Archive for the 'Life in General' Category

July 22, 2008 | Life in General, Movie Queue, The 4-1-1 on Me, Weekend Wrap-Up

From Friday to Sunday, I was in the movie theater. I did a little shopping, but when I wasn’t trying to tame my dirty laundry, I was seeing movies. Friday night, my BF and I went to see MAMMA MIA! I was disappointed. I was expecting something along the lines of Grease or Hairspray. The highlights:

~ The lead, Amanda Seyfried, has a good singing voice. I’ve seen her in something else, but she has this angelic, free-spiritedness vibe goin’ on.

~ I had no idea Meryl Streep could sing, so that was a nice surprise. As is the fact that for her age, she had no problem with the choreography. It looked like she was having fun the whole time.

~ Christine Baranski and Julie Walters, as Meryl Streep’s partners in crime, were great. They provided the comic relief in the movie and were able to keep up with the choreography as well, despite their ages.

~ Pierce Brosnan

~ It was filmed on an island somewhere in Greece and once again reinforced my need to visit that country. The hotel they ran was practically falling down around their ears, but it was a beautiful place, perched there like it was on the side of a mountain.

~ All the ABBA songs.

~ The little concert at the end. Meryl Streep and her friends were in an all-girl band called Donna and the Dynamos. They’re outfits were reminiscent of KISS (knee-high platform boots included), but with more sparkle. Totally. Hysterical.

~ The wedding dress she wore, as well as the bridesmaid dresses, were beautiful in their simplicity.

The lowlights:

~ Pierce. Brosnan. Cannot. Sing. I could’ve gone the rest of my life, happy in the knowledge that he used to be Remington Steele and James Bond, without hearing him sing. Every time he opened his mouth, I cringed. I wanted to fast forward the scene or put it on Mute. And he was in such good shape when he was playing Bond. Now, he’s let himself go a little bit.

~ Some of the choreography was really lame. There was a beach scene involving Christine Baranksi and a bunch of guys. I forgot the song she was singing (ABBA, of course), but the dance routine the guys were doing was really stupid. And involved flippers. Yeah, I know. Lame.

~ The little concert at the end. The young couple and the three main guys got up there and joined the ladies. In the same KISS outfits. And they were singing ‘Waterloo’. It hurt my eyes to see these older men stuffed in these sparkly 80’s outfits and platform boots. Even though it looked like they were having a blast, they could’ve left that on the cutting room floor.

Saturday, I went to see JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH with Brendan Fraser. This movie was advertised as 3-D, but I wasn’t given any glasses when I went to see it. There were some obvious scenes where it looked like the action was coming off the screen and it would’ve been nice to get the full effect, but…it was all right. Nothing to jump up and shout about. I’m looking forward to seeing him in 3rd Mummy movie.

Sunday, the hubby and I checked out THE DARK KNIGHT (the second time for him) with another couple. My opinions are probably going to be the same as everybody else’s, so I’m not going to say much. Heath Ledger was fabulous. If he gets an Oscar nod for this performance, it’ll be a miracle. But I’m not holding my breath. Comic books turned into movies don’t recognized by the Academy. My hubby said that his version of the Joker would’ve been a nice addition to the Batman franchise and I have to agree with him. If they make another Batman and use the Joker again, the actor will be filling a big pair of shoes. Heath just killed it. He was better than Jack Nicholson and nobody will ever be able to match that.

The special effects for Harvey Dent/Two-Face were amazing. Tommy Lee’s make-up looked like a cartoon version compared to this one. It looked very real, like what a burn victim looks like when they don’t get skin grafts. If it was CGI, it was very well done. The hubby was impressed. The whole Rachel thing was quite unexpected. I was a bit stunned. Loved the motorcycle thing. I was amazed at how he was able to control that thing. And even though Val Kilmer will always be my favorite version of Batman, Christian Bale runs a close second. The only thing I didn’t like was the way he talked when he was in Batman-mode. It was like he was trying too hard to change his voice, to make it deeper and rougher. With Val, it was effortless and smooth, even sexy. Maybe it was the lips. Val has great lips.

Anyhow, I thought the movie was fab all the way around. Very dark, very gritty, very edgy. I watched LITTLE WOMEN Sunday night and had forgotten that Christian was in that movie as well. It was interesting to see how young he was then. He’s in his 30’s now, I think. That movie was made in 1994, so he must’ve been in his early 20’s at the time. Quite a handsome man and I love the accent.

So, how was your weekend? See anything good?

