Playing With My New IPad

This a quick note to say hi to my readers. I am busy playing with my new IPad and thought I would try out the mobile post feature for BLOGGER. Any new toys for you this year?

Update to Top Entertainment

I have updated the "Top Entertainment News" section at the bottom of my blog.  Please check out all the recent happenings in Hollywood!

R.I.P. Ben Breedlove

R.I.P. Ben Breedlove

My 14-year old daughter follows many film makers on Youtube.com.  One of her favorites, Ben Breedlove, passed away recently.  My daughter was very sad and his videos went viral after his passing.  I was not familiar with him until I watched his last two videos and when I did, I was touched by this young man's courage.  I am attaching the videos from Youtube.com.

Part 1: 

Part 2: 

Movie Review: The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1

Who hasn't seen this movie yet?  Although I did not hang out in two to three day lines to see this movie on opening day, I did see it opening weekend.  My daughter and I have a standing "date" whenever the Twilight movies come out.  I thought it crazy that someone would camp-out in line just to be one of the first to see a movie.  The movie WILL be the same whether you are the first or the last to see it.  I was hoping that by going to a 10:45 PM showing the second night out it would not be as busy, but the theater was packed!

This fourth installment of the Twilight series is actually a two-parter.  First there was Twilight, then New Moon, and then Eclipse.  Breaking Dawn is part one of two.  The second part will hopefully come out next year at this time.  Breaking Dawn is the last book about the "Twilight" crew written by Stephenie Meyer.  Interesting fact: Stephenie wrote a draft story, which was illegally leaked to the public, called Midnight Sun.  This story is from Edward's perspective.  Who knows, maybe the Twilight series will take a whole new turn when all is said and done.  I know that readers and viewers would be excited to see more about the characters that they have grown to love (and hate).

The movie was good.  It was very serious in many parts and seemed a bit slow.  The movie experience always varies based on the audience you are seeing it with.  Ours seemed to be a bunch of younger people (go figure) and the giggling teens seemed to be talking and laughing in some parts that just did not seem necessary.  It made my viewing somewhat of a negative experience.  However, I know that should not effect my opinion of the movie, but because of this, it made the movie seem slow and drawn out.   


Here is a spoiler of the movie (don't read if you don't want to know): Bella and Edward have their "worries" prior to their wedding.  Jacob gets an invitation to their wedding and storms off into hiding.  Edward and Bella have a beautiful ceremony (outdoors - weeping willow trees are strategically placed to keep the sunlight from being too strong).   Jacob misses the wedding but he does, however, make an appearance at the reception.  The closeness that he and Bella have during their dance allows the viewer to see the love that they both share, even though she just married Edward.

It is decided that they will consummate their wedding before Bella is turned.  This seems to be a big topic of discussion among the Quileute tribe.  They are not happy about this and Jacob lets everyone know.  Personally, I would be embarrassed if everyone knew I was getting ready to finally have sex with my boyfriend for the first time.  But, it was all anyone talked about in this part of the movie.


The honeymoon is taken on a beautiful, secluded island.  Bella and Edward are nervous for their night of passion and the next morning it appears they had a rough previous night.  But, everyone survived and the couple seemed more in love than ever.  They spent time frolicking and enjoying one another's company as they played Chess, swam, made love, etc.  


It appears that several days pass when Bella realizes she has missed her period.  She immediately feels like she is pregnant and begins the appearance of being pregnant.  They fear that the baby will be a demon and this is confirmed by an Indian woman on the island.  Bella and Edward rush home to be with the Cullens.  As Bella's pregnancy continues at a fast pace, she begins to love the baby as it is quickly ruining her health.  Her appearance starts to wither and her cheeks become hollow.  She really looks horrible.  The family feels that they should terminate the baby, but Bella insists on delivering.  In the meantime, the Quileute tribe finds out she is having a demon baby and they decide they must kill it and possibly Bella.  Jacob turns against the tribe (with some help from two of his tribe mates) and attempts to save the unborn baby.


Bella goes into labor and as the baby is born, they realize it is a healthy, baby girl.  Unfortunately, Bella seems to be slipping away and as she is going, Edward begins trying to "change" her by biting her all over.  It appears that Bella is gone.  


