Here are some movies I’ve seen recently.  I’ll come back and add reviews as time allows.

Water for Elephants - Two thumbs up!  Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon star in this magical, mystical and dramatic story of two circus employees who encounter a violent and abusive ring master.   Excellent cinematography. I’m sure the book was better, but I didn’t read the book and I really enjoyed the film.

Bhutto - Documentary about Benazir Bhutto and her affect on politics in the Muslim world.  I didn’t know a thing about her when I rented this movie, so I learned a lot and was fascinated by her story.  Very important film.

Horrible Bosses - I’ve always loved Jason Bateman.  His poster used to hang on my wall beside Ricky Schroeder and Jack Wagner.  And I enjoyed him in this movie.  Although I have to say that the movie was pretty mediocre overall.  It was entertaining (mildly) and funny (at times).  But it wasn’t fantastic.  Pretty raunchy at times, so don’t watch it with your grandma.  Well, unless she’s into that sort of thing.

Queen to Play - If you’ve read my movie reviews before you know that I love foreign films.  This one comes from France and tells the story of a housekeeper’s new found obsession with the game of chess, and her relationship with the reclusive man who teaches her to play.  The reviews are not great on this movie, but I enjoyed it.  And I don’t play chess.  But the characters are interesting, the acting is solid and the story captures your attention.

Exporting Raymond - A hilarious documentary about the show Everybody Loves Raymond and the writer/director’s attempt to make it a hit in Russia.  Fun movie!

Of Gods and Men - French drama about a group of monks who face a complicated decision whether to stay in the Algerian town under siege or abandon their monastery to protect themselves from harm.  Slow.  Very slow.  But the acting is wonderful and I do recommend it as long as you like slow foreign films

The Company Men - This movie has a great cast and a good storyline so I really anticipated liking it it.  But it was just ok.  Ben Affleck stars as a man at the top of his career game who is suddenly faced with losing his job.  Timely, with so many in our communities facing the same fate.  And inspiring to some degree.

The Beaver
Bridesmaids
Source Code
All Good Things
Everything Must Go
The Messenger
Bright Star
Herb and Dorothy
Cedar Rapids
Biutiful
The Adjustment Bureau
3 Backyards
Trust
Autism: The Musical
Bill Cunnngham New York

Oprah Winfrey sent me a journal in the mail.  It arrived today - a beautiful brown leather-like little journal with lots of blank white pages with lines begging to be filled in.

The problem is that I’ve tried journaling before and have found myself being less than honest with myself in my writings.

I think I’m afraid someone will read it.  When I was a pre-teen and had a diary I was very very honest with what I wrote in it.  I loved writing in my diary and did so often.  But at some point my sister picked the lock, read my diary and then used the information to tease and taunt me and make me feel like something was wrong with me.

At some point I went through and tore out pages of things I’d written that I was embarrassed about.   And blacked out whole sentences and paragraphs with a permanent marker.

How am I supposed to write my deepest darkest feelings and secrets and emotions on a piece of paper and not worry that someone (even just my husband) will find it and read it?

I don’t think it’s possible. And therefore I don’t journal.

It’s sad, really. I benefit from journaling and could use the outlet.  But I can’t trust that paper.  That little book scares me.

My little signature guy tells me I haven’t updated this blog since October.  Where has the time gone!

I’m still available/looking for babysitting work, so get in touch if you need someone!

I’m waiting to hear back from two graduate schools.  The anticipation is killing me!

And I’m getting ready for my annual birthday vacation to Palm Springs, CA to visit an awesome friend.  This will be the 3rd trip and I’m super excited!  We always have a blast together.  And while I do adore my family and my life here, the break will be thoroughly appreciated.

I’ve been spending a lot of time with my guys the past couple of months.  My hubby was home a lot in December thanks to the holidays, and so was my son.  I loved having quality time with them, but I was ready for the vacations to come to an end when they did.  Momma needs her time alone!  Haha

I’ve been spending time with my Hospice patients, and you can read about that experience on my Hospice blog:

http://acoveredbridge.wordpress.com/

And helping out a friend in need when I can.  She is elderly and not well, so I’ve been running errands for her, assisting her with projects around the house and generally just being a friend to her during a time of need.  She’s in the hospital again and I’m very concerned about her this time.  She’s not getting any better, and in fact is only getting worse - AT the hospital.  That’s not a good sign.  I’m keeping her in my prayers and have all fingers crossed for a miracle.

