Saturday: Chalupas
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Yeah, it's been awhile. We know.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Global Literacy
Last week's Newsweek was about global literacy, aka "What You Need to Know" about the world around you. They had a quiz you could (and still can) take to test your global literacy. I consider myself a pretty informed person but I was pretty shocked by my 55% on the quiz. Of course, if there wasn't a sports section I believe I would have done significantly better.
However, the following articles spelling out 181 Things You Need To Know contained several facts that shocked me even more.
Here's a sampling:
1. The largest Muslim nation in the world is Indonesia.
2. Brazil is the worlds leading producer of ethanol, which they make from sugar cane not corn.
3. More than half the 12.8 million Mormans in the world live outside the United States.
4. The United States is ranked 24th in internet broadband penetration (after Estonia).
5. The last time the No. 1 blockbuster of the year focused on a woman was 1964's Mary Poppins.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Maggie
Maggie
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
If there is a cuter dog in the universe, I would sure like to know about it.
Fourth Anniversary
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
The Fourth Anniversary is fruit and flowers. Nicholas and I always try to stick close to the traditional gifts. This was my "fruit" basket from Nicholas. I got him a tomato knife because a tomato is totally a fruit!
We also went out for a lovely dinner at Oya and had a fabulous time.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Cabaret
Can you tell I'm having a bit of a movie marathon? ;)I LOVED this movie. It was infinitely better than Blade Runner (see Christina I have appreciation for things made before I was born...in the 1980's! - sorry just had to throw that in!). The whole thing was really fantastic - the costumes, the music, Liza Minnelli. And Joel Grey as the MC was nothing short of mindblowing.
Even if it was just a silly musical it would have been entertaining, but I think what made it genius was the deeper layer. The desperation of Sally Bowles and her band of fools. You know it's good film making when you hate the characters and feel sorry for them at the exact same time, especially Sally/Liza. Her intensity is so magnetic, but it is so tinged with sadness - just like her mom. I actually thought about the two of them a lot while watching it because I felt just like I did when I was watching Judy Garland in A Star Is Born. What we know about her real life makes her performances so much more touching and ironic. I think the same is true to a certain extent with Liza. Her portrayal of Sally Bowles is such a work of genius because it is difficult at times to imagine where Sally ends and Liza begins.
Big thumbs up - absolutely loved it.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Blade Runner
Holy crap was this movie boring. I mean I get why it's important and it is pretty amazing that they tapped into issues of globalization and genetics almost twenty years ago, but I almost fell asleep like three times. My biggest problem is the pacing was painfully slow. Plus, all the special effects look so dated. The only thing I really liked was the contrast of all the 40's hair and clothing in the futuristic landscape.
Overall, I have to say if I'm going to watch a story about robots gone wrong it's going to be Battlestar Galactica.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Wow...make sure and watch this one when you're all rested up and in a stable mood because it's quite a battle. Elizabeth Taylor is phenomenal - loud, crude, biting. Richard Burton's performance increases at this steady pace that is just short of psychotic. The whole time I kept wondering how these people said these things to each other, even acting, and retained a half-way decent relationship. Then I read this on wikipedia:
The relationship between them portrayed in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is reputed to have been similar to Burton and Taylor's real-life marriage.
Well, there you go. It actually reminded me of the movie Closer, where the fights are so real they reach right through the screen and slap you in the face. Of course, they were both directed by Mike Nichols, which means his four marriages maybe aren't that surprising.
Friday, June 29, 2007
12 Angry Men
Even though I'm only missing a couple, I thought I would blog about all the AFI Top 100 movies as I complete the list for a second time. On Tuesday night, I watched 12 Angry Men by Sidny Lumet. For those of you have never heard about it, it's set inside a jury room as one lone holdout (Henry Fonda) slowly tries to convince the other 11 of the defendant's innocence. Mainly, it's an intense study in psychology. Henry Fonda does a fantastic job - as does the whole cast anyway. The tension and anxiety of the room really reaches through the screen and starts to affect you. Of course, as a recent law graduate, the legal aspect was fascinating. More than that, Lumet really does an excellent job of portraying the give and take of human emotions, not only as its acted out on other people but also within ourselves.
I thought it was thoroughly entertaining and a great addition to the list.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Freckles
As we all know, I am in Kentucky. Yesterday, I went down to La Center to visit my grandmother. Everytime Nicholas and I go down there we threaten to dognap this little dog that lives outside between my grandmother and great-aunt. My aunt rescued it a couple years ago and it was my great-uncle David's dog till he passed away several years ago. No one really took charge of Freckles upkeep and he got kind of shaggy to say the very least. He's a cocker mutt so he's got real long hair that was all matted up and dirty. He is the sweetest dog and everytime Nicholas and I said we wanted to take him and get him groomed.
