I got a movie from Netflix. I looked at the title; it didn’t really ring a bell. So I glanced at the description. Huh, I thought. That looks good! Well, duh. It is reassuring, though, that my taste hasn’t changed in the months since I added it to my queue.
This afternoon I caught Top Hat on TCM and now I have a bit of a crush on Fred Astaire. At least, Fred Astaire in that movie. I had only ever seen him in movies where he was a bit older (i.e., movies made when he was in his 40s and 50s). He was a bit of a cutie, though the commenters did point out that the movies were purposely cast that none of the supporting characters were better looking. And it didn’t hurt that he was wearing a tuxedo for much of the movie. But really, it was his character–loved the dry humor. Plus, the dancing. Oh, the dancing. He truly does float.
Singin’ in the Rain was on right before it. I do think I still prefer Gene Kelly, but Astaire is gaining.
Last night my mom called and asked about the trip Mike and I took to the Edgar Allan Poe House in Baltimore (which, by the way, I highly recommend, if only for the awesomely bad video they have playing there of local news clips and a Poe reenactor; also for the painting of his wife–painted after she was dead).
Mom: How was the Poe House?
Barb: Cool! But first we went to a cemetery. Guess who’s buried in Baltimore!
Mom: Um…Poe?
Barb: Well, yes. We went there later. But someone else!
Mom: I don’t know. Who?
Barb: John Wilkes Booth!
Mom: Cool!
And that was genuine. She was excited for me. And that is why my mom is awesome.
And I would also like to point out that when we were at Booth’s grave, other people came up to look. I’m not the only crazy out there. This also points out how wrong Sondheim was in Assassins, when the Balladeer says about Booth that “But traitors just get jeers and boos, not visits to their graves.” Ha! Though I should possibly point out that Booth doesn’t have a headstone or anything; he’s just listed on the family marker.
I’m having a hard time getting excited about Thanksgiving this year. I’m looking forward to tomorrow–getting out of work early, maybe catching a movie, going to a museum. But Thanksgiving itself? No. I think it’s because I can’t help but remember last year’s Thanksgiving. My entire family was there: Mom, Dad, Kathy, Robert. Gram. My aunt and uncle, the twins. My mom’s cousin, her husband, her son and daughter-in-law. Kath was pregnant with the twins, asking my aunt for advice. And this year…no aunt. No twins. I know that I have a lot to be thankful for, but I keep thinking that sitting there on Thursday, I’ll just be noticing who’s not there.
So…I’m looking forward to Christmas. When I’ll be with Mom and Dad and Kathy and Robert and Gram. Thanksgiving isn’t something you should have to soldier through, but this year, it kind of is. I am happy that I still have family here to spend the day with, though.
Great article on Fox Sports about how Boston fans can no longer complain about the Yankees’ spending habits (something I’ve been arguing for ages). To sum up,
…when you add the astounding news of a $51.1 million offer to the reality of the Red Sox’ payroll, you can only come to one conclusion:
The Red Sox are aggressively exploiting every possible revenue stream, creatively growing their big-market business in any way they can, then plowing their extra millions back into their ballclub in a vigorous attempt to compete for the World Series every year.
Nothing wrong with that.
But that’s exactly what the Yankees do.
It can’t be evil for one team and OK for another. It can’t be horrible and offensive and ruining baseball when the Yankees do it and just fine when the Red Sox do it.
Word. I mean, $51.1 million? That’s just crazy, yo.
Some people want to go to New York City during the hoiday season to see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Some want to go ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza. Others just want to go shopping on Fifth Avenue.
Me? I want to go so I can use the Charmin public restroom in Times Square.
I last went to the dentist in late January. Due to my extremely weak teeth, he said I should go back in early May. Naturally, I haven’t been back. I finally just made an appointment; it’ll be a mere 7 months overdue. Whoops. (To tell you how necessary this is, I made the appointment, and when I told the receptionist who I was, she was like, “Oh, hi Barbara! How are you?” Yep, I’ve spent quite a bit of time–and money–there.) I don’t know why I was so reluctant, other than the fear of being told I’ll need to sink another $1500 into my mouth.
Ditto my eyes. I really need new contacts; I’ve been wearing the same ones for months and months. The thing is, I actually have vision insurance now! (I didn’t at my old job.) The whole thing, including new contacts, will only cost me $20! And yet, I have yet to make an appointment. I’m an idiot. The eye doctor will probably yell at me for wearing these contacts too long. Ah well.
I actually had Friday off, for the first time ever, I think. So naturally I was running around–the vet, Target, etc. And at some point it hit me–I used to have every other Friday off. Every other weekend was a 3-day weekend! And I gave that up! Why? Why would I do such a thing? Was I insane? Sure, I make more money now, but…dude. I miss it. A lot. (It doesn’t help knowing that the guy who replaced me is making more than I do now. Swell.)
And you should check out this article in the Post about veterans of World War I. There are only 13 let in the United States. I feel bad for WWI; it’s so neglected.
What do my tv boyfriends say about me? Well, the article doesn’t include all of them, but my love of Jon Stewart means that I am “engaged politically, [am] smart, pay attention to the world around [me], and value humor and intellect as much as good looks.” Wentworth Miller (Prison Break)? Means I like “a smart guy. And [I] like them a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, because he’s covered in tattoos for the show. Likes a crafty guy with a plan. And she likes an element of danger.” Patrick Dempsey (Grey’s Anatomy)? “The woman who likes McDreamy is kind of a masochist. He can’t make up his mind. Maybe she needs to look past the skin-deep part and realize this is a toxic relationship and stand up for herself and her needs. Run away.”
Obviously some are missing. What about John Krasinski (The Office)? Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race)? Zach Braff (Scrubs)? Nicholas Brendan (Buffy)? Victor Garber (Justice, Alias)?