I’m 32 and still a tomboy. I don’t usually enjoy sappy romantic comedy chick-flicks, unless they’re intelligent and well-written. I prefer sci-fi or fantasy. And I’m a total nerd/dork/geek at heart. I can quote verbatim major scenes from the original Star Wars and LOTR trilogies. In fact, I read J.R.R. Tolkien’s LOTR six times through before the films came out. BTW, I think director Peter Jackson is absolutely brilliant. I think my biggest confession today is that I miss having free time to do as I please. I miss lying on the couch and reading through a good book, without interruption. I miss sitting down and watching a good flick before 9 p.m. Children-friendly programming lasts in our house from crack o’ dawn 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. bedtime. I love my children and my husband, but I miss that feeling of doing whatever you want, whenever you want. I miss having the opportunity to be more selfish, rather than selfless. Sometimes it’s a hard test to pass.
Once again, the Brits rule. (See previous post about current obsession.) Simon Cowell has been as caustic as ever on American Idol, now headed into the top 24. A little ambivalent about Josiah Leming, not really sure if I care about him not getting in. Very talented, but seemingly arrogant.
Eli Stone, the co-creation of Greg Berlanti, who also created one of my favorite shows Everwood, airs on ABC Thursday nights and stars Brit actor Jonny Lee Miller. You may remember Jonny Lee Miller as Edmond in the 1999 adaptation of Mansfield Park. In fact, he and Frances O’Connor are probably the only saving graces in that film, which in my opinion completely got it wrong. Miller was also married for a brief stint to Angelina Jolie, before her freaky blood-in-a-vial wearing days with Billy Bob Thornton.
Episode 2 highlight was Victor Garber singing “Freedom” by George Michael. Best line from Dr. Nathan Stone, Eli’s brother: “It’s called genetics, dumbass. You also inherited Mom’s eczema and Uncle Todd’s terminal lameness.”
My current obsessions:
The Brits. Jane Austen books and film adaptations, Persuasion in particular. The latest BBC release seen on PBS was excellent. I absolutely loved Sally Hawkins as Anne Elliot. I could feel her pain and anguish, as she wrote in her journal about her meeting with Frederick Wentworth. And Rupert Penry-Jones is SO good-looking. Not that anyone could hold a candle to Ciaran Hinds’ acting in the Columbia version. But Penry-Jones is definitely eye candy!
I’ve finally outgrown my Toby Stephens obsession from the 2006 adaptation of Jane Eyre. Which was also excellent. I also loved him as Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night with Helena Bonham Carter. If you need a new Brit, check out Blake Ritson from the latest adaptation of Mansfield Park.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoy good British actors. They deliver difficult dialogue so much better than many American leads. Why is that? My friend MK would say it’s because many of them have had stage acting experience and actually attended an acting academy.
I recently watched The Jane Austen Book Club which was cute. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t read it yet, but the idea was quite clever, if a little bit contrived. One of my favorite scenes was when Grigg compared Mansfield Park to Empire Strikes Back & The Return of the Jedi, “only in reverse.” That got a hearty chuckle. I’d give it a “B.”
And “ICE,” a 5-calorie carbonated beverage in fun flavors such as Pink Grapefruit, Orange Mango (my fave,) Black Raspberry and Strawberry Kiwi.
Ok, I’ve finally caved and decided to join the rest of the world and enter the 21st century. I suppose this blog is more of an outlet of my thoughts and ideas and therefore an extension of my inner self, as opposed to the traditional mommy “brag blog.” Not that there’s anything wrong with the usual Stay-at-home mom blogs. But I will try to refrain from gushing on endlessly about my super-exciting day and the amazing accomplishments of my three kids. If we were in a “who’s got the greatest kid” contest, I’d probably let you win. “Your kid did that? Wow! That’s great!” Translation: Ok, you win. On the outside I’d be all smiles and let you think your child was awesome, because you probably need that validation. Because I believe in graciousness and I was taught good manners by my own mother. But on the inside… I’d probably be thinking, “Big whoop. My kid could kick your kid’s ass.” I didn’t say my mother taught me humility. Haha.
