Aunt B's All-Time Favorite Movies

After careful deliberation, I have narrowed my list down to the top twenty-five favorites. They are in no particular order. Just my faves. It's hard to pick one as the best. So, without much further ado:

1. Tombstone - "I'm your huckleberry."
2. Mr. & Mrs. Smith - They are just *hot* together. I love their chemistry.
3. My Best Friend's Wedding - Dermot Mulroney
4. Vacation with Chevy Chase, the first one, the original. This is where it all started!
5. Top Gun - the volleyball scene ("Playing with the Boys")
6. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Numar - You go Wesley Snipes! I love you Miss Noxema Jackson.
7. Sixteen Candles - "Oh sexy girlfriend...."
8. U-571 - Matthew McConaughey, intense, intense movie!
9. Footloose - Gave us all a Biblical reason for dancing!
10. Grease - This should be on any female, 30 something's list!
11. The Sound of Music - Oh, that scene where Maria is teaching the boys how to dance and the Captain steps in. It sends chills down my spine.
12. The Sixth Sense - Hands down, the best psychological thriller I've ever seen.
13. The Silence of the Lambs - I loved this movie. So, so cleverly done.
14. Under the Tuscan Sun - Diane Lane was fabulous, she made me want to pick up and move to Tuscany. (Dang that married realtor. Why did he have to be married? That would have been an awesome hook-up!)
15. Mona Lisa Smile - I loved Kirsten Dunst in this movie. She did a fabulous job.
16. Stepmom - Julia and Susan - need we say more?
17. Lonesome Dove - Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, great western
18. Return to Me - What a beautiful story, I fell in love with David Duchovny in this one!
19. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days - Matthew McConaughey
20. The Pirate Movie - Christopher Atkins & Kristy MacNichol
21. Titanic - Just a good love story
22. Pearl Harbor - fascinating account of the events intertwined with a love story
23. The Notebook - a lifetime of love, a love that stands the tests of time.
24. Sweet Home Alabama - A love that was meant to be, and a past that couldn't stay there
25. When Harry Met Sally - "I'll have what she's having."

Pet Peeves

I have three, yes three, pet peeves that just get under my skin.

1. People who litter. This includes, but is not limited to, people who throw their cigarette butts on the ground. Especially lit ones. We live in hot, dry West Texas and it would not take anything to start a fire. But that's almost beside the point. How is it that these people don't view this as littering? Hello????? A couple of months ago, I saw someone walk out of a pharmacy, look at their receipt and then just throw it on the ground. I nearly lost it. Especially since there was a trash can *right there.* Idiots. I have, however, discovered how to get revenge on said idiots. Did you know that you can report a litterer? You can! Just go to:

www.dontmesswithtexas.org

You will need the date, time, location, make of car, license plate number, what was littered, who littered and then you can post comments. The offender has to have Texas plates. (The geeks who are from out of state get away with it.) The offender will receive a letter stating that they were caught littering and will also be given a Don't Mess With Texas trashbag for their car. I love it. And believe me, I've used it. I've reported *several* offenders. I now keep a notepad and pen handy for just such occasions. I think I feel like it empowers me a little. A chance to fight back! So don't mess with Texas or I'll turn your butt in, too. Pun intended.

2. Cigarette smoke in public places. I don't mean to offend, but I hate it. I hate it that most designated smoking places are at the entrace to that very business or institution. I don't care if you want to defile your own body, but don't drag me or my hyper-sensitive nasal passages with you. It's disgusting and bad for you. And Heaven forbid, I'm sitting in my car at a stop light or at a drive-in somewhere. You're gonna get the "look" from me. If you know me, you know the "look." Chances are, you have received it before for some reason or the other. And if you are my brother, you've been embarassed by being seen with me when I administer the "look." It will likely get my butt kicked someday. Avoid the "look." Quit smoking in public places.

