Today, fifty-plus years ago, my mother was brought into this world.
And thank God because without her, I'd be a mess (and also non-existent).
My mom has lead a life very different from my own, so far at least. She was born in Texas, the youngest of three siblings, and grew up with her parents and her border collie named Trixie. She was saludatorian of her small town high school class (ever hear of Floresville, TX? Didn't think so) and one of one five or so girls in her class to attend college. She went to Texas A&M University and got what my father calls a "bullshit degree" in Sociology. She dated a guy named Dwayne who was a good dancer. She graduated magna cum laude after a hellish semester that included her mother dying of pancreatic cancer. She went to work in the hotel industry, met my dad in Arkansas at a New Year's Eve party, and married him two years later. She had me months before turning 30 and had my brother three years later.
Needless to say, those of you who know my mom in person know that she has come a long way from that blond, small-town, Texan tomboy. Now she's brunette, in the best shape of her life, married for 25 years, two-time champion of her fantasy baseball league, and one tough cookie.
Not only is my mom tough as shit, she's also a very loving mother. Sometimes her 'loving' nature bordered on being 'overprotective,' but mostly it was loving. She was supportive of everything I wanted to do, no matter how stupid it was. She sent me to a writer's day camp which is one of the highlights of my childhood. She helped Will and I with loads of school projects, drove us everywhere, put up with my teenage angst, and let me do my own thing in high school. And she is the epitome of the person who just takes one for the team. I mean, the woman did move to Minot, North Dakota with two very small children because the U.S. military basically told her she had to. There, she endured blizzards in May and a Christmas where my dad gave her seven pizza cutters and that was it (she kept accidentally throwing them away and my dad was trying to make a point). She loved me when I was going through a phase of not loving myself (aka junior high) and she was the one who discoverd Xavier University on a college website and told me to look into it. She, more than anyone else, encourages me to be myself and to follow my passions. She is an awesome mom and an awesome person.
So, Mom, thanks for being born, and thanks for giving birth to me. I appreciate it! And I appreciate you, too. Happy birthday!
February 28, 2010
Secret Shame #5: Sports Movies Make Me Cry
Some people see the fact that I cry so easily at movies as one of my flaws. To them I say that I have so many other more important flaws to focus on. But yes, I do get teary-eyed at the occasional film. Usually that's how I guage how good a movie is, whether or not it makes me cry.
Now, I cry at the usual sad movies ("The Notebook") and I also get slightly weepy at movies that most people do not get weepy in (I'm pretty sure I'm the only person who cried during "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.") But there is one sure fire genre that almost always produces a movie that will cause me to at least shed a few tears: sports movies.
I have no idea why this happens. Aside from baseball and XU basketball, I'm not even that passionate about sports! I think the combination of overcoming insurmountable odds and doing something one is truly passionate about is the heart of all good sports stories. So here are three great sports movies that will make you cry (with happiness, mostly) and feel good as you leave the theater.
Miracle
USA! USA! USA! Olympic movies are great (see "D2: The Mighty Ducks") but this is the ultimate Olympic story of one of the greatest moments in all of sports. The true underdog USA team beat the scary Soviets to advance to the gold medal game. They were outmatched in every way possible, yet they still won. What's more is that the current social and political climate made the win even more meaningful. Pair that with the individual stories of the players (such as the Goalie who lost his mom and Herb Brooks) and it's a real winner of a sports movie. Plus all the hockey is really authentic.
The part that always gets me is when the announce says that famous line "Do you believe in miracles? YES!" and then everyone goes crazy and celebrates. Seeing the American flag drapped around the goalie and then when they all join their captain on the podium...oh man, I get all choked up just thinking about it.
Remember the Titans
This above all sports movies makes me cry the most. Perhaps it's because of the movie opening with images of little Rudy idolizing Notre Dame football. Or maybe it's because Rudy starts out at the very bottom, having to befriend the janitor for a place to stay and going to school at Holy Cross just to get in to Notre Dame for a year or two. It's probably the combination of those things, plus Sean Astin's brilliant performance. He was so real and believeable. Rudy could be anyone, which is important to the overall message of the film. It could be you on the field, if you believe in yourself and work hard.
