The Town

 

Benny Boy should really never go back to acting in anyone else's films but his own. It's practically embarrassing when he does, especially when compared to the three feature films he's now been primarily behind the camera for.

The Town is the story of Doug Macray, a former NHL draft rookie who blew it all and ended up back in Charlestown, MA robbing banks and blowing the money on drugs and booze. It sounds like your typical Boston film, and it is, right down to the Fenway Park plug in the last half hour of the film. In fact, the climax of the film takes place below the famous field in the belly of the park.

That's not to say I didn't enjoy the film and think it was well done, but we could have done without the gratuitous Blake Lively sex scene and "The Notebook"-like ending. I think our generation has had just about enough of films that end with a sad, hard looking, bearded-but-once-sexy man gazing out over a southern sunset.

What I enjoyed the most about Affleck's newest foray into film is that he sticks to what he knows. Boston. The authenticity of the film would have been hard to capture unless you were watching that one movie by Martin Scorsese that I'm sure we've all forgotten about by now. Benny has a knack for casting, and setting the right tone, because he's always coming back to his roots. The best three films he's ever been apart of were all set in Boston, and I think he may have finally caught on to that trend.

The cast was superb - even Blake Lively playing the version of Serena VanderWoodsen every GG fan has been expecting to see this side of her come out for three seasons now. CW teases but Affleck delivers. Lively's never looked so believable.. too bad it was dressed as an oxy-snorting, 22-year-old mom from Charlestown.

"You gotta chase the rabbit to get the tail," I think she really hit her stride with that line.

Without spoiling anything for those who plan to see the film and still haven't, I'll say that what I loved the most was getting exactly what I'd hoped for when I was walking in to the theatre. That's the great thing about the Affleck (Ben/Casey) + Boston screenplay = baller film equation; they know how to make a gritty, realistic movie about the dark side of one of the US' best cities and still bring audiences in every time. Even if we feel like we already know how the stories going to end.

I wouldn't turn THAT down...

I'm pretty sure that by this point the general male-pop-star-hating population has finally gotten over throwing insults at J-Timber and moved on to the Bieb. Probably because no one can turn away from any of Timerlake's performances - he's incredibly talented. She's Electric and I dream about the day the Bieb becomes the new J-Timber.

With that, I give you Justin Timberlake's most recent performance on Jimmy Kimmel. Hip Hop through the years.





Holler at OLEGG if she decides to post this for me!

Update

The front door finally got primed and repainted and I am happy to report that it no longer looks like some woman from Astoria's tacky lipstick. This was obviously with no help from Markus.

Hookers & School Teachers

Life is tough when you're working in a school. I often tow the line between appropriate dress and unprofessional, but since moving to a different classroom helps with not having the alien teacher breathing down my neck I've been able to dress a little more classy and a little more my age.

Today I decided to wear my new "jeggings" to work. Say whatever you want, these things are the most comfortable pair of pants I've ever owned. I checked with B-Fab to make sure my pants were work appropriate, and since she's technically my boss I figured her okay is all I needed... but, I can't help feeling like a total hooker. Working with 6th graders gives me some advantage cause I know the boys aren't gawking at me yet, but walking down the halls this morning got me a bit nervous.

Maybe I can hide my ass for the day.

Book Ends

Today was the start of another wonderful school year at ODY (we'll call it that because I can't actually divulge the name). The day that I have been anxiously awaiting since I returned from Romania turned out to be better than expected.

We'll call today my book end day. I felt confident walking in this morning - then I walked down the main hallway and passed one of my favorite students from last year (who are we kidding, of all time, my first son's middle name will be his). His little face lit up the way it does when he's trying to be too cool, and with a quick "hey kid," I smiled and felt the familiar drop in my stomach at the sight of a child I've invested so much in.

You could say that the end of my day was somewhat the same. I spent most of my time between classes high five-ing former students and flashing a grin that I couldn't seem to contain. I won't lie, it feels good to feel wanted, to be popular amongst kids you've worked so hard to help educate. By the time school was over and the seniors had come to fetch the new sixth graders, I had taken to wandering the halls searching for one more face. Seeing the flash of a taller, curly mohawk, I couldn't contain my excitement and pride in a kid who I can only pray, will one day grow to be a remarkable young man. He made the JV soccer team. Thank God.

The biggest mistake we make as educators, mentors.. as human beings is writing off those most difficult around us. I spent the better part of my six months at ODY last year watching, horrified, as staff outwardly vocalized their distaste for certain students. Those students [naturally] turned out to be my favorite kids. Strangely, children of all ages have a way of touching your heart in such a profound way, it's difficult to describe really. You can't ever get back the piece of your heart you leave with the children you've worked with.

