Currently Reading Sellevision: A Novel By Augusten Burroughs see related

Movies I've seen over the break

B/c I'm housebound, seems as good a time as any to write about the movies I saw over the break (keep in mind these all had to be parent-friendly, since I saw them with my folks).  Here's a breakdown:

-We Are Marshall: typical feel-good "Remember the Titans" type of movie.  But also a well done one.  Matthew McConaughey was really charismatic.

-Pursuit of Happyness: really good.  First time I actually was impressed by Will Smith, rather than entertained.  His kid did a good job too.

-The Good Shepherd: totally disappointing.  Not terrible, but really slooooooooooow.  And a different movie than I thought it'd be.  Less spy thriller, more psychological study.

-Dreamgirls:  Good songs, good pace, good acting.  Solid throughout.  Jamie Foxx kinda phoned it in, Eddie Murphy was great, Jennifer Hudson has a great voice but a little rough on the acting, and Beyonce is way underrated for this role.

-Freedom Writers: Dangerous Minds part II.  Really good though, and inspiring.  Made me want to be an inner city high school English teacher for about 1.5 seconds.

Overall ranking:

1) Dreamgirls
2) Pursuit of Happyness
3) Freedom Writers
4) We Are Marshall
5) Good Shepherd                                                      

Currently Listening Let Me Introduce My Friends By I'm from Barcelona see related

Snow Day--pt 2

Yes folks it's true:

Austin, TX, NOT St Louis, is where I ended up having school cancelled 2 TIMES  in a row for weather.  Who woulda thunk?  I've lived in sweats for the past two days, which only happens when I'm sick.  I reread a lot of graphic novels yesterday, and watched a movie, so that was fun.  I had planned on watching Six Feet Under today, but my disks from Blockbuster WERE NOT IN THE MAILBOX.  So much for "Neither sleet nor rain..." on behalf of the USPS.  All lies.

Yesterday I was not too bright.  I bounced out of bed bright and early, got ready for my first day of class, all prepared to start off the semester right.  I walk down to the bus stop, but FALL at the entrance to the apt complex (ice).  I thought briefly about calling it a day.  But no, I was resolved, turning over a new leaf, etc.  Then I fell right back down.  I finally hobbled my way to the stop, and noticed there was NOBODY around.  No cars, no other people waiting at the stop, no buses.  I called the shuttle number, and found out no campus shuttles that day.  So I crept back to the apartment, found out campus was closed, and promptly changed into sweats.  Even my mom knew the night before that campus was closed.  That's what I get for going to bed early--screw that.

Today after I checked the mail, I moved my car b/c a tree it was parked under was on the verge of crashing on top of it.  On the way back to the apt, I fell.  Again.  Third time in two days.  My body hates me.  I'm sure more reading and movie watching is on the agenda for today.  Viva winter!

PS.....American Idol is back!  You know you love it......

Currently Listening Feeling the Fall By The Village Green see related

Musings

Currently Reading Lunar Park By Bret Easton Ellis see related

So many updates!

Two weekends ago, I went to St Louis to visit.  I got in on Thursday night, and met up w/ Brian, Annie, Tori, Meghana, Tasha Kay, and Grace at Joe's.  I can't remember if I've posted about this place before, but basically it's someone's house that is only open to the public on Thursday nights.  The main floor is a speakeasy/jazz club kind of atmosphere, with a stage for a music act each week; it's also decorated w/ the most truly random tsotchkes ever.  Below that is a tiki lounge-themed basement, and outdoors is a beer garden replete w/ huge sculptures.  Oh, and it's BYOB.  That night, a female jug band called the Maid-rites were performing--they were dressed as beauty queens and had made cookies for everyone.  Awesome.  Caught up w/ Aaron that night after I got in.

On Friday, I met up w/ Brian for lunch, then we hit up the Loop for a bit before renting and watching some ep's of Da Ali G Show.  Hi-larious.  That night, we went with Aaron downtown to watch the Cardinals in the Series.  We ended up at Paddy O's, which is literally down the street from Busch Stadium.  It was insanely crowded, but somehow we got the area by the firepit, which meant a place to sit and somewhere to stash our coats.  It was hella hot, though, so I discretely put out the fire.  Well, then the table next to us freaked out about it being cold, so some middle-age woman started shimmying up the stovepipe to see if there was a switch or dial to turn it back on.  We talked her down.  The game was awesome, and it was amazing when THEY WON THE SERIES!  The crowd freaked out, spraying beer everywhere, jumping up and down.  We ran into the streets of downtown, and then into the stadium.  It was the night of a thousand high-fives.  Very fun, and insanely memorable.

Saturday was lunch w/ Steph at Duff's in the CWE, then we met up w/ Brian to walk around, and finally Brad/Meghana at Bar Louie.  Then to Meghana's place for some pre-partying w/ Pat and Larry.  Crazy to have so many fourth-years all together again.  Got dressed for the Halloween parties that night, and headed out.  I was a cowboy (how appropriate)--here's some photos:

Currently Listening Friendly Fire (CD+DVD) By Sean Lennon see related

Chuck Berry is calling...