Productive?

So, I just watched the Simpson Movie. I got it Christmas 2007, left LA with it in the New Year and have just watched it in another one. Funny, how funny things can remind of such sadness ... and yet still I smile, becausssse I just finished that masterpiece Three Cups of Tea. God, if one man can build so many schools, what can I dream and do? I think this is going to be a very productive year.

Tropic Thunder and "Can it be" by MURS, ludicrous to essential

A few weeks ago a student suggested a movie to me. I got caught up in Amazon, I think, reading and buying books. I forgot about the movie, was reminded, and forgot again.
Today, after cruising through Itunes, looking to redeem my gift card on something mind-zapping or sappy, I found myself looking through the rental list. "Seen it. Seen it. Don't want to see it. Seen it," was the internal monologue. And then I came across Tropic Thunder. I figured why not.
Seeing Tropic Thunder was a treat. I enjoyed the Hollywood critique. A dear friend is immersed in that world now and I found myself chuckling a great deal at that. I kind of wish I had bought the film so I could watch it a few more times.

Now, let's go to MURS. So, in addition to being in a film consumption frenzy (I also watched Priceless and Idiocracy today; the first was another film where Audrey Tatou shines. The second was trite, and that's being nice although I did enjoy that the interracial couple at the end. Of course, why is it that they never kiss in the movie, huh?), I found myself in the mood to watch music videos. I now own over 30 music videos. Murs just happened to be on the "emerging artist" list on Itunes. Small world. I've been hearing about his music for a good while now. A friend was in a video for him I learned this past summer. Again, small world.
I have to say, while listening to the song and watching the video, I had an "I believe in Hip Hop" moment. Sometimes, I listen to songs on the radio, and I wonder. When Nas said that Hip hop was dead, I didn't totally agree. I considered it in critical condition.
Going home to Philly, one of the first things I do is turn on the car radio to listen to the new music. For Christmas, I flew into Newark; it was just cheaper. My mom was kind enough to pick me up, and, when I left, give me a ride back up there. For those of you not in the know, that's about a two hour ride, more in traffic. For those two hours, I cruised the stations. I couldn't rest very long on any of them, because there was such a lack of good music. I'm not saying I need Stevie or Luther or Patti or Tribe or India or Aerosmith or Nas or or Common or Mos or Lauryn or Prince or Talib or D'Angelo or Angie (etc) all the time. They and so many others are geniuses, but I do want to hear something with good lyrics and a solid melody. Who said that talking about the grinding on the dance floor or how much money one has is great in every song? I'm not trying to stifle anyone's creativity, but where is the originality?
With Murs, it was different. I dug that the song talked about choice, action, thought. I heard a while ago that the album was out. Guess, I'm going to have to see about buying that. I may finally have an artist I'd like to support.

Happy New Year

Last night, I got all dolled up: a burgundy sweater from my very stylish grandmother and aunt, jeans and silver, silver, silver. After arriving at the Irish Pub, a place I knew was sure to be jumping with activity, I proceeded to empty the place of every liquor imaginable... well not really. This, of course, comes from the girl who can't have more than a glass of wine every 5 years or so. I started off with a hot toddy, one of my favorite drinks, particularly in winter weather. I then asked a couple if I could sit at their table. They had three empty seats around their table. The woman actually told me no. Twice. I had never experienced such a thing. I just wanted to sit down, enjoy the music. Didn't necessarily have to talk to them. I was a little sour for a second on the rudeness ... and then I got over it. Chilled at the bar for a little and then asked the three people at the next table if I could join them. They pulled out the chair and then there I was with three fantastic new German friends. They shared their champagne, stories, a little German. We ended up going to the lower bridge to watch (and light) fireworks. Smoke over the water. Amazing. And then we went to the Green Goose, a dance club I didn't even know existed so close to home. I had a great time dancing! At about 2 or so, I ended up going home, sloshy, deciding to call friends and wish them a happy new year. Somehow in the night I ended up abandoning my couch for my bed where I woke up happily in my pajamas. Perhaps I have a New Year Fairy Godmother. :)

I was worried for a while about being in Germany to celebrate the New Year alone, but I was surprised again by joy. How remarkable!

Happily Ever After

for me, at least part of it, is setting up my Mac-compatible printer after, oh, 4 months of just staring at it.

Now, I can print out my poems and catalog them as I've been wanting to do for a while ... and other things, too, like my in-process novel.

Next thing on the list of purchases: a place to put said printer rather than on the floor. That and a dining room set.

New Year's Resolutions. No order.

1. Pay off the credit card and my Penn State loans.
2. Learn conversational German
3. Sell 150 books during my two mini book tours.
4. Find a publisher for my second book.
5. Make new and fantastic memories. Be happy.
6. Exercise 3 times a week consistently and eat healthier.
7. Visit at least two other countries from those in which I reside.
8. Finish the novel.
9. Graduate with my PhD.
10. Talk to friends at least once a week on the phone, and make sure to invite people over at least once a week.

Dating: Strikes

Strike one: Not coming to my book release party and not buying the book, which is understood as "this dude does not support my work."

Hint to all guys dating a writer: buy and read the book. You don't have to like it. You just have to be able to have an intelligent conversation about it.

Strike two: Making a date and then standing me up... the night before I am leaving the country. Come on now; who does that? Dude says he fell asleep. I just wasted a whole day I could have spent at the movies with my parents. Instead, I cut things short because I agreed to go out way past the time when I should have been in bed.

Lesson for me: don't cut anything short for the possibility of a date.

Strike three: Not calling me in Germany all that time that I was gone in the first place and then saying that he missed me. Perhaps he did... but I generally believe the actions more than words.

Done. Done. Done. And now time to watch Krull. :)