Luis and I are big (yes,) HUGE fans of "The Hangover," so as soon as I learned the release date for "The Hangover 2," I got busy making plans to go and see it on the 27th. We chose to go to the 620pm show, and Luis and I got to the theater around 5, in the hopes of getting really good seats. Our willingness to wait for a while paid off and we got seven seats in the row in front of the railing, so we'd be able to put our feet up. (Heaven!)
Lisa B and Eric arrived while we were still on line, so we were able to avoid any patrons who might be disgruntled about two people holding seven seats in such a prime row. Tina arrived shortly after we sat down, and then Jenny and (SMF) David followed. We all had our $1 drink cups (and Lisa supplied extras for those who didn't. She also shared her popcorn shirt so that whoever wanted to could get a medium popcorn for free. Luis paid $1 and upgraded ours to a large (since we both LOVE movie popcorn) and we all settled in, to laugh our asses off.
Just before the previews were about to start, a young, guy in a suit, who introduced himself as Mr. Something that I can't remember, started talking to the audience over a hand held microphone. He thanked us for coming to Harkins, and babbled a bit about how we could have gone somewhere else etc.etc.and it was apparent that he amused himself (though no one else.) He then gave us a sermon on texting, and went on to say that if you were to text during the movie, a light would be shining off of you for a 12 mile radius. Yes, he said 12 miles, but then corrected himself and said 12 feet. He then told us that people would be very upset with us if we texted. I dunnon, maybe he was expecting a younger audience for this film.
Lastly he told us that "The Hangover 2" was hysterical, and I quote, "It has a lot of hang, a lot of over and a lot of 2." I think he thought himself quite clever; but again, I don't think that anyone agreed. After he departed, Lisa asked if I'd ever seen anything like that before. And I said "No." I can't remember if it was Lisa or Tina who asked "Why do you think he did that?" To which I replied "To give me something to blog about." And we all laughed.
Earlier in the day I told Shannon that I was going to see "The Hangover 2" and she told me that it hadn't gotten good reviews, because it was just more of the same. I told her that I never pay attention to reviews anyway, and that it was absolutely fine with me if it was more of the same. In my opinion the first one was so good, it would be really difficult to top it; but as long as I got some laughs, I'd be satisfied.
Well, I was satisfied! It was crude, it was vulgar, it was raunchier than the first; and I loved it. I screamed, I laughed, and I had a really good time. I won't tell you anything more about it at all. I'll just say that if you go to see it not expecting the best story and just wanting to laugh - you won't be disappointed. Will I be going back to see it in the theater a second time, like I did with the first? No; but I will definitely watch it again when it comes out on DVD.
All and all, it was a great night. We laughed from the time we sat down with our friends, through the movie, and at dinner. It was so much fun to get out together; and I look forward to the next time. Hopefully sooner than later.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
#10 on my "100 Random Things About Me" list was "I love going to the movies; but I rarely go." Back in the day, if I REALLY liked a movie, I would see it multiple times in the theater. I think I saw "Grease" at least eight times, and I know I made more than one visit to "Porky's," I had to have seen "Dirty Dancing" no less than three times; I lost count on how many times I went to see "When Harry Met Sally," AND "Parenthood," not to mention my regular attendance at "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
As movie prices have gone up over the years, and my schedule has gotten so much busier, I hardly find the time to see a movie even once in the theater; but I did make an exception for "Sex and The City," and "The Hangover." Neither of these were Academy award nominated films; but they were priceless to me. Through the course of my movie watching life I've managed to miss several popular and or iconic films, that most other people have seen. I touched on this when I told you in "Quite Contrary," that I had never seen the movie "The Godfather;" and I was OK with that.
My friend Hilary, sent me an email after reading "quite Contrary," and she encouraged me to post a list of movies that I hadn't seen, as she thought that she'd be surprised by it. I told her that I'd do so at some point; and so in honor of tonight being the first night of Passover, I'm going to tell you about twenty five movies that I Passed Over.