That’s the news.  I have a million movie reviews to ad but that will have to wait for another day.  It’s time to get dinner started!

Happy Saturday, everyone!

Well, I’m applying to graduate school.  I foresee many changes in our lives over the next year.

Right now the most pressing issue is financial.  We are struggling, as I know so many people are.  And now I’m about to add a huge pile of student loan debt to our bills. So I need to bring in some additional income.  I will do what I do best… child care!

If you or anyone you know needs a part-time babysitter, or even an occasional or one-time sitter, please get in touch!  I’m available weekday afternoons, most weekday evenings and many weekends (day and night).   My references are impeccable and I have a resume full of experience caring for other people’s children, including my current job running the child care program at a local church.

How can I help you?

Well, well, well.  Here we are again.  My apologies for abandoning this blog for so long.  It wasn’t intentional, but I started 2 additional blogs and found that I had to focus my time and efforts on those for awhile.

But all the while I was gone I have been collecting movie reviews for you.  So grab a cup of coffee and get comfy.  This is going to be a very very very long list.

In the interest of time (mine, not yours) I am not including clickable links.  Sorry.  But feel free to read more about each of these movies at www.imdb.com.  And I apologize in advance for the brief nature of each review.

I Am Love - A tragic Italian love story.  Truly a beautiful film visually, fantastic acting and gorgeous scenery.  Stars Tilda Swinton.  Excellent. (subtitles)

You Don’t Know Jack - A biography of the late Dr. Jack Kevorkian starring Al Pacino as “Dr. Death.”  This was a TV movie, but don’t let that stop you from renting it.  Dr. Kevorkian’s work was very important and this delves deep into his work with assisted suicide and his life.

The Girl who Played with Fire - The sequel to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  Edge of your seat story but not as well directed as the first.  I could take it or leave it.   (subtitles)

The Kids Are All Right - Annette Bening and Julianne Moore star in this family drama (mildly comedic) about a lesbian couple and their children.   I liked this movie a lot and audiences did, too.  But I’m not 100% sure why it won best picture at the Golden Globes.  It’s not THAT good.  But worth renting.

The Breakfast Club – Yes, I rented The Breakfast Club.  I had not seen it as a teenager, though I’m sure the rest of you have.  I mean, I think I may have seen parts of it.  It seemed familiar.  But I had never seen it from start to finish.  It was good!  I wonder if today’s teenagers can relate to these characters at all?  They didn’t have cell phones or Facebook or Twitter.  But they had some of the same struggles most teenagers have at one time or another.  If you have not seen this, you should take the time to do it.

Twilight: Eclipse - Totally unmemorable film.  I watched it because I had read the books and wanted to see them come to life on the screen.  But these are just bad movies with bad acting.  That being said, I liked the books enough to enjoy reliving the story again.

They Came to Play - Documentary lovers will enjoy this chronicle of the International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs.  Who knew such a competition exists?!  These “ordinary” people are truly amazing pianists, and the journey they take to enter and try to win this contest is worthy of your time.

The Social Network - The story of Facebook.  It was nominated for 8 Oscars and won 3 so no matter what I say you should rent it based on that record alone.  It’s good!  The actors talk really really fast so be alert and pay attention.  It’s a fascinating true story, especially for those of us who USE Facebook.

The Extra Man - Bizarre movie staring Kevin Kline and Paul Dano about a male escort (Kline) who takes a young man (Dano) under his wing and tries to teach him the ropes.  It’s strange and a little confusing at times, but worthwhile if you like obscure and odd movies.

Grown Ups - I don’t really know why I continue to rent Adam Sandler movies.  It is so rare that I actually find them funny.  There are a few chuckles in this one but overall it’s just dumb.  Don’t bother.

