together. But then there's Mr. Kellan Lutz--swoon--who gets barely any press but totally makes me weak in the knees.!

So, who does it for you? Leave your comments below.

Robert Pattinson, who plays lead vampire Edward?

Taylor Lautner, who plays Jacob the werewolf?

Or Kellan Lutz, who I WISH could be my adopted brother/vampire!

First Night in the New Apartment & a Movie

Yesterday I got everything moved into the new place, and spent my first night there. Fortunately, I had plenty of help from some great friends, as well as 1 or 2 folks I barely know who also pitched in. We were done by lunchtime, and the rest of the day was spent getting a shower curtain and a few essentials. Let me say that living as a couple is SO much cheaper! Damn, I need all sorts of little crap, and all of that adds up fast! But I'm trying to be frugal and accept help from friends as well as haunting yard sales and other cheaper sources for household items.

So I wasn't alone on this stressful day, I met 2 friends for dinner and a movie. My partner, however, simply chose to stay home by himself. Not my style, obviously, but he's got to work through this in his own way--and I have to respect that. We saw Inglourious Basterds--great film! Tarantino does it again. Funny, poignant and full of suspense all at the same time. However, he could've cut out some dialogue in a few scenes that seemed to drag on and on. Curiously, I think most of the movie is in subtitles (characters speak mostly French and German), which is tricky with American audiences. But if anyone can pull it off, Tarantino can.

But toward the end, my mind drifted to the split with my partner, and I was ready for star Brad Pitt to kill his last Nazi so I could go home. And when I got home, I bawled my eyes out over and over. This sucks--it isn't what I hoped for or dreamed of. My partner and I had so many plans together, and I really miss my home and the Grove. But I got through the night ok, and so I keep just putting one foot in front of the other. This morning I did some quickie yoga, lots of shamanic breathing and took a short walk. Tonight I'm actually having dinner with my partner, so we'll see how that goes. I don't know where this will go. I'm scared, but I also know we both have to experience this. I already feel like I'm learning important lessons. I'd share them but things need to settle a bit first. My emotions are still pretty raw and conflicted. But I'm here!

First Night in the New Apartment & a Movie

Yesterday I got everything moved into the new place, and spent my first night there. Fortunately, I had plenty of help from some great friends, as well as 1 or 2 folks I barely know who also pitched in. We were done by lunchtime, and the rest of the day was spent getting a shower curtain and a few essentials. Let me say that living as a couple is SO much cheaper! Damn, I need all sorts of little crap, and all of that adds up fast! But I'm trying to be frugal and accept help from friends as well as haunting yard sales and other cheaper sources for household items.

So I wasn't alone on this stressful day, I met 2 friends for dinner and a movie. My partner, however, simply chose to stay home by himself. Not my style, obviously, but he's got to work through this in his own way--and I have to respect that. We saw Inglourious Basterds--great film! Tarantino does it again. Funny, poignant and full of suspense all at the same time. However, he could've cut out some dialogue in a few scenes that seemed to drag on and on. Curiously, I think most of the movie is in subtitles (characters speak mostly French and German), which is tricky with American audiences. But if anyone can pull it off, Tarantino can.

But toward the end, my mind drifted to the split with my partner, and I was ready for star Brad Pitt to kill his last Nazi so I could go home. And when I got home, I bawled my eyes out over and over. This sucks--it isn't what I hoped for or dreamed of. My partner and I had so many plans together, and I really miss my home and the Grove. But I got through the night ok, and so I keep just putting one foot in front of the other. This morning I did some quickie yoga, lots of shamanic breathing and took a short walk. Tonight I'm actually having dinner with my partner, so we'll see how that goes. I don't know where this will go. I'm scared, but I also know we both have to experience this. I already feel like I'm learning important lessons. I'd share them but things need to settle a bit first. My emotions are still pretty raw and conflicted. But I'm here!

Movie Date Night!

Shock of all shocks, my partner asked me the other day if I'd like to go out on Friday night to see a movie! I about fell over! He never does this. Of course, he's being really good and trying to win me back now that I'm moving out. It might work, but there's a long way to go.

Still, I love movies, and I wanted to see "Julie and Julia," about the original celebrity chef, Julia Child. If you have a chance, go see it! It's funny, heartwarming and so well done. Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Stanley Tucci are all wonderful.

The previews were also interesting. Seems there's a crop of films due out soon that will deal with marriage break-ups. It made me squirm a bit in my seat. But the 2 previews appear to be humorous, and it deals with couples that have been together for a while, just like my partner and I.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant star in "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" and Streep shows up again in "It's Complicated," along with Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin.

Yes, Meryl, it is indeed complicated!

Movie Date Night!

Shock of all shocks, my partner asked me the other day if I'd like to go out on Friday night to see a movie! I about fell over! He never does this. Of course, he's being really good and trying to win me back now that I'm moving out. It might work, but there's a long way to go.

Still, I love movies, and I wanted to see "Julie and Julia," about the original celebrity chef, Julia Child. If you have a chance, go see it! It's funny, heartwarming and so well done. Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Stanley Tucci are all wonderful.

