What in the world would we do without friends?!?!?!
Friends are what help us get through life. Little angels God sends us just at the right time.
Family is very important, of course, but friends are extra special. How does the saying go?
"You can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends."
Sometimes, a person is lucky enough to have family members that are also friends. I am one of those doubly fortunate ones.
I just wanted to let all of my friends - familial and otherwise - how much I appreciate them.
I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Movies & Me
Ever since a friend and I chatted about movies, I find myself contemplating them and what impact they have made on me or my life. I've discovered interesting things about myself, that I will try to share.
I realize that I no longer react as strongly to a movie than I used to. I miss that. I don't know if it's age, the meds I take, my depression, or my moods. Most likely, it's a combination of all these things.
Of course, the quality of films today may also have a significant effect on how I respond. (Although there is the rare gem like Juno or Little Miss Sunshine.)
The biggest change in me is how I react to horror movies. Now, I'm a big fan of good horror movies (ok, ok, I admit it, I like a few BAD horror movies as well!), but I just don't get as scared as I used to. And I really enjoy a good scare from time to time. I honestly cannot remember the last time I was really afraid while watching a movie, but I believe it was all the way back in the early 80s when I saw An American Werewolf In London. That movie scared the beejeebees outta me. (Of course, you may recall that I have admitted in the past as to having an irrational fear of werewolves.)
Now, when I was younger, I got scared even at the obvious (guy with knife waiting just around the corner). I remember my stomach churning, heart racing, labored breathing, etc., everything that your body goes through during that moment of terror.
I'd like to feel that again; just once in a while, but nothing bothers me anymore. And that makes me a little sad. Am I so disconnected from my feelings? Am I demented for actually wanting to feel that fright?
One example I will give: Alaina & I watched "30 Days of Night." I enjoyed this movie immensely, and will recommend it to anyone that asks, but, even though it did strike a faint chord of surprise and fear, I was not terrified. And I think this is a very well made movie; not all gore and slime as so many are now.
A couple of other movies that stand out from years-gone-by: Dawn of the Dead & The Exorcist. I was only 15 when I saw The Exorcist, and already a Baha'i, so I didn't believe in demons, but, man-o-man, that didn't make any difference. That movie scared me to death! And then Dawn of the Dead (1979); although I like zombies movies, they don't normally scare me all that much, but when I saw the original DOTD, I was pregnant, and I had nightmares for weeks of zombies trying to eat my stomach!
The new Dawn of the Dead (2004), I like a LOT better than the original - it is actually one of my all time favorite movies - but it never really scared me. What's wrong with me now?
And, not only do I not get as frightened, I also don't get as emotional as I used to.
Case in point: the movie Sophie's Choice (1982). Alaina was about 1.5 years old when I saw this movie. In the scene where Sophie is forced to choose among her two children as to which will go to a death camp - she had to make a choice or the Nazi said he would take both children - I didn't just cry, I sobbed!
So why don't I feel the thrills (Star Wars), the chills (Jaws), the fears (Aliens), the OMG moments (Jurassic Park) that I used to? Am I really that numb these days? Does it make a difference that I rarely see a movie in the theatre anymore? I remember that my friend and I used to go to just about every movie ever made because we loved movies so much. Now I watch them on TV. Does that detract from the movie's overall appeal?
I remember one of my professors in college telling me the secret to enjoying good theatre is "the suspension of disbelief." I want that ability back, but have I become jaded over the years to the point that I am numb?
I realize that I no longer react as strongly to a movie than I used to. I miss that. I don't know if it's age, the meds I take, my depression, or my moods. Most likely, it's a combination of all these things.
Of course, the quality of films today may also have a significant effect on how I respond. (Although there is the rare gem like Juno or Little Miss Sunshine.)
The biggest change in me is how I react to horror movies. Now, I'm a big fan of good horror movies (ok, ok, I admit it, I like a few BAD horror movies as well!), but I just don't get as scared as I used to. And I really enjoy a good scare from time to time. I honestly cannot remember the last time I was really afraid while watching a movie, but I believe it was all the way back in the early 80s when I saw An American Werewolf In London. That movie scared the beejeebees outta me. (Of course, you may recall that I have admitted in the past as to having an irrational fear of werewolves.)
Now, when I was younger, I got scared even at the obvious (guy with knife waiting just around the corner). I remember my stomach churning, heart racing, labored breathing, etc., everything that your body goes through during that moment of terror.
I'd like to feel that again; just once in a while, but nothing bothers me anymore. And that makes me a little sad. Am I so disconnected from my feelings? Am I demented for actually wanting to feel that fright?