Technorati Tags: MAMMA MIA!, Grease, Hairspray, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Greece, ABBA, KISS, Remington Steele, James Bond, Waterloo, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, Brendan Fraser, THE DARK KNIGHT, Heath Ledger, Batman, Jack Nicholson, Harvey Dent/Two-Face, Val Kilmer, Christian Bale, LITTLE WOMEN

July 21, 2008 | Book One, Book Stuff, DA Series, Draven Atreides, Life in General, Miss Snitch Mondays

I had started Miss Snitch Mondays in order to introduce the public to the Draven Atreides series. I began posting the unedited version of Book One in May in honor of its release in April 2009. However, after recently attending a writing class, I realize I still have a lot to learn about writing and being a good writer. I’ll be enrolling in a writing program in September that will take 1-1/2-2yrs to complete. I want the series to be a success and I believe that taking this program will help me to achieve that goal. In light of this recent decision, I’ve pushed back the release date of Book One to April 2010. I still plan to post excerpts (which will end around this time next year) and you will still be able to sign up on the Pre-Order Notification List.

Poe and I reply in unison. I give her a look of disbelief before turning to the man.

“Yeah, okay, that would be a hell no. I don’t do needles. Can I swap it out with something else?” I want to know.

“Sure.” The man stands up, removes a brochure from the stack on the counter and places it in front of me. “Since you’re already getting a facial and a body treatment, you could replace the Acupuncture consultation with another sixty minute consultation. We have six other choices that are the same price. You can choose from any of our Salon Services or get a massage. We have plenty of choices there, too. You have a few minutes. Why don’t you take a seat and browse?” he suggests.

“Thanks,” I say, picking up the brochure and carrying it with me to the chair by the window.

Poe follows and throws herself in the chair next to me.

“You have no sense of adventure,” she says huffily.

“My adventure draws the line at needles,” I retort, reading the massage descriptions. The man’s not kidding. There are fourteen different types of massages to choose from.

“The needles are in sterilized packets, Dray, and are thrown away immediately after use,” Poe points out.

“How wonderful for them,” I reply dryly.

“My Mom says it’s perfectly safe. It’s an alternative form of healing. It works wonders, I hear,” Poe explains.

“Well, you’re obviously not hearing me when I say that I don’t need to feel the alternative wonders of needles. Why don’t we skip the whole needle thing and get our nails done?” I suggest. “At least, that way we can hang together.”

Poe looks at me with raised eyebrows. “Hey, yeah. That sounds cool. But I think I’d rather get a pedicure.”

“I can handle that.”

“Let’s get to it. I want to get started,” Poe says, clapping her hands together and hopping up out of the chair.

I stand up with her and walk over to the counter.

“So, you made a decision?” the woman asks with the same warm smile.

“Yeah, I’m going to get a manicure,” I answer, sliding the brochure across the counter.

“And I’m going to replace the needle thing with a pedicure,” Poe adds.

“Royale or Express?” the woman inquires.

“What’s the difference?” Poe wants to know.

“Express is thirty minutes, Royale is sixty. But with the Royale you get a hand and arm massage and a paraffin dip,” the woman explains.

Poe’s eyes light up. “Ooooh. Is that like the hot wax stuff that you peel off and your hands feel all soft?” she asks in one breath.

The woman laughs and nods. “Yep. That’s the one.”

“I definitely want the Royale Pedicure, then,” Poe says.

“Me, too,” I agree. “But the manicure one.”

“All right, ladies. You’re all set. Here are the keys to your lockers. Go on through the door and Marla will get you started. Enjoy your stay.”

Marla turns out to be a short Phillipino woman with a kind, motherly smile.

“Hello girls. Welcome. Are you ready to get started?” she asks.

Poe and I return her smile. “More than ready,” Poe responds fervently.

Clasping her hands, Marla smiles even wider. “Well, then let me take you back and show you around.”
She steps around the desk and immediately stops in front of a long vanity counter.

“When you are done for the day, you can get ready here. As you can see, we have supplied you with everything you need,” Marla says.

She’s right. The counter is lined with hair dryers, curling irons, smaller magnifying mirrors, hair spray, hair gel, Kleenex and lotion dispensers; There are four modern and uncomfortable-looking wooden stools tucked underneath the counter.

Marla lifts her hand to her left and says, “You will change here. We supply you with robes, slippers and towels.”

Three dressing rooms with slatted wooden doors are standing open to reveal a toilet, slippers on the floor and a robe hanging on a hook.

Marla raises her right arm and gestures down the hall. “Here’s the steam room and the showers. The jacuzzi is at the end of the hall. You are more than welcome to use these as well.”

Poe and I peer down the hall and see four tiled shower stalls with frosted glass doors. The burbling sounds of water can be heard from the jacuzzi, tucked away in a corner by the window.

