More Academy Award Viewing

Let me just say that Deana found an AMAZING theater in Plano that is situated in what we like to call “very Los Angeles-ish” setting.  The theater itself was smaller, was showing mosting movies that have been nominated for an Academy Award or “artsy” in nature, and was very…….let’s see…….NOT commercial.  There was a coffee bar and…..well, we loved it.  And to add more bennies, we needed to watch two movies, so we stopped at a little french cafe across the street that was AWESOME!

Our luck was also on our side because yesterday Sophia decided to gash her head open.  She was spending the night at her counsin, Kaylie’s house.  They have a HUGE walk in shower there, in which Sophia decided to run.  Yep, you pictured it – she fell backwards and gashed the back of her head open.  But, as fortune would have it, this happened RIGHT when the second movie was over!  So we met Aunt Julie at the hospital and went from there.  Sophia was a huge trooper – ended up getting 4 staples in her head WITHOUT a shot (her choice) and she pulled through with only a few tears.  Deana practically RAN out of the area because she was so scared!  LOL  But Soph is fine and has huge bragging rights because her brothers have never had staples.  GIRLS RULE! 

Anyway, here are my critiques of the movies:

An Education – the was a lovely British film talking about a young girl (she turns 17 during the story) in the early 1960’s and the exposure to various aspects – besides her drive to attend Oxford – to life’s education.  I walked in knowing NOTHING about this film other than it had been nominated.  The story was REAL, filled with profound subtleties, and the acting was superb.  The title role, played by Carey Mulligan, was quite good actually!  And as a picture, I think it is a strong contender for an oscar.  The story touches, ever so lightly, on controversies such as anti-semitism, views of blacks in the early 60’s, women’s role in society and their reliance on men, and the typical coming of age concept of fun verses hard work.  Even with such standard fair, it never seemed preachy or made me feel like there was an agenda that the powers that be wanted to push.  I loved this movie.  I am holding back tagging this for sure,  either for Carey as best actress of the movie for best picture, but they are high on my list.

Up in the Air – this was another movie I really didn’t know much about, other than George Clooney was in the movie.  I assumed that he was nominated for Best Actor, and I was right.  I was excited to that Anna Kendrick, of Twilight fame, was in the film and even nominated for Best Supporting Actress!  Also nominated for best supporting actress is Vera Farmiga – both did a fantastic job in this movie.  As did George, really.  And the movie WAS entertaining, it DID have a message (or several) and also offered enough pain points that aren’t resolved to say to me “hey, this is typical Oscar”.  I think it was worth the $7.50 I paid.  But I am NOT feeling the immense, “oh my word that was AMAZING” feeling that I think a Best Picture should do.  Of the two we saw, I vote this second.  Is it worth your time?  Absolutely.  And I will probably be eating my words when George wins (or either lady), but I just don’t feel it.

Will probably not have time for any more movies today – it’s Super Bowl Sunday!  While I am intriqued by the historic fact of the NO Saints being there, I am still bitter that they beat my Vikings.  Hence, GO COLTS!

Gina OUT!

Academy Award Update

Okay, here are my updates so far:

Inglourious Basterds – I knew that with Quentin Tarantino involved, the story would have amazing layers and that “weird factor”.  That became even more evident when I learned he worked on the screenplay for ten years!  And it WAS an amazing story with swists and turns and people doing things to the bad guys that we always hoped would happen.  One thing that suprised me a bit was the humor that popped up here and there, beautifully really, in places that were so horrible or tragic.  I understand that takes genius – not only at the screenplay level, not only at the director level – but for actors to pull it off without looking like they’re pulling it off is commendable.  HOWEVER, maybe I am slowly becoming an Oscar Snob, but I just didn’t see this as a Best Picture.  Maybe Quentin deserves one – I am not rooting for him to win though, and probably I will eat my words when Christoph Waltz wins Supporting Actor.