The previews were also interesting. Seems there's a crop of films due out soon that will deal with marriage break-ups. It made me squirm a bit in my seat. But the 2 previews appear to be humorous, and it deals with couples that have been together for a while, just like my partner and I.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant star in "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" and Streep shows up again in "It's Complicated," along with Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin.

Yes, Meryl, it is indeed complicated!

"The Orphan" a Great Thriller

Saw "The Orphan" over the weekend and loved it! Even jumped out of my skin a few times over nothing more than a door squeaking and totally embarrassed myself! The girl who plays the orphan is excellent--but what was really creepy was how much she reminded me of a once-friend of mine. That girl had her own issues, believe me!

There was some interesting camera work that added to the overall creepiness of the film, but I will say that what I was expecting was going to be a little-girl-possessed-by-the-devil movie turned out to be more of a serial-killer kind of thing. Which is fine, and I never expected the revelation about "Esther" at the end.

The writing was pretty good, too--although there is one scene toward the end that made me groan out loud. So, yes, I'd recommend it. You'll totally want to punch this little girl in the face--NOT that I'm advocating that, certainly not. But the film totally draws you in.

And from now on, Victorian clothes and velvet chokers will freak you out!

"The Orphan" a Great Thriller

Saw "The Orphan" over the weekend and loved it! Even jumped out of my skin a few times over nothing more than a door squeaking and totally embarrassed myself! The girl who plays the orphan is excellent--but what was really creepy was how much she reminded me of a once-friend of mine. That girl had her own issues, believe me!

There was some interesting camera work that added to the overall creepiness of the film, but I will say that what I was expecting was going to be a little-girl-possessed-by-the-devil movie turned out to be more of a serial-killer kind of thing. Which is fine, and I never expected the revelation about "Esther" at the end.

The writing was pretty good, too--although there is one scene toward the end that made me groan out loud. So, yes, I'd recommend it. You'll totally want to punch this little girl in the face--NOT that I'm advocating that, certainly not. But the film totally draws you in.

And from now on, Victorian clothes and velvet chokers will freak you out!

Preview of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland"

Seen the photos from Tim Burton's upcoming "Alice in Wonderland" film? Here's actress Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen. More amazing pics here, and Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter looks truly mad!

I love Burton's movies, and I can't wait to see what he does with a classic like "Alice!" The cast also includes Anne Hathaway, Michael Sheen, Alan Rickman, Christopher Lee and Crispin Glover.

It's been so long since I've read "Alice." With Burton at the helm, I'm sure this will be not only a visually stunning trip but also a mental loop-de-loop!

Preview of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland"

Seen the photos from Tim Burton's upcoming "Alice in Wonderland" film? Here's actress Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen. More amazing pics here, and Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter looks truly mad!

I love Burton's movies, and I can't wait to see what he does with a classic like "Alice!" The cast also includes Anne Hathaway, Michael Sheen, Alan Rickman, Christopher Lee and Crispin Glover.

It's been so long since I've read "Alice." With Burton at the helm, I'm sure this will be not only a visually stunning trip but also a mental loop-de-loop!

The Good and the Bad of the Beach Vacation

Well, my vacation was a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Why do I keep letting this happen? In a nutshell, more squabbling between me and my partner, but we did have a nice Saturday. Then all hell broke loose when he drank too much Saturday night. *sigh* Oddly, I felt relatively calm about it the next morning, but my emotions were more troubled than I realized. While visiting family, I had a minor meltdown at lunch--in public--because a cousin wouldn't shut up about politics! I'm on vacation, dammit, and I don't care! So, dear readers, you may see very little from me on politics for a while. I've had my fill.

Still, there were some good moments. The photo above shows the beach--we had it virtually to ourselves! And for the first time in years, I took an old inflatable raft and cavorted in the waves. I really should do this more often.

Next pic is taken from the house where we stayed and shows one of the canals that run between the houses. Breakfasts here on the deck were so peacefully quiet, with cool ocean breezes. I had several starlings roosting in a nearby birdhouse for company.

Some other fun moments:

• Found a delightfully charming Italian restaurant, with plastic ivy on the walls and Lucite chandeliers. I enjoyed my dinner of clams and mussells over pasta in a white wine sauce, with a great glass of sauvignon blanc. I nicknamed our hostess "Lola," and she was working the tight red dress and flashy gold high heels!
  
• Sushi at an outdoor music bar by the causeway, during a torrential summer downpour.
  
  
• Seeing the new JJ Abrams "Star Trek" movie! Even if you're not a Trekkie, you'll enjoy this. Go see it! And Anton Yelchin is just the cutest as "Chekov" (pictured).
• Met 2 old friends for lunch.
  
• A crazy yet capable waitress who kept repeating "Yeppers!"
  
• Drinks by the marina at sunset, and then strawberry shortcake from a hotel balcony overlooking the ocean.
• Listening to the latest CDs from Lady Gaga and Keith Urban.