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work - I’ve always been fascinated by Joan Rivers so I was intrigued by this documentary.  And it turns out she is a very interesting person living a very sad kind of lonely life.  The movie is well done and you’ll learn a lot about Rivers that you never expect.

A Christmas Carol - I loved the Christmas Carol films when I was a kid.  Especially the Disney version with Mickey Mouse.  So I had high hopes for this Jim Carrey version.  But I hated it.  It was too weird and creepy and strange.  I didn’t even finish it.  Bah humbug.

The Village Barbershop - Kind of a cute little movie about a barber who has to hire a young woman to work in his shop in order to keep it open. The acting is good but don’t expect big budget scenery or special effects.  This is a quiet story but one worth renting.

Beautiful Kate - Australian drama. Seriously one of the strangest movies I have seen in a long time.  The cinematography is fantastic but the whole story is odd and creepy and dark.  That’s not to say it’s a BAD movie, per se, but it’s one that only a select few people will love.  The rest of us will just have a puzzled look on our faces when the credits role.

Black Swan - Did you love Black Swan or did you hate it?  Because it seems you have to be one or the other.  I saw Black Swan in California while I was on vacation.  I saw it in a movie theater.  A RARE occurrence for me.  And I saw it with two friends.  So I suspect seeing it on video on your couch would be a very different experience and might change your perspective of the movie a little.  But what I saw was an incredibly well directed and acted thriller with a ton of deep psychological threads running through it.  I was at the edge of my seat with my nails between my teeth through the whole thing.  And I loved it.  Yes, it was creepy and confusing and complex.  But it was remarkably creative and totally interesting to me.  It’s the kind of movie you walk away from saying “Wow.”  And I distinctly recall walking into the theater bathroom after seeing the movie and feeling very dazed and confused.  I was in a sort of state of shock.  And as I washed my hands at the bathroom sink I looked up into the mirror at my reflection and just felt numb.  It’s that sort of movie if you let it be.  Jump in with both feet and open your mind to whatever you see.  And then come back here and tell me how it made you feel.

Easy A - I have a girl-crush on Amanda Stone after seeing this movie.  She’s so cute and sassy and snarky.  I love her.  This high school comedy is about how rumors get started and can completely alter a person’s school experience.  And it’s about being true to yourself.  A great message for teen girls.  And I enjoyed it very much.

Nowhere Boy - I really enjoyed this behind the scenes look at the life of a young John Lennon.  Very well acted and a nice bit of music history.  Good film.

Terribly Happy - Weird movie alert!  This Copenhagen cop drama is very similar to the kinds of films the Coen Brothers would make.  Dark and mysterious, strange and confusing, but well acted and with good direction.  Not for everyone. (subtitles)

The Other Guys - I had high hopes for this Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg cop comedy.  And it started out ok.  But about halfway through it just fizzled out.  Not funny.

Catfish - I loved loved loved this documentary.   I’m only going to tell you that it’s about a guy who wants to make a documentary about a young artist, only to discover that the real story is not about the girl at all.  A fantastic story.  Don’t read about it before you watch it.  The twist is good and you’ll want to figure it out along with the filmmakers.

Exit Through the Gift Shop - Interesting documentary about a graffiti artist and the French guy who decides to make a documentary about him.  I learned a great deal about graffiti art, and since I always enjoy learning new things I give this high marks for subject matter.  It’s not the best documentary I’ve seen but it’s amusing enough.

Love and Other Drugs - I love Jake Gyllenhaal. But I just don’t believe him as a drug rep.  And Anne Hathaway is just plain annoying as a strong-willed, independent woman with Parkinson’s.  If you happen to be lounging on your couch on a rainy Saturday afternoon and you have nothing to do and nowhere to go, and this movie comes on your television, you might be entertained enough to watch to the end.  Or you might get in a really good nap.  But otherwise I wouldn’t recommend renting it.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest - Third in the Lisbeth Salander trilogy.  I just didn’t care enough to watch this one after being disappointed in the second.  He liked it.  (subtitles)

Waiting for Superman - Important documentary about the education system in America.  Sad and poignant.  Makes you want to DO SOMETHING.  But doesn’t give you many suggestions about what you can do to help.  A real eye opener, however, and a must-see in my book.