Precious – many that I’ve discussed this movie with are suprised when I tell them I found Inglourious Basterds much more disturbing than Precious.  This IS a heavy movie for sure – but perhaps that is what I really tend to expect from a movie that has been nominated.  The story was amazingly real – devastatingly real – filled with moments of “life sucks” that appeared relevent and real.  It broke my heart is was so real.  But hidden in this devastation were even more powerful moments of triumph – even if ever-so-small – that would sneak in and at times subconsciously smack my psyche so that I felt HOPEFUL.  I actually asked myself at one point – why are you HAPPY for her, her life SUCKS?  THAT is amazing.  And impossible to produce had it not been for an amazing screenplay, an awesome director, and acting beyond belief.  It’s early in my AA Viewing process, but my favorite thus far for Best Supporting Actress in Mo’Nique.  She WAS the character!  And, I am not sure how she did it, but I had hints of feeling sorry for this pathetic mother!  THAT is talent!  I think Gabourey Sidibe as Best Actress may be a favorite, but I am not 100% there yet…….although she did an amazing job.  Director Lee Daniels did an amazing job as well and I have great respect for him.  I am still not sure if I am tagging him at this point though.  Let me get further in the process and I will let you know.

In plans for viewing this weekend:

Up in the Air - Best Picture, Best Actor, Director, Supporting Actress (2 nominations!)

An Education - Best Picture, Best Actress

Netflicks DVD’s on order:

The Hurt Locker - Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Director

A Serious Man – Best Picture, Best Screenplay

Still trying to see who is screening foreign films and documentaries in Dallas!  DOH!  Fingers crossed!

2010 Academy Awards – The Rush is ON!

So, I like movies and I have been blessed to be influenced by friends and family in my life to now have a mini-tradition in my life.  Mini?  Who am I kidding.  I am very dedicated this time of year.

I will write more later on this, but know that I am frantically trying to see all of the nominated movies that involve Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress.  I will try to get others in too (best director, best documentary, etc.) but time and the fact I am in Dallas where some docs may not be shown may prevent me. Fortunately, I feel like I am on track.

Last night I saw Inglourious Basterds.  Interesting.  Hmmmm.  Not sure I think it’s award worthy, but I will give it a few more hours to digest and will update this site.  I am rushed right now.

Gina out!

PS – Another shout out to Kate!  Stay warm there woman!

“I Don’t Associate with Sinners!”

Have you ever been told that by a Christian?  Or have you, more indirectly, felt like that was a Christian’s view of you?  I have been told that directly, by a former co-worker actually – said co-worker still having a job at a prominent Christian organization.  Let me say that, definitely, rejection is never comfortable.  But it can evolk several responses in a person:

1. Wow, $%(^ you!
2. Wow, I AM a sinner, what do I need to change?
3. Wow, you’re right, I am going to go kill myself.
4. Wow, you holier-than-thou Christians really kind of suck.

Honestly, especially for non-Christians, do you think #2 is often the response?  Doesn’t the Bible suggest that the Holy Spirit is the best at convicting us, and that we should love our neighbors?  But I am not a theologian – I just know the response I got didn’t immediately make me want to repent of “the sin” in my life.  I do not put “my sin” because I believe there is no sin in my life; actually, I am very good at sinning at times.  However, I have a Biblical view of my salvation and changed life thanks to Andrew Farley’s “The Naked Gospel”.  But I am not going to get into THAT today.  However…..

It ALWAYS amazes me how many Christians (and yes, there are some that don’t fall into this category) have this view of Christianity that you become perfect and somehow “untouchable” after years of being a saint and being regenerated by God.  Theology aside, they act as if their poop don’t stink and they have somehow risen above the taint of sin on earth.  They go to their churches, live a “perfect” life without sin, and raise their noses, brush off their three piece suit or their pleated skirts to show us just how high they’ve risen.  They SAY they “sin”, but are saved by grace.  They may even SAY “love the sinner, hate the sin!”  Yet, the minute they are exposed to a “fallen” person who do not meet their earthly measurement of what a Christian should look like, they respond with something like, “I don’t associate with sinners!”  Sometimes they might even justify this response by saying Christ admonished them not to be “of the world”, and by associating with sinners, they would somehow condone the sinful practices and even taint the name of Christ?  “How will they know we are even Christians, if we wallow in the same filth they do?  How will we shine like a beacon on a hill, if we sit with common sinners, partaking in the lust and debauchery that their lives represent?”