I most definitely cry a little when the entire team turns in their jerseys, refusing to play if Rudy isn't allowed to suit up for the final homegame. It gets worse when you see the overjoyed reactions from his family in the stands. Then he makes that great play and his teammates hoist him up on their shoulders, and by then I'm weeping silently. Of course, the little script that comes after it saying that no other player has been carried off the field since (does this still hold true, ND fans?) packs a serious real-life punch. Gosh, if that doesn't warm your heart then you are a souless being and I feel sorry for you.
What other sports movies are any good? Well, there's the Oscar-winning "Chariots of Fire" though it is a little boring at times. "The Blindside" and "Breaking Away" are two other great sports movies, as well as "Rookie," "The Natural" and, of course, "Cool Runnings."
Now, I cry at the usual sad movies ("The Notebook") and I also get slightly weepy at movies that most people do not get weepy in (I'm pretty sure I'm the only person who cried during "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.") But there is one sure fire genre that almost always produces a movie that will cause me to at least shed a few tears: sports movies.
I have no idea why this happens. Aside from baseball and XU basketball, I'm not even that passionate about sports! I think the combination of overcoming insurmountable odds and doing something one is truly passionate about is the heart of all good sports stories. So here are three great sports movies that will make you cry (with happiness, mostly) and feel good as you leave the theater.
Miracle
USA! USA! USA! Olympic movies are great (see "D2: The Mighty Ducks") but this is the ultimate Olympic story of one of the greatest moments in all of sports. The true underdog USA team beat the scary Soviets to advance to the gold medal game. They were outmatched in every way possible, yet they still won. What's more is that the current social and political climate made the win even more meaningful. Pair that with the individual stories of the players (such as the Goalie who lost his mom and Herb Brooks) and it's a real winner of a sports movie. Plus all the hockey is really authentic.
The part that always gets me is when the announce says that famous line "Do you believe in miracles? YES!" and then everyone goes crazy and celebrates. Seeing the American flag drapped around the goalie and then when they all join their captain on the podium...oh man, I get all choked up just thinking about it.
Remember the Titans
Ah, I love a good football movie paired with Civil Rights tensions. And then-newcomer Ryan Gosling doesn't hurt either. Besides all that, 'Remember the Titans' is a great story about friendship, no matter what race or creed. It's a case study for southern culture, how important football was, and how hostile people could be. Denzel Washington is great as the coach, but the real heart of the story is watching the team transform. They are beaten down so many times, on and off the field, but they are still triumphant in the end.
Not only do I seem to tear up at the championship game, but I also get a little upset when poor Gerry Berteir gets in the car accident and Julius goes to visit him. Aw man, so sad. Still, he lives to see his team win and he was able to enjoy the moment from his hospital bed.
Rudy
This above all sports movies makes me cry the most. Perhaps it's because of the movie opening with images of little Rudy idolizing Notre Dame football. Or maybe it's because Rudy starts out at the very bottom, having to befriend the janitor for a place to stay and going to school at Holy Cross just to get in to Notre Dame for a year or two. It's probably the combination of those things, plus Sean Astin's brilliant performance. He was so real and believeable. Rudy could be anyone, which is important to the overall message of the film. It could be you on the field, if you believe in yourself and work hard.
I most definitely cry a little when the entire team turns in their jerseys, refusing to play if Rudy isn't allowed to suit up for the final homegame. It gets worse when you see the overjoyed reactions from his family in the stands. Then he makes that great play and his teammates hoist him up on their shoulders, and by then I'm weeping silently. Of course, the little script that comes after it saying that no other player has been carried off the field since (does this still hold true, ND fans?) packs a serious real-life punch. Gosh, if that doesn't warm your heart then you are a souless being and I feel sorry for you.
What other sports movies are any good? Well, there's the Oscar-winning "Chariots of Fire" though it is a little boring at times. "The Blindside" and "Breaking Away" are two other great sports movies, as well as "Rookie," "The Natural" and, of course, "Cool Runnings."
February 21, 2010
10 Things I Like (February)
This phrase/trend
I really like the history behind the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' signs and I enjoy all the play on words with them (my favorite is 'Keep Calm there's money in the Banana Stand. I definitely want this on a shirt!
This CD
Santigold has sicker beats than Lady Gaga and she's got a fun mix of people on her CD. I like to listen to it when I run and in the car. There's something almost foreign, yet serious about her. Her sound is unique and I'm really looking forward to her new CD in April.
