Dear John

So I had been debating about whether or not to see this movie since it came out in theaters.

I love Love LOVED The Notebook. One of my all time favorite chick flicks. I loved it so much I bought the book. Though I did enjoy it, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the movie.

Since then, all the other Nicholas Sparks', books made into movies, I have seen previews for haven't really appealed to me (Nights in Rodanthe, Message in a Bottle, and The Last Song). So naturally I was a little leary about Dear John.

• First of all I am not a big Channing Tatum fan. Girls think he's hot, but I just don't see it. Don't get me wrong, he's not BAD looking, just not my type I guess.
• Then there is Amanda Seyfried. I don't know much about her except for the few episodes she was in on Veronica Mars. (She played Veronica's murdered best friend.)
• Thirdly, I didn't know much about the plot of Dear John. From what I saw on the previews it sort of had that "really bad teenage love story" feel to it....

Well today I was bored so I went to go see it by myself. (I love seeing movies by myself). It met all of my criteria for a me movie date:

1. Been out in theaters for awhile.

2. Not a prime time movie slot like a Friday or Saturday night.

3. Matinee price.

Let me tell you something, I am so glad I went and saw this movie by myself. I bawled pretty much through the entire thing and by the end I am sure I looked pretty disgusting with all the snot and stuff. Talk about embarrassing.

Needless to say this movie was REALLY good. I recommend it to anyone who appreciates a good crying movie. There was so much more to the plot than I had originally thought. The previews do NOT do it justice at all. I guess the old saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover" is true...

I liked it so much I stopped by Target on the way home and bought the book. I probably won't like it as much as the movie, but I'll give it a shot and let you know how it is!

On another note, I also watched The Time Traveler's Wife with my parents tonight. It's a pretty good movie too. Though I probably would have appreciated it more if I had watched it on another day rather than on the same day I watched Dear John. Oh well, live and learn.

*REVISION* It is 3:00 AM and I have now finished reading the book Dear John. I started it around 7:30 and only took a brief time out to make brownies. It was really good and I think I have cried more today than I have in a little over a year. Though different than the movie (as all movies based on books are) I really liked it. I think I like the movie better but I like the book for it's own reasons that have nothing to do with the movie.... But now I am torn. I know I definitely like the book better than I like The Notebook book but I don't know which movie I like better. I think I'll call tie. Goodnight everyone!

Some other chick flicks that I have seen previews for recently that I am interested in seeing: Remember Me and Letters to Juliet. Keep an eye out!

I am in love with love.

a shot in the dark from Nathan Pickett on Vimeo.
I stole this video from RockStar Diaries

For more from Nathan Pickett visit http://www.nathanpickettfilms.com/ 
or his blog http://www.snowflakeproductions.blogspot.com/

He does weddings, engagements, and family videos.
(His videos are seriously amazing!)

Someday, if I ever get married, I so want him to make a video for me. I wonder how expensive he is, hmm....

I love to smile, smiling's my favorite!!

ready, go:

family dinners on sundays

running

downtown seattle

funny tv shows

disneyland

a good book

my nephews and nieces

a first kiss

when the guy gets the girl in a good romantic movie

going to the theater

anything orange

babies

pictures

new york

visiting family

favorite movies

the office and how i met your mother theme songs

a great song

alaska

awesome commercials

baby animals

traveling...

what makes you smile?

p.s. can anyone name what movie my title is from?

I don't know about you,

but I couldn't be more excited!

Happy Tuesday everyone!!

Guilty pleasure...

I am not a very fashion savvy person, nor do I have the confidence to pull off certain fashion trends even though I secretly admire them.

I almost always choose comfort over fashion, but I love seeing what people are wearing, what's hot and new.

Alas, there are just some trends that go way over my head, I have a hard time understanding, and/or refuse to support.

That being said... I love this show:

I don't watch it regularly, but when I do I always feel like I learn a lot. Plus I am completely jealous of the shopping spree and makeover in New York City.

What I like about this show (besides Clinton Kelly and Stacy London and their brutal honesty) is that they  TEACH you to become a better dresser. They show you what types of clothes work the best with your body type and help you find those essential pieces that make up a complete wardrobe.

