What a week!

I've been so blessed this week that I'm literally worn out from kindness.

Wednesday I went out to brunch with my friend Gina.  Interesting fact:  Gina had never heard of eggs benedict before that morning.    I also received a 3-layer chocolate in the mail from my great-aunt Bernice.  This is the third birthday cake I have received in the mail.  It was probably the best chocolate cake I have ever eaten.  I gave a piece to a former professor of mine here at the seminary and he told me later that if he wasn't already married, he would have proposed to my great-aunt.

Thursday the baked-goods-in-the-mail trend continued with homemade chocolate chip cookies from my mother.  I love chocolate chip cookes baked by my mother and decided not to share them. 

Friday night I checked off one of my many things on my Boston to do list - tried some Samuel Adams beer on tap.  Samuel Adams is brewed in Boston (or near it.. I cannot remember).    I'm not a huge fan of beer, but this wasn't bad.  Thanks to Kerry for taking me out!

Saturday morning was spent at a bridal shower in Hamilton.  Saturday night I headed to Worcester, MA (pronounced Wuh-stah) to see Third Day, Brandon Heath and Revive in concert.  Words cannot express how awesome the show was and how much of a blessing it was for me to be there.  There was a group of 6 that went together and I just had a blast with them.

Today I went to church and then the girls from seminary ate out.  We had intended to eat BBQ but the place was closed.  Then we decided to eat Mexican food.  Interesting fact: Gina has never eaten Mexican food.  (Same girl as the eggs benedict. I've shown her a whole new world of food this week!)  Then we came back, ate cheesecake and played the Office DVD game.  

It's been a wonderful birthday celebration.  I feel very loved and blessed.  My room is full of yellow flowers and whenever I look at them I just smile.  Thank you to everyone.  It's going to be really hard to go back to a "normal" existence after a birthday like this.  Good thing I won't have to suffer for long.  Bridgett comes on Friday!  Woo Hoo!

Lutheran Video

I came across this when I was looking for something else.  It's based off of the Hannukah song by Adam Sandler.  It made me laugh.  Enjoy!

I lack originality.

This is taken from my friend Kim's blog which was taken from someone else's and so on and so forth.  There have been a lot of these types of things going around, but this one appealed to me because I have been a little sentimental lately and therefore am in the mood to give.

But before we get to the contest thing - a little story.

There is this couple in my church that I have become friends with.  They are also good friends of the pastor and her husband, which is how I got to know them.  Both of them are transplants from the Midwest to New England and much of our time is spent cataloguing the differences between the two regions.  For awhile the Kesters were trying to convince me that I would stay in New England, but I eventually convinced them otherwise.  About a month ago, Kimie (the wife) emailed me her husband's birthday which I put in the announcements page in the church bulletin.  This is typical for church members, but he isn't technically a church member yet.  Once he saw this he was determined to figure out my birthday and let the entire church know.  I gave him various hints over the past few weeks. I told him I never give up sweets during lent so I can always eat my birthday cake.  I told him I share my birthday with Albert Einstein.  Finally I told him my birthday was on Pi Day.  Of course he heard "pie day" and had no idea what that meant.

Well, today he figured it out.  However, when I do birthdays in the bulletin, I always do them for the upcoming week and since my birthday is on Saturday - he was too late!  [insert evil laugh]  Besides, I am the one who makes the bulletins - like I would incriminate myself!

It was a small victory for me, but a victory nonetheless.  Speaking of small victories - I bowled last night and got a 147 and a 158.  Those are really great scores for me, but I need to talk to my dad about it because the lanes were super slick and I think that had something to do with it.

Okay,  for those of you interested, here are the rules for the game I stole from Kim.  I'm modifying it a little.

The Rules

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me. Something crafty or yummy, who knows?

2. The gift that you send to your three winning friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make and/or ship your item. 

3. When you receive your gift, please share with blogdom what arrived on your doorstep. If you're not among the first three commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

Movie Moments Part 5

The final post in my series of favorite movie moments of movies that I own.  

The Saint

Favorite Moment:  Part of the movie is set in Oxford, England.  As many of you know, I spent a semester in Oxford during college.  One of the more famous buildings in Oxford is the Radcliffe Camera - part of the Bodleian Library.  In the movie, they make it seem like the lecture at the end of the movie is set within the Radcliffe Camera and there is a police chase through the Bodleian courtyard.  It's just fun because those are places I used to frequent when I lived there.