This food
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A lot of my friends like Yagoot and now I know what the fuss is about! It's delicious yogurt with fun toppings. My favorite combo is the plain with bananas, blueberries and strawberries. You can get nuts, candies and loads of other things that aren't just yogurt.This website
A lot of people say Netflix is on it's way out because of Redbox, but I beg to differ. Netflix has an amazing selection and they're getting better about the speed of their deliveries. There also have great things on Netflix Instant and I use it in the classroom to show clips fom movies.This cool item
SkinIt is a really cool website that makes skins for iPods, computers, cellphones and loads more. You can get a SkinIt that's already made, or make one of your own! I have a Xaiver SkinIt and love it. It's somewhat expensive, but totally worth it.This book
This part memoir/part information guide by Stephen King is very unique and incredibly entertaining to read. King is funny and witty and informative. His story on becoming an author is fascinating. I truly take all his writing advice to heart.
This TV show
The First Generation will always have a special place in my heart, but I am really enjoying the Series 4, which is the last series with the Second Generation. It took me some time to warm up to them, but the past few episodes have been a breath of fresh air and I'm obsessed.
This song
It's catchy and melodic and I really enjoy all the other stuff by The Dodos. It's a short song, but sweet nonetheless.
This actor
Oh goodness, Logan Lerman. Well, as I mentioned in my previous secret shame I find this young man to be incredibly attractive. His dark hair and blue eyes are just the beginning, too. He's very polite and charming and a good actor. Catch him in '3:10 to Yuma' and 'My One and Only'.
Lines from this movie
This movie is hilarious. It's funnier than 'The Hangover,' in my opinion. Please rent it!Judy: Your swearing does not impress me. My husband works for Tower Hamlets and believe me those kids make you sound like... Angela Lansbury!
Malcolm Tucker: [to Simon] She's married? Poor bastard.
Malcolm Tucker: "Climbing the mountain of conflict"? You sounded like a Nazi Julie Andrews!
Judy: You know they're all kids in Washington? It's like Bugsy Malone, but with real guns.
Linton Barwick: I can't stand to see a woman bleed from the mouth. It reminds me of that Country & Western music which I cannot abide.
Simon Foster: It'll be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.
Toby Wright: No, it won't. It'll be difficult-difficult-lemon-difficult.
Malcolm Tucker: You, hey, put the snifter out there that if the BBC ambushes a minister with another surprise question about the war, I'll drop a bomb on them.
Judy: I can't do that, can I? That's political.
Malcolm Tucker: Does that not fit within your purview, Marie Antoinette? Why don't you just scuttle off back to fucking Cranford and play around with your tea and your cakes and your fucking horse cocks. Let them eat cock!
[to Toby]
Malcolm Tucker: Hey, you! Ron Weasley, you do it.
February 16, 2010
Secret Shame #4: Younger Men
For three out of my four years of college I lived with Monica and Kristina, both lovely girls who put up with me and my bullshit (shout outs to them). One of the things we did a lot of, especially sophomore year, was pick on each other. I mean, we all have our quirks. For example, I was teased about being the slowest eater in the world (and still am). We would give Monica a hard time about having crushes on really old guys (George Clooney, Harrison Ford, Richard Gere) and then we'd tease Kristina for liking younger guys. I don't know how that last one came about, but it seems lately I should be the one getting teased about my affinity for younger men.
I'm not shy about my age, which is 23, and I don't necessarily think that women have to be younger than the guys they date/marry/fantasize about. Love knows no age, people! But right now, if I were to list my celebrity crushes for you, four out of five would all be younger than me. Seriously. (Bonus points if you can guess the identity of the guy that's older than me)
That's not to say that I don't find guys my own age (Zac Efron), or older (Bradley Cooper), attractive. I just happen to like some of these actors and find them incredibly handsome or totally likeable and they are way younger than me. This almost seems inappropriate, especially because the youngest guy on this list is 18, which is younger than my brother. I am seriously ashamed of this, but oh well! Here's the five younger men/borderline jailbaits that I seem to have inappropriate crushes on these days.
