Movies - Love 'm or Like 'm

This holiday I have taken the opportunity to indulge in one of my pleasures; going to the movies. It is rare that I go to the movies. Time, money, and lack of a good story. But I do try to take my youngest to a children's movie at least two to three times a year. And my daughter and I happen to have the same taste in movies and books so we often go to movie openings - at my expense of course.

This holiday was no different. DD and I went to The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. DD ad I have much of the same tastes in movies and books. And the Twilight Saga is one of our guilty pleasures. There is something about love at first sight, endless love, all-consuming passion, etc. that really melts a girl. The stories are all what we wish for but know will never truly happen. Well, at least I do.

Then I took Gabe to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Hmmm. It was...interesting. Gabe was into the movie until the last 10 minutes. Then he wanted to play with my iPod. The music was good though. I just wonder how the actors feel being second wheels to non-existent computer animated chipmunks. Not only that but the actors who lend their voices as the chipmunks are entirely unrecognizable. So, you only know who voiced who by watching the credits. Then you're like, Justin Long voiced Alvin??? Wow. How'd they change his voice? And did he do his own singing?

DH surprised me. He rarely goes to the movies. I think the last movie he went to was "The Sixth Sense" and he figured it out about 30 minutes into the movie. So that was a dud. Anyway, DH actually surprised me and went to no only one, but two movies with me. We went to see the latest Sherlock Holmes movie a few weeks back. I primarily wanted to see it as it stars Noomi Rapace, the actress who starred in the Swedish version of The Millenium Trilogy. I enjoyed the movie. But it was funny, midway through the movie a man down our row fell asleep and snored through about 40 minutes. I didn't find out until after the movie that DH is not a Robert Downey, Jr. fan. So, it was very considerate of him to go to the movie with me.

And tonight. Tonight, the crowning glory. The U.S. version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I've been seriously wanting to see it. But since my full-time return to work it's been difficult. I get tired easily and can only do so much a day. I was supposed to go with DD and her girlfriend, a friend of mine and her niece and girlfriend, but the schedules just weren't working out. So, I was surprised when DH offered to go with me. I guess I've been talking about it a bit much around the house.

Anyway, we went tonight. And I was hooked from the very beginning of the starting credits. I am in love with David Fincher and Rooney Mara. David Fincher for directing a masterpiece, and Rooney Mara for embodying Lisbeth Salander body and soul. I have to say the U.S. version is better than the Swedish version. And it stays truer to the book. I LOVED the movie! And I can't wait until the next part of the trilogy. I will probably watch Dragon Tattoo at least two or three more times. It was that good. I will warn you. It's long, and there are a few scenes of extreme violence. But the story line and the subplots were well put together. And the action does not slow down. At. All. Sweden is now on my bucket list as a country to visit.

What next? Well, there's Underworld, The Awakening in February. DD and I go to those movies together too. And David Fincher, if you're out there reading this. Thank you. I thought I was afraid I was a bit too far to the left for enjoying movies in which the subject matter might be unpleasant. I totally get your style and I do enjoy it. And Rooney Mara? Dayum, you're good! You gave Lisbeth a vulnerability while keeping her isolated and hard.

Birthdays, Homecomings, Dog Bites, Oh My!

I've been posting on my other blog about my experiences with cancer. Today, I am not really in a 'cancer reporting' type of mood. And I am in the mood to write. So, posting here today.

Friday, November 4th, was the 18th birthday of my eldest son., Chris. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRIS!!!! Since it was Homecoming weekend at his school, it's been difficult to find a time to plan a family celebration. And get this; Chris didn't even want to celebrate at a restaurant! Of my children, he is the most considerate. That, I will not deny. He knows it's difficult for me to get around and money is tight, but that's no excuse. He's 18! He gets to celebrate! So, in accordance with his wishes, I am making River Hash, rolls, and salad for dinner tonight. And naturally, we have a birthday cake. I'll share the River Hash recipe at the bottom of this post.

Friday night he was going to see Harald and Kumar but ended up staying at home. He's not really into football and wasn't interested in going to the homecoming game. Then yesterday he took two, yes two, girls to the Homecoming Dance. Both of them are named Alexx. Picture is below.  Isn't my baby such a stud muffin? I think so! They went to dinner at Outback Steakhouse and enjoyed the dance till around midnight.

Tonight we get to celebrate his birthday with a family dinner. Even Cassie is coming for dinner! And speaking of Cassie...

Dog-bit again. Back in January she was attacked by a dog while defending her girlfriend. The dog, a pitbull, did some pretty serious damage though Cassie opted out of seeing the doctor. This week, one of her roommates brought a stray into the apartment which is already occupied by a dog. Well, the stray and the homey took issue with each other, and Cassie and one of her roomies tried to break up the fight. Cassie got the bum end of the deal. Her right arm is covered with deep scratches, and some puncture wounds from where the stray got a hold of her. And her right leg? The stray got a good grip on that leg and you can clearly see the bite marks, many of which were puncture wounds. So, off to Solantic, and a tetanus shot and several stitches later she was on her way back home. The stray? Is impounded and under observation. Hopefully, very hopefully, Cassie won't have to undergo the Rabies series. We should know within the week. Cassie and dogs. They don't get along.

As for me? I'm still house-bound. Still working part-time from home. I've got 2nd and 3rd degree burns on my leg, and I am not allowed in the workplace until they heal. That said, I'm flexing all the time to keep the scar tissue at bay. Which is painful. Very painful. So, no walks with the dog. The leg can't handle it right now. And as an emotional eater, I'm just not ready to start Weight Watcher's. My emotions are everywhere right now. On the plus side? I am thankful I have my family (immediate and extended), my job, a wonderful boss, books, and plenty to keep me busy while sedentary.

What I'm looking forward to right now is movie #4 of the Twilight Saga. Yup! I'm one of those Twilight junkies. And I'm going to the midnight showing! With Cassie and her girlfriend! Can't wait! And a month later? The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo!

River Hash
1 lb. hamburger meat
1 package crispy crowns tater tots
1 can Mushroom Soup
1 can (use the Mushroom soup can) milk
1 onion
Lawry's Seasoning Salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray 13x9 pan with Pam. Lay tater tots evenly in bottom of pan.

Chop onion. Saute onion, hamburger meat, and Lawry's salt in large frying pan until meat is cooked through. Add Mushroom soup and milk and mix till well blended.

Pour meat mixture on top of tater tots. Cover pan with aluminum foil. Cook in oven for 1 hour. Uncover pan and cook an additional 10 minutes.

Let sit for 15 minutes.

Hint: I typically cook Pillsbury crescent rolls as soon as I take the River Hash out of the oven. When the rolls are done, the River Hash is rested.

Hint 2: Serve with salad.

Awesome meal!

Chris and his Alexx Angels