5 lessons from Dirty Dancing.

I spent the weekend away scrapbooking in a cabin. It was intense and fun and perfect. It was complete with yummy food, a fireplace, hysterical conversations and a running dialogue of the classic lines from Dirty Dancing. Tonight, before I switched to The Following (anyone else watch?), Lifetime was airing Dirty Dancing. It got me thinking... what has this movie taught me?

Obviously, nobody puts Baby in a corner... but there's got to be more.

This is what sticks out for me:

Personal space. Live it. Learn it. Don't interfere with it. Don't come too close unless you're invited. And if you're dancing take this "dance space" super seriously.

It's okay to be wrong. It's okay to make mistakes. What's not okay? Pretending you're right, and not acknowledging otherwise.

Sometimes you say things that are silly, out of place, maybe even inappropriate and/or embarrassing. Cringe but laugh it off later.

People have their own things going on. Don't try to pretend anyone can do anything or that you know all the answers to people's issues. You don't.

Probably the most important. In the movie, it's mainly about dancing... but I think it's true for life as well. Don't you?

My most recent date night has left me terrified of vacationing.

Over the weekend, Sean and I went out on a date to see Evil Dead.
I know what you're thinking, "what kind of date night movie is that?".
I am still thinking the exact same thing.

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I was checking my phone for the time. The whole time.
Doing the math in my head like "okay, there's 40 minutes left".
I was closing my eyes wishing I could fall asleep.
I was staring at Sean, thinking about how many chick flicks he owed me for this.
[We decided on four].

When we left the theater, I did a run-down of everything I hated about the movie.
To which he replied, "that's how I feel after every movie you choose, I'm just not so vocal about it".
Interesting, you mean to tell me you just bite your tongue and tell me how much of a good time you've had with me?
I could shed a tear.

If you don't know what Evil Dead is about:
Possession, group of friends, and cabin in the woods sum it up.

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Wait a minute.
I'm going to a cabin in the woods with a group of friends this summer.

Let's talk about this while possibly giving some spoilers away.
Don't read ahead if you're dying to see this movie and don't want me to "ruin" it.

When I go camping this summer --

I am totally out of there if any of the below happens:

The door to the cabin is busted. If the cabin we're about to stay in for 4 days has visibly been broken into, to the point where we have a conversation about how strangers could be inside.

There are dead animals hanging from the ceiling. A bunch of animals are dangling from the ceiling rotting and smelling? Do you honestly think it's normal to just go to sleep? No. It's not normal, it's sad and horrible.

There's a book of witchcraft wrapped in barbwire. A book in the basement with the dead animals on which, in blood, is written DO NOT OPEN, LEAVE ME ALONE.

There are clippers nearby to clip said barbwire. Yeah, I don't think so. I don't even have to go into this one, right? I mean, if it says do not open... DO NOT OPEN it. And if one of my friends did, there's no way I'm sticking around to see what happens.

Strange things start happening. Somebody in the group suddenly starts seeing a girl, and tells us there's someone else in the cabin with us. I'm listening, and leaving.

My friends start trying to kill me. Who actually thinks it's normal to stick this one out? I don't care if it's raining, I am not sticking around for the night with a plan to leave in the morning. I can't swim, but I would swim across a river. I don't care how fast it's moving.

I can tell you: 
this is what I will be doing during my trip to the woods.

- checking that all doors were sealed and locked and no rooms have any dead animals in them
- carrying my car keys with me at all times
- sleeping with one eye open

Weekly Recap & Valentine's Day.

On the blog:

Sunday: Valentine's Day week: our story, part I.

Monday: Valentine's Day week: our story, part II.

Tuesday: Valentine's Day week: our story, part III.

Thursday: How well does your spouse know you?

It's the middle of February, otherwise known, as President's Day weekend,

or more importantly... a long weekend.

Yay!

I'm so happy that my immune system failed me on the Friday before this 4-day long weekend.

Thanks.

Sean thinks it's funny to see me, in bed, with 2 boxes of tissues (back-up for when the first runs out), my laptop, my tablet, a bottle of water, glass of soda, cell phone, Apollo, glasses, etc., etc., etc.

Basically I don't need to move for a couple of hours.

And that's my plan.

How was this week?

It was great!

Minus a visit to the dentist, who I blame for my current bill of health, as well as my low bank account.

We also had more snow this week.

Which caused me to sleep at my parent's house (to avoid any driving mishaps),

but I got to sleep with two dachshunds.

We went to the movies and saw Identity Thief. Hilarious. Go see it.

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AND because we spent so much money at Regal, they gave us free movie tickets that I'm pretty confident we'll use this weekend as long as I can keep my eyes open.

I'd like to see this:

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My other half doesn't agree.