3. Gum smacking. This one sends me into what I can only describe as "body jolting seizures." I can't stand it. Especially those people gifted enough to do that wierd little "pop" thing with their gum where you never even see a bubble. They just keep doing it, over and over. It's inside their mouth and all you hear is this redundant clicking. It drives me *insane.* It was the worst in college when I was trying to take a test. Maybe I have ADD or something, but I could never concentrate when someone was popping or smacking their gum. I would have to wait until the dipwad finished their test before I could start mine. Then hopefully I had enough time to take my test. It didn't matter if I moved across the room or not. Once it existed, I knew it was there and was *so* sensitive to it. This one will get you the "look" everytime. Even if you are family. I don't care. Quit smacking and popping your freaking gum. I have popped DH on the back of the head before and told him to spit his gum out or we were about to have a major problem. He usually agitates me for about a minute more and then quits. I probably look like my head is going to blow off of my shoulders (like in the cartoons) and then just explode. So, dear friends, don't be offended if I wrestle you to the ground and pry gum out of your mouth someday. It's just because I like you and don't wish death upon you. ;-)

New Movie Review

Firewall

Great film. Predictable ending. But it still had some of those edge of your seat moments. I'll see Harrison Ford in just about anything. Quite a thriller. I don't view the time spent viewing as wasted. It was worth the couple of hours. I"m just mad that I wasn't folding clothes while I was watching the movie. You know, kill two birds with one stone?

Mona Lisa Smile

I've seen this one over and over and it has to go on some list that contains my favorites. It gets an A- Great chick flick.

My Noah

Here is the LO I submitted for the blog contest at SU. It was hard to do (emotionally) but I'm glad I did it. You may want to click on the picture to enlarge it so you can read the journaling.

Lasik Rocks!

I totally recommend Angelo Laser Eye Center!

http://www.lasiktx.com/

They treated me *so* well. (It helps that I tested 20/15 in both eyes for my first follow-up visit today!) I am **loving** this no glasses/no contacts thing. It is so cool. I mean really cool. This is one happy, non-contact wearin', loving Dr. Lui, smiling, laser-corrected woman!

Lasik, here I come...

Whew, the clock is ticking and the big moment is getting closer. I have three hours and forty-five minutes until I have to be there. I'm ready. Good-bye you cursed glasses. Be gone from my face. Hello non-blurred peripheral vision. I can now scrapbook with some heart.

Here we go. I'll update when I'm done and can. Say a prayer!

Seinfeld "Puerto Rican Day Parade"

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a Seinfeld maniac. I love the show. I love that they spare no one's feelings. They pick on everybody -- they don't care.

We watched it again yesterday. It still cracks me up. Two lines in particular:

"Mucho Traffico! (said by Kramer)

"Fold your dog's ear back!" (said by Elaine)

Classic, classic episode! It's a must see. But good luck finding it. It is rarely shown in syndication because the PR's were offended. I have no offense to them. I just think the show is funny. Society needs to quit wearing their feelings on their sleeves.

Yoda

"The force is stong in that one."

She and SD saved my butt tonight. I was working on a project with a rub-on phrase and I wasn't paying attention. I *screwed it up." She and SD helped fix it. Now, it looks awesome.

Yoda also gave me some awesome hints at the crop last night. She truly is my Yoda and I am her not-so-young Jedi. I am a Jedi in training. Inspires me, she does.

Fake Nails, Weight Loss and Inspiration

Okay, the fake nails addiction needs to go. They have begun to interfere with my scrapbooking. Do you know how hard it is to handle a mini brad or an eyelet with those things? It's crazy. Since I was too cheap to get a new set this past time, I got them polished. (Which, by the way, can and *will* transfer to your projects.) They are also too expensive. I'd rather spend my money on scrapbook stuff. Maybe if I'd lose some weight I wouldn't need artificial means to feel better about myself. (Ouch! Yes, I said it.)