The 10th Kingdom

Favorite Moment:  This is a TV miniseries from a while ago, but I love it.  My favorite scene is the three trolls singing along to "night fever" by the BeeGees.  The tape player (yeah... tape player) dies in the middle of the song and they are so disappointed.  Then one of the trolls picks his nose and eats it.  It's such a great scene of sibling rivalry.

Twister

Favorite Moment:  After the final twister there is a scene where the rest of team is driving over the horizon towards the two main characters.  Van Halen's "Humans Being" is playing in the background - love it.  I watch this movie every summer.

Two Weeks Notice

Favorite Moment:  "George, you are the most selfish person in the entire world."  "That's just silly, have you met everyone in the world?"

Under the Tuscan Sun

Favorite Moment:  When Frances sees a snake enter her room, she has the italian realtor come to seek it out.  In the process she breaks down emotionally over her choice to move to Tuscany and he reassures her by telling her a story about faith.  That character is everything a man should be: kind, compassionate, faithful, the list goes on.

Waitress

Favorite Moment:  I love Nathan Fillion in this movie.  He's so awkward and sweet.  It's actually quite a feat to make his character endearing because he's a married doctor who is having an affair with one of his pregnant married patients... yet - I find myself really liking him.  Specifically when he shows up Keri Russell's door and just hugs her for 20 minutes.  We all need a little selfless love in our lives.

While You Were Sleeping

Favorite Moment:  Hands down favorite is the kid wiping out on his bike while delivering papers. It's a transitional scene and so funny.  Two other scenes are tied for a very close second:  The whole "leaning" discussion and the family dinner where about 5 conversations are happening at once... these mashed potatoes are so creamy.  

Well, that's it.  I hope you've found some of this interesting and perhaps it has inspired you to watch a movie or two.  You are welcome to borrow them from me (if that is practical) as long as you return it.  As you might notice, The Holiday wasn't on this list because it is still missing.  Very sad.  

I would be interested in your favorite moments of some of these movies or some of your own favorites.  Perhaps you'll inspire me to watch your favorites.

Movie Moments Part 4

This is the pen-ultimate post.  That is not a value judgment - just a placement judgment.  There is only one more after this one.  Here we go again.  

Spaceballs

Favorite Moment:  I must admit that I really think Mel Brooks is a comic genius.  At one point during the movie Dark Helmut (played perfectly by Rick Moranis) loses track of Lonestar and Barf and one of his underlings suggests watching the movie Spaceballs in order to find them.  There is new technology that allows the movies to be in the store before they are even done filming.  Therefore, they begin watching the movie and watch themselves watching the movie.  It's great fun.  Mel Brooks loves breaking the 4th wall and he does it so well.

Stardust

Favorite Moment:  Ricky Gervais and Robert DeNiro bartering.  Oh to have only been there when that scene was being filmed....  What is great about the scene, other than being hilarious, is that Deniro is doing what he does best (tough guy) and Gervais is doing what he does best (witty banter.)  A close second is the voodoo sword fight - and I realize how strange the sounds.  

Stranger than Fiction

Favorite Moment:  Like so many of the other movies that I enjoy - this one is full of so many little moments that it becomes hard to choose.  A few favorite tiny moments:  Dustin Hoffman asking Will Ferrell if he is happy that he's not a gollum.  Emma Thompson [insert any moment.]  And finally, Tony Hale (of Arrested Development fame) saying that nobody is too old to go to spacecamp.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Favorite Moment:  Edward Sanders singing "Now While I'm Around" because he has a beautiful voice.  It's also heartbreaking because he doesn't know who he's trying to protect.  

Sweet Home Alabama

Favorite Moment:  When Melanie finally realizes that her family has dignity and respects her parents.  This moment happens when Andrew comes back to her house and she suggests having the wedding in Alabama.  It's a small moment - but there is a sense of her finally starting to not be ashamed of where she's from, but perhaps feeling some pride.  As someone from a small town and rather proud of that upbringing (for whatever reason) I like that scene.

Sweet November

Favorite Moment:  This movie was a gift.  Just want to say that.  My favorite thing about this movie is the name of the little boy who befriends Keanu Reeves.  His name is Abner.  You're not going to lead a normal life with a name like that.

The First Wives Club

Favorite Moment:  During a Bar Mitzvah for the son of one of the "first wives" (Bette Midler) the ex-husband brings along his new girlfriend who is much younger and very beautiful.  Midler's character is furious and Diane Keaton (another first wife) asks in all sincerity, "Is she a gift?"  

