Things I Like

It's been forever since I my last post!
Not quite. But nearly.

I like the word nearly.

Life is full of life these days. I sat for a moment and tried to think of another way to put that, but there it is. I hope you know what I mean.
 I've been trying to occupy all of my handsome young man's free time, of which there is very little of course. But that little time is heaven. Heaven, I tell you.

On Saturday night we were so in the mood to go see a movie. And not at just any theater. We wanted the wonderful Alamo Drafthouse. Friday afternoon I heard an interview with Leonardo Dicaprio about his new movie Inception, and it intrigued me. So we decided to see it.
However, as is typical of an opening weekend for any movie at Alamo, it was sold out by the time we were able to get to a computer to purchase tickets.
I still really wanted to go to the movies.
So I talked Daniel into taking me to see Eclipse, one of the Twilight movies. He is a good sport. He takes me to lots of movies that I know he won't love (or even like sometimes!). But he takes me because he knows I just love going to the movies.
I discovered two things that evening:

1. I read the Twilight books and I was kind of into it for a while. The last movie was a strikeout--major. This one was better than the last, but since watching it, the more I've thought about it the more I've loathed it.
Time to move on. I am over it.

2. This one's really important. The Guinness Shake is pretty much the best thing that's ever happened to me so far -- except meeting, marrying, and dwelling in marital bliss with my beloved.
Okay, so maybe I'm being a little melodramatic (what? me?), but seriously.

It is bow-chicka-wow-wow-scrumdidlyumptious.

I'm assuming that this shake involves some Guinness beer and some hellagood Amy's icecream -- and whipped cream with some candied sunflower seeds sprinkled on top.

I don't even like beer, my friends. Not a bit.

It all started because I was feeling particularly adventurous and impulsive that Saturday evening. I spotted it on the menu, as I had many times, but this time I turned to Daniel and whispered excitedly, Let's get the Guinness Shake!
He looked at me skeptically and then at the menu.
I have a feeling I'll be eating this shake on my own.
We debated over the $7 shake for a couple of minutes before I saw our server scooting our way, and in a last-minute burst of courage, wrote the order on our flag.
It was done.

The decadent shake arrived and we grinned as we looked from eachother to the mountain of creamy goodness before us. I tasted the shake first, and then, eyes bright with happiness, passed the sinful dessert to my handsome chaperone. He tasted the shake and we stared at each other with delight! Could it really be this divine?! From that point on, all shakes would pale in comparison to this sensational elixir. It would become a staple of every Alamo Drafthouse visit from then into perpetuity. We would go to the movies just to taste it. And next time...we might have to get our own.

We liked it.

Since we missed Inception this weekend, I guess we'll just have to go back this weekend.

Has anyone been enjoying watermelon this summer as much as I am?
I am into watermelon in a big way. It's my sweet-tooth satisfier. I think I eat an entire watermelon a week these days. Healthy, delicious and satisfying. And hydrating!

Last week I painted my nails hot pink, and I like it.

I love Mason Jars. And this summer, I would like to fill them with some cold brew coffee. Thanks, New York Times.  

I've known about Flight of the Conchords for a few years now, but I've become reacquainted with them this summer and they are making me laugh as much as ever.

I love that at first glance, their comedy act slightly resembles something you would see on Public Access telelvision. Just one small part of the hilarity.

I'm happy to say this movie is in my Netflix queue:

Lastly, I'm currently enchanted by The Sartorialist Blog.

It might be part of the reason I haven't been blogging much, because nearly every spare moment is spent digging through the archives. I can't quite pinpoint what exactly draws me in, but I'm theorizing.

It must have something to do with the photography. True portraits that seem to capture so much. So much individuality and creativity. I love that people are so different, and I love the expression of differences that clothes can communicate!

{via the sartorialist}

{via the sartorialist}

What's Better than A Book and Cup of Coffee?

Fantastic.

{via}

I know.

I haven't been blogging much lately. It's turned into a sometimes weekly event. I'm spending much more time looking around the internet at other blogs that inspire me.

Can we talk about something for a second? Is it strange that it really bothers me that all four sentences in the last paragraph start with the letter "I"?

{via}

Today I think the color orange is great. And I love that Daniel and I watched Fantastic Mr. Fox last night, and foxes are orange. In fact, the color orange is very prominent in the movie.

I like it.

