If Time is Bendable, Can You Get It Back?

Happy Thanksgiving! I know, a little late, but it’s the thought right? Thanksgiving was pretty crazy at my house; we had a huge dinner and an unexpected houseguest. Mom, Daniel, and I made everything in advance for the big day, so day of went fairly smoothly. We’ve been eating leftovers for the last few days, and I think if I never see a turkey again, it will be too soon.

Right now, Mom and I are on the road for our big Tour De Reyes, Part Deux expedition. We are driving from Plano to Ephrata, Pennsylvania—with a few stops along the way. I’m super excited because I get to see some college buddies and family. It’s great to finally see some SBC peeps, one of whom I haven’t seen since last December. I’m also taking the opportunity to check out where James works to consider applying for a position there. I’ve been battling with the decision to move away from Dallas, so checking out some options are key. Other than that, we are just driving, working, and having a great time away from the houseguest.

Other than celebrating Turkey day, I have watched a few movies. I saw Casino Royale, Happy Feet, The Fountain, and Stranger Than Fiction. Although not all disappointing, they didn’t capture my fancy. Casino Royale featured a great performance by Daniel Craig, but I found the plot boring and unimaginative. AND, there were no toys!! How can you have a James Bond movie with no toys? Honestly!

While Casino Royale lacked a strong plot, Happy Feet forced environmental issues down my throat. Now, I am always one for political themes, but using cuddly penguins as a ploy—that’s just mean. I seriously went into the movie expecting a 90 minute penguin dance sequence, but I was quickly proven wrong. I did enjoy the movie, but because it was a cartoon the filmmakers had to put in a happy ending. No easy cure for global warming and animal habitat destruction exists. Telling kids that all international disputes can end because a dancing penguin warns the people at Sea World that Antarctica is melting is lofty and misleading. Had it just been a movie about a penguin on a great journey, and all the people he meets along the way, it may have left me happier.

The Fountain? Now that was a waste of time. They only nice thing about the movie was Hugh Jackman. I love Darren Aronofsky, as well as Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, but watching this movie was better than Ambein—works automatically and never addicting. Mean, I know, but it really was awful. the film was too easy to figure out, and if Aronofsky had bashed me over the head with religious and literary symbolism one more time I would have puked. Yes, Darren, I do need to have symbolism spelled out for me sometimes, but when your character is obviously Frankenstein trying to stop death, we all know what happens.

Finally, Stranger Than Fiction. I was really excited to see this movie. It wasn’t Little Miss Sunshine, but it made me laugh. Daniel didn’t like it much, since he thought it was going to be more Old School funny, but he was sweet to sit through it. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Will Farrell did wonderful jobs, but I loved seeing Emma Thompson in an unlikable role. It’s refreshing to see a movie that blurs reality and fiction together so well, and leaves you comfortable when the two worlds collide.

Song of the Day: Apple Red Happiness. A great little ditty I learned when I was sent away to Jesus camp long ago. I hated those summers…

Movie of the Day: White Christmas. Yes, the movie came first and then the song.