Those were the good points, but there was plenty that made this one of my least favorite vacations. I mean, seriously, why take off time from work? I need to let all the emotions settle and then maybe I can post more details.

Anyway, it's good to be home.

The Good and the Bad of the Beach Vacation

Well, my vacation was a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Why do I keep letting this happen? In a nutshell, more squabbling between me and my partner, but we did have a nice Saturday. Then all hell broke loose when he drank too much Saturday night. *sigh* Oddly, I felt relatively calm about it the next morning, but my emotions were more troubled than I realized. While visiting family, I had a minor meltdown at lunch--in public--because a cousin wouldn't shut up about politics! I'm on vacation, dammit, and I don't care! So, dear readers, you may see very little from me on politics for a while. I've had my fill.

Still, there were some good moments. The photo above shows the beach--we had it virtually to ourselves! And for the first time in years, I took an old inflatable raft and cavorted in the waves. I really should do this more often.

Next pic is taken from the house where we stayed and shows one of the canals that run between the houses. Breakfasts here on the deck were so peacefully quiet, with cool ocean breezes. I had several starlings roosting in a nearby birdhouse for company.

Some other fun moments:

• Found a delightfully charming Italian restaurant, with plastic ivy on the walls and Lucite chandeliers. I enjoyed my dinner of clams and mussells over pasta in a white wine sauce, with a great glass of sauvignon blanc. I nicknamed our hostess "Lola," and she was working the tight red dress and flashy gold high heels!
  
• Sushi at an outdoor music bar by the causeway, during a torrential summer downpour.
  
  
• Seeing the new JJ Abrams "Star Trek" movie! Even if you're not a Trekkie, you'll enjoy this. Go see it! And Anton Yelchin is just the cutest as "Chekov" (pictured).
• Met 2 old friends for lunch.
  
• A crazy yet capable waitress who kept repeating "Yeppers!"
  
• Drinks by the marina at sunset, and then strawberry shortcake from a hotel balcony overlooking the ocean.
• Listening to the latest CDs from Lady Gaga and Keith Urban.

Those were the good points, but there was plenty that made this one of my least favorite vacations. I mean, seriously, why take off time from work? I need to let all the emotions settle and then maybe I can post more details.

Anyway, it's good to be home.

Just Call Me "Rev"

Yes, come the Summer Solstice, I will be an ordained minister! Sorry to tease this out so long, but I've been busy working up the papers I need to submit, trying to work and trap all those groundhogs (we've spotted #4!).

Basically, I'll be an interfaith minister and can legally perform weddings. This came up out of the blue, as a result of the shamanic workshops which I've been attending. I thought, "Why not?" Yeah, it isn't the same as someone who goes to seminary for years and years, but then again, I'm not looking for disciples or a church. But maybe some nice pagan couple would like for me to help with their wedding vows. Just seems like it will open some interesting and unexpected doors.

We'll see. In the meantime, I promise not to turn out like this guy from "Princess Bride!"

Just Call Me "Rev"

Yes, come the Summer Solstice, I will be an ordained minister! Sorry to tease this out so long, but I've been busy working up the papers I need to submit, trying to work and trap all those groundhogs (we've spotted #4!).

Basically, I'll be an interfaith minister and can legally perform weddings. This came up out of the blue, as a result of the shamanic workshops which I've been attending. I thought, "Why not?" Yeah, it isn't the same as someone who goes to seminary for years and years, but then again, I'm not looking for disciples or a church. But maybe some nice pagan couple would like for me to help with their wedding vows. Just seems like it will open some interesting and unexpected doors.

We'll see. In the meantime, I promise not to turn out like this guy from "Princess Bride!"

Lovecraft and Codeine: a Heady Mix

I'm still fighting this nasty cold and cough that started last week. Well, the over-the-counter stuff wasn't really making a dent--even when combined with my master shaman skills. So I caved and called the modern witch doctor, who prescribed an antibiotic and some kick-ass cough syrup. Boy, that codeine is good!

So I'm loopy as a loon. I snuggled up on the sofa and decided to pass the time with a crazy horror movie. Lo and behold, I came across "The Dunwich Horror," a really bad film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's 1928 short story.

They obviously took some creative license with the original. Sometimes movies can be so bad, they're actually good. But this one almost put me to sleep. Or it could be the codeine. Hmmm, I'm surprised I made it through this post...

Lovecraft and Codeine: a Heady Mix

I'm still fighting this nasty cold and cough that started last week. Well, the over-the-counter stuff wasn't really making a dent--even when combined with my master shaman skills. So I caved and called the modern witch doctor, who prescribed an antibiotic and some kick-ass cough syrup. Boy, that codeine is good!

So I'm loopy as a loon. I snuggled up on the sofa and decided to pass the time with a crazy horror movie. Lo and behold, I came across "The Dunwich Horror," a really bad film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's 1928 short story.

They obviously took some creative license with the original. Sometimes movies can be so bad, they're actually good. But this one almost put me to sleep. Or it could be the codeine. Hmmm, I'm surprised I made it through this post...