“Please change now and I will show you where you can place your things,” Marla says.

Poe makes a sound of glee and heads for one of the dressing rooms. I laugh and close myself in the one next to her. I can feel Poe’s excitement and, for the first time in almost a year, I feel it, too. The ivory robe is baby soft with deep pockets and falls to mid-calf. The matching slippers are just as soft, making me curl my toes inside them. Both items are embossed with a family crest. Whether it’s real or just for show, I don’t know, but I have no doubt they’re made of good quality material. I roll up my clothes and stuff my shoes in my tote bag.

“Oh my God, these are so soft,” Poe gushes, rubbing her hands up and down the sides of the robe. “What is this, like, cashmere or something?”

“Couldn’t tell ya, but I have a serious love jones for the slippers,” I comment, scrunching my toes up again.

Poe laughs. “I know. Gosh, this is fantastic. I wish I could do this every week,” she says with a wistful sigh.

“It gets old pretty quick,” I say without thinking, then promptly wish I can take the words back.

“Like you would know,” Poe scoffs, quickly running a brush through her hair before shoving it in her voluminous purse.

I nervously fumble with my belt, feeling my face flush at my verbal mistake. I feel as though my heart is about to beat itself from my chest.

“Yeah, well, I can imagine. I mean, there’s only so much stuff you can do,” I comment, trying to sound casual.

“This place has a lot of stuff. It would probably take over a month to try it all.”

I nod. “Yeah, no kidding.” I almost faint in relief when Marla comes around the corner and smiles at us.

“Come this way, ladies, and I will show you the lockers,” she instructs.

~ Get to know Draven beyond the book by checking out her blog.

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July 17, 2008 | Life in General

Janelle Denison is one of my favorite romance authors and she had this post today that prompted me to take the below quiz. If I’m ever in Portland, I plan to hit up that place. Take the quiz and post your answers in the Comment Section.

You Are a Glazed Donut

Okay, you know that you’re plain - and you’re cool with that. You prefer not to let anything distract from your sweetness. Your appeal is understated yet universal. Everyone dig you. And in a pinch, you’ll probably get eaten.

Technorati Tags: Janelle Denison

July 15, 2008 | Life in General, The 4-1-1 on Me

Friday’s are casual days at my job. Last Friday, I wore this shirt to work:

For all you writers out there, check out THIS STORE and THIS STORE for writer swag.

Today, my supervisor received this email:

Hi *Ann,

I received a concern from an employee that Mary Jones wore a t-shirt on Friday with the phrase “I do the white thing”. The employee questioned the appropriateness of the saying on the t-shirt. I just wanted to bring this to your attention.

Thank you,
*Jane Doe, MBA, RN
Director, Stupid Ignorant Employees

This was my supervisor’s response:

Thanks *Jane. The t-shirt actually said “I do the WRITE thing.” Celise is a writer and the t-shirt was a play on words.

This was my hubby’s initial response:

That’s awesome. *Mary Jones is your supervisor right?

And our follow-up email correspondence:

Me: Awesome? NOT! No, she’s the ********. The one we all had dinner with that night. *Ann is my supervisor.

Hubby: I thought it was hilarious. You do the white thing…and you’re married to me. Lol

Me: Well, duh. I know that. But for someone to think that I would wear a tacky shirt like that is just downright ignorant.

Hubby: I think that person is racist for thinking that you and *Mary look the same. Turn the tables a bit.

This was my BF’s response:

That’s hysterical, boundaries and people’s perceptions they wanted to create Drama around the issue they have with a non-issue! Interesting how people do this….. Open your eyes fair maiden the times of change is upon us.

For the record, *Mary is my co-worker. Due to the fact that we’re nearly the same height, the same build, the same skin tone and the same hair length, we’re frequently mistaken as family. People often ask us if we’re related. We’re not, but we have a lot of things in common. Like the fact that her wedding anniversary is a week after mine.

Second, I’ve worn that shirt numerous times and no one else had a problem reading it. Or interpreting it, for that matter (maybe she’s foreign and English is her second language)

While I concede to my hubby’s point, there’s no way in hell I would wear a shirt proclaiming that. There was no possible way it could’ve said something else? I mean, even as you were saying it to your supervisor, you’ve couldn’t have stopped and actually thought for a minute, “Huh, maybe it said write not white?” Come. On. I’m reminded again that yes, there really are stupid people in the world. And they hold down jobs. If you’re accusing someone of wearing something inappropriate, at least make sure it’s the right person! Apparently, we look so much alike that no one can tell us apart:

(BTW, this pic was taken last year in November, so my hair now nearly reaches past my chin in a bob)

She (because I know it was a female that complained) might’ve gotten it right if I still had braids. Then again, there are a few African-American women here who wear braids, so it’s possible she would’ve looked even more foolish, rather than just plain old foolish.