I cried myself home today, praying that I will be a blessing to the new students and staff I work with this year, but also that God will provide me the opportunity to continue the relationships I've built already. No matter how much taller those boys get, they will always be the first students I ever worked with, and the ones I love the most.

Wilma: I feel like you need to put together a documentary.
Me: Funny you should say that.

Tomorrow I start photographing for the school. I cannot begin to express how happy I am at being given the opportunity to put one of my passions to good use at work.

Paint It Black

Me - Do I need to prime the front door before I paint it?

Markus - No, all the doors I replaced are already primed. You can paint them all if you want.

Two hours later...

You can say it, the door looks like some woman's tacky lipstick.

I send this picture to Markus and he responds, "You needed to prime the door dark gray."

Me - &&*%&$&^(*&)(*)**&%^$&

Happy sanding down the front door and priming it dark gray day!

Freezer Brain

This is pretty random, but let's just say that since I've been back stateside all I find myself wanting to do is crawl into our den ("tv room" for you more 2000 era folk) and hide. Hibernation is key these days. So with that in mind, the first thing that struck my fancy when I got back was to turn on Alias. I watched it all through high school, every Sunday night with B-Fab; she would fold the laundry, I would straighten my hair for school. It became our routine. Then one summer I came home from camp early after getting really sick and I spent two weeks eating nectarines on the couch and watching Alias seasons 1 through 3 - that was around the time when TV on DVD was beginning to get popular.

My pet peeve about well executed television shows is starting to overpower my ability to sit and turn my brain off for a few hours each day while watching Alias. In fact, that was the whole point of this post. Turn on TV on DVD, avoid brain tangents about Romania, orphaned children, ministry, doing God's work.. you get the idea. Season two crept up on me fast and I'm finding that I already feel myself getting frustrated with the way JJ Abrams and the entire production staff (I'm looking at you writers) really dropped the ball on this show. I would tackle a detailed argument about the things I would have done differently, like give actress Lena Olin whatever money she wanted to keep her on, dropped the ridiculous Rambaldi plotline, and focus on what the show did best, flesh out characters who lead complex lives. Sometimes I felt this way about Lost too.. but that's another story and this is exactly what I wasn't looking for these last two weeks home: in depth thought, cause I've got too much of that already.

The Day

Ianova

This is our last week here in Romania and I'm feeling like I just hit my stride. It's discouraging. I want to stay. I'm torn between wanting to see my family and friends, and wanting to stay here to finish the work God has put in my heart. I spent half the trip wondering if I'd ever be back here, and now that I'm building relationships and finding myself excited by the prospect of learning about new ministries and going new places, I find myself wishing that I had planned to stay longer.

I think that there's a constant struggle among missionaries to return to what's familiar, to what's comfortable. A few weeks back someone told me that as a missionary, you never really assimilate into the foreign culture you're living amongst, because really you're not meant to stay forever. I'm not sure what I think anymore. I suppose it's possible that for some people coming back home is never an option, while others eventually burn out.

Dave's departure

I have met so many incredible people during my time here this summer that I'm finding it hard to distinguish between the dream of coming back and the reality of staying. A reality that involves a chauvinistic society, dominated by stubborn selfish people. Romanians are a singularly prideful culture, and one that has not learned to look out for their neighbor because they've never been given the tools to look out for themselves. It's a catch-22. While I love this culture, I am beginning to see it's pitfalls.. things we would never put up with back home.

People need to let God work, and when they don't, it's not good.

I'm finding that God changes us in the smallest ways we never expect to see. Before we're even aware, our entire life has changed - I'm learning that as a Christian, I'm really just along for the ride.

Be Anxious For Nothing

Be anxious for nothing my son, the battle's already won
My peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you

Shouldn't take anything for your journey, I'll meet your every need
Don't worry about evil men now, I can always keep your mind in perfect peace

Be anxious for nothing my son, the battle's already won
My peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you

Don't worry about tomorrow, go tell the good news today
Seek me, the kingdom of God now and all these things will be added unto you

Be anxious for nothing my son, the battle's already won
My peace I leave for you, my peace I give to you

Pray in my name and it will be done, seek and you will find
Give me your first fruits in everything and you will find the joy of this life

Be anxious for nothing my son, the battle's already won
My peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you

de patru saptamani

pre shower scrub

Gabriella &I

Alannah & Gabriella

Naome

Melody & I

Timisoara

Ghita at the futbal game

It's certainly been a wonderful week. Updates to come later.