#1: Nicholas Hoult
Age: 20
Where I know him from: 'About A Boy,' 'Skins,' 'A Single Man'
#2: Rupert Grint
Age: 21
Where I know him from: Harry Potter's bff, Ron Weasley
#3: Logan Lerman
Age: 18 (no longer jailbait as of a month ago)
Where I know him from: 'My One and Only,' 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Theif'
#4: Luke Pasqualino
Age: 19
Where I know him from: 'Skins'
I'm not shy about my age, which is 23, and I don't necessarily think that women have to be younger than the guys they date/marry/fantasize about. Love knows no age, people! But right now, if I were to list my celebrity crushes for you, four out of five would all be younger than me. Seriously. (Bonus points if you can guess the identity of the guy that's older than me)
That's not to say that I don't find guys my own age (Zac Efron), or older (Bradley Cooper), attractive. I just happen to like some of these actors and find them incredibly handsome or totally likeable and they are way younger than me. This almost seems inappropriate, especially because the youngest guy on this list is 18, which is younger than my brother. I am seriously ashamed of this, but oh well! Here's the five younger men/borderline jailbaits that I seem to have inappropriate crushes on these days.
#1: Nicholas Hoult
Age: 20
Where I know him from: 'About A Boy,' 'Skins,' 'A Single Man'
Score another win for puberty.
#2: Rupert Grint
Age: 21
Where I know him from: Harry Potter's bff, Ron Weasley
He's the only one on this list that could legally drink with me in the U.S.
#3: Logan Lerman
Age: 18 (no longer jailbait as of a month ago)
Where I know him from: 'My One and Only,' 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Theif'
Look into those blue eyes and then....wait, I lost my train of thought.
#4: Luke Pasqualino
Age: 19
Where I know him from: 'Skins'
He's all kinds of foreign...and all kinds of adorable.
February 15, 2010
Things I Do Not Like
I'm all about things that I like, but lately I've been dabbling in some negativity. Here are some of the things that I am not a fan of lately.
Taylor Swift's new single "Today Was A Fairytale"
It's like the ugly stepsister from Cinderella's version of "Love Story." Swift has got to stop with all the fairy tale symbolism/motifs/references or I'm going to be rid of her for good.
Jay Leno
I've decided that Jay Leno is a combination of all the bad traits in former Xavier head basketball coach Sean Miller, Peter Pettigrew from Harry Potter, and Rasputin from world history.
Twilight
Goes without saying this is the shittiest franchise ever.
Asparagus
My uncle goes on different vegetable kicks and right now he's really into asparagus, which I can't stand. The texture really bothers me for some reason. I force myself to eat it, but inside I cringe every single time.
Thieves
To the thieves who broke my car window and stole my iPod to sell for drugs: I hope your karma bites you in the ass.
The Jersey Shore
Entertaining, but in a painful, putting needles in your eye kind of way.
The Dayton Flyers 
obnoxious cheers, obnoxious players and obnoxious fans...what a revolting combination
February 11, 2010
Quotable Kids #4
Megan: Can we check this book out?
Me: The Dangerous Book for Boys? why?
Alex: We want to read it and figure boys out
Sydney: I dont think you can figure boys out from just one book
Tyler: Every time we have a sub, it makes me appreciate you more and more
Stephen: Courtney blew chunks in church today
Me: Stephen, say something less gross than 'blew chunks'
Stephen: Fine. Chunks blew out of Courtney's mouth in church today.
Courtney: What book are we reading now?
Me: I'm not going to tell you. It's a surprise until class
Courtney: How many words is it
Me: Two
Courtney: The Hangover?
Max: Now I know the title is 'My Brother Sam is Dead' but are you positive Sam is dead? Maybe he's doing a Tupac thing?
Chastity People: Now, what would you say to your friends who were looking at a picture of a naked woman on the computer?
Max: Stop looking at pictures of my girlfriend
Ian: Ms. Hoferer, I had a dream last night...one in which you stopped getting on my case all the time.
Me: Kevin! Where did you get that box of latex gloves? Did you steal it from the science room?
Kevin: No...I got it from the people who came from the pregnancy center
Max: They don't give out that kind of latex, Kevin.
Stephen: Courtney, if you keep saying things like that no one is ever going to want to marry you
Me: Dylan, are you ever going to forgive me for making you read 'Tuck Everlasting?'
Dylan: No, but you'll live.
Courtney: My boyfriend Alex is 13!
