Whip It Real Good!

Movie: “Whip It”

I thought I might as well do the last movie I watched for my first movie review.

Based off of the book Derby Girl by Shauna Cross, Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, ‘Whip It” stars Ellen Page (the girl from ‘Juno”) as a young misfit who wants nothing more than to get out of small-town, USA and break free of the mold by joining an all girls roller derby league.

Drew Barrymore sure has a talent for acting and I think she’s struck something with her directing as well. Ellen Page gives an excellent performance and reminds us all why she’s on her way to the top. Of course, Page and Barrymore aren’t the only ones: Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis, Daniel Stern, and Alia Shawkat also lend their talents to the movie.

I’ve heard mixed reviews about the film, but I really enjoyed it. While it may be a little predictable, it was funny, energetic, and had a good, albeit cheesy, message to just be yourself. “Whip It” keeps your attention and tickles your funny bone. I’d recommend it to anyone.

A Fresh Start

Yes, yes. I know I have been the worst blogger in the entire universe. I know this, you know this, now let’s put it behind us. I know I’m already forgotten it.

Now I originally intended this to be a cooking blog with the occasional “life story” thrown in. However, it’s quite difficult to blog about cooking when you do not have your own kitchen. I’ve been living in several different places the last few years and all of my amazing cooking gadgets are either packed in boxes in New York or packed in boxes in England. Now that I’m in a place that I’d assume I’ll be for at least a year, you’d think I could finally get down to it and cook, cook, cook. You’d be mistaken. The house I’m in now has no oven…you heard me right…no oven. The man who built the house decided that he no longer needed an oven and would be content with just a microwave and stove-top. Yeah, it’s complete madness I know.

Anyway, I miss the blogosphere too much to stay away any longer. I’m now going to blog about whatever I want! Neener, neener, neener!

I pick movies! I adore movies. Scary movies, funny movies, bad movies, good movies. I’m constantly on the hunt for movies. I always thought it would be so neat to be a Movie Reviewer, and now I get to be one (for the few remaining readers I have).

Daddy's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads!
(I know I'm a day late, but better late than never)

Momma Mia

Wishing all the moms a wonderful Happy Mother's Day!

Californ-I-A

I do realize I've fallen horrible behind on blogging about my cooking adventures. Lately though, I've been boring in the kitchen with nothing at all exciting to blog about. Just the average, everyday stuff. I've felt very uninspired. I'm hoping things start to perk up a bit, but as for now...nadda.

Instead I will tantalize you all with a few photos from our California trip.

We went on a Whale Watching boat in San Diego. While the whales were no where to be found, it was a really nice boat ride about 18 miles off the coast. And to be fair, we did see some wildlife.
In case you can't tell from that extraordinary picture. There are a couple seals on the buoy.

After the whales were a bust, we went to the beach just as the sun was setting and it was absolutely beautiful.
The days that followed were packed full of Disneyland, California Adventure, and more down time at the beach. We all had a great time.

That Canyon Sure Is Grand

Yesterday we drove up to the Grand Canyon. John has never been and we thought with Teresa here it would be the perfect opportunity.

Despite waking up at the crack of dawn (I am NOT a morning person), we had an awesome day.

We drove through Sedona...

...and stopped to take a couple pictures. We wanted to reach the Canyon before dark though, so we didn't get to stay very long. John and I have been up there before and there are a lot of cool shops that I'm sure Teresa would have enjoyed. Oh well, that gives us another reason to go up there again next time!

We also drove through Flagstaff. I love Flagstaff and had I stayed in Arizona for college, I would have gone up there.

I get car sick at the drop of a hat, this picture was taken of John while we were stopped on the side of the road so I could get some air. So if the roadsides look like that, you can imagine how beautiful the rest of the city is.

And finally the Grand Canyon!

I've been there so many times due to out-of-state/country family visits, but it still blows me away every time.

It's Alive!

Hello everyone!
I am very happy to report that I am not dead. And equally as happy to report that this time I have a real excuse for falling behind on my blogging. However, I am not happy to report that the reason for lagging is kidney stones.

People compare the pain of kidney stones to child labor. Now I have no idea if this is true or not, but what I can tell you is that if that's true...I need to seriously reconsider this whole getting married and having children thing.

Let's all just say one big OUCH! For those of you who have had kidney stones you may throw in a few other choice words if you feel the need. I know I sure did.