Stating the Obvious

Ya Think?

Precious

Beautiful

Tragic

Uplifting

Heartbreaking

Funny

Haunting

Joyous

Disturbing

Hopeful

IMPORTANT

All words that accurately describe Precious, the recently released movie based on the novel Push by Sapphire.

As was leaving the theater, I couldn't help but wonder if the story is based on fact. But, whether or not it is a true story, the fact is that there is enough reality in the story to be deeply troubling. So, while there is a lot more I could say on why this movie is so good, all I'm going to say is go see it. Go see the movie and then look around in your world, find one thing that needs fixing and start trying to make it better. It may feel like you're bailing out the Titanic with a teaspoon, but it's a start.

Baby Steps

I'm having a bit of trouble adjusting to my full-time-job schedule. (Darn this pesky work business.) As much as I am enjoying the new job, I miss the flexible schedule of my "unplanned sabbatical". Part of my problem is that I created a world where I was as busy, if not more so, than before I was laid off. It also doesn't help that I've got a bit of a high-maintenance foster right now whose response to my sitting down in front of the computer is trying to climb in to my lap or baking in my face. (Ever tried to type with 50lbs of dog in your lap? It doesn't work very well.)

As much as I've missed blogging, I've miss reading (and commenting on) other people's blogs even more. Scarfing down a Lean Cuisine at my desk used to be one of my favorite times to catch up on a blog or two; unfortunately all of the main blogging sites are BLOCKED at the new company. (Aggravating). So, unless you've got your own domain, I'm way behind. But, I'm trying to catch up.

I'm sure my juggling skills will improve. {Good grief, I've got friends who successfully juggle all of this AND a family!!!} In the meantime, I'm going to try to post a little more often.

Friends

"In times of prosperity your friends know you. In times of adversity, you know your friends"

-Unknown

I've been trying to find the author of this quote for weeks without success. But, I've decided whoever said it first isn't the important part. Over the last year I have lived the words. I have the most amazing friends. I can say without reservation that my "unplanned sabbatical" was an absolute blessing. It hasn't always been easy, though and I never would have made it without such great friends. They were there when I needed a shoulder to cry on, someone to play with or a swift kick in the a$$.

I will never find the words to adequately express my gratitude so let me just say, sincerely and from the bottom of my heart....

Thank you!

Love Happens

I wanted to love it, I really, really did. I love Aaron Eckhart, "Thank You For Smoking" is one of my favorite movies. And, of course, I love Jennifer Aniston. (I think Eloise may be my new favorite name.) I liked both main characters and the supporting players were delightful. All the characters are fully-developed, quirky, fun and real. The story was interesting, slightly off-beat and no more predictable than any other movie, I've seen lately. So, why is it that several times during the movie I kept thinking "what is the point"?

I did enjoy it, I'd even recommend it, but I have to be honest, I was a little disappointed.

First There Were Two...

And now there are three.

Ever since I arrived in Houston, I have been tickled by the fact that there are two Starbucks at the intersection of West Gray and Shepherd. Even more amusing is that regulars are fiercely loyal to "their" Starbucks. Rarely do they venture to the "other" store; which may have something to do with the fact that both were spared during the great store closing of '08. I have to admit, I'm not that picky, I hit whichever one most closely matches my trajectory; of course, I'm not a regular, so I don't count.

Apparently, two Starbucks aren't enough, with the opening of the new Barnes & Noble there are now THREE Starbucks at the intersection of West Gray and Shepherd. Seriously, how much coffee can we drink (she asks as she's sipping a mocha Frappacino)? Some might say that the Cafe inside the bookstore doesn't count, but if it walks like a duck and it sounds like a duck.......

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I like Starbucks. I'm just fascinated by two successful stores so close together.

Seen This Week Around Town

Just a few random things spotted around town this week:

• Fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror..... of a Lexus; not judging, just curious
• The cutest little boy ever in the post office on West Gray. Little khaki shorts, little stripped polo shirt, fat little bare feet.....too much cuteness (why are there never any cute boy clothes when I'm buying baby boy presents?)
• A woman at Chik-Fil-A helping herself to enough free mints for her next three dinner parties
• Someone being polite in traffic. Big thanks to the guy who moved over when he noticed my blinker to allow me a right on red