Well, this morning I decided to do just that. I decided it was easier to ask forgiveness than permission so I went and dognapped Freckles (after borrowing my cousin's truck) and took him to the vet. They clipped his nails but their groomer was out of town so I had to call another groomer. I informed her that I had a grooming emergency and she said she could fit us in. I didn't take a real good picture before but here is Freckles when she started shaving away.
Here is the amount of hair on the floor when she was done:
He got a bath, deticked, and a new red collar. And now I would like to gladly present Freckles, version 2.0!
He really is the sweetest dog and put up very patiently with all the poking, proding and loud razors, blowdryers, and clippers. It made my week to see him so happy to be free of all that hair. :)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Home with the Family
Grandaddy's Birthday
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
I've been home in Kentucky now for four days now. I came home for my great-grandfather's 95th birthday and decided to stay through July 4th. It started as a fun trip until I had to make a fun trip to the emergency room because I coughed so hard that I popped my rib out from the cartilage. Let's put it this way - I wouldn't recommend it.
Otherwise, I've been laying around reading, watching movies, and visiting with families.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
AFI's Top 100
Remember a while ago when I happily announced that I'd finished watching all the movies on the AFI's Top 100 list. Well, apparently I took way too long to complete it because the list just celebrated it's 10th anniversary by ... CHANGING THE LIST!
I mean seriously. We all know I have no choice but to complete it again. Of course I'd say I'd seen about 1/5 of the last list when I started. This time I only have about 1/10 to see so that's good. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. First, let's go over the ones from the list I watched for no reason, because they got dropped.
Doctor Zhivago
Birth of a Nation....I can't believe I sat through 4 hours of silent racism for nothing
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
From Here to Eternity...Fell asleep three times while watching it.
Amadeus
All Quiet on the Western Front...A bit disappointing, I really enjoyed this one.
The Third Man
Fantasia
Rebel Without a Cause
Stage Coach
The Manchurian Candidate...I guess Angela Lansbury's performance wasn't enough
An American in Paris
Wuthering Heights
Dances with Wolves
Giant
Fargo
Mutiny on the Bounty...Again, I really enjoyed this one so I'm sad it got dropped.
Frankenstein
The Jazz Singer
My Fair Lady
Patton
A Place in the Sun
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner...This one is probably the one I feel most strongly about. It's amazing and Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracey are beyond compare in this film.
My emotions are a little torn by most of these. In some ways, I'm like, "Yeah, that movie sucked kick it to the curb!" but then I think, "Wait, what did I watch that crap for!?!"
Anyway, on to the new additions, I thought the films added would be films from the last ten years but only four or five were. They added several silent films, which I thought I was done with. Overall, the new films I haven't seen are ones I've wanted to see anyway, like Twelve Angry Men and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Here's my new list:
Blade Runner
Swing Time
12 Angry Men
A Night at the Opera
Sunrise
Spartacus
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Cabaret
Sullivan's Travels
Intolerance
The General
Another interesting part of the new list were the movies that moved either up or down the list. The movie that climbed the most was The Searchers, which went from 96 to 12. I have to say I'm a little confused by this. I don't remember being particularly impressed by this film. I didn't hate it but I wasn't overwhelmed.
The movie that dropped the most was The African Queen, which went from 17 to 65. This has to be the ultimate vindication for Nicholas. He hated The African Queen, really hated it. Every time we talk about old movies with other people he goes on and on about how much he hates them and he invariably uses African Queen as an example. I liked it but I like anything with Katharine Hepburn so I'm probably not objective.
So, I guess I'm off to update my Netflix list! :)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
No, Jessica, I'M going to win
My favorite mug is this dada mug from the exhibit at the National Gallery a while back. I love the size, I love the handle, and I love Dada! ;)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Home Inventory
Today, with the guidance of Real Simple, Nicholas and I did a home inventory. We took pictures of most everything, while recording the model number, price, and other info of the major items.In some ways it made me fee a lot safer having it done. However, it was really weird to take in all that we own and how much money went into all of it. I couldn't help thinking what I would do if something happened to all of it. Most of it is replacable, but so much isn't. I started running through what I would grab in a fire. Luckily, because of technology the list isn't as long as it would be a couple of years ago. Almost all of our pictures are online, which would definitely have been the first thing I would have grabbed otherwise. Plus, our wedding pictures are digital so they are also replacable. So that's good. I wish I could the say thing about my music library but oh well. The truth is that's all replacable too.