Now I'm not proud that I've failed to see these flicks. But I have previously mentioned that I am Queen of B RATE MOVIES, and I'm pretty shallow when it comes to my entertainment. For the most part I don't like to have to think too hard when I'm watching a film. I don't want to really have to concentrate in order to understand a plot; and I don't want to cry a lot. I like to be entertained, I enjoy laughing and feeling hopeful; so I guess for the most part I'm a chick flick lovin, romantic comedy kinda girl. And with that being said; you may now understand why I've never seen:
1. "Casablanca"
2. "It's A Wonderful Life"
3. "Stand By Me"
4. "King Kong" (any of them)
5. "Cleopatra"
6. "Lord Of The Rings" (any of them)
7. "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"
8. "American Beauty"
9. "Fargo"
10. "No Country For Old Men"
11. "Taxi Driver"
12. "Jurassic Park"
13. "Lawrence Of Arabia"
14. "Avatar" or as I like to call it "The Avatar"
15. "Some Like It Hot"
16. "The Bridges Of Madison County"
17. "Terminator" (any of them)
18. "Black Swan"
19. "Harry Potter" (any of them)
20. "Singin' In The Rain"
21. "A Beautiful Mind"
22. "Dances With Wolves"
23. "Schindler's List"
24. "Scarface"
25. "The Matrix"
I didn't include anything in the horror genre, such as "Psycho" or "The Shining," because as I mentioned told you in "100 Random Things About Me," "I don't like scary movies because I have a VERY vivid imagination. AND "Silence of the Lambs" was the scariest movie that I've ever seen and I still check the backseat of my car before I get in; so I can make sure that no one is hiding in there to abduct me (proving #19 right there.)" Since I don't like Horror movies at all, I didn't want to waste a spot by stating the obvious. I also didn't include anything Sci-fi, because the only movies that I've ever seen that would even qualify under this category are the very first "star Wars" (which I didn't like,) and "ET'." As I wasn't sure if "The Matrix" qualified as Sci-fi, I included it; as I have no desire to see it, EVER.
So what does this list prove? Absolutely nothing! Perhaps it's just a testament to how unpredictable I can be. Wishing a zisn Pesach,( [Have] a sweet Passover;) to all those who are celebrating.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
I'm back. My tantrum is over and I'm moving on. It's time for me to make some changes; and I plan to start now - after all, wasn't I the one who was claiming to be the Queen of DETERMINATION just a few short weeks ago? Well, the Queen has put on her big girl panties (God, I'm lovin that expression lately; and my nearest and dearest can attest that I've been using the heck out of it - but hey if the panties fit...) Anyway, since I am so determined to turn things around and take my shot; here is the new and improved Bumpy Ride, by the new and improved (down 30 lbs now) Queen of EVERYTHING.
For starters, The Rides new look is apparent; and I must extend my thanks to Jackie for helping me out with that. I actually thought about adding music to the Ride but I was afraid that people would find it too distracting when trying to read, and we all know that the last thing I want is to hinder anyone from reading and enjoying my blog - so for now please enjoy the quiet that The Ride offers, as I know sometimes it takes EVERY bit of concentration to follow where the heck I'm going.
Now, you know how time and time again I have blamed my blogging delays on lack of quality subject matter? Well, since it is my fervent hope to increase the frequency of my blogging, I've decided to try requesting questions and suggestions from those who enjoy The Ride and want to read more of it. I'm hoping that by doing so, I'll have a whole lot more to blog about. So here's how it's going to work (I hope.) If you have a suggestion for a blog topic, a question about me, or just want my opinion about something; PLEASE leave me a comment and then I Will do my best to post a blog within 48 hours.
My first suggestion has come from Michelle (July has come and gone and she's still not legally) K; who has asked for my top 10 movies of all time; as well as my top 10 movies that I just can't pass up. You know, the kind of movie that when you're changing the channels and you come across is, you can't NOT watch it; (even though you may own it on video or DVD) and no the 2 topics are not necessarily one in the same by any means. Please feel free to leave your lists as well, this way maybe we'll all find a new fave or guilty pleasure.
For today I'm going to tackle the Top 10 movies list; this way I'll save the Top 10 movies I can't pass up for my next blog. (see, thinking ahead, planning to blog in the near future - this my friends is PROGRESS...)