Even the makeover is a learning experience. For someone like me, who never wears makeup and doesn't know the first thing about applying it or what colors go with my complexion and coloring, this information is very helpful.

By far though my favorite part of the whole show is the confidence gained by the nominated and how their lives are changed for the better.    Don't get me wrong-   Nice clothes do NOT = happiness, but I do believe that they can help you feel more confident in who you are than just hiding behind your clothes can. (and yes I am guilty of this...)

I would love to be on this show someday! Until then maybe I should just get this book...

Vroom vroom

I got my motorcycle endorsement a few years ago and have yet to use it...

My friend Anthony and I took a class at ESC Motorcycle Safety Training. It was pretty amazing, in just three days they took novice riders (like myself) with little or no experience on a motorcycle and turned them into licensed riders. The class was three days: a Thursday night in the classroom from 6-9, a Saturday in a parking lot at Boeing in Kent from 9-4 and then back in the classroom for the written test from 6-8, and then Sunday was back at Boeing for more riding from 9-2 and then the riding test. I passed, and the class was a lot of fun and I am glad I did it, but to be honest I am still a little terrified to ride a motorcycle. Riding in a parking lot going only 20 miles per hour (at the most) hardly qualifies you to be out on the streets with other motorists!! I am sure with practice it would get easier though.

When I lived in Alaska, my friend Brandon took me for rides on his motorcycle during the summer. It's such an awesome and carefree feeling to ride on one. (I won't tell you how fast he went.)

My friend Angela, her husband Jesse, and I went to the International Motorcycle Show at Qwest Field a few months ago. It was a lot of fun. We saw lots of different bikes and scooters. I don't know much about bikes but I'll show you some of my favorites.

I would love one of these for my birthday...

Seriously, how cute do I look on this?!?

Because it's orange!!

Little kids dirt bike. How adorable.

Angela on the perfect starter bike for a girl (Kawasaki Ninja 250). If only I could get one in orange.

The class was a few years ago and I haven't ridden a bike by myself since. I think it would be more of a recreational activity for me if I really got into it. Right now though, I am more interested in scooters and vespas (they are so darn cute).

I love this song.

There is something about this song... I love it and could listen to it over and over again. The video isn't that exciting but the song makes up for it.

Sotto Voce

There is this cute little shop at Pike Place Market called Sotto Voce- Purveyors of fine oils and vinegars. They sell different flavored olive oils and balsamic (and other) vinegars. You can taste test all the different flavors with the bread and toothpicks they provide. It is an awesome gift idea for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, the up and coming Valentine's Day, or any other occasion you want to spoil that special cook in your life.

While I was there I talked myself into getting (which isn't hard to do) a bottle of their Olio Buon Gustaio (Spicy Garlic Oil).

I also picked up Aceto Balsamico (Garlic and Pepper Balsamic Vinegar).








They had two sizes of bottles to choose from (I got the larger). The larger run between $15.00 to $20.00 a bottle, but if you buy any two of the larger bottles they are two for $30.00! They can also ship them straight from the store to anywhere you want.

When purchased, they package the bottles in a cute box so they won't easily get broken if you are still wandering around the Market!

So if you are ever at Pike Place Market check out this little store to try some unique and delicious flavors that will enhance your cooking and eating experience! If you don't live in Seattle or won't be visiting anytime soon, check out their website for other locations or to buy online!

http://www.sottovoce.com/

As you wish...

There is something about romantic comedies/chick flicks that I just love. I don't know what it is but I want to live in one. I know it's not possible, and real life never ends up like in the movies, but for 90 minutes, it's fun to just sit back and imagine your life as a fairy tale.

Most romantic comedies/chick flicks, though some what differing in plots, share a same idea/goal. Guy gets girl. Oh sure, first they don't hit it off right away, or if they do something happens to mess it all up, but that is just the drum roll for what is to come... in the end there is this great, romantic, happily ever after ending. *sigh*

Since Valentine's Day is coming up I thought it would be fun to make a little quiz of some of my favorites and see who knows their chick flicks. Just leave your answers in the comments. The winner will be awarded sole bragging rights... (you're welcome)

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22.

*bonus* (hint- I am seeing it this Friday in honor of the holiday)

So there it is. Good luck everyone and I hope you find your fairy tale...