Touching Home – Brothers who play baseball.  That’s all I can tell you about this movie.  Because it was terrible and I turned it off after about 20 minutes.  Don’t waste your time.

Burlesque - This movie made me want to go to a burlesque show.  But otherwise was pretty disappointing.  Cher and Christina Aguilera are both pretty bad.  The dance numbers are entertaining but the rest of the movie is a big thumbs down.

Conviction - A true story of a woman (Hilary Swank) who puts herself through law school to get her brother out of prison.  I saw a made for TV movie about this woman and I think it was just as good on a much smaller budget.  It’s a good story but the movie is just not great.

Cyrus - I usually love Sundance films but this one was just a little too quirky for me.  Stars John C. Reilly and Marisa Tomei as a couple trying to fall in love while Tomei’s adult son gets in the way.  Good idea for a movie, but Jonah Hill (the son) is just a little over the top for me here.

Every Day - Depressing and disappointing movie starring Helen Hunt as a woman who is forced to move her ailing father into her home, and how that affects her marriage.  Blah

Eyes Wide Open - I love movies about Orthodox Jewish life, particularly set in Israel.  I’ve always been intrigued by what that life is like and what goes on behind the wigs and black hats.  And I liked this movie, too.  It’s about an Orthodox Jewish man who discovers he is in love with a much younger man.  A very difficult situation to be sure.   Well done.

Flipped - Not a memorable film, but it was cute.  It was filmed in Ann Arbor, so that’s kind of cool.  It’s by Rob Reiner and it has the feel of most of his movies… boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, girl doesn’t fall in love back.  I didn’t love it, but it might be a good lazy day rental.

Get Low - Based on what Dave said, this is a cute movie.  But I fell asleep.  Not that it was boring, but I was probably just very tired.  It stars Bill Murray and Robert Duvall and is about a grumpy old man who plans his own funeral party… while he was still alive.

Going the Distance - Drew Barrymore romantic comedy about a long distance relationship.  I liked it.  Not Oscar worthy, but entertaining and sweet.

Leaving - French film starring Kristin Scott-Thomas as a married woman who finds passion outside her marriage. Not a new story, but nicely told and in a beautiful setting.  Not as well done as I Am Love, but still worth renting.

Life As We Know It - A good premise for a movie and a decent cast, but not a great movie.  This is Josh Duhamel and Katherine Heigl (who are pretty good together) as two people who hate each other suddenly forced to raise a child together.   Mildly entertaining.

Mr Nobody - VERY VERY strange movie.  This is one of those films I could see a college film professor delving into, but that people would generally find confusing and weird.   I think surreal is a good word to describe this time traveling saga.  Not for everyone, but if you appreciate a unique film with a fantasy feel, you might give this one a try.

Never Let Me Go - I really thought I was going to love this film.  Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield are the leads as young kids growing up in an English boarding school. But I honestly didn’t care for it.  I found it boring and uninteresting.  Oh well.

Passenger Side - Don’t bother.  This movie about 2 brothers driving around L.A. was dull and lifeless.

Please Remove Your Shoes - A documentary about the dark side airline/airport safety and security should be interesting and informative.  This is a bad documentary.  It’s all over the place, and filled with boring interviews.  I would still love to see a behind the scenes look at airport security, but this didn’t do it for me.

Rabbit Hole - This is a sad movie but one that I enjoyed nonetheless.  Nicole Kidman does a good job as a mother struggling with the death of her child.  And while there is a husband, truthfully this is her movie.  It’s hard to imagine what you would think, feel and do if you lost your own child.  Kidman’s character reacts in ways you might not expect.  But I imagine that some women would take that avenue if in her shoes.  Well directed and acted.

Red - A little bit comedy, a little bit action.  This is a cute movie for men and women alike.  Stars Bruce Willis, Mary Louise Parker, Helen Mirrin, and Morgan Freeman.  Great cast, cute story, well directed.  Worth renting.