Now please keep in mind; although I run an annual Oscar pool, when it comes to movies my tastes are pretty shallow. What I mean by this is, chances are I will NOT see an epic. I do not like movies that I have to think to hard to follow. I like my movies to be clear and entertaining; that's just the way I roll. (Another expression that I'm loving the heck out of.) Anyway, I am (as I've mentioned before) the Queen of B RATE movies. I still love and could quote ad nausea um "Sixteen candles", "St.Elmo's Fire", "About Last Night" etc, etc. These to me are true CLASSICS. I have yet to see "Casablanca", or probably any other picture made since; of the same caliber or Stature; and that's OK with me. I will say that I LOVED "Dangerous Liaisons;" I thought it was BRILLIANT as was it's counterpart "Cruel Intentions;" those were story lines that you had to pay close attention to (at least I did) and though I saw them, and they are not my typical viewing fare; I thoroughly enjoyed them. Basically I just love movies that make you feel EVERYTHING. Movies that have you laughing one minute and crying the next; A la "Beaches" or "Steel Magnolias;" though neither of those are on my list. (Loved em' but 10 is 10 baby) ask me again tomorrow and it could be different; but at this very moment; THESE are my 10;(in no particular order; even though they're numbered; EXCEPT for Numero UNO, that really is my NUMERO UNO.)
10. "Cousins" - This was a movie back in the 80's that I could watch every day. It stars Ted Danson and Isabella Rossalini and it is a FABULOUS love story. One of the things that I love about it is how the scenes move on through a series of weddings. It's fresh, and endearing, and certainly worth watching if you never have. This is a movie that I could still watch again and again.
9. "Mystic Pizza" - Yep,another oldie but goodie. I LOVE the cast in this movie. Of course there's Julia Roberts, but also Anabeth Gish (who I just love,) Lily Taylor (who we need to see more of in the future) and Hottie McHotterson, Vincent D'onofrio (yes, he's that guy on one of the Law and Order shows that I don't even watch, and he's not so McHotterson now - but then man, whew he was exquisite - sorry fellas. But it's got Julia Roberts too, so there's someone for your viewing pleasure as well.) Anyway, GREAT story. I can't imagine that you haven't seen it yet, but if you haven't and you want some light entertainment, grab up The pizza and settle in.
8. "Pretty Woman" - While I'm on the topic of Julia Roberts, what more can I say. The Quintessential Julia Roberts movie, the Quintessential love story, with some lines that still bare repeating today. As a matter of fact just last week the scrap girls and I were quoting this movie. So unless you've been living under a rock for the past 20 years, I'm sure that you've seen it; but heck, who couldn't always see it again?
7 & 6 "Parenthood" & "When Harry Met Sally" - Let me explain why I have grouped these 2 together. Both movies came out in the late 80's and at that point in time, I actually would go to a movie in the theater more than once (OK, like 6 times even) if I really liked it, and both "Parenthood" & "When Harry met Sally" were multiple movie going experiences for me.
"Parenthood" was just a hoot and a half with an all-star cast lead by Steve Martin. Even though I was no where close to becoming a parent when I first saw it; I found it HYSTERICALLY funny and moving. I think it's a movie that could stand the test of time and I could watch it over and over STILL.
"When Harry met Sally," again, unless you're a Rock Dweller or maybe a guy (sorry guys no insult intended it's just that this was definitely classified as a chick flick so I know that could be a reason that you may not have seen it) but girl's c'mon I'd find it tough to believe that any of you out there hadn't seen it; and don't we all just LOVE,LOVE,LOVE this movie. I mean any movie that could endear Billy Crystal to you as a romantic lead - I say KUDOS, KUDOS, KUDOS and Meg Ryan - well she's just perfect. I know we all love the deli scene but that's just the tip of the iceberg. This movie is and always will be a classic and so I say, "Way to go Meathead - GREAT flick!!"
5. "The Holiday" (Yes, I have seen a movie since the 1980's - LOL) This film was out last year. It starred Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslett & Jack Black. It is a fantastic, make you feel EVERYTHING kinda movie and I find it to be DELIGHTFUL. I don't want to give any of the story away; but if you haven't seen it, run don't walk - because it's a winner!
4. "Fifty First Dates" - I love Adam Sandler (he cracks me up,) I love Drew Barrymore ( I just find her to be so down to earth,) I love them together (they are a great combo) and this movie does not disappoint. It is a love story, it is funny; and some of the funniest lines are from Sean Astin (he's not just a hobbit any more - haha I haven't seen any of the Lord of the rings movies - surprise, surprise, so I don't really know if Hobbit is the right word for his character - but you get my drift.) Anyway, this is not infantile Sandler - this is a REALLY good movie (for guys & girls both.)