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Duck! Rabbit!

I love children's books. Wait, let me correct that, I love GOOD children's books. I have many favorites and I have collected them throughout the years hoping that someday my children will be able to enjoy them as I have. I recently came upon a children's book titled Duck! Rabbit! Though there isn't much to the story, I think it is a really cute and fun book for kids. I purchased it for some of my nephews and nieces for Christmas this last year... as well as myself!

 Some other children's books I love are: Where the Wild Things Are, Llama Llama Red Pajama, You Are Special, Jumanji, The Little Engine That Could, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Corduroy, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, Lon Po Po, Stone Soup, Cars and Trucks and Things That Go, The Polar Express, Oh The Places You'll Go, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, plus many more. (This list could go on forever.) I am always on the lookout for new (or old) children's books to enjoy! So recommend away!!

P.S. Someday, when I am rich, I am going to have a house with a huge library inside with all my favorite books, children's and otherwise.

This is so going in my blog!! -Barney Stinson on HIMYM

In my 25, almost 26 years on this planet I have watched a lot of TV. Probably way too much TV, but when I find a show I like, I get hooked and have to watch it every week. Some of my all time favorite shows and some new ones I have started to enjoy are:

-MacGyver
-Scarecrow and Mrs. King
-Buffy the Vampire Slayer
-Angel
-Monk
-Psych
-Veronica Mars
-The Office
-Community
-Glee
-Bones
-Lost
-How I Met Your Mother

Probably my favorite TV show of late is How I Met Your Mother...

Right before I moved home from Alaska my friend introduced me to the TV show How I Met Your Mother. While living in Alaska, I bought and watched the first two seasons on DVD. Since coming home I have obtained and watched the third and fourth seasons as well. Though I have never actually watched a new episode on TV, this show is so funny and one of my all time faves. It can be a little crude, but it is hilarious and the episodes are very creative. This show never fails to put a smile on my face and make me laugh. I think everyone should watch this show!

Some of my favorite episodes:
-Cockamouse
-The Pineapple Incident
-Game Night
-Slap Bet
-Swarley
-Spoiler Alert
-Slapsgiving
-Sandcastles in the Sand
-Intervention
-The Front Porch
-Right Place Right Time

Living in Alaska left me with plenty of new experiences and amazing memories. I am grateful for the year I spent there and everything I learned and the friends I made. Watching this show, though such a small and insignificant memory compared to everything else I experienced there, reminds me of all the fun I had in Alaska. So when I am missing AK, I just pop in one of the seasons and it takes me back!

Abstract Space Needle

When I used to live on First Hill in Seattle, Anthony and I would get up early Saturday mornings and go for walks around Seattle and explore our new home. That was one of my favorite memories of living in Seattle. One Saturday morning we found this little art gallery/shop on Melrose Avenue, right next to Bauhaus Books and Coffee. It was called Warren Knapp Gallery and they had the coolest paintings of the Space Needle I have ever seen.

Here you go Warren Knapp, here is your free plug from a girl who loves your work.


They sell their art in their gallery, or you can commission a piece, choosing color and size. How awesome is that? If I had the money I would have an Orange Space Needle picture 16" x 20" made up (and for only $350.00, like I said, if I had the money).

Another cool thing they do is if you get your name put on their birthday list and you go in on your birthday, for each painting you buy, you get one of equal or lesser value free. That is pretty SWEET!!

I miss you Mike Jones...

So lately I have been thinking alot about my deceased hamster Mike Jones. I was in Alaska when he passed away and I never got to say goodbye, but my brothers gave him a very lovely funeral that honored him and his short but meaningful life (read about the funeral here).

I really want to get another hamster. They are so cute, fun, and low maintenance pets.

I'm thinking maybe I will get one like this next time...

This little guy is actually pretty famous. His name is Mozart and he has his own website and there is a video of him on YouTube. One of the cutest things I have ever seen!!

http://hamsteronapiano.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfqNXADl3kU

If I do get another furry friend, any suggestions on names?

*note* There is no replacing Mike Jones, he was one of a kind and loved by all. Any future hamsters I own will be loved just as much, but MJ will always have a special place in my heart.