Valentine's Day was fantastic, complete with tasty Italian food at a restaurant with a screaming hostess and a stressed out waitress (super romantic, let me tell ya), and great gifts.

It's the thought that counts, but it's super when the gifts are nice, too!

Once I have enough energy to take pictures, I'll blog about the gifts.

Oh, and the AMAZING card Sean made me.

It's amazing.

Sometimes you need a date in the middle of the week.

Last week, we planned a date night at a local movie theater on a Wednesday.
I think those are sometimes the best.

It's a small theater. Family-owned. And old.
Where tickets are still $5, and they serve you food and drinks.
Where you show up at 7PM for the one movie that is playing.
No choices.
Pretty sweet deal, actually.

We saw Argo.
And loved it.
Talk about being at the edge of your seat.
Going to the movies is my absolute favorite.
This place was interesting because it seemed like everyone knew each other.
Like everyone was family.
And chatting.
But once the movie started... silence.
No phones, no texting, no annoying lights shining in your face.
We'll definitely be going here more often.

And, it was one of my 26 in 26. So I get to check it off my list! :)

Movies. Movies. Movies.

We see a lot of movies. It occurred to me that some people don't.

For whatever reason.

In honor of the movie award season that seems to be taking off, I thought I'd do a run-down of last year's movies that we saw.

Most of them are not up for any nominations. 

But I don't think that necessarily means anything. :)

[Remember these are from 2012]

January:

When I tell you, you didn't miss anything as far as movies go last January... I'm telling the truth. There wasn't anything worth spending money on in the theaters. In fact, January 2012 ruined my goal of seeing a movie in the theater every month. Big thumbs down.

February:

I loved The Vow and would highly recommend it as a date night movie. It's sweet and sad and romantic. And semi-based on a true story.

This Means War was okay. Like... if you had a bunch of mediocre movies and this was a choice, I'd choose to watch it but only because Reese Witherspoon and Chelsea Handler are in it. Other than that, it was a little dumb.

Wanderlust is one of our favorites. We refer to it all the time and still watch it regularly. But we're big fans of Paul Rudd... like huge fans.

March:

The Lorax was cute. If you know the book or have a kid you'll probably enjoy it. 

The Hunger Games was... interesting. I'd recommend seeing it now so you don't have to catch up with the series when the second one comes out.

21 Jumpstreet is another favorite. We own it, refer to it, and quote it... all the time. It is so funny. So funny.

April:

The Lucky One is another good date night movie. A tad cliche but that never hurt anybody. It made me realize that I'm a little obsessed with Zac Efron. No big deal.

We felt like we had to see American Reunion because we grew up during the American Pie era. It was a good ending to a movie series and it's pretty neat that they got all the original cast members.

May:

Men in Black III was really good. It's just as funny as the first two, so I'd recommend it if you liked the others. But if you didn't like the others, then don't bother.

June:

Prometheus was not my pick. It was a little painful for me, but Sean loved it. So that says something. I didn't understand it half the time.

Magic Mike was a bit uncomfortable but a pretty good movie. It was our third Channing Tatum movie of the year... so it was very enjoyable.

Ted was hysterical, we watch it all the time. I love Mila Kunis in it and Mark Wahlberg is good, too.

That's My Boy was pretty funny. I wouldn't say Adam Sandler is back from making horrible movies but it was a lot better than some of his other recent movies.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World was depressing. That's it. Watch it if you don't mind feeling nervous and bad for the world.

July:

The Dark Knight Rises was okay. It was Sean's pick and he really loved it. I was mad that Batman's not even in the movie for a good hour. And that his voice is really low and annoying. 

The Watch was okay. I love Jonah Hill so I wanted to see it, but it wasn't totally great. It was a bit slow and stupid.  

August:

If you want to be confused about what you're watching, see Cosmopolis. Or if you like Robert Pattinson. No really. I've watched it twice and I have no idea what the movie is even about. Like none. I know he's in a limo, wants a hair cut and has a bad marriage. That's it. 

The Campaign was what you would expect it to be. Slightly funny but really dumb. I have to be in the mood for Will Ferrell, unless it's Elf... I can always watch Elf. 

September:

September was slim-pickings at the theaters again and we were left to see House at the End of the Street. It wasn't good. But it had you scared thinking that something scary was going to happen without anything scary ever happening. 

October:

Argo was amazing. I'd highly recommend it. It's nominated for a bunch of awards so I think that says something. 

November:

Silver Linings Playbook was really good. But it was emotional and more of a dark comedy than I thought it would be. 

I can't really say enough about Breaking Dawn part 2. Sean would say that he loved it because it's the final one and I won't have to drag him to anymore of the Twilight movies. But it was the best one. I swear. You need to see it.