And I like the movie. Strangely, I find it calming and just funny enough. It doesn't try too hard. But it is good. The stop-motion animation completely mesmerizes me. I love the little details and movements. So fascinating.

Let's not say that I necessarily recommend the movie. Because I honestly think you might not enjoy it. I was going to say you might not "get it," but that makes it sound as if I think the movie is above your tastes or beneath, or as if I know something you don't. Well, maybe I do. But that has nothing to do with Mr. Fox et al. It's just different. And it is a different that I really enjoy. I have enjoyed almost every Wes Anderson movie I've seen. Don't judge me for saying so. Or do.

{via}

Farewell for now. I hope this posting finds you well. Or at the very least, getting by just fine.

if you have nothing to do this Easter weekend...

Wait, rewind.

Have we ever talked about my deep and undying love for BBC Miniseries based on classic literature?
Typically, in my opinion, if it's made by the BBC and it's based on a book, I have high hopes that it will be fantastic. Plus, there are so many great classics out there with wonderful stories, and I love that BBC really seems to try to bring out the important themes and elements of those stories in their portrayals.
For example, most people have seen the 6-episode Pride and Prejudice that is basically flawless. At least, I think it is. It's hard to top Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy--he was tremendous.
(Although, I did like Matthew Macfayden as Mr. Darcy in the 2005 adaptation with Kiera Knightley)

You have bewitched me, body and soul...

Ahh, I shall faint.

Well I have many, many lesser known favorites that I want to share with you. Because I believe that you must see these miniseries. It is for your own good, to help you become well-rounded men and women of understanding and depth. Like me.
(And most of these are available for your viewing pleasure on Netflix Instant Play)

Our Mutual Friend - based on the novel by Charles Dickens.

Let me just say, it's a little dark in certain parts.
But I loved the story of Bella Wilfur and John Harmon and the development of their characters.
I was so inspired by Bella's growth and change of heart. It's a beautiful love story.
Daniel laughed at me because it is a pretty suspensful story, and had myself all tied up in knots over it. But the end it so satisfying!












Wives and Daughters - based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell

I love, love, love this series.
I watch it over, and over, and over again and never, never, never get tired of it.
I love it.
And I admire Molly (the heroine) so very much. People confide in her, and even at the risk of her own reputation she keeps their secrets, realizing that the secrets are not hers to tell.
It made me think a lot about being a trustworthy person.

My favorite line of the movie: ,"I’m not saying she was very silly, but one of us was silly and it wasn’t me."






Jane Eyre - based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre may take the cake. I actually read the book after watching this series and was amazed at how accurate the movie is. I've read some negative opinions about the story itself, but personally I love the story. It makes me weak in the knees like P&P does.

Oh, how I loved watching this series.












North and South - based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell

I just finished watching this series for the second time and loved it even more than I did the first time I watched it. It is rather dark, but has a P&P type of love story.
You should watch it. You may get frustrated with the prideful attitudes of the two main characters in the beginning (like me -- kind of like Elizabeth and Darcy!), but if you stick with it I think you'll be happy in the end. So happy!

I just love it when characters are redeemed.










So, if you are bored this weekend don't come crying to me. I've just provided you with hours of entertainment.

If you've seen any of these, let me know what you thought. Talking movies is a favorite pasttime of mine.
Or if you have any recommendations, please oh please do tell.

'Feel Good'

DG and I watched the movie Penelope last night and we both really enjoyed it. It's one of those movie's about "self discovery" and all that mush. And I recommend it. There's a good amount of the silly and whimsical to get lost in. I love movie experiences like that.

Also, please watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QHbMojr7SQ

I love it!!!!

Meditations and Musings

After a title like that I bet you were expecting something intelligent.

Well I'm sorry to disappoint you, we don't do that here.

Although my husband is playing "Stop This Train" in the background (coincidentally enough, there's a train whistling in the distance), and I've been watching Judi Dench on TV and that always makes me feel pensive.

And I got glasses this week. Like Tina Fey. It makes me think I could be funny some day. Or smart.

Well our guests have gone, and the house is empty and quiet again. It leaves me feeling somewhat forlorn. And the house, because of my deep-rooted lack of decorating skills is very empty (of decorative 'objects') and therefore echo-y(?), which can really make you feel alone sometimes.
Maybe I should invest in a couple more rugs.
But I do like the simplicity for the most part. I might like to have a few things hung on the wall here and there, but overall the lack of "stuff" lying around can be nice. It leaves fewer things to tidy up.