Jacob realizes that the baby will soon be killed, because he cannot save her from his tribe.  He goes into the house and sees the baby, who they named, Renesmee, all cleaned up and in the arms of Rosalie. Renesmee and Jacob's eyes lock and at that moment he "imprints" on her.  Visions of Renesmee growing up to be a beautiful woman play and at that moment Jacob knows that he will spend his life protecting her and he knows the feeling of "imprinting" someone.  Because of this action, his tribe can not ever harm Renesmee.  


There are some fight scenes that I have left out between the tribe and the Cullens, you will have to watch them, they are pretty good.


Finally, the movie ends with Bella on the table, obviously dead.  After moments pass, she suddenly opens her eyes and they are blood red!  (end movie)


Okay, now you know how I felt about the movie.  What did you think of The Twighlight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1?

Movie Review: Paranormal Activity 3

No folks, this movie is NOT real!!!! I know, it seems like it might be, but it's not.  My 14-year old daughter begs to differ though.  I had to assure her it wasn't and explained that I have even seen some of the actors in other things, i.e. Lauren Bittner (Julie) was in Bride Wars and Law & Order.  Chloe Csengery (Young Katie) is in the series Up All Night.  The cast is full of un-famous actors and actresses.  But, they do play their parts well and that's what makes this movie believable to many.

This third installment of the series was definitely the best yet.  I remember seeing the first one at the theater and walking out half way through.  It was terrible and not scary at all.  I later saw the second one and thought it was a little better and that maybe I should watch the first one again.  

Unlike most sequels/prequels in Hollywood, the third Paranormal Activity was the best.  It had lots of "jump out and get ya" moments that we all expect and love from a scary movie.  The fact that it appears to be reality makes it even more scary.

I did find it hard to keep track of what was going on at the beginning of the movie. This was one of those "prequels" that shows you the beginning of a series after you have already watched the ending.  My mind is just too analytical to allow them to completely make sense.  I am always second guessing things and questioning events.


Overall, this movie was worth the $10 I paid (actually, I paid $30 because I took my daughter and her friend).  *Wow, movies are expensive - sigh!* Because we saw it in a theater, we got to experience the crowd reaction at all the right moments.  I imagine you could have an eventful viewing at home and perhaps be prepared for those scary moments by really scaring someone who hasn't seen it yet - lol.


What did you think?

Are you Happy?

I thought I would share.  I do not have permission to use this photo, and I can't tell who I would get it from.  However, I thought that it was straight, and to the point. 

Make sense to you?

  Happy 11/11/11 &

Veteran's Day. 

The Search for Daddy's Kidney

This is my cousin, Matthew Zehm. Matthew Zehm is a 36 year old father of two, Sebastian-8 and Ethan-5. Matthew is dying from a kidney disease and needs your help. Please donate!!!!!




 UPDATE #2:  On October 14, 2011, Matthew Zehm went to Heaven to be with the angels.  His body rejected the new kidney and he spent months and months on dialysis and being in and out of the hospital. He decided that in his final time here on earth, he would go through hospice and spend his time with the ones that he loved.  A celebration of life party was attended by many, as well as by Matthew.  It was evident that Matt was very well loved by so many friends and family.  Less than a week later, Matthew passed away with his family at his side.

UPDATE: Hooray, Matthew has had a kidney transplant and is now recovering.

Happiness: What If Something Bad Happens?

I recently read a great article over at Soulseeds that was very inspiring.  It was an article written about 6 happiness tips by Dr. Tal Ben Shaha. One of his thoughts is: Rejecting our emotions, positive or negative, leads to frustration and unhappiness.  It got me thinking.

I grew up with a lot of negativity that carried into my adult life.  As I get older and wiser, I am trying to learn to be happy and do “things” for myself.

It’s funny, the other day, I awoke to the greatest mood.  I sprung out of bed, I was so happy and full of energy.  But I had this nagging thought that kept popping into my head, “What if something bad happens?  What if it happens because you are so happy?  Don’t get used to this feeling, because soon you will go back to the way you were.”  I realized that I stand in my own way of happiness.  I have had so much “drama” in my life that I don’t know how to just be happy.  I have some work to do!!!