I guess when you really start to think about it, most of it is with the right amount of money. So, hopefully now with our home inventory, we'll be able to get that right amount.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Don't feel too sorry for her.
Get Well Soon presents
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Maggie received a get well present from Stephen, William and Max today (although I'm pretty sure Jennifer and Geoffrey might have had something to do with it since none of them have a bank account). As you can see, it was pretty much the most adorable thing ever. A little box of doggie cupcakes and a little box of doggy treats made to look like a hamburger and fries. Maggie had a fry and cupcake for dinner. To say they went overwell would be a grave understatement.
Needless to say, Maggie says thank you. That, and if the presents are this good, I'm scheduling my surgery next week. ;)
Friday, June 08, 2007
Recovery
Recovery
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Our darling dog has now returned home. The vet was very encouraged by her recovery so far. (The staff also threatened to steal her because she was so sweet.) She has a pain medication patch which she will wear for the next couple of days. Then we go back on Wednesday for her first physical therapy appointment. Otherwise, her recovery will consist of strict crate rest for the next 4-6 weeks.
All that really matters is that she's home and she's ok.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Aim your good thoughts towards Springfield, VA
On Sunday night, when I went to get in bed Maggie was already in our bed asleep. However, usually when we wake her up she gets up immediately and jumps down. Instead, she was moving really slowly and wouldn't move any faster even when offered treats or the chance to go outside. Her abdomen felt bloated and tense so I called the vet. She said she might have eaten too much food and watch her carefully.
When she hadn't gotten any better Monday afternoon, I took her to the emergency vets. They exrayed her abdomen and she seemed ok. The doctor mentioned that it can present as a secondary system if there are back problems but she checked Maggie's back and said everything was fine. When I took her home, I noticed she was slightly dragging her left back leg and I called back to tell the vet but again they assured me it was her stomach discomfort.
On Tuesday morning, her stomach seemed better but her leg had gotten worse. She sort of wobbled around and would fall occassionally. I took her back to the ER. The emergency vet said she definitely had "neurological defencies" and that we should take her to a neurologist in Springfield the next day. When we got home, we of course googled the crap out of her symptoms and it seems she had probably ruptured a disc in her back. I was hopeful that she could be treated with meds and rest.
We got to Springfield this morning and went straight in to see the doctor. Fifteen minutes later they had examined her and were recommending spinal surgery for later in the afternoon. Ten minutes later we had to say goodbye. Needless to say, pretty freaking traumatic. Hopefully, within the next couple of hours, they will put her under anethesia to perform a mylogram to see where the injury is and then take her immediately to surgery. They are supposed to call us as soon as the mylogram is performed and then after the surgery.
I just really want my dog to be ok.
UPDATE: Maggie has had her myelogram. The doctors have located the abnormal area and are prepping her for surgery right now. The surgery lasts from an hour to an hour and a half. They should call us afterwards and I'll post an update as soon as I can.
FURTHER UPDATE: Maggie is out of surgery. The surgeon said that the procedure went smoothly and was a success and that Maggie was awake and responsive post-surgery. We'll keep you updated as we learn more. Thank you for all your well-wishes and prayers.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Saturday: Cake with Plums
Saturday: Cake with Plums
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Every once in a while I step out of the Cake Mix Doctor and try something new, usually it's recipe from Oprah Magazine. This is a good example and it was delicious if I do say so myself. So good I'm going to try the other recommended fruit - Granny Smiths or peaches.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Tonight on TV
Ok so tonight was a big viewing night for me. First, I went to Hillaryland to help log the Democratic Debate. Hillary won. Why are we still talking about this. ;)
Then I came home and watched The Sopranos. I am not ready to talk about it yet.
Not. Ready.
Then I started watching the MTV Movie Awards, which seemed immediatley promising because Sarah Silverman was hosting. She came out the gate with several funny jokes. However, she then went after Paris Hilton - who was in the crowd! First, she said that Paris was going to jail in four days. The crowd started cheering wildly.
Now, I've told a couple of people that I've started to feel bad for Paris Hilton. I think what she did was inexcusable but this has got to be shaking her entire world. Plus, something tells me Paris hasn't ever had a chance to gain the emotional skills needed to deal with this.
However, Sarah Silverman didn't stop at the jail thing. She went on to say they painted the jail bars to look like penises so she'd be more comfortable. THEN she said she was worried about her breaking her teeth. Did I mention Paris Hilton was in the audience?!?