Soon we'll be preparing for another set of guests. The same amount of people, only larger in size--no offense. None of them will be sleeping in a pack-n'-play. In May my family will be visiting and I'll be taking a couple of days off to enjoy their visit with them. I'm so excited!
Daniel and I are already contemplating a few fun activities to remind them of how awesome A-town is.

Speaking of awesome A-town, the time has come for South by Southwest. The Pioneer Woman herself is here in Austin for the "bloggie awards" and I am contemplating ways to attend. I have no idea where it's happening or when...for all I know it may have already happened. But it would be cool to meet her in person!
I also would like to go see a SxSW film premier. I've always wanted to attend a movie premiere (premier? what is right?). I'll put that on my list of things I want to do before I die but never will because I'm boring.

Daniel and I spent Sunday afternoon watching movies. He got to pick one and I got to pick one. First it was his turn, and he chose What About Bob? which I slept through. And then it was my turn. I chose a French film called Hors de Prix (translated as "Priceless") starring Audrey Tatou. If it were up to me I would die and come back in another life as a dark-haired, skinny french girl with big Audrey Hepburn eyes and prance around in haute couture. But it's not up to me.
I liked my choice. It's a silly, whimsical, sort of sad-but-not film.
It is the story of a young, beautiful, completely broke woman who makes a living by preying on rich older men. One evening she sets her sights on a handsome young man in a tuxedo at a high-class hotel whom she believes to be very wealthy. Turns out he's just a waiter at the hotel.
The story takes an interesting turn that leaves you telling yourself, It's okay, they're French.
But, I liked it. It was ironic.
So sue me, I like almost all things French. Particularly the language. And the Cote D'Azur. Or perhaps I would. If I ever went there.

Well, believe it or not, I think I've run out of things to say.
I'll go dry my hair now.

Bonsoir!

The Dreams That You Wish...

The Thursday night friends are back in action after a long hiatus. Daniel and I were invited to Shane's Place (I capitalize that because we've made a funny out of it--based on "Old Gregg" by The Mighty Boosh. In other words: we're just weird) for another one of Chef Shane's amazing dinners. Last night it was shredded chicken, guacamole, and black bean tacos. I asked Daniel to pick up my camera for me earlier in the day so that I could share some of Shane's amazing cooking talents with you, but alas...he forgot.
Which, I now realize, makes us even because I forgot to bring put his golf clubs in my trunk this morning so he didn't have to drive to Cedar Park to get them. Whoops.
Anyway, it was heaven in my mouth and it was also nice playing a little catch-up with Shane and Fos(ter). Unfortunately, Annie was unable to be there because she's off being the amazing person that she is, voluntarily driving to Houston to take care of her grandmother's ailing sister. She's incredible, I tell you! One of those rare people that is willing to do things that most people think "someone else" will take care of. She's that "someone else" who serves and serves and serves--despite the fact that she is swamped with work and summer school finals and signing apartment leases and moving. I told you, I have a-mazing friends.
So we all cuddled up on the couch, the three boys and me (okay, so there wasn't a lot of cuddling going on...but I found it pretty funny that we all sat ourselves down like sardines on the couch), and watched Batman Begins. That wasn't exactly the plan, but the boys were being boys and I wandered off (all 6 feet) into the living room and started flipping through channels.
I caught sight of the imposing Wayne Manor and new the movie was just beginnning. Hence the watching party.
As it ended I jumped up and said, "Let's go see The Dark Knight on IMAX!"
But Daniel used his weekly veto to ruin my life. Well, not really, he just said "no." And I, being the sweet, submissive wife that I am, threw a huge baby fit and he had to take me home and lock me in the closet said, "Okay, sweetie."
After a while we said our goodbyes, and as we were walking down the stairs to the parking lot, I noticed a familiar shadow dart across the wall. It was a huge la cukaracha. I grabbed Daniel's arm and hissed, Look! A cockroach! That one looks ready to fly!
We hesitated for a moment, but I resolved to slip past the vermin quickly and quietly.

Well, you know what happened next.