That brings me to my next subject. I'm feeling a need to really pull this weight off, tone my *not so sexy* body and get in shape. I *hate* the huge mirror in my bathroom. I feel sorry for David. He must really love me because I'm really not looking good. At all. It's time to put some action to it. I've lost at Weight Watchers before and I know I can do it again. Truth be told, if I'd stayed with the program, I wouldn't have gained all of my weight back in the first place. It's a lifestyle change. I need to change my lifestyle. I've got kids now. I need to do it for them. I want to run and play with them both now and with their kids many years from now. That first step is the hardest. I need to be completely committed or it won't work. My mirror is quite an inspiration. I want to feel pretty. Right now I don't. I know there's more to a person than outward beauty. Okay, I'm rambling. I'm going to lose weight. No more of "well, I'll start after that birthday party or after I go to that crop. It starts this week. Goodbye Fatty McButter Pants (any King of Queens fans?). Hello new, thinner, sexier, healthier, happier Me!

Wal-Mart.com Photo Center Sucks

Ugh..... Let me say that again. UGH!!!!!!!!!

I have been picking out pictures all week to have printed out for my crop tonight. I submitted them online to Wal-Mart at 9:21 this morning. Because of their "high volume" my order summary said they would be ready at 11:21. I can forgive an hour. Even though one-hour service isn't technically one hour anymore, but whatever. I need to quit using one hour service and plan a little further ahead next time. That's beside the point.

I went at 12:00 (I gave them an extra 39 minutes) and THEY HAD NO RECORD OF MY ORDER. Yes, I'm yelling. Not at you. It's my frustration. I had a *small* window where I could pick up my pictures, head to my LSS, powerscrap the pictures and head back home. They called some 800 number in Dallas and 10 minutes later told me that there was a "problem with my account" and I could get my picture in 3 - 5 days. Huh???? That doesn't exactly do me a lot of good for tonight. I have a freakin' project I'm working on. I have a crop tonight. CRAP!!! Then, that butt-munch at the counter said to me, very condescendingly, "Well, did you get e-mail confirmation of your order?" No, I didn't. I assumed that because my order summary said that they'd be ready at 11:21, then that was good enough. Apparently not. Then that *man* asked me that question again. (Same tone.) I could feel the steam shooting out of my ears just like in the cartoons. He's real lucky I've been doing a Bible Study lately that helped me keep my composure and not just absolutely *go-off* on him. It wasn't his fault, but he didn't have to act like such a *man.* I was the dumb woman who didn't wait for my e-mail confirmation. I shouldn't let anyone make me feel that way.

So, I get home, calm down a little. It's not worth the headache I'm getting. I called the customer service number for Wal-Mart.com myself. A woman answers. (After I listened to their stupid hold music for five minutes. Are you adding up how much of my *valuable* time I've waited on them today?) My intelligence was further insulted after she read an obviously scripted response to me. It's not just me, it's their online one hour service. They have since taken the service off of their site all-together until it is fixed.

Did they send me an e-mail telling me there would be a delay? No. Did they offer to give me a discount or give me some other "perk" for my inconvenience? NO. Will I submit pictures to them ever again? No.

Whew, I feel a little better. But if they charge my credit card, after I cancelled the order, I *will* go off. Ugh.

Chicken Soup

I got my new book yesterday. It is Chicken Soup for the Scrapbookers Soul. It's extra special because my friend Ami has a story in there about how she and Jody got together and opened our local scrapbook store. They had an adorable party promoting the book and even signed books for people. The book is really sweet and funny. I started reading it last night. Don't wast your time if you are not a scrapbooker. You won't get it. But if you are, can I get an amen?

Missing Items

When I was single, and lived by myself, things were always in their place. My apartment was always orderly, and I might add, quite clean. I mean actually clean. I always had time to vacuum, dust and keep my bathroom sparkling. My bed was *always* made and the place smelled as fresh as an apartment could. Laundry even stayed done, ironed, folded and put away.

In comes husband followed by two little boys. (Actually, I moved in to his place, but that's beside the point.) Talk about rocking my structured little world. I guess what has provoked this post is my missing acrylic cutting board. It was the perfect size. And now, gone. I don't know what happened to it. I know that I either put it: in the third drawer from the top next to the stove, on the counter to cut something up, from there to the kitchen sink, then to the dishwasher and back into said drawer. It's in *none* of those places. This has also happened to one of my steak knives, a tupperware plate from a matched four piece set and various serving utensils.