They make a great point.  And, as someone who has sinned pretty well, and as one who has sometimes thrown her middle finger at dogma and “God inspired hatred”, I say this – I believe you got it wrong.  How will they even know you are Christians, you ask?  I argue that it would have been that you LOVED the ones that the WORLD (yes, especially the CHRISTIAN world) that convention says you should not.  I argue that, a true beacon cannot be seen when it is standing next to the sun, but when it walks to the dark.  I say to be an ambassador of Christ, you kind of need to act like Him on occasion.  Your fruits will be that you are turning those TO Christ instead of pushing them out of His house!  And what DID Jesus do?

We know that Jesus was accused by the Pharisees of hanging with sinners.  Even DINING with them, a HUGE faux paux!  And most examples in the Bible suggest that Jesus was first LOVING and FILLED WITH COMPASSION when confronted by a sinner.  The woman at the well, the woman caught in adultry, the rich young man who was unwilling to give up his wealth to follow Jesus, even when his OWN disciple rejected Him THREE TIMES…..the list goes on.

Ah, but you say, what about the time he threw tables over in the Temple?  He was SO MAD and let everyone around know it!  THIS proves that we can say, with the authority of God, that we will not put up with the sin that is all around us!  Let’s think about that.  The Temple was considered holy.  Yet, the religious leaders of the time were taking advantage of those that wanted to do what their God commanded, and only in the name of making money.  Many would trek to the temple with their sacrifices (animals), only to be told their goat was marred or their calf was not perfect.  So, conveniently, there the leaders were there with GOOD animals that could be bought and the sacrifice could be accomplished!!!!!  And wow, such a deal too!  Or the money changers were gauging the people, all in the name of God.  THAT is what ticked off Jesus – that these supposed holy men were using God to make a profit.  And that is NOT how it’s done!  (But, alas, perhaps it’s still happening today?  Another post for sure!)  I won’t even get into the story of the Pharisee’s prayer vs the pauper….

Finally, especially to the person who told me they will not associate with me because I am a sinner…….what makes my sin any bigger than yours?  Are you truly suggesting that you have risen to a higher level than me somehow?  Because, again sorry to bring up the Bible, I am a Christian and I am saved by the same Jesus as you.  Are you implying that His blood was less effective on me?  Because I know with certainty that the Bible said I would continue to sin – not that it is giving me license to sin – but it’s pretty darn clear that it also says the blood of Christ – and Christ himself – is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever.  And it also tells me nothing I can do can get me into heaven.  And that suggests that nothing I can do, once I have been saved by the awesome power of my Savior, can keep me out of it.  Unless, of course, I reject Jesus……which is highly unlikely, despite the crap I’ve been thrown by those of some of His followers!

So, to recap – have fun hanging around those people you deem as “righteous” enough or “redeemed” enough to meet your standards.  As for me, I am REALLY going to do what Jesus does, and love my neighbor as myself without adding criteria that shouldn’t be there.

Please, I welcome your comments.  If you think I’m off base, please let me know.

Jesus Rocks…..

…….His words are so powerful.  All I can say it, “wow!”  And I can related to this more than you know.

The 5th Floor Women’s Restroom

So, I work in a 9 floor building in Dallas.  I actually work on the 5th floor.  Our office does not have its own restroom, but there are facilities on each floor for our use.  Since I work on the 5th floor, the majority of my “resting” is done there as well.

In the 4 or so weeks I’ve been at this job, and therefore as I’ve used the restroom, I’ve noticed some curious things!