I heard it's wings flutter, followed shortly by a buzz, signaling to me that the beast had taken flight. And I did what any normal person would do: I started screaming my face off and ducked for cover, nearly flinging myself down the stairs.
Unscathed, I made it to the ground level away from glaring lights and flying pests. I stopped and looked back to make sure my fearless husband had survived the event, but he was no where in sight. I heard a voice over my head and looked up to see Shane hanging over the railing, "What's going on?"
"Uh, nuthin. I just got attacked by a flying cockroach..."
"Oh...Where's Daniel?"
"Well, I don't know."
At that moment I looked down the long hallway to see Daniel coming down the steps on the other side of the apartment building.
I guess he couldn't take it. Couldn't run the gauntlet like his tough wife.
What a wimp!

P.S. Daniel and I are living in Josh's old bedroom, and I've discovered some interesting truths. Like: he was so fed up with his brothers stealing his clean clothes out of his closet that he installed a doorknob in his closet door that had a lock on it. And only he held the key.
Now I have fears of getting locked in the closet and no one being able to get me out.

Not Your Typical Hollywood Ending

I saw it.
I saw The Dark Knight.

I have to say, it's been a long, long time since I've enjoyed being at the movies that much. I don't know if I would call the movie a "masterpiece," but it was something special. The movie, like Batman Begins, was not what you would expect from a movie based on a comic book. The adventure and the science-fiction style, crazy technology was there, but it was deep and intense--more like a psychological thriller. And I was surprised (in a pleasant way, actually) by the message of the movie.
The Joker has come to Gotham and created mayhem, as those villains tend to do. He preys on the consciences of the entire city, trying to prove that when it comes down to it, people will do anything to survive--even turn on the one person who can protect them: Batman. Criminals and law enforcement alike soon find that this Joker has a different way of doing things. He has no rules, no honor, no plan; he's just an evil, blood-thirsty, psychotic terrorist. He likens himself to Batman in that they aren't bound by laws and regulations, and they need one another to survive. The Joker poisons the minds of the citizens of Gotham, planting seeds of deception: if Batman would only turn himself in, no one would be dead. Dozens of citizens and police officers had died simply because Batman was afraid to reveal his identity. And he threatens: until Batman reveals his identity, citizens of Gotham will continue to die every day.
Bruce Wayne is plagued with guilt, feeling the responsibilty, accepting the Joker's accusations. As he struggles with what is right, Alfred (Michael Caine--just brilliant) challenges him: Either you die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become a villain. Sometimes the right thing to do is not always the status quo, "heroic" thing to do. Is it true? Would these psychotic terrorists cease to exist if they weren't provoked by Batman?
The movie was thought provoking and impressive. Gary Oldman is wonderful as Commissioner Gordon, relentlessly believing in Batman and what he stands for. Aaron Eckhart is the likeable Harvey Dent (who, as we all know, will become Two Face), and, I think, does well in the part. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Rachel, and does worlds better than Katie Holmes. Yet, there was something lacking in her performance for me. In scenes where she was supposed to be portraying intense emotion, I just didn't buy it. But it definitely didn't ruin the movie for me.
Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine are a couple of living legends, I think. They are two of the best actors of our time, and even though they have relatively small roles, they were a huge part of the movie's success for me.
Christian Bale is once again totally baller as the Dark Knight himself. He's deep and intense and angsty, and he is the best Batman of. all. time.
Heath Ledger's performance has gotten a lot of hype, but for good reason. It wasn't until his last scene in the movie that the realization hit me once again that he's no longer living. But his performance in this movie was legendary! He was frightening and crazy and evil. And actually...funny. There were parts of the movie he had me laughing where I was thinking, he's a bad, bad man! I shouldn't laugh at him!
When I first read the reviews that seemed to politicize the movie, I thought, 'What a bunch of punks. Just let this one be, guys!'
But seriously. Some of the similarities were glaring. Especially the measures Batman goes to in order to save Gotham from The Joker. And it was definitely not your typical Hollywood, "let's sit down with the terrorists and have a nice conversation over tea because they aren't inherently evil--we just provoked them!"

Most of all, the movie was clean. Yes, there were some disturbing images. I wouldn't take my 7 year old to see this movie. But at no point did the movie try to sex-it-up to make up for a bad story. There are a couple of scenes where Bruce Wayne, trying to keep up his spoiled playboy billionaire alter-ego, walks in with two or three bimbos on his arm. But nothing raunchy or offensive. I was at ease and able to soak in the goodness of the film and it's story.

I loved it. And I'm totally going to see it on the IMAX.