One example I will give: Alaina & I watched "30 Days of Night." I enjoyed this movie immensely, and will recommend it to anyone that asks, but, even though it did strike a faint chord of surprise and fear, I was not terrified. And I think this is a very well made movie; not all gore and slime as so many are now.
A couple of other movies that stand out from years-gone-by: Dawn of the Dead & The Exorcist. I was only 15 when I saw The Exorcist, and already a Baha'i, so I didn't believe in demons, but, man-o-man, that didn't make any difference. That movie scared me to death! And then Dawn of the Dead (1979); although I like zombies movies, they don't normally scare me all that much, but when I saw the original DOTD, I was pregnant, and I had nightmares for weeks of zombies trying to eat my stomach!
The new Dawn of the Dead (2004), I like a LOT better than the original - it is actually one of my all time favorite movies - but it never really scared me. What's wrong with me now?
And, not only do I not get as frightened, I also don't get as emotional as I used to.
Case in point: the movie Sophie's Choice (1982). Alaina was about 1.5 years old when I saw this movie. In the scene where Sophie is forced to choose among her two children as to which will go to a death camp - she had to make a choice or the Nazi said he would take both children - I didn't just cry, I sobbed!
So why don't I feel the thrills (Star Wars), the chills (Jaws), the fears (Aliens), the OMG moments (Jurassic Park) that I used to? Am I really that numb these days? Does it make a difference that I rarely see a movie in the theatre anymore? I remember that my friend and I used to go to just about every movie ever made because we loved movies so much. Now I watch them on TV. Does that detract from the movie's overall appeal?
I remember one of my professors in college telling me the secret to enjoying good theatre is "the suspension of disbelief." I want that ability back, but have I become jaded over the years to the point that I am numb?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
American Idol or Idiot?
OK, I admit it.
I watch American Idol during the auditions. I don't watch it much once they get to Hollywood; that part of it doesn't interest me. Face it, I'm there to watch the ridiculous, the talentless, the dumbfounding, the absolutely unbelievable peeps that are willing to go on national TV and make fools of themselves.
I mean, some of these people are SO bad, there is no way they can believe they have any talent when it comes to singing. Is their two minutes of fame really worth the embarrassment and humiliation they end up getting?
Just the idea of facing Simon Cowell would make me think twice about auditioning. Sure, he's blunt, caustic and down right cruel at times, but, let's face it, there's a lot of times when he's dead on in his remarks. And I love the facial expressions he makes; they are classic.
So, why do people put themselves through this? Some people are good, but maybe not good enough for this type of competition. Those I can understand auditioning.
And then comes along a person who can't hit a note to save their lives. I just have a hard time believing these people actually believe they have a chance. Some of them look so shocked when the judges say no (along with a few choice sarcastic remarks from Simon), and I think to myself, "You're really surprised? Honestly?"
COME ON PEOPLE!!!
I don't understand it, but, hey, it's entertainment, right?
I watch American Idol during the auditions. I don't watch it much once they get to Hollywood; that part of it doesn't interest me. Face it, I'm there to watch the ridiculous, the talentless, the dumbfounding, the absolutely unbelievable peeps that are willing to go on national TV and make fools of themselves.
I mean, some of these people are SO bad, there is no way they can believe they have any talent when it comes to singing. Is their two minutes of fame really worth the embarrassment and humiliation they end up getting?
Just the idea of facing Simon Cowell would make me think twice about auditioning. Sure, he's blunt, caustic and down right cruel at times, but, let's face it, there's a lot of times when he's dead on in his remarks. And I love the facial expressions he makes; they are classic.
So, why do people put themselves through this? Some people are good, but maybe not good enough for this type of competition. Those I can understand auditioning.
And then comes along a person who can't hit a note to save their lives. I just have a hard time believing these people actually believe they have a chance. Some of them look so shocked when the judges say no (along with a few choice sarcastic remarks from Simon), and I think to myself, "You're really surprised? Honestly?"
COME ON PEOPLE!!!
I don't understand it, but, hey, it's entertainment, right?
I should be in bed...
I was checking out Donna's blog posts, when I suddenly found myself creating my own account! LOL I don't know what link I clicked on. Anyway, I'm here now!
I don't really have anything insightful to say tonight. Just here, getting my feet wet.
Welcome to the world that is my mind. I hope you check back once in a while to read my posts (and, please, comment when you feel like it).
Lorelei
I don't really have anything insightful to say tonight. Just here, getting my feet wet.
Welcome to the world that is my mind. I hope you check back once in a while to read my posts (and, please, comment when you feel like it).
Lorelei
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