• It always amazes me to see the number of women who use the facilities and leave without washing their hands!  I mean, picture it – many are dressed very professionally (not that this should really matter), walk out of their stall, and head for the door!  I am sorry, but that really grosses me out.
• Invariably, at least once a day, I enter a stall to find that the previous user hadn’t successfully flushed the toilet.  And many times the oversight included, shall we say, some special gifts!  While I understand sometimes that toilets don’t handle these situations to the best capacity, I usually make sure I have gotten rid of my little deposit before leaving.  ESPECIALLY if my deposit is…..um…….a special one.  Maybe these ladies are talking on their phones, are distracted, want to leave before anyone notices any trace of the deposit they left, or are too focused on high-tailing it out of there without washing their hands – hoping no one will notice.
• On a side note, the building I work in was built in 1955 and has worked hard at keeping the retro art deco decor throughout the building.  It’s kind of awesome, actually.  But it IS kind of weird to be surrounded by this neat retro vibe and seeing and using an automatic soap dispenser in the restroom!  Not that everyone uses it, mind you, but that at least leaves more soap for me!
• I also notice that, for those ladies who DO wash their hands, about 37%** have a hard time getting their paper towels into the trash.  I have watched, with my own eyes, women toss it in the trash’s general direction, watch the towel fall to the ground, and walk off.  Wow.  (Yeah, I must admit, I even said that out loud one time as I witnessed the thing occur.)  I fight the urge to pick up all the towels every time I go to the restroom…..and feel sorry for the maintenance crew.  I have seen public restrooms in better shape on many occasions.

Alas, that is all I have to report at this time.  Hope y’all are having a great week.  And yes, I said y’all.  I’m in Dallas people.

Gina out

** That was not determined scientifically.

What is Destiny, and What If It Goes Away?

I have had my turns with Destiny.  I have faced Her directly and I have also ran into her when I wasn’t paying attention.  Per the Merriam-Webster dictionary, destiny is “a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency”.

Well, I have faced destiny many times and, for many years, I held to the thought that my destiny was such:

• To be used by God in all that I do.
• To be a loving and honorable daughter, always held in esteem especially with my father
• To be a wonderful wife
• To be a success professional

I guess those look more like GOALS than items of destiny.  But for many years I truly thought those items WERE my destiny!  So what happens when I fall OUT of that destiny?  What if I don’t feel God using me?  What if the reactions of my parents indicate I am not longer their loving and honorable daughter?  What happens when I get divorced?  What if my career falls apart?

Well, some people like me might try to get things rolling by seeing a professional.  They may even be VERY specific about telling me what my destiny is, perhaps even straight out telling me where I need to be, how things will fall into place, with whom, and everything.  Yes, I am talking about a psychic.  Yeah, it gets all exciting when all that info runs through your head and you think of the possibilities and the great news up ahead.  But that, too, is not destiny and it is always foolish to buy in to such shenanigans to form your future steps or to act a certain way.  Believe me, some of the things I was told gave me a sense of hope and excitement and I fell pretty hard when I figured out it was bogus.   So, epic fail.  (For my 2.78 readers, especially Christians, no need to get on your horses of disdain at this point.)

So, after a year of reflection, soul searching, and research, I realized an amazing thing – I have no freaking control, really.  I am not even sure Destiny exists!  But instead, there are some truths I have under-covered:

• I am a beautifully made individual.  I have the love of my God, who will not forsake me.  He doesn’t need me to accomplish anything.  And the very moment I learned that, I think I became much more useful to Him!
• I do not need the (expressed) love of my parents or their acceptance to love them back.  Whether or not they see the honor I extend to them with my very life, it does not make it not exist.  And I will walk each day doing my best to carry in my actions this love for them in every facet of my life.  And I do so with great appreciation for them, especially my father.
• Yes, my first marriage failed.  It is too complicated to accept all blame.  But that will not mean my new marriage will be a failure, or that history will repeat itself.  I am hard pressed to acknowledge I am not perfect (gasp!) but will, with the love I hold for my spouse, walk in that love and yearn to be the best I can be.
• I have realized I put too much of my identity in the career I hold.  While I will always do my best, work my hardest, and always yearn to improve, my job is NOT my identity.  It really never was either, but I was too silly to realize that.
• My real destiny, if such thing exist, is to love my God and love my neighbor.  Easier said than done!  But heck, at least I can focus my efforts.