Hooverville Redux

I'm going to start with the two humping lesbian cows and end with the constant, pouring rain. The chronological order of our camping trip with the Day Center doesn't really matter because it was all ridiculous, and it all had the same result. I quickly realized that God's lesson for me last week was about my attitude - that's not to say I've been surrounded by perfection when it comes to the general attitude we have going on here, but more that in my desire to be realistic about a given situation, I often lose my ability to be encouraging. 

Pre Hooverville

I was immediately immersed in the up-to-date situation regarding the camping trip when I got picked up from the airport Sunday night. I returned to our apartment feeling overwhelmed instead of at peace with the situation, which, to my irritation, had crumbled during my absence. I spent the night unpacking and repacking, trying to wrap my mind around leaving for a camping trip I wasn't comfortable going on. Monday morning came too soon but Alannah and I felt ready for the week ahead and we embarked on what is easily the most bizarre week I have ever had.

Before we even got outside Timisoara city limits we had to make two store stops, switch vans, hit the market and check the Day Center for the missing pork grinds (go figure). Turns out, the rest of the guys were camping outside Iabalcea. Just the mention of Iosif's camp made me feel more at ease about the week ahead... until we pulled up outside. As I walked through the gate at Iosif's camp I was flooded with memories of summers passed - I stood to cry while looking at the handprints the kids made three years ago with the Pouncey's. My sense of peace crumbled while I stood there composing myself in the rain. We reassembled the troops and drove to a new campsite just outside of a town called Anina and were greeted by several grazing cows humping each other... all female. Later in the week, these same cows tried to bum rush our tents.

cow herd

The trip started on a low note. Maybe two hours in and Paul, the 25-year-old psychologist who works with the people at the Day Center came to find me while I was venturing to make my first drop off in the woods to tell me that Alannah and I were dressed inappropriately. "You may stimulate the men this way, do not misunderstand me," apparently in our offended facial expressions Paul thought he would explain to us how we're from a different culture and while in the States four layers of sweats and gym shorts are appropriate, in Romania this type of clothing is sure to give homeless men their jollies. I wanted to tell this guy that I'm not sure what world he's living in, but in the real world, guys who live on the streets have seen a lot worse than the small of an American girls' back between a hoodie and sweatpants while camping. Besides, I figured we owed these guys some credit. Anyway, turns out Paul was one giant chauvinist and we had many similar occurrences during our stay in the cow pasture.

Alannah babushka

It poured most of Monday, all through the night and in to Tuesday. Alannah and I quickly discovered that despite the size of our tent, it leaked from the bottom up. I know, it doesn't make sense, but you try waking up to puddles underneath your backpack, sleeping bag, clothes etc and explain it better.

It rained most of Tuesday, and I was really beginning to feel useless until the rain stopped and thanks to Paul's prodding, we sang for the guys. Tuesday night felt like a blessing next to the rain-soaked tent and uneventful afternoon spent staring blankly inside the tent. We were able to hear Ghita's story - at 26-years-old, he's a violent alcoholic with deep cut marks all over his body. But, like so many of the people I've had the opportunity to meet in this country, Ghita is a jack of all trades. There wasn't one moment during our week where I sensed any kind of withdrawal or anger on his part, it was as if he had no addiction problem at all.

cascada

Wednesday we were lucky enough to have a rain free afternoon, so we decided to hike to a "waterfall". The waterfall turned out to be a giant mushroom-shaped, moss-covered rock with water trickling down it, but we couldn't get mad at Zoli for trying to get us out of the tent. Zoli is easily the reason we were able to make it through the week relatively unscathed - he is a true man of God. We spent the afternoon at the waterfall, discovered a cave and then embarked on our seven kilometer walk back to the camp site just in time for the heavens to open up and again pour down on us. What a treat.

Despite what I would say were a lot of obstacles, each evening really made me feel like God had us on the trip for a reason. It was almost as if each night by the camp fire washed away the frustration of the day. By the end of the week I felt like even though I'd started with a bad attitude I at least had lent the men on the trip my voice - a gift that I'm too often afraid to share with others. 

everyone on the last day

The camping trip, which started out as a disaster, ended up being easily the most memorable time I've spent since we arrived in July. I always think it's funny the way we fight against things we don't want to do, but God just always seems to know what's best even when we think we know better. This week was certainly an unexpected surprise.

we no speak americano.