Ian: Oh, please! If your boyfriend is 13, then my mom is dating George Clooney.
Some FAQs about this blog
I have been asked a couple of questions lately about this blog and I thought I would answer them here. Any more questions? Leave a comment or formspring.me.
Q: Where did you get your name for your blog?
A: From the song "Underdog" by Kasabian. The line is "Kill me if you dare/hold my head up everywhere/keep myself riding on this train/I'm the underdog/live my life on a lullaby/keep mysel riding on this train." I kinda like it so I used it.
Q: Where the *#&! are you?
A: The westside of Cincinnati, OH. Also known as 1999.
Q: You are such a vain little bitch. Why do you have a blog? You're not important, no one cares what you think.
A: Why are you reading this then?
Q: How old are you?
A: Old enough to know better, too young to care
Q: Why do you blog?
A: I like to write and I need an outlet for it.
Q: Is there a format to this thing?
A: Not really. I mean, I have secret shames, quotes from my students and 10 things that I like, but that's about it. Other than that, anything goes.
Q: Do people read this?
A: Yes, according to Google Analytics (which is awesome).
Q: Where did you get your name for your blog?
A: From the song "Underdog" by Kasabian. The line is "Kill me if you dare/hold my head up everywhere/keep myself riding on this train/I'm the underdog/live my life on a lullaby/keep mysel riding on this train." I kinda like it so I used it.
Q: Where the *#&! are you?
A: The westside of Cincinnati, OH. Also known as 1999.
Q: You are such a vain little bitch. Why do you have a blog? You're not important, no one cares what you think.
A: Why are you reading this then?
Q: How old are you?
A: Old enough to know better, too young to care
Q: Why do you blog?
A: I like to write and I need an outlet for it.
Q: Is there a format to this thing?
A: Not really. I mean, I have secret shames, quotes from my students and 10 things that I like, but that's about it. Other than that, anything goes.
Q: Do people read this?
A: Yes, according to Google Analytics (which is awesome).
February 9, 2010
Thoughts on Young Adult Literature
I love reading.
Okay, that's really nothing new for readers of this blog or for people who know me and know that I am a reading teacher and longtime bookworm/nerd. But lately, as I think about (or rather, fantasize about) becoming a writer I think a lot about genre and the kind of books I would want to write and the kind of books I enjoy reading.
I don't want to pigeonhole myself into one nitch, but I really like the Young Adult genre. Not to say that I don't read other genres, like fiction and non-fiction, but I find myself reading a lot of YA these days (mostly because I teach to that audience) and I appreciate it more and more. One of my favorite authors is John Green, who writes exclusively YA books, and in the past few months the best books I have read have been marketed as YA.
But I feel there is some sort of stigma attached to YA, like it's known as 'good, but not good enough' or like it's simply child's play or for people who want to read stuff that is 'mindless.' All of these comparisons don't make me happy, because I think good YA, the kind that wins people over and wins Printz awards, is good fiction, period.
Let's take for example the Printz-honor, NYT best-seller "The Book Thief" which I adored. It was moving, darkly funny, heartbreaking, and inventive. *** It's not mindless at all, that's fantastic. It's brave and haunting. "The Book Thief" is much better than some of the stuff out there, marketed as fiction towards adults, and some people hesitate to read it because of the stigma against YA books.
Now, don't get me wrong, there are some terrible YA books out there. There is one new vampire series, called 'The House of Night', that are probably some of the most terrible books I have ever read (I read the first two and couldn't stomach anymore). But the YA genre is like any other genre, there are both excellent books and not-so excellent books (and total trash). The trick is to pick the good books. It angers me that people think they are 'above' reading YA. Young Adult literature, if written well, will resonate with someone no matter what age they are.
Okay, that's really nothing new for readers of this blog or for people who know me and know that I am a reading teacher and longtime bookworm/nerd. But lately, as I think about (or rather, fantasize about) becoming a writer I think a lot about genre and the kind of books I would want to write and the kind of books I enjoy reading.
I don't want to pigeonhole myself into one nitch, but I really like the Young Adult genre. Not to say that I don't read other genres, like fiction and non-fiction, but I find myself reading a lot of YA these days (mostly because I teach to that audience) and I appreciate it more and more. One of my favorite authors is John Green, who writes exclusively YA books, and in the past few months the best books I have read have been marketed as YA.
