The Good Girl Watches: Slumdog Millionaire

I LOVE movies. I have already established my affiinity for Tween flicks but really, I don't discriminate. In fact, it's a running joke that I happen to like everything which, consequently, prevents me from giving a trusted movie critique. However, I am here to tell you that I saw an amazing movie today, Slumdog Millionaire. True to form, we have picked back up our Sunday morning tradition of matinee movies. Kate and I (with coffee in hand) met up with our guy friends at 11am sharp to get some seats.

Slumdog is an independent film about a young man from the slums of India that goes on the famous gameshow "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and wins, only to be later accused of cheating. The movie goes on to chronicle every question and how it relates to events in his life, thus allowing him to correctly answer every question. I know that my summary can't really do it justice, but the cinematography and story are incredible. A definite must-see. I believe that it's in limited release right now but it's perfect for a date night!

Twilight, You're Breakin' My Heart

Twilight, I’m over you. This coming from an avid reader that is almost finished with the third book…what is happening? Let’s face it, I don’t really mean that. But right now it’s all I can do to escape the hysteria. There is nothing that I do, read, or watch that hasn’t had some sort of Twilight trickle-down affect. Nothing is above reproach, Twilight cereal, vampire cookies, wearable fangs – you name it, they’ve got it. I have already established my love for all things Tween; however, I pride myself on not having the personality for all out hysteria. For example, someone I know (Alyssa) tends to have the compulsive desire to meet, date, stalk, and marry any working celebrity that she finds attractive. She is very open about her condition, even explaining that when Titanic hit the theaters almost ten years ago (we’re old) she was one of the ones that fell into the Leo love-trap. So you can only imagine her devotion to the newest Twilight craze. Admittedly, it’s an attractive group of youngsters that are playing these characters, but still…there are limits. Can we not just read the books, buy a ticket and watch the movie? Must we really stampede them at the mall? Call me apathetic but I’m sorry, I can’t take it anymore.

This is exactly the reason why I fought the Potter battle. Grown men dressed up as wizards outside of Barnes & Noble, I’ll pass. I hate to get analytical about this, but our society tends to take something and completely beat the love out of it. My friends and I had this discussion after watching Brad Pitt on Oprah a few days ago. One of the girls described it as a “giant love fest” and I wholeheartedly agree. She was starry eyed and he was overly complimentary, which makes for a typical celebrity interview. However, our discussion centered around the fact that a. Oprah managed to Skype in the world’s most annoying fan that knew every tattoo on Brad’s body, but b. when asked if he could have one day of anonymity what he would do, he simply answered that he would take down his gates and fences, say hi to his neighbors, let his kids play outside and maybe grill. Basically, he would be “normal.” Now listen, my apathy for celebrities is slim at best but this is kind of sad. This is a guy who is sitting there saying this knowing that he’ll really never get that. Of course our discussion turned to the fact that this was a “meet in the middle” situation between Brad and the media. It is arguable that he sought this kind of fame out and was then met the rest of the way by the media. Do you think he ever expected a life like this? Probably not, but this is what he has. For better or for worse, his family will probably never know a life without cameras, media scrutiny, multiple houses, millions of dollars and lack of privacy. I don’t know, it just put a lot into perspective as to what kind of life I am living. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded that things are better than we think.

Anyway, just a little thought for a boring Friday. Of course I’m still on "Team Twilight." I might wait out the weekend and catch the movie during the weekday but I shall remain devoted.

Vampire Love,

Kristen

Kenny Ortega, I love you.

Email chains. Gotta love em. Everyone has their "group." Oftentimes it's your closest friends, but other times you can be a part of a truly great email chain that has no real core. However, my most loyal email chain involves a very set group of people with a range of daily interests. One day I'll get an uplifting verse, the next day I'll get an inappropriate joke. You just never really know.



Well today I received the lyrics to "Seize The Day," a popular number from the hit movie Newsies. Not only does this movie happen to be one of my all time favorites, but it was directed by none other than Kenny Ortega. I am telling you, this guy is my hero. If you do not know anything about Mr. Ortega, then I will enlighten you. Not only did he discover Zac Efron, but he has been responsible for some of my all-time favorite movies: Dirty Dancing, High School Musical(s), Pretty In Pink, etc. I swear, had he dabbled in Grease or Dreamgirls, I would officially have to quit my job and stalk him. Thank goodness that won't be necessary. Anyway, here are a few clips of classic Ortega delight to brighten your day...I know that they have brought great joy to mine!



Newsies - "Seize The Day"







High School Musical 3 - "The Boys Are Back"







Ortega Update: After an extensive look into his biography, I have also found out that he will be responsible for bringing Footloose to Broadway in 2010 - who's in?

W.

In his first post-Election Day interview, President Bush was asked several questions about his Presidency. The interview covered regrets, proudest moments and what the future holds for soon-to-be former President Bush.

CNN: So, after all of this, what is next for you?

Bush: I'll probably get back and take a deep breath. I haven't had much time to really settle down and figure out what life's going be like after this. I know I'm going be in Texas. No doubt I'm heading straight home. I miss Texas. I love Texas. I've got lots of friends in Texas. I will probably write a book...And other than that, I'm not quite sure yet.