3. "Wedding Crashers" - My God do I love this movie. This movie CRACKS me up like no other; even though I can't help but stare at Owen Wilson's nose when he is on screen and personally he is NOT my fave; but I love me some Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell is a riot. Luis and I quote this movie EVERY DAY; and we rarely enjoy the same movies. You'll see this one on my can't pass it up list too; because EVERYTHING about this movie is a must see - over and over and over again.
2. "Sex and the City" - Now you know I LOVED this movie. With the price of tickets these days, I actually went to see this twice in the theater (OK I had a free ticket once) but I would have paid, I would have, I would have. I was not a regular viewer of the show, because I didn't have HBO when it was on, but I have seen the G rated version on regular TV, and none the matter; as you could fully enjoy this movie without ever having seen one episode of the show. And Mr. Big - YUM, YUM, YUM! It's funny, he's not the best looking guy in the world - but there is just something about his whole package that is Sexy personified. His voice, his style, his mannerism, his persona - S-E-X-Y! Now don't get me wrong; I don't love this movie because of Mr. Big alone. This movie is a standout because of ALL of the characters, the relationships, the dialougue and really, just like BIG, the movie really is THE WHOLE PACKAGE. Honestly, Don't miss it. I personally will be on line to buy the DVD the minute it comes out.
1. "Life is Beautiful" - I have referenced this movie in several different blogs. This is my all time favorite movie and all I can say is; Roberto Benigni is a GENIUS. This movie takes place In Italy during World War 2 and it is a love story beyond compare. I don't want to give one second of this movie away. I'll warn you that it is in subtitles which I personally try to steer clear of but I'm telling you that it will NOT matter. You must see this movie. If you have any doubt about the value of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, if you need to be reminded what it's all about, or simply, if you have a heart - you NEED to see this movie and if you watch it at my prompting, PLEASE let me know, because i think it is the most PROFOUND movie to date that you could ever have the pleasure of watching - and you know I'm all about the GREATER GOOD; just get your tissues ready.
OK, so now I've said not so much about way too much, so I gotta hit the road. I had told Michelle (...) K that maybe by writing my blog more regularly, they'd actually be shorter - haha WHO AM I KIDDING? But seriously, it is not my aim to be verbose; say it with me "It's just the way I roll."
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
Some people write exactly like they talk. I am without a doubt, one of these people. I am a story teller. Which is not to say that I make things up; I don't have to - because I am an incident waiting to happen; and as if that wasn't enough - the most bizarre and ridiculous things seem to happen to me. Now when I say bizarre and ridiculous, I mean stuff that no one in their right mind could make up; and because of this, one of the first things that you should know is that I NEVER exaggerate- I just don't have to. So with that explained; I ALWAYS seem to have a story, AND I always have a point, though sometimes it takes me a while to get to it. Which is again why I say, reading my blogs is like taking the bumpy ride... Eventually you get to where you're going, even if you were a little uncomfortable getting there. =0) And here is my first of many disclaimers to come: For the most part, my punctuation might not be correct because I tend to talk and write in run on sentences. So forgive me and fasten your seat belts...So why the Queen of EVERYTHING?? Well, back in the day, (the day pretty much being my college years, 1985-89) I would definitely have considered myself somewhat of a JAP (A Jewish American Princess.) Not so much in the spoiled, or snotty sense of the expression - but I definitely had the clothes. So now that I've grown up, it only stands to reason that I'd be a Queen -though my clothes no longer fall into the JAP mode - more like the Crap mode. LOL Now, it seems that I am often referring to myself as the Queen of this or the Queen of that, so Queen of EVERYTHING just seemed to make sense. For instance: At work I'm known as the Queen of collections. It even says so on my phone. When I dial someone in my office the print out on their phone reads "The Queen." It' s so nice to be recognized for my talent. It would be even nicer if they were willing to provide me with appropriate monetary compensation for it.I have been Queen of trivial things such as -Queen of 80's movies (with a specialization in B-rate flicks). You wanna talk about The Jerk, Stripes, 16 Candles, The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo's Fire, About Last Night, Girls Just Wanna Have fun, Footloose etc etc - Well bring it on. (I could probably recite each word for word) - SO much useless information floating around in my brain; it's just a shame.I am the Queen of 70's dance music - you can call it Disco, but I don't b/c not all