But I feel there is some sort of stigma attached to YA, like it's known as 'good, but not good enough' or like it's simply child's play or for people who want to read stuff that is 'mindless.' All of these comparisons don't make me happy, because I think good YA, the kind that wins people over and wins Printz awards, is good fiction, period.
Let's take for example the Printz-honor, NYT best-seller "The Book Thief" which I adored. It was moving, darkly funny, heartbreaking, and inventive. *** It's not mindless at all, that's fantastic. It's brave and haunting. "The Book Thief" is much better than some of the stuff out there, marketed as fiction towards adults, and some people hesitate to read it because of the stigma against YA books.
Now, don't get me wrong, there are some terrible YA books out there. There is one new vampire series, called 'The House of Night', that are probably some of the most terrible books I have ever read (I read the first two and couldn't stomach anymore). But the YA genre is like any other genre, there are both excellent books and not-so excellent books (and total trash). The trick is to pick the good books. It angers me that people think they are 'above' reading YA. Young Adult literature, if written well, will resonate with someone no matter what age they are.
Young Adult literature can be playful and funny, moving, and it's delivered in a very interesting way. The reason I want to write YA is mainly because of the demographic. I personally didn't think there were enough good YA books out there when I was that age range, and I would like to provide something more substantial. Plus, I think it's audience is an important one. They don't need 'guidance' or 'help' or anything like that, they need things that make them think and feel, and that can be delivered all through a book.
Below is a list of the excellent YA books I have read. I recommend them all and think that the stories will interest you and stay with you after you read them, like all good books should.
-The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
-The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
-Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
-The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
-Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
-So B. It by Sarah Weeks
-Going Bovine by Libba Bray
-The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
-Paper Towns by John Green
-An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
-The Year of the Hangman by Gary Blackwood
-Holes by Louie Sacher
-The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman
-Freak the Mighty by Rodman Phillback
-The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidtt
-The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
-Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
***SPOILER ALERT***The book is narrated by death. DEATH. The author personified death and made him tell the entire 500-something page story. Don't tell me that's not risky.
Below is a list of the excellent YA books I have read. I recommend them all and think that the stories will interest you and stay with you after you read them, like all good books should.
-The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
-The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
-Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
-The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
-Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
-So B. It by Sarah Weeks
-Going Bovine by Libba Bray
-The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
-Paper Towns by John Green
-An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
-The Year of the Hangman by Gary Blackwood
-Holes by Louie Sacher
-The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman
-Freak the Mighty by Rodman Phillback
-The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidtt
-The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
-Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
***SPOILER ALERT***The book is narrated by death. DEATH. The author personified death and made him tell the entire 500-something page story. Don't tell me that's not risky.
February 7, 2010
The Only Fuel You Need While You Diet Is Hate
I'm pretty forthcoming in this blog, so I will not lie to my faithful readers (all three of you) about my personal life. It seems that I have developed into an emotional eater, replacing friends, boys, and parties with food and have since put on a little extra weight. I'm not ashamed of this. Everybody goes through it. But when you can't zip up the khakis that used to hang loose on you, it's definitely time to evaluate life habits and such.
I'm about a month into my diet which is mostly composed of Weight Watchers, lots of vegetables, and exercising. Well, more exercising than just pilates, which I have been doing since the treadmill broke and my iPod was stolen. It's been a frustrating process that includes dreaming of food and generally hating day-to-day life.
Actually, now that I think about it, losing weight involves a lot of hate. During the process, you come to hate a lot of things. This is something new for me, as generally I don't think of myself as a hateful person. But I find myself doing a lot of hating throughout the day. Below, is an example:
Morning
I'm about a month into my diet which is mostly composed of Weight Watchers, lots of vegetables, and exercising. Well, more exercising than just pilates, which I have been doing since the treadmill broke and my iPod was stolen. It's been a frustrating process that includes dreaming of food and generally hating day-to-day life.
Actually, now that I think about it, losing weight involves a lot of hate. During the process, you come to hate a lot of things. This is something new for me, as generally I don't think of myself as a hateful person. But I find myself doing a lot of hating throughout the day. Below, is an example:
Morning
- "I hate waking up hungry."
- "I hate that I just ate air for breakfast."
- "I hate it when I wake up and can barely get out of bed, my abs are so sore."