Since C can't even walk yet, that leaves two other suspects. I can't imagine Dr. J taking it and cutting up some veggies or some fruit. Stranger things have happened, but not likely. Who does that leave? Could it be the grown up little boy who lives in my home as well? He doesn't exactly have the best track record. I've retrieved some of my "non outdoor" kitchen necessities from next to his bbq grill before. He is usually admonished and then says it will never happen again. I'm beginning to think that he is just humoring me. He acts all aloof, like he has no clue what I'm talking about. I'm not buying it anymore. Actually, I will have to buy it. At the store. A new one. I miss my cutting board.

Paper Cut

I just got a paper cut while working on my All About Me album. How ironic is that? It only bled a little. But David said, "Only a scrapbook amateur gets a paper cut while scrapbooking." Could he be right? Anyway, that's the kind of humor I love about him. He's so quick. Most people think he's all business. Not the David I know. He makes me laugh all of the time. He's watching The Wedding Crashers while I'm working on my album. It cracks me up to hear him laugh at the funny parts. It's his *real* laugh. I love that. My finger feels better. Back to work...

I'm Insane

Yes, I called my buddies. It was so funny. SD answered the phone. It was about 9:45 and she did everything she could to try to talk me into "sneaking out" and joining them. I felt like a teenager. I told her that I couldn't because I'd " get in trouble."

She was indeed the "little devil on my shoulder." I was content to just look over a few things and then go to bed early. Ha! I got out my February QVC purchase. I've been kicking myself because I hadn't gotten to this yet and thought I ought to look it over and prepare myself to get to work. It is Lisa Bearnson's Favorite Albums. It doesn't spark a lot of creativity, but by the end of 2006, it will be four completed 8 x 8 albums. (Which, by the way, is my favorite album size these days.) Everything you need, except the journaling and the pictures, is power-scrapped for you. It is awesome. Here is a link to it, should you decide you need a visual. http://www.lisabearnson.com/FavoriteAlbums/index.php

I've received the first two albums and the third should be here by the end of the month. SD inspired the scrapper in me. (Maybe I was just jealous because they were all scrapping and I wasn't.) Needless to say, I started working on the "All About Me" album. I kind of like it that I'm forced to finally do something about myself. I don't *ever* do that. I gave myself an hour and a half to get it going. I had to *make* myself stop two hours later. Now, I am struggling with what I struggle with *every time* I get home from a night of scrapping. My mind wants to keep going. I feel like I'm on a roll. It's so hard to stop. Does that make me insane?

It's all put away now and I'm going to attempt to get some sleep. Thank goodness church doesn't begin until 10:30 in the morning! BTW, Justin *is* asleep, but he's only been that way for about an hour. What am I going to do with him?

Bummed...

I'm bummed. My scrapbook buddies are scrappin' tonight and I'm not. I think I'll give them a call...

The Results

I think it was a tie...

I'm going to do my best to see that the little booger doesn't take a nap today. We are going swimming at Papaw's and Mamaw's late this afternoon. That should wear his little hiney out!

Have a Blessed Weekend!

My Son is Still Awake...

What did I do to deserve this? Dr. J is still awake. I take him to MDO so that he can interact with friends and I can get a little break. It wears him out and he falls asleep for a nap, quite late in the day. Try as I might, I can't wake him up. And now, he's WIDE AWAKE and I'm not. I'm very tired and did not have a nap. Being a Mom is exhausting. Do they make Ambien for children? They should....lots of parents would stock up on it! Ha ha! I know what you are thinking. I would never do that to my children. (I won't share my Ambien with anyone, it's like gold to me.) He'll fall asleep, eventually. The real question is: who will cave first? Me or him? I'll let you know.