Having been on tons of drugs to address the bronchitis, ear infection, and the beginnings of a sinus infection I have (which really started 12/30/09, can you imagine?) I think I should end this blog entry now.  Whew, typing is pretty darn hard!

Song Post – Save Me From Myself

I am not sure that I posted this here – this is my beautiful daughter Kirstie singing Christina Aguilera’s song.  This was recorded on her Mac computer using an XBox headphones – aka, not that great quality.  And while I am totally biased, I think she sounds pretty darn good!  Enjoy!

Anger Through Writing

Some of my long-term readers know that sometimes I vent a lot here.  Maybe not as much as I used to (I have been accussed of “airing laundry” on this site), but I still rant and rave now and then.  So, when I saw this cartoon today on my New Yorker desk calendar, I thought, “Wow, that’s me!” and got a nice chuckle out of it.  So, I thought I’d share with you, too!  Enjoy.

Inside Scoop on the State of Texas

Okay, so let me start by saying I don’t hate Texas.  In fact, I am loving that there is no freaking state income tax and that I haven’t paid above $2.60 a gallon for gasoline.  The fact that I love my job is cool, too.  So, first, let me share some more positives:

• People are often more polite; when you talk to them, they are usually very kind and even gregarious.  Often, when you’re driving in neighborhoods, strangers wave to you as you pass by.
• Parents have more say in regards to their children’s schooling.  And the schools overall are fantastically run.
• Having gone to Zack’s school program last week, I am amazed at how proud Texans are of their state.  They pledge allegiance to the State Flag.  They even have a State Song that the kids know by heart!  Wow, that never happened in California!

But now, some insight that is a bit more negative.

• Texas is weak in the whole “melting pot” arena.  I just don’t mean races (although, I have to admit, it is a LITTLE more diverse than I expected….), but more in other areas.  For example, in California you would see people wearing jerseys for all sorts of teams from all over the country.  Jets fan?  No problem.  Bears fan?  Bring it.  Here?  NO WAY!  You can’t even freaking BUY a jersey from a non-Texas team around here!  And let me tell you, being a Vikings fan can be dangerous in Cowboys territory!  It just was a little sad that there is SO MUCH tied around sports…..and I am not exaggerating – there is real hatred here towards anyone who doesn’t worship Dallas or Texas teams.
• Texas drivers are MEAN!  Seriously.  And it’s not just because I have California plates – this happened when I was driving Mom’s car, too.  They make Valley and LA drivers look like wimps!  They tailgate, even when there is so much traffic you can’t do anything about it.  They cut you off.  They slam on their brakes.  They are just plain horribly mean!  Hard to align that with the happiness that is often shared when speaking with them in person.
• I think there is a state law that you have to be republican to live here.  Not sure yet about that……

I have run out of time, but will try to add more details later.  And for those who are truly curious, I HAVE picked up a twang here and there, although I’ve been trying hard to avoid it!  The other day I was talking about work to Deana and I said something about missing milestones……she swears I said “milestones” like I’ve lived here my entire life!  I nearly spit my gum out!  Dang!

And, I would be remiss to not mention how wonderfully proud of the Vikings I am!  WHOOT WHOOT!  I sat here surrounded by Cowboys fans (although Deana was a Vikings fan, of course!) and was getting the trash talk thrown at me during the first 2 minutes of the game.  But, true to form, my team soon hushed that talk up with an outstanding performance!  I am so glad that I’ve stuck with them even through the lean years and I also appreciate Favre’s talent and strength – even for an old guy!

Next week will be tough – I have also enjoyed watching New Orleans’ year of success after a tough history.  I have rooted for them and hoped for the best.  But, I have to put my admiration aside – my love for the Vikings has been much deeper and longer and my loyalty lies with them!  I DO hope, however, that the game will be more enteraining than the stomping against Dallas!  Hee hee!

Okay, to those I haven’t mentioned by name, I miss you.  More later!  Gina OUT!