Fool's Gold
It's cold in Jersey. Not so in the movie theater.
Fool's Gold, set in the Caribbean, was filmed in Australia. The screen offered us beautiful views of sparkling blue ocean with an adorable Kate Hudson and barely clothed Matthew McConaughey. (The fact that he always looks like he smells doesn't matter when he's out of nose range and he offers the world such outstanding muscle definition and a striking semblance to Paul Newman.) What's to complain about? Also, Donald Sutherland repeats his eccentric, wealthy father routine he mastered in Pride and Prejudice and Dirty Sexy Money. The movie previews promised entertainment akin to Romancing the Stone and it delivered. It had underwater action scenes, slapstick humor, and star chemistry.
Don't expect to be able to brag to your friends that you saw some intellectual movie like when you forced yourself to endure Atonement. This one hasn't received the rave reviews and won't earn any Oscar nominations, but if you want to escape for a few silly hours on a tropical vacation, this movie is for you.
It's much cheaper than a cruise.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
A woman, a black man, an old man, and a Mormon all run for President of the United States... Instead of this being a set-up for a tasteless joke, it's real. America makes history today with several "firsts." Our country has been around a while, but it's finally happened where our candidates actually represent who we are. Perhaps it's the hormones, but I'm so proud to be an American right now.
Garrett and I live in a house divided--you know, like Maria Shriver and the Governator. Usually, it's not a big deal. However, it has caused quite a stir in the past. A few years ago, one of us aligned with his candidate and claimed that global warming didn't exist and was merely a scare tactic by an ill-informed candidate. Um, yeah. He denies it now and has seen the light, but we both know what really happened. Needless to say, for the preservation of our marriage we forbade political talk for the remainder of the election. During that election was one of the few times I'd wondered who I'd really married. (He's probably had more times than just then, but I know my views definitely infuriated him at that time.) Driving home from voting together, we initially refused to tell each other who we voted for. I'd secretly hoped he'd left the dark side and was simply too proud to admit it. He'd hoped the same.
This election is different, though. We seem to see all the candidates with fairly clear eyes. (Translate: we view them similarly and agree on many of the same points.) We still disagree on a lot of points, but we're able to discuss them.
When our baby is born, our nation will be in full-out campaign mode. This election can help make or break the country where our baby is raised. Decide which candidate shares your vision of what that country should be. Not into watching all the debates or lax in reading up on the candidates? Check out some of the online quizzes. Even if you don't make it to the polls today,please be sure to do it in November.
Garrett and I live in a house divided--you know, like Maria Shriver and the Governator. Usually, it's not a big deal. However, it has caused quite a stir in the past. A few years ago, one of us aligned with his candidate and claimed that global warming didn't exist and was merely a scare tactic by an ill-informed candidate. Um, yeah. He denies it now and has seen the light, but we both know what really happened. Needless to say, for the preservation of our marriage we forbade political talk for the remainder of the election. During that election was one of the few times I'd wondered who I'd really married. (He's probably had more times than just then, but I know my views definitely infuriated him at that time.) Driving home from voting together, we initially refused to tell each other who we voted for. I'd secretly hoped he'd left the dark side and was simply too proud to admit it. He'd hoped the same.
This election is different, though. We seem to see all the candidates with fairly clear eyes. (Translate: we view them similarly and agree on many of the same points.) We still disagree on a lot of points, but we're able to discuss them.
When our baby is born, our nation will be in full-out campaign mode. This election can help make or break the country where our baby is raised. Decide which candidate shares your vision of what that country should be. Not into watching all the debates or lax in reading up on the candidates? Check out some of the online quizzes. Even if you don't make it to the polls today,please be sure to do it in November.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Giants won! Hooray!
Many of you know that Garrett and I limit our viewing of football games. We generally watch OU/TX, OU/OSU, and the Superbowl. He may feel an obligation to watch a few more during the year, but these three games are the only guarantees.
This year we had an even greater interest in the Superbowl since the Giants' stadium is right down the street. (Yeah, remember, the NY Giants actually play in New Jersey. Fuggedabout it.) Plus, the head coach lives in Park Ridge. So, we huddled around our little flatscreen--gee, we miss our big one--and settled in for the game.