Teenage Paparazzo - I really liked this documentary about a 14 year old boy who decides to become a member of the Hollywood paparazzi.  It’s interesting on many levels… the behind the scenes look at the paparazzi and the way they interact with the celebrities, the story of this 14 year old boy and how he weaves his way into this unique society, and the story of his family and how his parents have chosen to let him live this crazy life at such a young age.

Winnebago Man - Another documentary.  A strange story of a man who stars in a series of RV commercials and who later becomes a recluse.   A bit strange, a bit funny and a bit sad.  Nothing incredible, but entertaining.

Year of the Fish - Animated with a “rotoscope” style, this bizarre movie is intended to be a modern day Cinderella story.  Set in Chinatown, it’s the story of a girl forced to work cleaning a brothel in the city and the man who is determined to find her and save her from the evil brothel owner and her workers.   Unique is the best word for this one.

The Fighter - Excellent movie.  True story of a young boxer and his crazy family.  Mark Wahlberg is great as the washed up/famous boxer.  Highly recommend this one. Nominated for 7 Oscars, including best picture of the year, and won 2.

Welcome to the Rileys - I don’t love Kristen Stewart.  She just seems to act exactly the same way no matter what character she is portraying.  So I didn’t have high hopes for this drama about a young lady lost in her own world of drugs and sex, and the man who wants so desperately to rescue her.  James Gandolfini is excellent in this film.  But it’s hard to carry a movie by yourself.   Overall not a horrible film, but I would have been happier with a different female lead.

The Square - This Australian thriller/drama had potential.  But it’s not very good.  It’s the story of a couple having an affair and her attempt to escape her violent boyfriend in order to be with the man she loves.  Acting is ok, story is predictable.

Heartbreaker - My husband and I both loved this French romantic comedy about a guy people hire to break up relationships.  It’s adorable and funny and really well done.  We both still tell people about this one.  Subtitled.

127 Hours - An intense true story of a guy trapped in the crack of a mountain forced to cut off his own arm to escape death.  Really hard to watch at times, but fascinating glimpse into the mind of someone who is staring his own mortality in the eye.  After watching the movie, I highly recommend going online to watch the Dateline interview with Aron Ralston, where he takes you back to the spot where he was trapped and tells more about his ordeal.   Incredible guy.

The King’s Speech - Four time Oscar winning film staring Colin Firth as King George VI, who suffered with a severe stutter, and Geoffery Rush as the man who attempts to help.  EXCELLENT movie.  If you have not seen it, you must rent it.

Blue Valentine - Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star in this heavy drama about a couple facing the ups and downs of a relationship.  Really poignant and brutally honest look at the details of a marriage and how things change no matter how great they may be in the beginning.

Just Go With It - This should be called “JUST DON’T WATCH IT.”  I can’t even begin to tell you how awful this Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston movie is.  They call it a comedy but it is not funny.  AT.  ALL.

Public Speaking - This is a documentary about writer Fran Lebowitz.  I don’t know much about Fran, but I have seen her on tv a few times. And since this was directed by Martin Scorsese, I thought it would at least be a good film even if she was not an interesting person.  But, alas, I was wrong.  I found it boring and dull.  And I didn’t learn much more about Fran, aside from her opinions on things.  I really think it could have been better if we were shown more of a glimpse into the personal life and family history of this strange lady.  Disappointing.

Lovely, Still - Holy tearjerker.  Bring out the Kleenex for this one!  I’m not going to tell you much because there is a bit of a surprise element to this one, but it’s a romantic drama about an older couple and it stars Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn.  They are both phenomenal here. And I do recommend it, if you like drama and  you don’t mind bawling your eyes out during a movie.

Somewhere - Sofia Coppola directs this drama about a Hollywood actor and his daughter, played by Dakota Fanning’s little sister, Elle.  They are both ok in their respective rolls, and the story is touching at times, but this IS a Sofia Coppola film (did I mention that already?) so you must enjoy S L O W moving films to even sit through this one.   If you hated Lost in Translation because it was so slow, you should not rent this movie.