School
- "I hate it when they have a tray full of brownies in the office."
- "I hate that Karen can eat whatever she wants and looks like a bean pole and I am sitting here, eating air."
After School
- "I hate that I ate air for lunch because now I'm even hungrier."
- "I hate running on the treadmill and staring at the same spot for thirty minutes."
- "I hate running on the treadmill when a terrible song or commercial comes on the radio and I don't want to change it because then all my little dots that show my distance will go away."
- "I hate doing crunches."
Evening
- "I hate that I just ate air for dinner."
- "I hate that we eat dinner so late, hoping not to go to bed hungry."
- "I hate going to bed being hungry."
Nighttime
- "I hate dreaming about food."
So as you can see, that's a lot of hate all wrapped up into one typical day in my life and it gets pretty frustrating after a while. It sometimes even comes to the point where it really drags you down.
So I got to thinking, which do I hate more, all those things that I listed there, or the fact that I can't fit into clothes I own? Or that my self-esteem is pretty low latey? Or that I simply do not feel like I live a healthy lifestyle? Or that I sometimes feel like a blob and a waste of space because of what I eat?
I hate all of those things that I listed there, more than the fact that I can't indulge in office sweets or I have to sweat it out on the treadmill all the time. I also have to look at the bigger picture here, which is my long term health. Because of recent health scares in both me and my parents it's a thought in the back of my mind.
So whenever I get on the treadmill or see a plate of delicious brownies, I tell myself "I would hate to wear frumpy clothes, I hate being tired all the time, I would hate to have high blood pressure, I hate feeling like a blob.
It's the hate that keeps me going.
February 2, 2010
Awesome...and Oscar-less
Ah, today the Academy Award nominations were announced. It's a thrilling day for me personally, as I am a movie buff and look forward to award shows. With the nomination of Jeff Bridges, who has been nominated three times, first-time nominee Colin Firth, and Kate Winslet's deserved win last year (but really a win for her overall body of work, I'm thinking), who hasn't won an Oscar that should? While trolling imdb.com and Wikipedia for information on these actors, I'm truly shocked that some of them have never won.
Leonardo DiCaprio
nominations: 3
what he got completely snubbed for: The Departed, Revolutionary Road
Leonardo DiCaprio, I apologize, but I once just wrote you off as a petty pretty-boy that my 4th grade best friend was madly in love with. Now, you have evolved into a very serious, and VERY good actor. I think the reason you haven't won is because, while the films you were nominated for were awesome, none of yet been the perfect, shining match. I'm sure though if you keep making Scorcese movies that it will come for you.
Brad Pitt
nominations: 2
what he got completely snubbed for: Babel, Inglorious Bastards
There's no doubt that Brad Pitt is a terribly attractive human being. That scene in Fight Club is infamous among the human population for two reasons: he is tough and he is hot. But, the man can also act, as seen in 'Benjamin Button' and the aforementioned 'Fight Club'. Though it would not be the best win if you won for either of those movies (or for '12 Monkeys' which seriously freaked me out) I think you will be one of those guys that will be given a lifetime acheivement award. So basically, you're the next Peter O'Toole.
Also, am I the only one who thought he was absolutely hilarious in 'Inglorious Basterds?'
Laura Linney
nominations: 3
what she got completely snubbed for: Mystic River, The Squid and the Whale
She's so affecting and so fearless and it amazes me she has never won. The woman has been steadily employed for YEARS so something is bound to come from it, right? She's pretty fearless and seems like one of the only actresses in Hollywood that has a touch of realism about her.
Julie Walters
nominations: 2
what she got completely snubbed for: not winning for 'Educating Rita'
I thought she should have won for 'Educating Rita' as I really, really loved that film. She is so funny and so real and her body of British films are delightful. I hope that some sort of fantastic role comes along for her, but I'm afraid this won't happen...especially with that whole 'aging' thing.
Johnny Depp
nominations: 3
what he got completely snubbed for: Blow, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
He was so good and heartbreaking in 'Blow' and he really should have been nominated. He continues to accept roles that are new and difficult while still managing to work with his pal Tim Burton. He's well on his way (hopefully). I think he should have won for 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' but I'm a weirdo like that.