There's a cockroach in my trash can and he's wiggling.
Eek!

Nothing that a little Prozac and a polo mallet can't cure.

Last night Daniel and I watched Manhattan Murder Mystery for the 80th time in our lives.

This movie has got to be one of the funniest movies I have ever seen, and I'm not easily pleased when it comes to comedies! It's written and directed by the genius Woody Allen (I know, his personal life is weird. But that doesn't change the fact that [many of] his movies are incredible). What I love so much about Woody Allen movies is the writing. He has a way of putting together a script and roster of actors that deliver his lines with ease. I never feel like anyone is acting.
I can also appreciate that he has a definitive "style." Every movie begins with the credits in white print on a black screen, and the soundtrack is a string of old big-band era music. The storylines typically revolve around a couple who has lost interest in life or one another, and often, by the end of the movie, their romantic feelings have been rekindled by some series of events.
Now, back to Manhattan. Carol and Larry Lipton (played by Diane Keaton and Woody Allen) are a married couple living in a Manhattan apartment. Carol is restless--restless in life and marriage, and wondering if she and Larry are just a couple of "comfortable old shoes" (to which he responds, "old, but never comfortable").
One evening when Larry and Carol are returning from an evening out, they come upon a commotion around their neighbors' (Mr. and Mrs. House) apartment. They soon learn that Mrs. House has died suddenly of a heart attack. Something about it seems odd to Carol, and she immediately starts constructing conspiracies that her neighbor, Mr. House, has murdered his wife in cold blood. Meanwhile Larry thinks she's completely lost it and needs to go back to seeing her shrink ("Save some craziness for menopause!").
Carol's suspicions won't subside, however, and she launches herself into a full-blown investigation of Mr. House--even breaking into his apartment to look through his things. She's happily assisted in her investigation by her and Larry's friend Ted (Alan Alda), who's recently divorced and very obviously has a crush on Carol.
As Larry sees Carol and Ted grow closer through their "investigation," he begins to worry that Carol is forming an attraction for Ted. Larry sets Ted up on a date with the sexy, bad-ass Marcia (played brilliantly by Angelica Huston) and reluctantly decides to join Carol on "the case." Turns out, there's a little more to Carol's suspicions than he expected.
Soon, Carol and Larry, with the help of Ted, Marcia, and a couple of their friends, get in way over their heads
I've set up the story for you, but to get the full impact of how incredibly hilarious this movie is, you'll have to watch it.
Every circumstance in the movie has a comedic, sarcastic twist to it. Dangerous, intense scenes are set to light, upbeat songs, and as they play out your laughing your head off at the dialogue. Diane Keaton is such a natural actress, and Woody Allen, well...he's always himself! And then there's Angelica Huston's character. She plays a seductive author who is so completely full of it. She saunters into her scenes and takes herself so darn serious you can't help but laugh.
Woody picks the perfect cast here.

It's quite a twist on the typical murder mystery, and boy do I ever recommend it.

Good Morning, Sunshine

Last night we had some terrible storms in the area! The news reported people were seeing pigeons in mid flight being pinned to the ground by the strong winds. The worst of the storm hit smack dab in central/downtown Austin around midnight. Oddly enough, Daniel was at his office downtown working away at a big project. I was down in south Austin at a friends house watching a movie.
Thankfully, God kept both of us safe. Daniel waited the storm out in his sturdy office building and I kept my friends up way too late waiting for the cell to pass over the highway I would be driving on to get home.
It was a little eerie driving home. Central Austin was largely without power, and typically that is the brightest part of the city at night. All the street lamps and house lights were out, and it was pitch black on Mopac. It was pretty dangerous as the severe winds had knocked over trees and blown debris onto the streets. Daniel said it looked as if a tornado had blown through downtown; windows were broken, sturdy oak trees had fallen across roadways.
By the time we made it back to the apartment all was quiet and calm. You could hear a slight rumbling of thunder in the distance, and occasionally the sky would light up with sprawling lightening. Storms are so beautiful and yet so scary!
This morning I heard on the news that several windows in the capitol dome had been blown out and sprayed glass all over the interior. Many of the huge, old oak trees had been uprooted and they were hoping to save a few.
It's kind of strange because so often these terrible storms happen in rural areas. I've rarely seen anything like what downtown looks like today. Thousands are without power and the streets are a dirty mess. City workers are out in throngs picking up the mess.