I mean seriously. I know this will come as a shock but Paris Hilton is a real person with real feelings. And as much as I think her celebrity is ridiculous and maybe she should just get a real job. I'm not sure I think anyone deserves to be made fun of for going to jail THEN called a whore in front of millions of people. It wasn't funny. It was just cruel.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
This week
Awesome things about this week:
- I got a new Macbook!!! It's so sparkly and new I can barely stand it and it's faster, and has more memory, and I just loooooooove it.
- We went to see Knocked Up last night and it was hilarious. Even better than 40 year old Virgin which is one of my favorites.
Not awesome things about this week:
- Jury duty, which I thought would be in the former category but turns out not. I had to sit there from 8am to 2pm and I never even got called into a jury pool
- The kickin sinus infection I got.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Memorial Day Picnic
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Nicholas and I had a really wonderful weekend. On Friday night, we went to this adorable 50's diner for burgers (black bean of course) and milkshakes. Then, we went to this historic theater to see Waitress, which was absolutely precious. Kerri Russel really was wonderful, although she made me crazy hungry for some pie.
Saturday night we went out with our good friends Laura and Dan for some great Italian and conversation. Afterwards, we went see Away From Her. Not quite as uplifting as Waitress, but superbly acted and really touching.
We had plans to go to the Memorial Day Concert on the Capitol lawn but the weather had other plans. Luckily, our real Memorial Day made up for it. We spent all afternoon and the early evening at the 47th St. Lounge (better known as Leslie, Laura, and Kevin's). We had yummy fajitas and LOTS of dessert. Plus, Taylor brought over his Wii so there were several rowdy "tennis" games. (see above)
Friday, May 25, 2007
Rosie
So here's the thing. I've liked Rosie O'Donnell forever. Seriously, I mean Stand-Up Spotlight on VH1 forever. I've always felt that, above all else, she is honest and sincere. People connect with that and that's probably why she had one of the most successful talk shows since God invented Oprah.
Now, that is not to say I agree with everything she says. I think her statements regarding a 9/11 conspiracy stuff are way out in left field. However, even if I disagree with her, I really relate to the way she argues. Probably because the same things that get her in trouble have gotten me in trouble most of my life.
To Rosie, there is a personal and emotional connection to her political beliefs. I understand that and I'm sure most of you (particularly Nicholas) have encountered that more than once. I am what I believe and I am passionate person. Period. This isn't point-counterpoint - this is my life.
I think the clearest example is when Rosie attacked Tom Selleck on her show for his support of the NRA. I know a lot of people thought it was wrong to ambush him like that when he was just promoting his movie. But to Rosie supporting the NRA is not something you leave at home when there are children dying. They spoke across each other the whole time. He talked objectively about Constitutional rights and couldn't understand why she was getting so upset. She was talking about protecting kids and I have no doubt she had her own children in mind.
I remember watching that show and feeling like I would have said the exact same things. I think that's why I often start crying when I argue. Because it is so frustrating to feel something so truly and deeply, to have it come from a really good place, and have people react negatively. It's also why I want to kill Nicholas when he plays devil's advocate just to argue with me. I don't want to hear that. I want to hear what he knows on the deepest level of his self to be true.
Unfortunately, being that passionate and exposing yourself in that way has an extreme downside. The truest thing said in the entire View segment on Wednesday was when Rosie said, "Here's how it gets spun in the media. Rosie, big, fat lesbian, loud Rosie attacks innocent, pure Christian Elisabeth. And I'm not going to do it."
I couldn't agree more and I've seen it a million times in my life. (Well, except the lesbian part.) Basically, I think opening yourself up and being passionate about something as a woman freaks people the hell out. Pure and simple. Our society is still not truly comfortable with strong, straight women, much less gay women. Need proof? Look no further than the latest biography on Hillary Clinton, the entire angle (and accusation) is that she's ambitious. Are you kidding me? And the same things are said over and over again about Martha Stewart, Oprah, Barbara Streisand, the list goes on and on.
Growing up, I heard the words "abrasive," "obnoxious," and "loud" a lot. "Sarah, you're just too abrasive. You've got to tone it down." "Sarah, you talk to much. You're so loud." To this day, the word abrasive stings like someone has slapped me across the face. It took me a long time to realize no one said these types of things to my male friends and that, while keeping my mouth shut isn't always a bad idea, I should never tone it down because I'm a woman.
Of course, I've also learned that not everyone argues this way and (deep breath) that's ok. But does that mean I'm going to stop thinking or arguing the way I do? No, I'm not and I hope Rosie doesn't either. That's what makes me me and that's what makes Rosie Rosie.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Commencement
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
So yeah this weekend was so crazy it's taken me till Wednesday night to write about it!