Friends

I have been doing a lot of thinking about friends and the art of having a successful friendship.  I have found that as we grow older, friendships are harder to keep and new friends are hard to come by.  

When we were younger, our relationships were somewhat "forced" because we were stuck in the institution of school and we either got along with people or we were loners during recess, lunch, sporting events, weekends, etc.  As adults, we are in a similar situation with our jobs and our co-workers.  However, now we must all get along, whether we like it or not.  Outside the doors of work, there is a whole world that can be kept completely separate.

Some of us have friends that we have carried from childhood into adulthood and they are our sounding boards, our social buddies and our friends for life.  Many people, like my self, have gained friends and lost friends through re-locations, marriages, relationships, divorces, starting a family, etc.  Everything that life throws at us is a potential deal-breaker for a friendship.  

For many of us, as adults, we are so busy with our lives, being parents and spouses, that we simply don't have time for friends.  Of course, there are different situations and many people find a very happy balance between all of their responsibilities to everyone.


My husband and I were talking about friendships just the other night.  I explained to him that it is hard to find that "perfect" friend who will fulfill all of our friendship needs.  I told him that I have many acquaintances that I have different things in common with.  When we speak, it is always about our common interests and experiences.  Sometimes our conversations are light and friendly and other times, they can be deep and emotional.  It just depends on the common ground that you share with one another.  Are these people that I would hang out with or spend time together?  Probably not.  But that's okay.  We are both getting from each other what we need.  If the occasion arose for us to do something together, at least we have that history we can build on.

In all of our lives, there comes a time when either our kids have gone off to college, we may have switched jobs or we may have suffered a loss in our marriage, that we feel all alone and we need someone to turn to.  This is when I believe in the phrase, "Everything Happens For A Reason".  People are brought into our lives at the most unique and unexpected times and they serve a purpose.  I truly believe this.


Occasionally, I meet a really interesting person and we hit it off.  This may be my new hairstylist, the teller at the bank, the nurse at my doctor's office or my children's teacher.  When I meet them, I think about how nice it is to talk to them and since we seem to get along, I wonder if they could be a potential friend.  But as an adult, I don't know how to expand on our casual conversations without sounding like a stalker.  It reminds me of the funny comedy, "I Love You Man!".  What if the person you are trying to friend thinks you are hitting on them?  What if they reject your offers to get together?  I can think of all sorts of "what if's" that make me timid to pursue anything.  


Why can't it be as easy as jumping in the sandbox and saying, "Will you be my friend?".

Movie Review - Horrible Bosses

My fourteen-year old daughter and I decided to go see "Horrible Bosses" this weekend.  Since viewing the movie trailers for the last couple of months, I was really excited to see this movie.  The cast, the previews and the story line all appealed to me.  But, leave it to Hollywood to ruin yet another movie by showing too many good parts in their trailer.  I guess I should not use the word "ruin".  This is harsh.  The movie was still funny, entertaining and I am glad I went.  However, I found that all the really funny parts were shown in the previews.


I was a little worried that my daughter may see and hear too much adult "stuff" but I did not find it to be any more embarrassing than watching some television shows with her.  Other than Jennifer Aniston showing some cleavage and wearing lingerie, there was no nudity.

The cast was great!  Justin Bateman, as always, does a great job at playing the "uptight" friend.  Charlie Day stole the show as the "sex offender" who got his title because he urinated, at night, in a playground, next to a bar.  Through the movie, there are several references to this and I feel he was surprisingly funny, for an actor that I had not seen before.   Jason Sudeikis was funny, but I had a hard time believing that he was such the "ladies man" they made him out to be.  Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey and Colin Ferrel were the "Horrible Bosses" and were so believable, I wanted to kill them!  It was awesome seeing hunky Colin Ferrel in such a nerdy role.  Jennifer was such a man-eater and Mr. Spacey always does a good job in whatever he does.  I must also mention Jamie Foxx as Mr. Motherf..... .  He was so funny as the original hitman they hired to wack the bosses.


Overall, this movie is funny and worth seeing.  What did you think?