Saint Pierre

Looking down on Saint Pierre

I went to Italy last weekend to visit Lisa and her family.. Saint Pierre is a small village nestled in Valle D'Aoste in the Alps. The weekend was, in one word, a whirlwind. I wish that I had had more time to.. adjust. I felt like I was consistently faced with the question of, "Are you okay?" I must have looked pretty wide eyed the entire time I was visiting, which I'm not sure translated into gratefulness.

I was in awe the entire four days. As the plane flew over the Alps on my way in to Turin I found myself reading one of my favorite verses in the bible and tearing up over how blessed I am to have been able to travel as much as I have in the passed few years.

Italian Alps

I was lucky enough to spend my first afternoon zooming around on Lisa's new moped with her - She's still deciding on a name for the silver beauty. After landing midday Lisa and I took to the streets and I got to see the local color. A couple hours on the moped and I was feeling a bit loopy so we stopped by La Chateau for an aperitif with Ciccio (Lisa's dad).

Friday we spent most of the afternoon on a white water rafting trip down a river that goes through the entire valley. No pictures yet, but there is a disc of rather unflattering moments captured during our journey. We went to Rhemes Notre-Dame for the evening and made a delicious meal of mushroom ravioli and cheese!

Toma cheese is my new favorite.

Halfway up.

Saturday was by far the best day I spent in Italy. Lisa insisted we hike to Rifugio Benevolo which is a summit in the Alps. We headed out from their chalet in Rhemes to climb to the top and despite a woozy head from the lack of oxygen I'm proud to say I made it all the way up! Rifugio houses hiking enthusiasts during their excursions in the Italian part of the Alps - my treat was easily the best lasagna I have ever consumed for lunch.

The Rockies don't compare to the tiny hamlets stuffed in every nook and cranny in the Alps. Even though I loved Colorado and would gladly go back, there was something magical about walking around villages that have been around since before the United States became a union. I was lucky enough to have Ciccio there telling me all sorts of interesting historical facts about the area too.

At the summit

My last day was kind of a blur. We spent most of the day at a family reunion for Ciccio's aunt and all his cousins, but my mind was focused on making it back to Timisoara safely. I did get to try some new cheese and grappa before we left for the airport which was cool though. I think a good time was had by all. Ming told me it was nice to have a fresh face around for a bit, and while Morphin frightened me in his stupor and I probably didn't say thank you enough, it was a necessary break and a blessing to be able to visit a place that has been so near to Lisa's heart her entire life. I'm really glad she was able to share a little bit of that with me.

Ianova

This is the barn at Caleb where Cerbu and Nadine are building the boys home. I spent yesterday with Andrea, Cerbu and Zoli doing work inside the partially finished house. It was really the first day that I felt a sense of accomplishment by the end of the day.

I spent the majority of my time in one hallway spackling and sanding door frames, but the time to myself was a welcome blessing. Every so often Cerbu would come to check up on me and see how I was doing but other than that the day was spent jamming to his tunes while getting work done.

The land is absolutely gorgeous and the tour I got helped me to visualize what this place will someday be for a group of young men and their host parents. Cerbu and Nadine have created an incredible place for some very lucky young people here in Romania.

I'm coming to see how different it is to spend an extended amount of time here on missions. The focus isn't primarily on children for all the missionaries here because there are so many people who need help - but what I've discovered is how much I would rather be spending my time with children. Even though I'm thrilled to help in any way that I can, at the end of it all, I feel my efforts are best spent with kids.

I'm praying that the upcoming weeks will bring with them new experiences and be as full of learning as these first two have been. Tomorrow it's off to Italy for me and then when I get back we're going camping with the Day Center on a lake in an unknown [to us] location.

stone soup.

I got my first taste of the Day Center today. Pretty tough to describe, except to say that I didn't bring my camera for fear it might be stolen and when the state came through to inspect they said someone painted the inside to look like a funny house. Lime green and neon lavender stucco walls.

Carolyn and I spent the day making what I like to call "stone soup"...

the Bieb just came on Romanian television - please excuse the momentary lapse in my train of thought.

Eenieway, Carolyn and I looked like two babushkas wandering around the tiny kitchen today adding anything we could find in the cupboard to this giant vat of boiling water that had been placed on the stove for us. When we first got inside we were immediately pointed towards the kitchen and told that we would cook, so cook we did.. we even added some seasoning to what would otherwise have been a very bland lunch. There were no complaints about our soup or fried zucchini made of giant fresh zucchini from the gardenso I think it was a pretty successful day..

even though Carolyn caught one of the homeless people having a little too much fun with himself in one of the rooms outside the office.

I'm also happy to report that everyone seems to be back in good health although not necessarily in good spirits. It was one of those little blessings today when I finally saw the bathroom today that I miraculously didn't once have to use the potty while we were there. Hooray!