Horrible Movies to Avoid At ALL Costs

1. Dante's Peak - This is mine and Bob's basis movie for bad movies. It was so horrible. Really, it was just plain stupid. I won't get into the details. Just rest assured, it was bad.
2. Flight Plan - 2005's version of Dante Peak. So disappointing. I'm glad I didn't waste a precious night out at the movies on that one. It was a rental. Come on, we know the kid is on the plane. This wasn't a "Left Behind" movie in disguise. Give me a break. And that was the most retarded movie ending ever.
3. Open Water - 2003's version of Dante's Peak. I was sick in bed and had nothing else to watch. It had come on tv and I taped it. I thought, "what the heck?" It could be good. WRONG!!! I'm sorry, but don't read on if you don't want the spoiler for this one. I just have to say it. I only hung on for the ending of that movie with the hope that those dipwads would get eaten up by sharks and the movie would end. Well, knock me over with a feather. That's exactly what happened. It was my only redemption for that hour and a half of my life I'd desperately like to have back. Don't watch it. I'm thinking I'd watch Dante's Peak again first. Or, it might be fun to watch it muted and create my own dialog for like the sharks or something. Yikes, make it stop. Does the grading system go below an F? I guess if it's my system it does. So, I'm going to go with an "S+." That's the best I can do.

Everything else I have seen this year has actually been somewhat decent. I'll leave my negativeness (is that a real word?) to those above unless I stumble across a new contender.

Failure To Launch Movie Review

Well, I'm a little behind the times. But if you haven't seen the movie yet, I'll be careful not to turn this into a "spoiler." David HATES going to the theater. I mean it. He HATES it. I've been a few times this year, but not with him. Did I mention that he hates it?

Anyway, we rented the above movie from Netflix. We got the kids to bed and were finally able to sit down and watch it. I hadn't gone to see it because I'd rather watch the Romantic/Comedies with hubby. I actually saw "The Notebook" with a friend. When I got home, all I wanted to do was cuddle and hug on my hubby. He thought I was insane. (Did I mention that I'm not a cuddler?)

Back to the story. FTL was a really cute movie. I'm a sucker for anything with Matthew McConaughey in it. I wouldn't say it was better than How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but it was definitely cute. There were some pretty funny lines in there. And Terry Bradshaw - - I am shocked. For more than one reason. The first was that I thought he was perfect for this part. I've always thought that he was kind of a goofball. I mean really, have you heard him do pre-game and half-time for NFL? He's goofy. He fit right into this role and honestly - - I was impressed. The second reason - - you just have to see for yourself. It's the scene where he's feeding the fish at his house. I'm still in shock. I laughed my butt off.

Overall, I wold give the movie an A-. That's my scale, not the Academy of Motion Pictures. That's Aunt B's rating based on my kind of movies. Any of his movies get an A if he takes his shirt off. That's my rule. If you don't like it, ignore my rating system and go with your own. You won't hurt my feelings.

Bunco!

I won at Bunco tonight. Actually I tied with several other girls for the most buncos and we had to have a roll-off with the dice. High one, won. There were a couple of fives, a four, a two and then I rolled a six. WOO-HOO - - Jackpot! Actually it was only $20, but I'll take it. I might even use it to get my first ever pedicure. We had a great time. Betty hooked us up with some awesome summer salads. It was great. It's at my house in August. Good times.

To tip or not to tip, that is the question

Started it off with Starbucks. You can't go wrong there. Unless, I guess, if you don't have any money. Do you tip them? What is an appropriate tip? Who do we *not* tip these days and risk a service being *you know*, compromised? I don't mind tipping in the service industries, but could there please be a line drawn in the sand? It's so stinkin' confusing.

I pay a good chunk of change to get my car washed and dried off. Do I look like a cheapskate if I hand them my receipt, flash a smile, say thanks and get into my car and drive away? I mean really, what did I just pay for? I paid to have it done right in the first place. What, is he going to go for that extra drop of water off of my side mirrors if I slip him an extra dollar?