The Italian Job

Favorite Moment:  I just watched this tonight.  I couldn't stop laughing during one moment, so I'll use that one.  Mark Wahlberg and Mos Def go to see "Skinny Pete" who is a 400 pound Hawaiian informant.  Before actually seeing Skinny Pete Wahlberg tells the Mos Def not to stare. Of course, he stares and then when he tries to talk he's looking everywhere but at Skinny Pete.  It's so awkward and funny.  

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Favorite Moment:  I have the 3rd Pirates movie and the 2nd Lord of the Rings... that's strange.  My favorite moment is Legolas and Gimli bantering before and during the battle.  While they are on the lookout Gimli is too short to see over the wall and is complaining.  Legolas responds by saying, "Shall I describe it to you, or would you like me to find you a box?"  Much needed humor before the battle.

The Phantom of the Opera

Favorite Moment:  You may have noticed I include "the" when alphabetizing.  I'm not ashamed. Favorite moment in Phantom of the Opera... oh yes.  Christine and Raoul have just finished singing on the roof with the Phantom listening on.  He reprises the song and runs up a statue and then pan out onto Paris.  It's a cool shot and you can really feel that in his mind he's been betrayed.

Tomorrow I'll post the last one.  

Movie Moments Part 3

The next installment of Katie's favorite movie moments.  I have decided not to include the tv shows that I own (Psych seasons 1&2, Ugly Betty Season 1) because there is way too much material for me to choose a favorite moment.  

Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End

Favorite Moment:  I bought this movie because I love the soundtrack.  As far as my favorite moment in the movie, however, I would have to say the scene where they elect the pirate king.  It's loud, chaotic, and nobody ever knows what's going on in Jack Sparrow's head.  Plus - I enjoy anytime that a female character goes on a journey towards self-discovery and in this series Elizabeth goes through a great journey.

Pride & Prejudice

Favorite Moment:  This is such a wonderful adaptation of the book (and I am a fan of the BBC version.)  My favorite moment comes from Tom Hollander (Mr. Collins) because he plays the character so different from what anyone would expect.  My favorite moment is at the private ball when Mr. Collins is trying to persue Elizabeth.  During the montage that is not really a montage there is a scene where he stands in the middle of the room holding a single flower and he exhales (as if in defeat.)  It's such a sweet little moment.  Later the flower returns when he proposes to Elizabeth.

P.S. I Love You

Favorite Moment:  Gerard Butler during the flashback of when his character and Hilary Swank's character first meet in Ireland.  The whole scene is priceless, actually.  Each person trying to impress the other and talking about things that neither person understands.  It's very innocent and funny and the scenery is gorgeous.  

Rent

Favorite Moment:  When the HIV support group sings "Another Day" beginning with the New Yorker who talks about how he doesn't always trust what the therapist says but will do it because it seems to be working.  There are some moments in that musical that are so real even though the characters are singing and that is one of them.  

Runaway Bride

Favorite Moment:  This is another movie where the main character goes on a journey of self-discovery.  I wonder what that says about me...  that's for another post.  Small moment that always cracks me up features Joan Cusack (the quirky best friend) cheering on her husband while trying not to move her lips.  It just seems like something I would have done.

Runaway Jury

Favorite Moment:  Since this is a John Grisham movie, you know there is a great twist at the end.  The best part is when the "bad guys" discover the twist when it is too late to do anything about it.  I've decided to stay vague about this particular movie in case you haven't seen it, because you really should see it.  You can borrow it from me if you like.

Sabrina

Favorite Moment:  Sabrina's first day in the fashion industry in Paris.  They are speaking French or barely recognizable English to her, she's running around like a mad man, she turns on a fan which causes the model to drop her contact which Sabrina then proceeds to step on... all in all it is just a bad day.  Later on the phone with her father, he's trying to console her and says that not everybody in Paris thinks she's an idiot to which she responds: that's only because they haven't met me yet.  That makes her character so real and believable.

Sense & Sensibility

Favorite Moment:  Some of these movies are so difficult to pick a favorite moment!  The best moment, for me, is when Elinor is so overcome with emotion that she just cannot hold it in anymore and starts to cry... really cry.  I know that feeling and as the audience I am so happy for her because she's finally able to feel what she hasn't allowed herself to feel for nearly the entire movie.  Emma Thompson just blows my mind and I love it.

Sister Act

Favorite Moment:  The first time we hear the shy nun sing out in church.  It's such a triumphant moment, I only wish they would have built that up a little bit more.  I also wish that it was that actress's real voice - but we can't get everything we wish for.  I also really love Sister Mary Clarence's table grace which is a mash up of the Lord's prayer, Psalm 23, the marriage vows, and the pledge of allegiance - what a great piece of writing.

Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit

Favorite Moment:  I love singing in movies, if you haven't noticed already.  I own a lot of musicals and there are still a couple more to go.  My favorite moment in this movie is the duet of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow."  It's a beautiful rendition and that is the moment of revelation for the lead character - she wants to sing.  

That makes 30 movies so far.  I didn't realize I owned so many!  And yet - I never seem to have anything to watch.  :)

Movie Moments Part 2

I'm continuing this now because it's Friday and I don't want to do any homework after sitting through a 3 hour lecture.  Let us continue with my favorite movie moments!

Lars and the Real Girl

Favorite Moment:  This movie is made up of so many little moments that are so amazing.  If I had to choose - which I am making myself do - I would pick the moment when Lars realizes Bianca has a life of her own without him.  She was on her way to a party at the hospital and the lady giving her a ride tells Lars that no woman would just sit around all day and wait for him.  Even female dolls need their independence!

License to Wed

Favorite Moment:  3 words:  Never to Fart.  The whole scene where they debate whether or not the letter on the form is a P or an F is awesome.  Not to mention that it features Angela Kinsey of The Office and Bob Balaban (any Christopher Guest movie) who stole the scene.

Little Women

Favorite Moment:  How can I choose?  Any scene with Beth (Claire Danes) makes me sob.  When she gets the piano from Mr. Lawrence and her final speech to Jo.  In that speech she talks about being content with staying home, but that now she was going ahead of her sisters into the unknown.  [insert sobbing here]

Matilda

Favorite Moment:  Trunchbull is the principal of an elementary school and she hates children, but loves sweets.  One child has eaten her chocolate cake and for punishment has him eat an entire chocolate cake during an assembly.  The cake would feed like 50 people at least.  While the boy triumphs with the support of his peers thus foiling her plan - she succeeds in making me think about that scene every time I see chocolate cake.

Muriel's Wedding

Favorite Moment:  Again - a very small moment, but I bought the movie because of it.  Muriel ends up marrying an olympian swimmer who is trying to get Australian citizenship.  As Muriel comes down the aisle to ABBA's "I do, I do, I do" just beaming (this is her ultimate dream) he turns and gives this look... how to describe the look.  It's like he's been dropped kicked in the gut - it's hilarious and kind of sad at the same time.  The whole movie is that way, in fact.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Favorite Moment:  This movie is endlessly quotable.  "I don't know, I don't know, I don't know because nobody talk to me about nothing no more!"  "Why do you want to leave me?!"  "In my neck was my twin..."  and on it goes.  My favorite moments in this movie happen between Toula and her brother.  First is at the baptism when Toula doubts her value and her brother reassures her and reminds her that she is worth what Ian is doing for her.  The second is when her brother tells her he is taking some classes in art.  Not only do our actions change our lives, but the lives of those around us.  

Newsies

Favorite Moment:  The reprise of "Seize the Day" in front of Pullitzer's building.  The choreography is preparing us for the impending fight they boys will face.  It is also the only time we really see the main characters doing the same choreography as the other newsies.  Finally - love it because the actually reprise fills out the song with more harmony.  Dancing, singing, fighting, Christian Bale... recipe for a great movie.  

Once

Favorite Moment:  I love the part when Marketa Irglova's character is acting as Glen Hansard's agent toward the loan officer.  She picks out his suit and then becomes very outspoken during the interview.  It's much easier to defend someone else's talent than your own.  The whole movie is about two people having a real connection although they barely know one another - this is just one example of many.

Penelope

Favorite Moment:  Any moment with Peter Dinklage.  I think one of the best is when the character Edward licks Max's hand because Max has covered his mouth to stop him from talking.  Max says "He licked me" in disgust and Peter Dinklage's character, acting as the father figure to these two young men, tells Edward "ugh... don't lick Max."  Sometimes we find ourselves uttering the most ridiculous sentences in all seriousness.  I can only imagine what words come out of most parents' mouths with little children...

Persuasion

Favorite Moment:  Watching Captain Wentworth listen to Anne Elliot basically confessing her feelings for him (Wentworth) after over 8 years of being apart.  She's not confessing to him, but to another man during a discussion about whether males or females love the longest after a relationship has ended.  His face is priceless.  

Another 10 down.  I hope you find this interesting.  It's making me want to watch all of these movies now - and since I own them it is very tempting.