D is for Delicious

What Bliss

A is for An Education

So sue me the last two entries were movie reviews, but after seeing 'An Education,' I couldn't not write a review. It was AMAZING! From the doe-eyed lead, Jenny, and the endearing airhead Heather, to the romantic fashions and magical locations, this movie had it all. I absolutely adored the young, brilliant, eager student who only wanted to do what her overbearing, but loving, father wanted her to do. She was focused and determined until the mysterious and charming, David, rolled into her life on that rainy day. From then on, she seemingly, came alive right before our very eyes. She was exploring new things, wearing new clothes, tasting new treats and experiencing a life unhinged.

Without giving anything away, I think that she was a strong enough 16 year old to handle what happened to her and David. She was able to take from that time what she found of value, and managed to continue on with her life; her goals and her dreams. This movie really spoke to me about the importance of coloring outside of the lines. Of trying new things and taking the road less traveled. Even though these experiences might be tough loads to bare, there is something about them that you can learn and grow from. Take no experience, good or bad, and say it was for nothing. There is always something of value in everything you do; no matter how much or how little, but it's up to you to make the distinction and carry it with you.

5 is for 500 Days of Summer

This weekend I saw 500 Days of Summer. Personally, I thought it was fantastic. The thing I think I liked most, was the way it was so unlike most non-love movies I've seen...ever seen. My general thought pattern, mostly stemming from the fact that I'm a hopeless romantic and some because of society, is movies with a boy and a girl are suppose to be sweet, lovie dovie and romantic with a happy endings. This movie, while (SPOILER ALERT) it didn't have a traditional happy ending, it did, in a weird way, have a ending that was acceptable.

The movie starts on day 488, and from there jumps around telling the story of their on again, off again love-something and how each viewed the wonderful/hateful world of love and life.

While Summer completely destroyed Tom's heart and hope in love in the end, it wasn't without warning. I know this isn't something a true, hopeless romantic would normally say, that's what I got in the end. Maybe I'm not a hopeless romantic anymore....

I loved the notion that, while it completely and utterly sucked in the end, it was real. In life, I've learned that things don't always work out, people let you down, you don't get the job, you get overlooked, you aren't the bride, but the bridesmaid and you come up short.

One of the many quotes from the movie that was hard, but necessary, was this:

"What happened with all of those relationships?"

"What always happens... life."

Life is hard. But it's how you choose to go about it that's the clincher. Maybe that's why I loved this movie so much. I, for the first time, must be starting to understand, and appreciate, the ups and downs of life.

M is for Michelle O.

Ever since she stepped onto the scene in her kelly green pumps at the inauguration, I have been slightly obsessed with all things Michelle Obama. From her hair and clothes, to her shoes and accessories, she's just got it going on! Being of similar size and stature, I am immediately drawn to her fashion and style. Now when I go shopping, I think back on outfits and pieces I've seen her wear and try to emulate and incorporate those things into my own wardrobe. One of my favorite things about Mrs. O is the way she plays up colors. Who would have thought a mint green tweet skirt, lemon blouse and a purple patent skinny belt with tan pumps would look so stunning! Here are just a few of my favorites:

This first lady's, first class fashions are absolutely fabulous!

R is for Rome

Earlier today I finally got around to uploading pictures from my trip to Rome and Ethiopia. Here are some from Rome. This place is magical! Take a look...

More from Ethiopia to come...

T is for Texting

Before you assume this entry is about the recent Oprah episode about the need for people to stop texting, tweeting, BBMing and emailing while driving, it's not. While that's very important, this is about how much I hate how relationships in today's society have moved from talking to texting. I have known too many friends that have been in "relationships" solely based on text messages. Now, this isn't just a quick text here or there to say "goodnight," "I had a fun night," etc. No! These are full blown conversations, lasting HOURS!!! Here's what I think...stop with the texting, man up and talk face to face!

For those of your that have read some of my past entries, you can guess where this is going. Something happened to me, I got fed up and immediately jumped on my computer to tap out my frustrations!

Last year, around November, I was asked if it was OK to give my number to a prospect. After a quick thought....I said YES! Making a long story as short as possible, the guy wrote me a text message later that week and, after a few messages, we set up a time to go to dinner. A few days later, he called just to talk to say hello and that he was looking forward to meeting me. A little out of the blue, but a very nice gesture and something I appreciated. All's well and good until...day of the date. He sends me a text saying something like, "Work came up and I need to reschedule our dinner." To that I replied, "That stinks, but no worries. I understand." After a few moments, my trusty text tone indicated that I had another message. "I'll give you a call next week."

This past week... nearly two and a half months later, I get this text message:

"I know this will be an odd text because we haven't talked in a while but can we eat dinner soon?"

What is that? Why couldn't he be a man and make a phone call. Or better yet, be a man and realize that his time has passed on asking me out! This whole texting as the sole communication in the start of a relationship is crazy. So, in rapping this up, please know, I don't hate texting. I actually love a good text. But when you are texting more than you're talking, there's a problem. Just sayin'!