God bless Texas.

Farewell Friend

For those of you that don't know, my friend Robbie has been in New York for the past 6 months. Posing under the cover of "here for business," what he was really meant was "here for the party." From the second he wheeled off of the plane in June we have had a whirlwind of fun. Some of it I have shared with you other things are better left unsaid, but one thing is for sure, we have never tired of a good time. Some of you might know Robbie as the lovable OU homecoming king, but I have had the pleasure of knowing Robbie as one of the greatest friends you can ask for. There is absolutely nothing that Robbie wouldn't do for his family and friends and at times when I feel like I have asked him to go to the moon and back, he answers with such loyalty that you realize he's one of kind.

He quickly became a staple at my office and all the girls would ask, "so is Robbie coming for lunch today?" I swear...he can make friends with anyone. Whether it was the chocolate high heels that lured him or the conversations about celebrities and finances (according to girls) we'll never know...but he sure did love him some gossip. In fact, one of my favorite memories of Robbie came one night when he decided that he was going to write a screenplay and he decided who he would cast to play each and every one of us. To this day, when something outrageous happens he loves to say, "ohh that will be great in the movie." I firsthand witnessed Robbie come to the City and take full advantage of all that it would have to offer him, both professionally and personally. I would like to think that NYC saved Ol Rob in really great ways and I'm excited to see what all it brings for him in Dallas. To our friends in Texas, I thought I'd supply you with a few Robbisms that will aid in your time together:

- if you're ever in need of a subject line for an email to Robbie, the go-to is always "Why so serious?"
- a honey pot will always cheer him up
- in the event of, "One Word Robbie" just let him ride it out, he always comes back
- soup/salad/breadsticks @ Olive Garden for a nice therapy session
- find a roof in Dallas, it solves everything
- if in doubt, play "Disturbia"
- Need a concert/play/show buddy? Robbie's your guy.
- his favorite adjective is always "tiny"
- he loves a good one-day sale at Macy's

For Rob's last weekend, we decided to have an old fashioned tourist night complete with the Christmas Spectacular show at Radio City Music Hall followed by a memorable 2 hour dinner at Olive Garden at Times Square. The company was perfect, the mood was light, and our memories were set. It only confirmed what I've known for a long time, that NY just won't be the same without our friend.

In all seriousness, I hope that each and every one of you get the chance to meet Robbie. I can guarantee that upon introduction you will meet a guy that makes you feel welcome and loved. My prayer for Robbie is that he will continue becoming the man that he wants to be, all the while being the fun guy that we all know and love. I predict nothing short of greatness.

Miss you, friend!

See once in a while when it's good
It'll feel like it should
And they're all still around
And you're still safe and sound
And you don't miss a thing
'til you cry when you're driving away in the dark.

Singing stop this train I want to get off and go home again
I can't take this speed it's moving in
I know I can't
Cause now I see I'll never stop this train
~John Mayer "Stop This Train"

Post-Week Recap

I'm baaaack! Sorry for the hiatus...it has been a busy week and a half! Since my last post I have celebrated Landrie's birthday, enjoyed Halloween, took a quick trip to Austin for Race for the Cure, voted, went to the So You Think You Can Dance show, stopped by Lucky Shops annual event, started the xmas season in style with the Rockettes Christmas spectacular and said farewell to Robbie:(

Like they always say, it's the best of times and the worst of times!

First thing's first - The birthday girl celebrates with banana cake, Pocahontas and Queen B from Gossip Girl

Next up - Surprise trip to Austin

So for the 4th annual Race for the Cure in Austin, Team Zsa Zsa pulled out all of the stops. With the highest attendance yet, my sister and Mom wanted to make it a wonderful experience for every person involved. My Mom had been on cloud 9 for weeks leading up to the weekend and had begged for my brother and I to attend. Telling her that I couldn't take off days or afford a plane ticket, I left her with the fact that I just couldn't make it this year. So the week before, I scoped out flights on kayak.com (it's great), found a reasonably priced flight and booked it. I called Taylor, convinced him to come, brought Tiffany in the loop and locked everything into place. The surprise on Saturday went on without a hitch and she was beside herself when she saw us. It was completely worth it. That night we celebrated with a cookout at Tiffany and Dave's new house where she played the perfect host, even though UT lost the dreadful game to the Raiders...which we're still not talking about. All in all, team Zsa Zsa was complete with cute t-shirts and a personalized banner (thanks to Courtney and Brett) which we will be using next year and that leaves me with the highest hopes for Team Zsa Zsa 2009!


My partner in crime in his flashy tee


Last stop - So You Think You Can Dance Tour & Lucky Shops





So this has been an action packed week, both for myself and for the country. I wish that a new president was the highest priority on my list, but how could I have fit that into my week o' fun? Don't worry, I enjoyed a vanilla cupcake complete with a screen printed picture of Obama, compliments of Mama O. Don't tell me that I'm not political.

Sorry for the marathon blog, I promise to be better about posting. For now I have to go dust off my Mariah Carey Christmas cd...