In restaurants, do we tip when our service is clearly bad? Don't get me wrong. I am a big believer in treating people with the utmost respect. The way I would want to be treated. I just think this whole tip thing has gotten way out of hand. At Sonic, they ask you if you want your change back. Why not just come right out and ask for a tip? Now that's bold. What kind of question is that? Yes I want my change back. If I'm going to tip, you just make dang sure you give me my change in appropriate denominations and if I'm happy with the service I received, I'll tip you.

Oh no, I think we stumbled upon one of my hot-button issues today. And I don't know why. Well, I think I do. My coffee was $3.90 and I paid with four $1 bills. I told her to keep that dime. That made me feel cheap. Am I wrong? Should they feel lucky that they got the dime? Do some people tip more? I don't want to be stupid with my money. I'd like to be able to purchase more services in the future, but if my wallet is being attacked by the tip monster, my ability to frequent these establishments will be greatly diminished. You hear me? Any advice out there?

Coffee...My apologies to Starbucks.

My previous post included a top ten in my life. I inadvertently left off a big one. Coffee from Starbucks. I got one this morning and was quickly reminded of how much it makes me smile. My first smile appears when:

1. I realize I have enough cash on hand to get one,

2. I turn into the parking lot,

3. I complete my complicated order and they *get me*

(grande caramel machiatto, stirred, with whip)

4. I pull up to the window and get my first whiff of the aroma inside,

5. And finally, I take my first sip.

Not that anyone cares, but I thought I'd share.

Yoda *hearts* her new i-pod. I *heart* my coffee!

Happy Thoughts

I have had some conversations with friends lately that have made me just that much more thankful for how blessed my life is. We all have issues. Instead of focusing on my issues, I was thinking tonight of some of the simple things in life that make me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I'll list them for you...

1. A clean kitchen before I go to bed
2. Putting away the last of the laundry
3. Cameron squealing at me when I retrieve him from his crib
4. Hearing, "I love you, Mommy" from Justin
5. My hubby kissing the back of my neck when I'm doing the dishes
6. Eating a chocolate cake made by Susan Ball
7. Finishing a great page
8. Those last couple of minutes before I nodd off
9. A full pantry and fridge
10. The first cool breeze in the fall

I know they're not much, but they are me. They aren't in any particular order. Just typed them as they came to me. I hope you are leading a blessed life, too. God has been really good to me.

I stand corrected...

When I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong. *I'm wrong.* I tried out the Wishblade. It is awesome. It would take some practice, but I think I could do some serious damage with that thing. It is definitely better than Sizzix. But, you go with what you've got. And I just simply don't use die-cuts enough to justify purchasing one yet. It is far more versatile than the Sizzix. Maybe someday...

I have, however, made a few small purchases. The first one was the Crop-a-dile. Un-freaking-believable! Love it. It will likely bring eyelets back to my scrapbook pages. It was too much trouble before. Not anymore. And it's so quiet, too. I think it's a must have for any scrapper. It punches holes, too. It's an awesome tool.

The second purchase I made was on a whim. I have to be honest...it was the last one in our local store and I didn't know if they'd order more or not. It's Heidi Swapp's mini iron. It should work fabulously for ribbons that are not flat. Plus, I'm hearing that there might be some new iron-ons for our pages. I haven't seen them yet, but I'll be ready when I do. Also, this little iron is so stinkin' cute, it was hard to pass up. I haven't used it yet, but I plan to test it out later this afternoon. Yoda pointed out that it is corded and would be better with batteries. Probably so, but so far, that's the only down-side.

I scrapped with some buddies at our LSS last night. I only got one page done. I hate *that* but it was a good page. Plus, the good company and time away from the little ankle biters did me some good. I laughed and cried at their stories. Oph had yet more library stories, Yoda was working feverishly on her projects for CKU and SD was working on a great page of her beautiful little girl. They are some of the neatest people. It was great to spend some time with them. Thanks, girls.

I used the PDQ paper on the above LO and finally used my white sharpie to "doodle." It was only some dashes and dots, but I did it. It was pretty liberating to write on a page again. Plus, I really like what it did for the page.

Happy scrappin' this week. I think I'll go do another page...