Um, yeah, hi. If your village is missing its idiot, you can come pick her up at my job.

July 15, 2008 | Family Portrait, In the News, Life in General, Movie Queue, Must-See DVD, The 4-1-1 on Me, Weekend Wrap-Up

Saturday morning, I helped my parents out at an event for which they volunteered. The 2008 Backpack Giveaway Event was sponsored by ChildHelp, AZ Rod and Classic Car Club (of which my Dad is a member), M&I Bank and the City of Phoenix Parks and Rec Dept and gave away free backpacks to children of low-income families. They had free food, free water, local music entertainment and a mini-classic car show (my Dad is still looking to sell his ‘33 Ford if there are any SERIOUS takers out there). Several boxes of stuffed animals were donated by Kohl’s and me, my Mom and two other ladies helped pass them out. We were out there for 4 hrs and even though we were under the cover of tents, it was still hotter than Satan’s breath. I went straight home and took a shower.

Saturday night, the hubby and I attended a surprise birthday party for my brother-in-law. He had no idea about the party…until they pulled up to the house and saw all the cars. Duh! My sister said park whereever, but what she should’ve said was park around the corner. Or park in front of other houses. It was funny, truth be told. Eat and run. Typical black folk, y’know? Stay just long enough to exchange a few words (and hugs) with the birthday boy, eat (didn’t even wait for dessert!) and leave. LOL. Maybe it was the fact that my sister didn’t give an actual time they were bringing him home. She told people to come anytime after 3. Some people had probably gotten there right at 3 or 330 (like my BF) and they didn’t bring him around until 5 or 6-something! I shouldn’t have been surprised. My sister never was good at the time thing.

Must-See DVD pick:EASTERN PROMISES with Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts. We watched this Saturday night. If you have not seen this movie, rent it or watch it now playing on the movie channel (don’t remember which one). If you don’t like violent movies, then it’s not for you, but Viggo is fabulous in this movie. And he does a great Russian accent.

Sunday, the hubby and I had breakfast at our favorite place (the one we go to looks nothing like this, and is always crowded, but worth the wait) then went to see Hellboy II: The Golden Army. We liked it. It was directed by Guillermo Del Toro and the creatures he created in the Troll World were amazing. If you’ve ever seen Pan’s Labryinth, and then you see this movie, you’ll know what I mean. Oh, and that Prince Nuada dude? Very. Cool. Moves. Movies I’m looking forward to seeing:

THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR (have you noticed that Brendan Fraser’s hairdo never seems to change in these movies? )

THE DARK KNIGHT - I’ve heard Oscar nomination buzz for Heath’s role and apparently, around the time of his death, director Christopher Nolan wrote a eulogy to him in Newsweek. Did anyone catch that?)

MAMMA MIA - Love me some ABBA

SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2 - seeing the first one made me add Greece to my Places to Travel list.

DEATH RACE - I have a serious love jones for Jason Statham. Sorry babe.

BABYLON A.D. - Oh, how I’ve missed seeing Vin Diesel in an action flick.

THE SPIRIT - If you liked Sin City, then you’ll like this movie, too, because it’s from the same guy, Frank Miller. And it’s the sequel to Sin City.

QUANTUM OF SOLACE -I’m still reserving judgement about Daniel Craig as the new James Bond, but this one looks to be as good as the previous one. I still have no idea what it’s about, but I know it picks up from where Casino Royale left off.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3 - yes, dammit, I’m a fan. Shut the hell up.

TWILIGHT - Stephenie Meyer is a hometown favorite–and she’s very nice in person, too. I haven’t read her series, but I’m interested in seeing this one.

So, what about you? How was your weekend? What movies are you looking forward to seeing this year?

Technorati Tags: 2008 Backpack Giveaway Event, ChildHelp, AZ Rod and Classic Car Club, M&I Bank, City of Phoenix Parks and Rec Dept, Kohl’s, EASTERN PROMISES, Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Guillermo Del Toro, Pan’s Labryinth, Prince Nuada, THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR, Brendan Fraser, THE DARK KNIGHT, Christopher Nolan, Newsweek, MAMMA MIA, ABBA, SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2, Greece, DEATH RACE, Jason Statham, BABYLON A.D, Vin Diesel, THE SPIRIT, Sin City, Frank Miller, QUANTUM OF SOLACE, Daniel Craig, Casino Royale , HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3, TWILIGHT, Stephenie Meyer