We were not disappointed.
I, for one, think the commercials this year were definitely better than some in years past. The Rocky commercial with the Clydesdales and the dog was great. Those horses always pull at my heartstrings. Remember in college when they'd make their rounds in the Greek circle each year? Ah, memories.
As for the game... it rocked. Especially at the end when I really started paying attention.
There's something to be said for counting your chickens before they've hatched. When those Patriots started celebrating after that touchdown, I remembered our Okmulgee Bulldogs in high school. Even as underdogs, we always went in to win. And we usually did. Even with only a couple of minutes left on the clock. Shoot, that was plenty of time for a couple of touchdowns.
And the Giants knew it, too. But they didn't want to be greedy.
I think we may be a good luck charm around here.
Many of you know that Garrett and I limit our viewing of football games. We generally watch OU/TX, OU/OSU, and the Superbowl. He may feel an obligation to watch a few more during the year, but these three games are the only guarantees.
This year we had an even greater interest in the Superbowl since the Giants' stadium is right down the street. (Yeah, remember, the NY Giants actually play in New Jersey. Fuggedabout it.) Plus, the head coach lives in Park Ridge. So, we huddled around our little flatscreen--gee, we miss our big one--and settled in for the game.
We were not disappointed.
I, for one, think the commercials this year were definitely better than some in years past. The Rocky commercial with the Clydesdales and the dog was great. Those horses always pull at my heartstrings. Remember in college when they'd make their rounds in the Greek circle each year? Ah, memories.
As for the game... it rocked. Especially at the end when I really started paying attention.
There's something to be said for counting your chickens before they've hatched. When those Patriots started celebrating after that touchdown, I remembered our Okmulgee Bulldogs in high school. Even as underdogs, we always went in to win. And we usually did. Even with only a couple of minutes left on the clock. Shoot, that was plenty of time for a couple of touchdowns.
And the Giants knew it, too. But they didn't want to be greedy.
I think we may be a good luck charm around here.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
At Garrett’s suggestion, we went to Tiffany's in NYC today. Our tenth anniversary is coming soon, so I didn’t argue about it. Okay, I did a little because there are probably cheaper places to go. Of course, it didn’t take long for me to agree to his argument that it was an experience as well as an anniversary gift.
Tiffany’s has several stories. Each one is filled with sparkles galore. One floor contains diamonds and gemstones, another is mostly silver, the top is china and baby things. Tourists, couples, girlfriends, family milled around. If you’re in NY, add it to your touristy list. The Tiffany diamond alone is worth the trip. It’s an enormous yellow diamond set with a diamond bird. It’s only been worn by two women, and one of them was Audrey Hepburn.
We eventually found our way to the counter with the Celebration rings. Anyone can celebrate events with different rings that stack on top of each other and create a thing of beauty. While waiting, a man in a suit came by with a tray of petit fours. Each one was traditional Tiffany’s baby blue with a little white bow of icing on top. They mimicked the gift box customers take home. They also tasted similar to our wedding cake, which I still think was exceptionally delicious for cake.
Melissa was our salesgirl and she went through a variety of rings and helped us figure out the one we wanted. She also wrote down additional ones we liked for future celebratory occasions. While paying, most people are offered champagne. Due to the pregnancy, Garrett joined me with sparkling water.
When we left, we held hands that clasped a little blue Tiffany& Co. bag that contained a little blue box with a white bow.
Garrett was right. It was a lovely experience.
Tiffany’s has several stories. Each one is filled with sparkles galore. One floor contains diamonds and gemstones, another is mostly silver, the top is china and baby things. Tourists, couples, girlfriends, family milled around. If you’re in NY, add it to your touristy list. The Tiffany diamond alone is worth the trip. It’s an enormous yellow diamond set with a diamond bird. It’s only been worn by two women, and one of them was Audrey Hepburn.