Sugar - Sugar is the nickname given to a Dominican-born baseball player, brought to the US to play in the minor leagues. I liked this, but I’m95% sure I did not finish it.  I just can’t remember how it ended!

One Week - Canadian film about a young guy diagnosed with cancer, who sets off on a cross-country motorcycle journey to make peace with the nearing end of his life.  It’s not going to win any awards, but I found it to be touching and sweet.  And I also enjoyed the tour of Canada through the eyes of Ben.

The 25^th Hour - This is an older movie (2002) by Spike Lee that I had heard of recently and wanted to see.  I studied Spike Lee for a film class in college one semester, so I was surprised I had not seen it sooner.  It’s a crime drama about a man getting ready to go to prison and what he goes through in the 24 hours prior to lock-up.  Stars Edward Norton.  Recommended.

8 ½ - This is one of those movies film buffs rave about.  It was made in 1963 by Frederico Fellini and let’s just say it is bizarre.  I didn’t finish it.  But I think it’s probably a “must see” for some people, so I will still recommend it.  May make good party conversation if you’re with the right crowd.

Made in Dagenham - I really wanted to see this movie but the actors accents are so heavy and the dialogue is so fast that I couldn’t understand a word anyone was saying. And there were no captions available.  It’s a dramatization of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination.  Good luck!  Let me know how you like it, if you can understand it!

No Strings Attached - REALLY predictable romantic comedy starring Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman.  She wants a “Friends with Benefits” relationship, and he falls in love.  Some funny scenes, but mostly awkward sex scenes with two people who have zero on-screen chemistry.  Disappointing.

Angel - I can’t even find this on IMDB. I’m pretty sure I rented the wrong movie.  This was like a made-for-tv period piece about a girl who wants to live in a castle and how she ends up getting her wish.  Really awful.  So don’t feel bad if you can’t find it at your local video store!

Barney’s Version - Paul Giamatti stars in this drama about a guy and his misfortunes in love and life.  It’s hard to follow at times because it jumps time periods without a lot of indication as to what time period you’re in.  But stick with it.  It’s really very good.

Casino Jack - Political crime comedy would describe this movie about a DC lobbyist.  Unfortunately, it didn’t keep my interest long enough to finish it.  But it does star Kevin Spacey, whom I love.   So if you do watch it let me know how it turns out.  Maybe I’ll give it another shot if it’s good.

The Lincoln Lawyer - Matthew McConaughey is excellent as the slimy defense attorney caught up in a tricky case.  Really good.  Some comedy, a lot of drama, a bit of suspense.  Nicely done.

Waste Land - Documentary Alert!  Really interesting film about how art can transform people, even people in desperate situations.  This is a look at the lives of people who work in the world’s largest landfill outside of Rio de Janeiro, and how an artist comes to know some of them through his work.   If nothing else, it will make you think harder about recycling!!!

Unknown - Dramatic thriller starring Liam Neeson as a man who believes someone else has stolen his identity in a foreign land.  Complex story… keeps you thinking and guessing until the end.  Not an award-winning movie, but entertaining if you enjoy a good puzzle/thriller.

True Grit - This is a Coen Brothers remake of the classic 1969 western of the same name.  I would like to rent this again sometime and give it another chance.  I got about 30% of the way through it and got tired and went to bed.  But the Coen Brothers are really fantastic and I want to see this through to the end.  Curious to hear from others who HAVE seen it all the way through.  Is it worth renting again?

The Tourist - Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie.  How could you go wrong, right?  Here’s what I don’t get.  HOW was this movie nominated for 3 (THREE!) Golden Globe awards???  I mean, it’s entertaining and sometimes funny and sometimes dramatic.  And it’s OK, but it’s certainly not worthy of a Best Motion Picture nod by the Golden Globes!  Sheesh.  Well, you should rent it if you like the actors, and you like action/romance/drama films.  But don’t expect to stand up and applaud at the end.  You’ve been forewarned.

No, not ME, silly.  I don’t think I’ve ever been referred to as “too thin!”