Tomorrow it's off to Ianova to do some hard work helping get the house in order for people to move in to. I'm really looking forward to getting out of the city.

week one

I haven't updated in the passed week because I came down with some sort of bug on Thursday and have been flu-like ever since.. but thank God because I'm on the upswing now!

Monday we headed out of Timisoara to another city, Arad, and stopped at a friend of the Pouncey's. Adina and her brother Danny graciously invited us into their home for the afternoon. I was immediately struck by the stone work in the apartment - so typically Eastern European, the apartment is one delightfully welcoming room after another. Alannah and I spent some time photographing the place. As is customary, Adina and Danny's mother, Maria, made lunch for us and we spent the afternoon stuffing ourselves with homemade sausages, coffee and pastries. Weight watchers immediately fell by the wayside.

After our stop in Arad, we headed on to the village of Safronia where another missionary the Pouncey's know has been living. Jackie moved around 12 years ago to Romania and has been working in missions ever since.

Jackie's mission is different from anything else I've ever seen - she calls it "touching the untouched". We went with her to deliver food to elderly people she's built relationships with, attended a bible study with another missions team from the UK and visited a mental instituion.

More than any of the things we helped Jackie do over the week though, I was really touched by the family that's staying with her. The Toon's are missionaries in Slovakia, and recently came to Romania while they wait for their visa to be approved. I have never met a kinder, more down to earth family. Their two children are an absolute blessing to everyone around them. I felt like I was spending a week with the kind of family I'd never been allowed to be apart of. (below is Dave with the Toon's son being tickled by Jackie's two granddaughters.)

We spent a wonderful week in Safronia, and despite all of us getting sick I feel blessed for having learned as much as we did while we were there. We were able to visit a Gypsy church and hear Andreea's (our translator) testimony, I learned more about forgiveness than I ever have and Alannah and I got baptized.


So I guess for all the complaining we've done this week over being sick, it really was a wonderful week. God has already touched us in ways I could have never imagined.


30 days left.

Landed.

This is business Dave. He's a tool... or a model, you pick. He got to fly business class while Alannah and I suffered through the flight back in steerage with a family literally in our laps. He'll never live it down.

This is "Business" riding in the back of the van last night when we finally made it to Romania. Thank God we did.

I'm still wrapping my brain around being here, the time change and mostly recovering from all the traveling we just finished doing. Nothing profound yet to record, except to say that I think this trip will have an incredible impact on myself and my fellow mini-missionaries.

I'm also happy to say that I think we'll be doing a bit of traveling while we're here - most likely making it to Budapest in Hungary.

This is the girls-home in Timisoara where we'll be spending a lot of our time here. The five girls living there have already taken to Alannah and I which is wonderful.

We went to church this morning and ended up getting called out by the lead singer of the church band to sing because Alannah and I were the only one's dancing in the sanctuary. Becky (who introduced herself later) started singing the lyrics in English for us - HELLO I'M AN AMERICAN is written on our foreheads. I see a friendship in our future.

Dear Boston

I'm usually a big fan of Beantown (only my grandfather calls it that, I know), but in the past few years most of my experiences with Boston have been a traveler's worst nightmare. Let's take last night for example...

We sat in Boston Logan for over three hours, ate two meals, wandered around the international terminal and waited to board the plane, only to find out that they were having "technique" difficulties and did not know when we would be leaving. When we finally did board, we spent a total of two and a half hours squished between three loud American women and a German family (the wife was yelling DON'T SMASH MY LAPTOP for a good ten minutes) before they told us that the plane could not be flown and our flight was canceled..

then we waited in line to reclaim our bags and get a hotel voucher.

All of this, the chaos, the Lufthansa people telling me that I was required to rebook my own flights, the angry foreigners and the very SAME hotel they put me up in last time bring me to one conclusion - as much as I love Boston and it's people (mainly it's men), this city sucks to travel through. We're spending the rest of the day hanging around Quincey Market until the good people at Lufthansa show up at the airport and are able to recheck and check again all of our luggage and get us new boarding passes.

Wish us luck. If this is any indication of what's to come, I'm sure we'll all be pulling our hair out by next week.

I'm a little late on this.

I realize everyone hates Chris Brown these days, but there's no denying the man is one incredibly talented dancer. The video gets a little strange in the last 30 seconds while he tries to sing "Man In the Mirror" and cries instead, but the first 6 minutes of his performance are a wonderful throwback to what I remember of Chris Brown before he turned into Ike Turner 2.0

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Failed to entertain me last night. Having read the series the first time because my college roommate wouldn't shut up about them, and then another three times because I wrote a research paper about the influence the series has on young women.. I was going to finish that by saying I expected a bit more. Let's not lie.