This morning as Daniel was leaving I was still resting, and he came over to me and kissed me and told me I was very beautiful! That's a nice way to start the morning...

I mentioned that I watched a movie at a friend's house. We watched the movie Lars and the Real Girl. It had a very "independent film" feel to it. The characters weren't glitzy and flawless and the humor was strange and subtle. And the music was simple and beautiful.
It's a very strange story. It takes place in a remote, small town. Lars is a young man (late 20's?) who lives in his brother and sister-in-law's garage. He's reclusive and awkward, and from the moment you see him you can tell things are not quite right with him. His sister-in-law, Karen, is very concerned about him. Even though he makes excuses to avoid ever leaving his little garage (besides going to work), she constantly tries to reach out to him and show him love.
Then something very strange happens. Lars orders a life-size silicone doll from an online company that sells them as "sex toys." But Lars doesn't use the doll in this way.
The same day his doll is delivered he runs over to his brother's house and tells them he would like to come over for dinner--he's met someone and he'd like to introduce her to them. Of course Karen is filled with jubilation at this. Finally, he's socializing and acting "normal."
And that evening he shows up with Bianca, the doll.
As Gus and Karen attempt to deal with Lars' behavior, they seek out the help of a doctor and learn that Lars obviously has some sort of delusional disorder and they have two choices: to get no where by trying to talk Lars out of his delusion, or to go along with him and see where all this leads.
As time progresses, first Lars' church and soon after the whole town learns of Lars' new "friend" and it is so funny/strange/interesting to see how people choose to deal with it. This movie really touched my heart! Ryan Gosling, the actor who plays Lars, is so endearing and odd. And it's wonderful to see the love that his church and community show him and his family as they deal with such a strange mental disorder.
The movie is a "serious comedy." The acting was wonderful and I think it was extremely well done. It's clean, for the most part. A few of the guys in town make a few silly jokes about Lars' new girlfriend. Overall, the content probably won't appeal much to the young ones.
I recommend it!

Post-Slovakia (to be continued...aren't you excited?!)

Whatever I'm about to write may seem a bit scattered. That's just what I am today. Scattered.
Since returning from Slovakia on Tuesday night, the last two days have been busy with getting settled in again, spending time with my husband, playing with my dogs, grocery shopping, cooking, and getting caught up at work. It's been a constant stream of activity, but I've really been enjoying myself.
I was talking to a friend about my recent travels, and told her that this trip to Europe was quite different than any other I've taken. In the past, when I've gone overseas it has been for pleasure (except for English Camp 2005!). This time, my purpose was first and foremost to see my family and soak up my time with them. Whatever we ended up doing didn't really matter to me at all, just as long as I could be with them.
It was strange to arrive in a foreign land, be reunited with my family, and then realize that this place, Slovakia, is their home now. Although it is obviously still a "foreign" country to them in many ways--they aren't fluent Slovak-speakers, and they don't know or understand all of the customs--they are living life, hour by hour, day to day, just as anyone would in any part of the world. Compared to how they lived in the states, I noticed some positive changes to the pace of life. For one thing, they pretty much walk everywhere. They do have a car, and they drove me, this lazy American, around a lot. But normally, they are pedestrians. My brothers have a greater independence acquired by necessity I think. They walk or ride their bikes around town, to school, to soccer practice, to The Building, to their friends' house. And it's not as though they are walking down some cushy, suburbian street. There aren't suburbs, there are just flats and businesses and soccer fields and schools and churches and grocery stores all muddled together in the heart of the small city of Trnava. I'm sure my brothers don't even notice this change that was so huge and drastic to me. They have done this because they had to--and I think it is wonderful.
I tried telling Ethan how wonderful it is to me that they are living in Europe, going to school, learning another language. He didn't seem to share my enthusiasm. He's looking forward to a month in the states this Summer. Now that I am older (than a 13 and 14-year-old), I am realizing how short life really is. We've been given this time on earth by God, and it is incredible and fantastic to me that they are in Slovakia on such an amazing adventure. At first I thought to myself, "Well, that's easy for you to say. You didn't have to leave your family and all that you were familiar with to go live somewhere completely foreign in every sense of the word." But the more I've thought about it, and especially after visiting my family, the more convinced I am that God has called them to a glorious and wonderful, blessed work. If I were so called, I would do it. I know I would do it.
That being said, I know the transition is difficult and frustrating, and seems never-ending. I am convinced there will come a time (perhaps a long time from now), when the things that are so hard and discouraging now will change into blessings. Friendships will form, communication will flow easily, the things that are taking baby-steps now will be victorious strides. I believe that God will accomplish this. But one thing that is true now will be true then: our missionaries need the prayers of the Church. I hope that as a church our hearts will all become more mission-focused, and that we will remember often those who have gone out, called to such a great work. God has certainly used this visit to refresh me and nourish my heart as I miss my family, but He has also renewed my conviction to pray and pray pray. I'm thankful for that.
Speaking of being refreshed and nourished, I really have been. It was difficult to say goodbye to my family again, but in these past couple of days I am comforted by the memories of this visit. That little (or large, gaping) hole that I feel in my family's absence was filled for a week. I was filled and more complete in a way during that time. And the effects are lasting. As the pain from goodbye lessens by God's grace, it is replaced with warmth and love and encouragement.
On my way home I read two things by C.S. Lewis: The Great Divorce and A Grief Observed. I have my mother-in-law to thank for this, for her gift of The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics: Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Abolition of Man, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, A Grief Observed.
For some reason I can't properly but into words what reading these meant to me during those long hours on my flights. But I certainly feel that I read it in the perfect state of mind: a serious, sober, thoughtful state. It was really wonderful, and I felt that I read them more than I've ever read anything before. See? I told you I couldn't properly put it into words.
Read them. They are short, they are wonderful.
That's all for now, I think I've rambled for long enough. More later.