We had to stop watching Lincoln. We didn't get it. Maybe we missed something or didn't pay enough attention in history class. But it's nominated for awards so they must have done something right.

December: 

Les Miserables was amazing. I loved it and Sean loved it. It was very impressive and is also nominated for things.

This is 40 was hysterical. Hysterical. It's already a favorite and something we refer to and quote all the time.

Well, that's it.

So, what about you?

What did you see last year?

It's sad but don't bawl over it.

Sean and I went to see:

It was definitely worth it to see it in the theater... on the big screen.

It was moving, triumphant, emotional and of course, so... so... so sad.

Depressing sad. The kind of sad that makes you so glad you don't live in the 1800's.

Or have to fight for revolutions. And thankful we have a government system that works for the people. 

(oh, wait?).

Anyway.

I knew the story. I loved the story. I looked forward to the songs.

I was amazed by the singing. By Anne Hathaway and Amanda Seyfried. 

I was thoroughly impressed knowing they sang their songs on-set, while filming rather than in a studio beforehand.

It was generally flawless. And I'd see it again. I'd actually pay to see it again... and again.

What I wouldn't pay to see again... is the girl sitting in front of us.

Who was crying... no, no... bawling.

Talking to the screen. Mouthing the words to the songs.

Dare I say... clapping?

All of my pet peeves. 

Look, when you go to the theater... please remember, you are among other people. 

Strangers, actually. 

And we don't want to see you cry and look like a hot mess.

It's not like you're going through the French revolution.

Relax.

If you can't handle it, wait until it's out and borrow it from Redbox.

Then you can bawl, sing, talk, wave your hands and scream injustice all you want.

Just please don't do it during my $22 date night.

For real. 

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, part 2.

Last night, I dragged Sean to see this:

He wasn't thrilled about the movie, add in the fact that I made him go to the theater an hour and a half early "to get seats together" and then realized that was completely unnecessary when we saw that NO ONE was even there... made for a very uncomfortable husband. Plus! Our Fandango tickets said 9:20 and when the tickets printed at the theater they said 9:40? What? SO that added 20 extra minutes to the already 90 minutes we were waiting. aha! 

Good thing the movie was so fantastic! It made up for the wait (plus I set him up with popcorn and nachos). I loved every minute of it. Except for maybe the super long opening credits and the strange fake baby that was Renesmee. The twist we keep hearing about? Amazing. Even Sean thought so.

I'll go see it again. Most definitely.

Wicked Sweet.

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This month Sean and I saw Ted. 

(Well, I saw Magic Mike on my own time while in CA...)

Maybe, I thought it was so funny because it's set in an area I'm really familiar with. So all the "Boston", "Massachusetts" and "New England" jokes... I understood. Who doesn't like to laugh at themselves?

At the same time, I will say I don't live IN Boston. I never have and most likely never will. But that doesn't stop me from LOVING movies set around here: Good Will Hunting, anyone??

If you search online, you can easily find those "you know you're from Boston when" forums. Most things are true. I know what a regular coffee is, I probably tail-gate awfully too close to the person in front of me, I order jimmies with my ice cream, I didn't go to school when the Pats won the Superbowl, and I go down the Cape, often. Oh, and there's that word I say. A lot. Do you know it?

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Oh yes, wicked. It's a part of my daily speech.
In case you don't know how it's used: "that's wicked cool", "I was wicked upset", "she's wicked smart smaht". I guess it's a synonym for "really" or some other word that just magnifies whatever follows.

Last weekend, Sean and his bandmates in Widow Sunday had a yard sale.



It wasn't your typical yard sale. Intrigued? They sold lots of musical things that I have no idea about it.
There was a bunny costume, discussion about partnering up with children selling lemonade across the street in hopes to "bring in more business", multiple attempts at a Pogo stick and a unicycle, and lots of traffic slowing down because of the signs:

translation: "wicked sweet yard sale, kid..."

Lots of people stopped to look.

Lots of people stopped to buy. 

Lots of people stopped... just to take a picture of the sign.

People thought it was clever, unique, and hysterical.
There's definitely something to be said for laughing at yourself.

Entertainment Update.

I've been anxiously watching the progress of this project:

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First of all, I love Matthew Lillard. I've been slightly obsessed with him ever since:

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It's probably one of the reasons I've longed to live in a loft apartment since I was 12. Plus, I can honestly say it was one of those movies I could watch and re-watch and it never got old. PLUS, I learned a lot from this movie: about social interactions, music, society, adolescence, emotions, loyalty, friendship, and love. It's a favorite of mine. 

Also, Matthew Lillard has done so many other great movies!

Scream

Hackers

She's All That

Without a Paddle

Summer Catch

Scooby Doo

So, if you're also a fan of his... then get behind his newest work: Fat Kid Rules The World.