If you are any sort of semi-serious film connoisseur, this film will ultimately confuse and confound you. Do not attempt to view without some sort of booze in your system.

I wasn't expecting much more than the pure entertainment of watching young and old Twi-hards squeal and shriek in their seats over Edwards' brooding (some would say constipated) stares and Jacobs' abs. I was less than impressed.

Let me get this out of the way now. I'm not sure if Jackson Rathbone's obvious transition into Jasper's southern drawl over the last three films is my biggest pet peeve about the films, or my favorite thing. Let's be clear that by "favorite thing" what I actually mean is worst piece of acting that inevitably makes me giggle in my seat. The accent was dripping with Texas Beef Brisket by the time Jasper was teaching everyone to fight the newborns, and I couldn't help but burst out laughing when the audience was swept back to his days as a Confederate Major.

The opening scene starts - Riley walking through the pouring rain in Seattle and I was stricken with the thought that perhaps David Slade had finally landed the appropriate cinematography for the Twilight films - then what's-his-face Riley started acting scared-college-student-attacked-by-vampire and the film went downhill from there. I'll give it to Slade for the first 15 seconds though, cause he really wowed me with that rain. It was almost as if he gave up in the editing room when he realized he couldn't edit away what's-his-name Riley's poor acting skills, so he just started playing with different cinematic techniques.

I'm not even going to try and tackle Robert Pattinson's acting because it's clear by the psychotic facial expressions he used throughout this film that he's now angry with Summit Entertainment for roping him in to the franchise in the first place and simply wishes he could slip away to a life of dive bars, pubs and booze. Homie, cannot, act.

Then there's K-Stew. She's finally gotten rid of the shake acting she'd been using in the previous two films, but now she's moved on to something even more terrifying. The man scream. I'm pretty sure every time she tried to yell out dramatically the whole theater ruptured into laughter.




The really sad part about this whole film franchise is that despite the way in which Stephanie Meyer butchered her own series [by not using an editor, or having any talent as a writer], the films could have been pretty good. Instead what we're left with is a series of movies that obviously favor the underdog (no pun intended) because Taylor Lautner is the better actor, which isn't saying much. The audience can't help but laugh because if we didn't we'd cry.

I probably could have done a better job as Bella and the only part I've ever played was a lunch lady in a One Act production of Fly Pudding in the 11th grade.

skank stank

For as much as I hate Miley Cyrus, I wouldn't blame the Bieb for bumping uglies with her while he can. She's pretty much dressed like one giant dirty condom for the last dozen performances she's done, but the Bieb is 16, so I won't hold it against him.





I know I can't be the first to say that Miley sounds like my great aunt who's on an oxygen tank 24 hours a day and still chain smoking cigarettes (everybody has one). She can't sing a lick of her own songs on key, and that I hold against her.

The Forbidden Journey!

I just read the reviews that popwatch! posted for the Forbidden Journey ride at the newly opened Wondrous World of Harry Potter. I could not be more excited.

I think when I get back from Europe I'm going to plan to save my pennies so that I can fly down to Orlando and explore the new theme park with what's left of my child-like wonder.

oh holy night

The fact that there are men in the world who look this good drinking water is an unfair crime.

The fact that there are men in the world who look this good drinking water and are under the age of 21, makes me feel a little dirty inside... and a little upset that I don't know any washed up 23-year-old men who look this good drinking water. Hell, I'd even take one who looked half this good drinking a beer.

Taylor Lautner will be gracing our eyes on the cover of GQ this week for the July issue. I don't even care what the article says, I just plan to salivate over his sexy abs while simultaneously tuning out his jibber jabber about not wanting to take his shirt off anymore. Give me a break kid, that body is the reason your government name has become household jargon.

silly bandz

These stupid rubber bracelets are taking over the school. Middle-school aged kids are generally entertained by anything but the new "fashionable accessory" is a two-for-one deal.

The girls wear them, trade them and basically use them as a measure of popularity (how many you've bought vs. how many you've acquired from other people) and a way to express interest in the opposite sex. It's ridiculous. The boys however, get them from the girls and immediately turn around and use them as undercover sling shots in the classroom.

It's an absurd passing trend.. but today I got silly-banded by one of the boys. Instead of being hit in the back with a "v-dart" slung across the room, one of my students called out "Miss Kusse, you want one of mine?? I know you do!" and threw me his bear-shaped blue band. I must be cool now.

colonoscopy is a funny word.