We eventually found our way to the counter with the Celebration rings. Anyone can celebrate events with different rings that stack on top of each other and create a thing of beauty. While waiting, a man in a suit came by with a tray of petit fours. Each one was traditional Tiffany’s baby blue with a little white bow of icing on top. They mimicked the gift box customers take home. They also tasted similar to our wedding cake, which I still think was exceptionally delicious for cake.
Melissa was our salesgirl and she went through a variety of rings and helped us figure out the one we wanted. She also wrote down additional ones we liked for future celebratory occasions. While paying, most people are offered champagne. Due to the pregnancy, Garrett joined me with sparkling water.
When we left, we held hands that clasped a little blue Tiffany& Co. bag that contained a little blue box with a white bow.
Garrett was right. It was a lovely experience.
New Jersey Observations
I have often stated that it is the subtle things that stand out with the most prominence when you travel. For example, while working in
In
Another example is culinary habits. Sushi, my favorite food, is not a mainstay in the diet of Oklahomans. I had only one friend who liked sushi and it was a joke around the office that I would eat “raw fish." Now contrast that with the office here. I have yet to meet anyone who turned up their nose to sushi; in fact, there are large groups who frequent a local restaurant in packs of 8-10 daily.
Also, if you ask any of my friends in
Friday, February 1, 2008
Pizzaria? Sure. Deli? Yep. Bagel shop? Easy. Donut shop? No problem. Diner? Everywhere.
But where can you find a bean burrito? Or those tostados that were so tasty on those late college nights? Nowhere.
We went to a mall tonight, which are prevalent in NJ as I’ve mentioned before. We passed up some nice restaurants in favor of the food court because I’ve been craving a bean burrito. Mushrooms have tasted good throughout the pregnancy, but a BEAN BURRITO was something that has lately appeared in my dreams. Loco? Si. Anyway, on the mall directory, Taco Bell was listed. We raced to the food court and I lost Garrett in the crowd as soon as he saw the sushi bar. But could I find Taco Bell? Nope. I saw several sandwich, two Chinese, one Japanese, one Thai, and one sushi. Unfortunately, the Taco Bell had CLOSED.
This should not have surprised us. At our grocery store, we can easily find a variety of rare foods. However, when we hunted for salsa or anything of the Mexican origin, we were at a loss. Finally, we found a teeny-tiny jar of salsa in the chips aisle.
While still disappointed from my dining experience, we dropped by that grocery store on the way home to pick up some milk. Apparently, our GPS needs to be updated because we witnessed a miracle on the way. A Taco Bell. Right down the street from the grocery store. Within walking distance of our apartment.
Oh yeah. Very bueno.
But where can you find a bean burrito? Or those tostados that were so tasty on those late college nights? Nowhere.
We went to a mall tonight, which are prevalent in NJ as I’ve mentioned before. We passed up some nice restaurants in favor of the food court because I’ve been craving a bean burrito. Mushrooms have tasted good throughout the pregnancy, but a BEAN BURRITO was something that has lately appeared in my dreams. Loco? Si. Anyway, on the mall directory, Taco Bell was listed. We raced to the food court and I lost Garrett in the crowd as soon as he saw the sushi bar. But could I find Taco Bell? Nope. I saw several sandwich, two Chinese, one Japanese, one Thai, and one sushi. Unfortunately, the Taco Bell had CLOSED.
This should not have surprised us. At our grocery store, we can easily find a variety of rare foods. However, when we hunted for salsa or anything of the Mexican origin, we were at a loss. Finally, we found a teeny-tiny jar of salsa in the chips aisle.
While still disappointed from my dining experience, we dropped by that grocery store on the way home to pick up some milk. Apparently, our GPS needs to be updated because we witnessed a miracle on the way. A Taco Bell. Right down the street from the grocery store. Within walking distance of our apartment.
Oh yeah. Very bueno.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
We had an ultrasound tonight. It was much different than the last time we had an 8 week ultrasound. You could tell there was a little baby in there! Well, Garrett said it looked like a stuffed animal, and he was right—it looked a lot like a teddy bear. Immediately, we recognized little arms, little legs, little tummy, little heart, and big ol’ head. It was great to see that things were looking normal finally.
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