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He's raising funds to release this movie (based on a book by the same name) on Kickstarter. Which, by the way, is an amazing site that allows you to follow and fund random projects by talented people all over the place who otherwise would probably not be able to have their projects seen (or funded) by anyone.

Check it out.

An update.

The little one is plenty settled in. Perhaps too much so. She's found her two favorite places to relax:

On my neck & on the back of the couch.

In other areas of life, I've been pretty frantically preparing for my next seminar (about two weeks from now) & our dining room table looks less like something you would eat on and more of a smorgasbord of binders & books & documents.

We're thoroughly enjoying Redbox although we've forgotten to return these days ago and I'm just now seeing them sitting on the counter...

But anyway...

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I loved this movie so much. I can't believe that I waited so long to see it. I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt & Seth Rogen but I knew it would be sad and wasn't prepared to watch. I have to admit that I still wasn't ready to watch it but I'm so glad that we did. It was sad, and funny, and heartwarming and worrying! I may purchase it... or apparently just never return it back to Redbox...

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This movie was definitely entertaining. It was basically a modernized "Freaky Friday" aimed for a more manly demographic. But funny. And I love Leslie Mann and anything she's in. It was a nice surprise to find out she was in this.

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Oh, I would love to say how we thought this movie was EXCEPT that it totally didn't work when we put it in the DVD player. It skipped every 4 seconds until Sean couldn't take it any longer. But I was very excited to watch Jonah Hill... maybe another time.

I have twenty three more days of school until the kids are out for the summer and I'm so excited! I have no idea what plans will or will not work out but I'm just so excited to sleep in a little bit, to play with Apollo, to scrapbook, to see the sun, to stay up late, catch up on so many TV shows, to travel, and just relax.

I'm anxiously counting down the days...

The Lucky One

I spent last weekend scrapbooking... which I will show later.

But once I got home I dragged Sean to see The Lucky One.

I couldn't help it. I had to see it.

And I thought it was so worth it.

I loved it. It was what I expected and what I thought it was going to be.

And I love when that happens.

I recommend it. If you're looking for a love story & enjoy Zac Efron.

Sean had a lot of thoughts about it -- none were positive. But he didn't really plan on liking it anyway.

:)

Did you see it?

Happy April!

We had a really great free weekend filled with a movie night, scrapbooking, and dinner with friends.

We've never used Redbox before but I'd say it was pretty successful. Unfortunately, I didn't pick the best movies. Honestly, I thought Bad Teacher was funny, Young Adult was awkward and I just felt sad for her, and What's Your Number could have been 45 minutes shorter.

On Sunday, I decided to clean my closet because it was looking like this...

But after an hour it looked like this!

Sean informed me that he's been noticing my clothes/shoes/bags have been migrating across the room into his closet. So I guess next weekend I should probably work on his closet, too. 

Going through all my clothes had me thinking about the 30 x 30 fashion challenge found here.

I read about it a while ago and thought it sounded interesting but now I'm actually intrigued and considering it. Supposedly, we only wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. I have to say I agree with that. I know I definitely wear the same things over and over and I'm not that good about putting together different outfits with the same items. But I think it's a challenge I'd be willing to try. 

I guess you really have to be smart about the 30 items you choose to wear!

:)

The Hunger Games.

I know that I'm about five days late on this post but Sean and I did go see The Hunger Games this past weekend.

I read the first book on the plane to Puerto Rico and finished it at Newark airport on the way home. I immediately walked to the bookstore in the terminal and bought the second book in the series.

I have to say that it wasn't because I loved it. I want to love it. But I don't...


Here are my thoughts on the movie:

- I want Katniss to be in love with Peeta. I like a good love story.

- The reaping scene made me cry. Especially when Prim started to cry.

- It was so long. It felt really long, anyway.

- Elizabeth Banks?! I had no idea she was in the movie and I LOVED her.

- I was ashamed of the Breaking Dawn, part 2 trailer. What a letdown.

- I thought it was a good adaptation of the book.

I'm still reading the second book and I'll definitely finish the series and see all the movies. Like I said I want to love it. Of course, I HATED Twilight the first time I saw it... so my mixed feelings don't really mean anything. :)

Surprises!

My husband had surprises waiting for me when I got home yesterday!

[Water for Elephants dvd!]

AND...

[dinner reservations at One Eleven Chophouse!]

So sweet!

I sort of missed a week of blogging. I don't know what's happening! But it's November...

Which means!...

Breaking Dawn is that much closer to coming out... we already have our tickets. Do you?? Sean is soooo excited about it. :)

He's not really excited, but he says he's seen the first three so many times that now he has to see the last one. Which is true. I mean Eclipse is in the DVD player a lot. Actually, all the time.