I just walked up to the woman in the Gastroenterology office to let her know I'd be waiting outside in the lobby for my mom.

B-Fab is having a colonoscopy today, so I left school during Moving Up Day to give her a hand during the joyous occasion. What a way to start the week. To B-Fabs' great irritation, I've been continuously saying "colonoscopy" all day because it makes me giggle. She finally snapped back and asked if I purposely say obnoxious things to her to get her riled up... it's too easy.

Joking aside, B-Fab says most people just ignore having the outpatient procedure done because they're too afraid so props to her for having some sand.

TGIF

The end of the week comes with obvious excitement, but for me this weekend means getting up early both days because of prior committments. I think this is karma for last weekends' vom-technic display in the hallway of my house (I couldn't make it to the bathroom).

After one going away party, happy hour and an 8th grade formal (all within the span of four hours), I'm hoping to make it one with Nicole Lilia and our friend OB who's moving to the big city in July. I can't stay out that late though, or let the bartender top of my drinks, because I'll be up by six am tomorrow. Bright eyed and bushy [pony] tailed.

Tomorrow morning, when the rest of you are recovering from Friday night, I'll be taking a teaching certification exam. I wish you all the best, hopefully no one ends up praying to the porcelain gods (brings me down for days). The weekend seems to be filling up though so it's a thumbs up and I'm hoping just to make it through without acting like a bumbling idiot or sending anymore stupid texts. I think I've hit my spazz quota for the week.

Job Security

I got a letter informing me today that I have job security for the 2010 - 2011 school year. After months of wondering whether or not I would have a job come the Fall, I don't feel the relief I thought I would. I waited around unable to answer my students when they asked if I would be back for their freshman year, lost out on a roommate and an apartment, and spent the last few months losing sleep and years on my life because I was told there was little to no chance I would get rehired (regardless of job performance).

I can't say I'm not thankful, I just wish the education system didn't yank it's employees around this way.  But that's for another day. Until then, at least I can tell my students that I'll be back in the Fall... and that I'll be wearing the new sundress I bought last week to their 8th grade formal tomorrow.

People should learn to rent cheap motel rooms...

A woman was charged with Adultery (no joke) in Batavia yesterday. She was caught having sex with a much younger man on a picnic table in a park. The article from 13wham states that they were engaging in sexual activity within view of families who were in the park. Before I even begin to dive into how beffudling it is that someone could actually be charged legally for committing adultery I think I need to state the obvious... DO NEITHER OF THESE GROWN ADULTS HAVE A CAR??? I'm sure even a strategically placed bathroom would have sufficed over a picnic table.

My favorite part about the article mentioned above is this quote,

"I think it’s disgusting I mean that's totally wrong,” Danny Bastedo said of the incident that occurred just a few hundred feet from his back door. “I mean 5 o'clock in the afternoon, come on? That's crazy."

According to Mr. Bastedo, having sex at 5 o'clock in the afternoon is despicable. Is it too bright outside? or maybe because cocktail hour just started he hasn't yet had enough drinks [by 5 o'clock] to touch that woman at the end of the bar inappropriately yet. I'm completely baffled.

Invisibility Cloak

Sometimes I wish I had an invisibility cloak. Okay wait, I ALWAYS wish that Facebook chat had an invisible option. It's totally amateur to not be able to go on Facebook, chat with the people you want and remain invisible to others who may simply want to stalk you.

I give you exhibit A. Let's call him college friend #8927340928309423. We met at a bar a few weeks ago on my close friends' birthday and then a few days later I got on Facebook to find myself with a new friend request. I waited a good two weeks before accepting, something I'm now regretting because I just got Fbook-chat stalked.

Facebook ruins social etiquette. It can be great.. to make sure the guy you're into is legit or to check up on your real friends but let's be honest, Facebook just allows you to have more information about people you don't really know than you should.

Rant over.

Recovery

Instead of doing my real job today I'm administering the 8th grade science exam to one of our students. Had I known about this assignment I would have [at the very least] brought my copy of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, or my laptop or something. Instead I've spent the better part of my work day picking apart my weekend piece by piece, brutally dissecting every moment of drunken conversation. I wish I could say I kept my cool, but that would be giving myself way too much credit.

My body is aching today because I spent the whole of yesterday throwing up all the booze I'd ingested on Saturday night. I'm sure it was a lovely display of me at my finest, outwardly freaking out because Mr. Miracle was there working and I can't seem to hold it together when he's around.