I’m referring to spreading yourself too thin.  You know, committing to so many things that you start to lose track of what you’re committed to.  So many responsibilities and extra activities and volunteer events and committees and etc. etc. etc. that you find yourself one day saying “Wait, what am I doing today?”

I’m feeling a little like that at the moment.  So I decided to stop for a minute, write down all of the “things” I’m committed to at the moment, and make sure nothing is being left behind.

Here’s my list as of right this very second.  This list is subject to change without notice and at any time!

1) Work at the church - Have to hire some new staff, and do some training with the current staff.  Also need to start putting together the schedule for April.

2) Work at the phone bank - Special training tonight, shifts starting up again next week.

3) Education Committee for religious school (current projects are organizing a book fair and updating the synagogue Facebook page)

4) Social Committee for synagogue (current project is organizing the “Game Night” - MUST get that advertisement done and out to members ASAP!)

5) Hospice Volunteer - Training 2 Saturdays in March

6) Science project for my kindergartner - must do this weekend!  Presentation is next Wednesday.  Must not forget to figure out snack for Wednesday and Thursday.  My turn!

7) Find a sitter for parent-teacher conferences on the 7th!  Better move that up on the “to do” list a little…

8 ) Sign up for the Couch to 5K training program… have to call them next week to see if registration is open yet.

9) Plans for my son over Spring Break.  If I don’t have something planned for that week I am going to lose my ever-loving mind.  Ooh, call the athletic club and see if they have a spring break camp!  Good idea.  Glad I am talking to myself so I could come up with that.

Ok, I feel a little better.  I’m going to print this list out and start checking things off.  I guess when it’s all on paper it’s not quite so overwhelming.  Just a matter of staying focused, staying organized and getting things done each day, one at a time.

What’s on your list that’s worrying you?  Share!  Make me feel better

I’m back!  I got back from California last night.  And yes, I had a fantastic trip!  The weather was totally perfect every single day.  My friend and I loved spending time together and had a blast everywhere we went.  We ate delicious food in beautiful restaurants, shopped in gorgeous outdoor malls, hiked up a mountain, swam in the pool, relaxed in the hot tub, saw a movie, ate lots of frozen yogurt and generally just had the most relaxing and wonderful girl time ever.  Her roommate was a very sweet guy and we got along well.  He came with us on many of our adventures and made us laugh and laugh some more.  I feel so blessed to have these amazing friends, one old and one new.  And to have had this time away to refresh, regroup and renew my spirit.  I feel like a new woman.  And am already planning my trip back for my birthday next year!!! Of course, I missed my boys like crazy. But they did a fantastic job of getting by without me without making me feel guilty for leaving.

I didn’t take as many pictures as I had planned to.  But here are a few to share.

 This is me getting ready to hike up that mountain behind me :) 

This is me at the top of the mountain, where a local church placed this light-up cross.  It looks so cool at night and you can see it from all over the city.

 Here I am at the College of the Desert Street Fair. 

And later at The River shopping center where we had lunch.

My friend Patricia and her roommate Domenic.  This was taken on my last night when we were getting ready to go out to a fancy “farewell” dinner.

Patricia and me at Bellini restaurant in Palm Desert.

I feel like I need to talk this out with someone and since I couldn’t think of anyone to call at 8:15AM on a Monday who would want to hear about it, I thought I should blog instead.

Back in June, I started a support group for Compulsive Eaters.  It was something I decided to do because I couldn’t find a group like it in the area, and I really felt that I needed a group like this.

I started the group with an ad on Craigslist and in the local paper and quickly started to get replies.  People were interested!  I was so excited.

There were 3 of us at the first meeting, and I was thrilled.  I never expected it to be a huge group.  I had a goal of eventually having 5 of us meeting weekly.  I knew that would take a little time.

But I have yet to reach that goal.  There have been people who have stayed with the group for a few months and then stopped coming.  And there have been people who have come once or twice and not returned.  I tried not to take that personally.  I know it’s a big commitment to attend a weekly meeting, and particularly one that is about such a personal and complex topic.

But I have been frustrated with the lack of attendance.