Oh, P.S.! I watched several more movies on my way home, in this order: Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, Beowulf, and No Country for Old Men.
Reviews, in this order: Elizabth: Eh..okay, MMWE: stupid., Beowulf: turned it off after 10 minutes because I was embarrassed to be seen watching it. SO gross and raunchy. Never, ever watch this movie, and last but NOT least, let's talk about No Country for Old Men:

I often don't agree with Oscar, but this year I do. This movie was fantastic! Granted, I saw the very-edited-not-as-violent version of it...but it was incredible. Perfect casting, great acting--the Coen brothers truly, truly captured Texas in it. It was suspenseful and scary and odd and humorous (in a creepy, tense way), the writing is wonderful. When you hear that it is the Texas version of Fargo, believe it. Tommy Lee Jones is the Francis McDormand character.
One of our friends saw this movie said that the dialogue by itself made the movie worth seeing, that it was some of the best he'd seen in years. I completely agree.
Javier Bardem is perfect as the...villain? That seems like a weird word to use. But whatever. There is one scene where he walks into a gas station and has an exchange with the fat, Texan, simple, old man behind the counter. I think it may have been my favorite scene. It is so intense for the audience (or, it was for me), because this jolly old man is conversing with someone who WE know as a pychotic, unpredictable murderer...and you watch as this man starts to realize that something is just not right with this guy...it made me squirm in my seat!!
WATCH IT.
But be prepared for some language and some pretty nasty violence. NOT a movie for kids. If you saw Fargo, just imagine that kind of messed-up, disturbing, crazy violence. Like I said, I saw the edited version, but I could tell when they cut off a scene--I could tell something really awful was about to happen. I still covered my eyes with my stinky airline-provided blankie.

Okay, that really is enough from me.

I press on!

...despite the fact that I've had very few comments lately. It just makes me sad, and we don't want that, now do we?
Last night, as I was all hopped up on caffeine from the Dr. Peppers and coffee I drank, I decided to pop in a DVD around midnight to help me (and my retarded yorkies) settle down a little bit. My DVD of choice was, as I soon realized, one of my favorite movies in the world: Spanglish.
You may think it's silly and mindless and corny, but I LOVE it. Tea Leoni plays the best high-strung, nagging, manipulative wife/mother I have ever seen. And she's hilarious!
And after I watch it all I want to do is say, "Yuss try iton! Hey!" and laugh at myself. Ha ha. Ha. Ha ha ha.
I actually turned it off half way through, in my infinite wisdom. I noticed it was getting awfully close to 2 AM, and though I wasn't tired, I thought it would behoove me to try to sleep. Even more distracting than charming Spanglish were my two little angels (at least, they look like angels when they are sleeping and dreaming and twitching. Makes me want to have babies).

I can not WAIT to see my wonderful husband this evening!