I had a total of ten loving, wonderful family members fly in from Kentucky, Tennessee, and California to celebrate my big day. It was pretty wonderful. We did a couple whirlwind tours of The Mall and had a fabulous pancake brunch graduation party on Sunday morning.
I think everyone had a good time. Although there were several moments when I wanted to change my name - "Sarah, where we going next?" "Sarah, how much do I need on my metro card?"
Luckily, they all came bearing gifts and I'm a very patient person when gifts are involved ;)
The commencement ceremony itself was really nice and I actually received a law degree. I had convinced myself that something would go wrong at the last minute and they would tell me I actually failed Torts first year and would have to repeat it or something. But nothing happened.
It's a pretty crazy transition. I can't believe my days as a student are over. I was getting really really good at it but I'm also looking forward to "making my mark" as they say. Hopefully, my days as an unpaid intern will soon be coming to an end as well. Of course, I will keep everyone updated on my employment pursuits. As of now, I'm just enjoying my shiny new degree.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Present
New Camera
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Guess what I got for graduation!?! My wonderful husband bought be a brand new Nikon SLR D40x camera.
It's absolutely amazing and takes gorgeous pictures. He decided to give it to me a little early so I could practice before my family comes in (also b/c he couldn't keep it a secret one second longer).
As most of you know, Nicholas's family, specifically his father and older brother, are really into photography and I've been jealous of their SLR's for a while. Plus, it was one of my favorite classes in college and I fancy myself a bit of photographer. Now, I can really take it to the next level. :)
Saturday: Zucchini Torta
Saturday: Zucchini Torta
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Nicholas's parents were in town this weekend and we had them over for dinner on Saturday. We had a really lovely visit, despite the fact we had a plumber over for a clogged sink when they got here. But once he left, everything went swimmingly.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Happy Mother's Day...a smidge early
On Oprah today, Maria Shriver interviewed Demi Moore about her role as a mother and her own decade-long estrangement from her mother. In speaking about her philosophy of parenting, she articulated what I think is essential.
"I'm not trying to do for them what wasn't done for me, I'm trying to do for them what they need as individuals."
I've heard this idea before but never put so eloquently. I think this has got to be one of the most profound challenges as a parent, particularly as a mother of a daughter. However, I know how essential it is because it is exactly what my mother did for me. Maybe it was because her mother was so great or maybe it's because she very wisely dealt with her major issues before having me, but either way she gave me the freedom and guidance to become who I needed to be, not who she needed me to be.
Thanks for that Mom. I love you.
Camden Yards
Camden Yards
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Last night, we drove to Baltimore to meet Nicholas's parents at a Baltimore Orioles game. We had a really great time and I ate every ballpark food I could get my hands on, including crabcake sandwhich, peanuts, lemonade and (of course!) Dip n' Dots!
The game was pretty exciting, especially when one of the Devil Rays got thrown out of the game and some guy took that as his opportunity to run the field. Pretty funny.
All in all a great first game of the summer. We're going again on Monday as part of my graduation activities.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Monday, May 07, 2007
Visitin'
Nicholas, me, Giinger and Benjamin
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Nicholas's younger brother Benjamin came into to town with his wife Ginger this weekend. Their visit sparked a spring cleaning weekend since Nicholas's parents will be in next weekend and my family will be in for graduation. I wanted our place looking its best since they will all be seeing it for the first time.
Overall, the cleaning went really well. Nicholas was a great sport, even though I think he was really skeptical about a lot of my requests. He wiped down blinds, cleaned windows, and scrubbed down every surface I pointed to. He drew the line at removing everything off the bookshelves and dusting so I did that.
The third day of cleaning right before Benjamin and Ginger came over I decided to iron the bottom of our upholstered chair...on my leg. I swear to God I don't know why I do the things I do sometime. Nicholas even looked at me and said "Don't burn your leg." However, much like the soap/eye debacle of a couple months ago, I didn't think I was doing anything too dangerous. And, to be honest, I wasn't - until I pressed the steam button and burned the crap out of my leg.
I rushed to the bathroom and the skin had already peeled off. The burn is about two inches in diameter. I thought I could treat it myself but it started looking a bit sketch this morning so I went to the clinic. So, now I'm on antibiotics and antibiotic cream and hoping it heals quickly.
More than anything I'm just embarassed that I could have done something so stupid. I didn't expect to get more idiotic the closer I got to law school graduation. :(
Friday, May 04, 2007
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