There has been one person who has been with me since the very first meeting, and she has been a wonderful source of support for me.  I am so glad to have met her.   I consider her a friend at this point.

But two people a support group does not make.  Which is to say that I am considering ending this project.

I feel horrible guilt and shame when I even allow the word “ending” to cross my mind.  I need this group.  I want this group.  I am not doing everything in my power to gain “members” and I know that.

So why am I ready to quit?  Because it’s easier NOT to do it?  Yes, certainly that is part of it.  It is a lot of work.  I have put a lot of time and effort into this group.

And what will I do instead?  Will I continue to work on this issue myself?  I really need to.

Could I continue to work on this issue with my one support group friend one-on-one, on a more casual basis?  I could, perhaps.

So what do I do?   I want to quit.  But I don’t want to quit.  I want to forget the whole thing and just move on.  But I don’t want to let this project go if I haven’t given it my all.

I’m terribly indecisive about things in general.  But this one is really confusing me and I don’t know what I should do.

I’m excited to report that in a few short weeks I will be headed to sunny California for a “mommy needs a break so she doesn’t have a nervous breakdown” vacation!  My dear friend lives in Palm Springs and invited me to come and stay with her.  I went there a few years ago for a little time away, but was sick with bronchitis the whole time and didn’t quite get the dream vacation I had imagined.  So I’m calling this a “do-over” and heading back for a few days of rest, relaxation and fun.

But leaving my boys behind is not easy for me.  I worry.  I worry that someone will get sick.  That someone will be sad.  That someone will need me and I won’t be here.  I worry that my son will miss me.  And I know that I will miss him.

But I am trying my best to calm the worries in my mind and to remind myself that they will be just fine.  That I will return home and life will carry on just as before.

I know what I would say to a girlfriend considering a trip like this.  I would say, “Go!  Don’t worry!  They will be fine.  You deserve a little time for yourself.  You work so hard.  You will come home a happier person and that is good for everyone.”

So if you talk with me in the next few weeks, remind me of those things OK?  And forgive me if I babble on and on about my trip.  I am so incredibly excited and want to tell everyone I see… “I’M GOING ON VACATION!”

Look out California.  Here I come!

Here are the last 5 that I did not have time to get to last night.  Scroll down for the first part of the list.

She’s Out of My League - Silly romantic comedy about a geeky kid who falls for the town beauty queen.  It was very cute and I laughed a lot.  Don’t expect Oscar nominations here, but you might have fun watching it anyway.

Knight and Day - Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz star in this funny adventure film about a woman caught up in a mysterious game of cat and mouse.  Really enjoyed this.  Didn’t expect to.   I’m not a fan of Cameron Diaz but she and Tom had good chemistry here.

New York, I Love You - About a year or so ago I reviewed a film called Paris Je T’aime, which is French for Paris, I Love You.  This is a second version of that film, set in the Big Apple. Like it’s predecessor, this is a film comprised of 10 vignettes; little stories about love in the city.  Each is directed by a different person, which makes each totally unique.  Occasionally the characters are connected from one story to another, but primarily you are watching short films here.  What I can tell you is that I loved the Paris version and the New York version was equally fascinating.  I loved not knowing what each segment would be about.  And seeing the different ways different directors portray “love” is really interesting.  I recommend this, and the Paris version as well if you have not yet seen it.

Breaking Upwards - My husband came across this quirky romantic comedy about a couple trying to decide if they are going to break up, stay together, or something in between.  They settle on something in between and then struggle to figure out if that was the right choice.  It’s not a great movie.  But I found myself interested in the characters and caring about what would happen to them.  Not bad.

The Postman Always Rings Twice - I picked this classic off the shelf without knowing too much about it.  It was made in 1981 and is a remake of the same title from 1946.  The stars are Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange, and they do a good job portraying a couple in lust (maybe love later, but lust for sure).  It’s racy and steamy.  And then things turn ugly when Lange’s character decides to leave her husband in dramatic fashion to be with her new man.  The first half was really good.  The second half was just ok.  And I hated the ending.  But overall it was a pretty good movie.  An “erotic adult thriller” according to the officials who categorize movies.