Let's just say it; epic fail. I'm pretty sure somewhere in our conversation he was trying to get at not knowing if I was looking to date him and informed me that he's incredibly busy right now. I cut him off to say I'm just looking to make new friends, and that I can't date anyone because I'll be gone most of the summer anyways. I'm a liar, even if I'll be in Romania for six weeks. Translation: I'm really busy right now equals I'm not interested in you. So that's that, but apparently he thinks we're already well on our way to friendship and informed me that if he didn't want to talk to me he just wouldn't. I responded with "I'm pretty sure you don't even know my last name, we're not friends yet." I'm thoroughly disgruntled about the whole thing. I'll never be able to watch Miracle again.

Our wonderfully kind and sometimes hilarious bartender/doorman continued to top off my drink for me which resulted in my needing to install my own vomitorium in the house yesterday. I'm sure I made a good impression on everyone. The entire night consisted of awkwardly tense and somewhat hilarious bits of conversation which culminated in Mr. Miracle's best friend telling me he knows we could have fun together.  I'm not even sure I'm supposed to know what that means. Things could get sticky real fast.

I've come to one conclusion during all this reflection; while I'm gone in Europe (which I'm not complaining about) the rest of my friends, new and old, will be hitting what Nicole Lilia calls their "twenty-something stride". Everyone else is moving out and I feel like I just moved home and finally got settled.

...and my mom just left with her friend to meet the family up north for Memorial Day weekend, while I stay here and contemplate ways to get it through Asperger boys' thick skull that I think he's cute and perfect and we should date. This weekend better be damn well promising.

Today is WHISK day at school. I had to drive a student to UofR so that she could shadow a genetics physicist. I get to the front of Strong Hospital and the security guard asks me if I'm this girls mom... she's dressed like a yenta. Meanwhile, my phone is dead so I have to drive all the way back home so that I can get yelled at about my student loans. FML.

Little Miss Snitch

While the kids are away, everyone else will... play rock paper scissors to decide who gets to ride in my car to the movie theater.

I swear my life is like that sketch out of this past Saturday's SNL with Tina Fey and the Bieb. Of the 18 students who stayed back during the eighth grade trip to Washington D.C. this week, 17 of them are boys. Two of those boys have giant, laughable, palpable crushes on me. So much so that other teachers are now running interference for me.

As I announced in the parking lot that I had four seats open to drive students to the movie, there appeared four boys behind me as if they'd already worked out who was coming. Oh wait, they did. As I talked video games with one of my students during lunch, a group of eight (ish) boys circled up to see who would get a coveted spot in my car. I wish there was a less embarrassing way to tell them I'm really not that cool.

This week has resulted in me wanting their collection of J-Bieb's hits.

Brothers

This is extremely overdue, so I apologize for a review I should have written two months ago. In fact, I didn't even see the film until this afternoon so that's my excuse.

At this point if you haven't seen Brothers, then I can't say I blame you because it got overshadowed by a lot of other bigger bolder winter blockbuster films but it was exquisite in it's own quiet way. I haven't seen many war movies simply because I have found that more often than not, when they're made well these types of films are ultimately too much for my heart and mind to handle. Brothers doesn't disappoint in that realm. It is emotionally tangled from the moment you meet the main characters, and it's evident before the lights even go out in the theatre that the audience will be watching a love affair of sorts.

What I wasn't expecting was the scenes that follow Toby Maguire's character Sam in Afghanistan as he struggles through torturous circumstances in order to get home alive. Those scenes are undoubtedly too real, leaving the audience caught between two worlds.  Existing simultaneously are the different stories the film follows and they are edited in such a way as to wake up viewers from the increasingly loving relationship that blossoms between Sam's brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal), Sam's wife Grace (Natalie Portman) and Sam and Grace's two daughters.

I digress to say that I think the real breakout acting in this film is done by Bailee Madison and Taylor Geare. Two young actresses who flawlessly protray Sam and Grace's daughters. There is never a question that these girls are as grounded and wonderfully candid in only a way that a young child can be during what would be an incredibly painful situation, especially so early in life.

Sam ultimately returns [as is shown in the trailer] and suffers from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which subsequently keeps him isolated from his newly reunited family. It also keeps him guessing about Grace and Tommys' relationship, as is the audience. We never really get answers, but what we do get is an extraordinary scene involving all three main characters as Sam struggles with his inner guilt and anger. It is truly heart-wrenching, and incredibly suspenseful.

When the credits roll, you end up astounded and wanting more. Without giving anything away I have to say that I felt unsatisfied. I walked out feeling like I'd seen half of an extremely captivating film.  Check it out though - in some places Brothers is still in theatres, but if not it comes out on DVD March 23.