Gary Oldman
Edward Norton
nominations: 2
what he got completely snubbed for: Fight Club, The People vs. Larry Flynt
The man plays derranged like no one else can. Seriously. He's absorbing and even kind of scary )(I closed my eyes through half of 'American History X'). Now he just has to find the right part and the right script.
Helena Bonham Carter
Anne Hathaway
nominations: 1
what she got completely snubbed for: Becoming Jane
She is super talented, super gorgeous and super funny. I'm sure that the fact that she is relatively young and recently de-Disneyfied means that she is well on her way to accepting the little golden man as a part of her life. I think that playing Judy Garland is a good way to start that.
Leonardo DiCaprio
nominations: 3
what he got completely snubbed for: The Departed, Revolutionary Road
Leonardo DiCaprio, I apologize, but I once just wrote you off as a petty pretty-boy that my 4th grade best friend was madly in love with. Now, you have evolved into a very serious, and VERY good actor. I think the reason you haven't won is because, while the films you were nominated for were awesome, none of yet been the perfect, shining match. I'm sure though if you keep making Scorcese movies that it will come for you.
Brad Pitt
nominations: 2
what he got completely snubbed for: Babel, Inglorious Bastards
There's no doubt that Brad Pitt is a terribly attractive human being. That scene in Fight Club is infamous among the human population for two reasons: he is tough and he is hot. But, the man can also act, as seen in 'Benjamin Button' and the aforementioned 'Fight Club'. Though it would not be the best win if you won for either of those movies (or for '12 Monkeys' which seriously freaked me out) I think you will be one of those guys that will be given a lifetime acheivement award. So basically, you're the next Peter O'Toole.
Also, am I the only one who thought he was absolutely hilarious in 'Inglorious Basterds?'
Laura Linney
nominations: 3
what she got completely snubbed for: Mystic River, The Squid and the Whale
She's so affecting and so fearless and it amazes me she has never won. The woman has been steadily employed for YEARS so something is bound to come from it, right? She's pretty fearless and seems like one of the only actresses in Hollywood that has a touch of realism about her.
Julie Walters
nominations: 2
what she got completely snubbed for: not winning for 'Educating Rita'
I thought she should have won for 'Educating Rita' as I really, really loved that film. She is so funny and so real and her body of British films are delightful. I hope that some sort of fantastic role comes along for her, but I'm afraid this won't happen...especially with that whole 'aging' thing.
Johnny Depp
nominations: 3
what he got completely snubbed for: Blow, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
He was so good and heartbreaking in 'Blow' and he really should have been nominated. He continues to accept roles that are new and difficult while still managing to work with his pal Tim Burton. He's well on his way (hopefully). I think he should have won for 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' but I'm a weirdo like that.
Gary Oldman
nominations: 0
What he got completely snubbed for: Sid & Nancy, JFK
He is an absolutely delicious villian (see Dracula and JFK), but also warms our hearts as the good guy in 'Harry Potter' and 'The Dark Knight.' He is a master of accents an immersing himself into a role. He seems terribly interesting in real life too, as well as very funny and warm. He's really good on screen and it's a shame he has never been nominated for an Oscar because he is, quite simply, a good actor.
Edward Norton
nominations: 2
what he got completely snubbed for: Fight Club, The People vs. Larry Flynt
The man plays derranged like no one else can. Seriously. He's absorbing and even kind of scary )(I closed my eyes through half of 'American History X'). Now he just has to find the right part and the right script.
Helena Bonham Carter
nominatins: 1
what she got snubbed for: Howard's End, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Strett
Probably one of the most unique looking women in British cinema with a long career that sees her taking roles in blockbusters, period pieces and intense television dramas. There is no doubt that she is a good actress, yet, apparently, her large body of work has been relatively ignored by Academy voters.
what she got snubbed for: Howard's End, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Strett
Probably one of the most unique looking women in British cinema with a long career that sees her taking roles in blockbusters, period pieces and intense television dramas. There is no doubt that she is a good actress, yet, apparently, her large body of work has been relatively ignored by Academy voters.
Anne Hathaway
nominations: 1
what she got completely snubbed for: Becoming Jane
She is super talented, super gorgeous and super funny. I'm sure that the fact that she is relatively young and recently de-Disneyfied means that she is well on her way to accepting the little golden man as a part of her life. I think that playing Judy Garland is a good way to start that.