dance music was Disco but call it what you will - I LOVE it!!I am the Queen of The Oscar's though when it comes to them, I refer to myself as the Mistress as I've been running an Oscar pool for 9 years now and get totally consumed by all things Oscar. Next year will be my 10th annual pool and I'm aiming for at least 50 participants, so if anyone is interested; please let me know. I am the Queen of Musicals and seem to have a lot of useless knowledge about Broadway shows and Tony's etc. I am the Queen of General Hospital as I have been watching it since I was 11 years old except for a break during college b/c we couldn't get reception out where my school was (Southampton, NY.) I am the Queen of Reality TV. I LOVE the Amazing Race, American Idol, So you think you can dance, Dancing with the Stars, Real World/Road Rules challenges, Big Brother, even the Flavor of Love for crying out loud. I'd like to consider myself The Queen of Scrapbooking, but I don't yet feel worthy of that title. Really I'm the Pied Piper of scrapbooking, b/c I organize a monthly crop (a time when scrapbooking occurs) and seem to pick up women wherever I go. With that qualification, maybe I should be the Queen of something else... Haha In addition to being the Pied Piper I am also a Paper and ribbon junkie. (Totally unrelated information to being a Queen, but you know, when you have an addiction - the first step is admitting it.) I am definitely the Queen of Breastfeeding, I (and others) have actually even referred to me as the Breastaurant - as I was open 24/7 for almost 6 years. I am the Queen of Drama, which is not to say that i'm a drama Queen. At least I don't think so. When I say I'm Queen of drama it's because quite often I seem to get myself into these situations that just cause an unusual amount of stress and drama for me. The aforementioned incidents and unusual situations that seem to plague me, are just NOT what most people seem to have to endure. I am the Queen of arguing - for sure. I DEFINITELY should have been a litagator; I just got bored with it all (but that's another story,) and now you've been forewarned; as I can win an argument even when I know I'm wrong, (my poor husband.) I am the Queen of letter writing, I have won a double appeal with an insurance company (those bastards) I have written Fellowship recommendation letters and adoption referrals and part of being the Queen of collections does come from my letter writing expertise. Hmm hmm I think that's probably enough for now, but in the future if I mention other topics and I'm the Queen of it; I'll let you know. And, just so there's no confusion, here's a list of things that I am most certainly NOT the Queen of: I am NOT the Queen of Computers nor ANYTHING technological. I can barely make my way onto my blog page or work my digital camera. Additionally, I am NOT the Queen of web surfing. The internet frustrates the piss out of me; so for my surfing needs I rely on my good friends Rachel K and Michele K, (who still thinks she's Michelle M b/c she got married a few weeks ago, but i'm gonna help her adapt to her new name and refer to her from here on out as Michele K). I am NOT the Queen of Geography - I am so bad at it that I should be embarrassed. I am NOT the Queen of Science Fiction or anything remotely involvoing the word science. I am NOT the Queen of horror movies. I hate them, hate them, hate them. I mean I still check my car for canibals every night thanks to seeing Silence of the Lambs in what 1991??? And, that's not even really a horror movie. I am NOT the Queen of thrill rides. I am a big chicken and luckily I'm married to an even bigger chicken, so the pressure to ride them is off. I'm also raising 3 little chickens, so the chance of me having to go on a thrill ride anytime in the near future is pretty slim unless my friend/sister Michele Q gets her hands on me. Michele Q is determined to break me of this fear which is pathetic in her eyes. But call me crazy, I just don't enjoy my stomache tying itself in a knot and then dropping out from under me; UNLESS it would be possible to leave it wherever it drops in which case I could get off the ride like 40 lbs lighter - Now, then I might be convinced to ride them - even daily.I am NOT the Queen of healthy eating, though I wish I was.I am NOT the Queen of Jazz, Opera, Heavy Metal, or Hip-Hop though I could recant Rappers delight, Roxanne Roxanne, The Show and most Salt -n-Pepa songs with my eyes closed - modern day hip-hop just ain't my thang.I am NOT the Queen of current events though information just seems to fall into my lap right when I need it; which keeps me from looking like an uninformed, blithering idiot most of the time.I'm sure that there are many more things that I am NOT the Queen of, and I will be happy to advise you of them when the situation arises; but, for right now we can just give me the benefit of the doubt and accept the fact that for the most part I am the Queen of Everything and I desperatley want to take you on the Bumpy Ride as often as possible. I don't know how frequently i'll write; but I know that I really, really want to and I thank you for taking this journey with me.Till next time...Queen of EVERYTHING
