I Wanna Rock!

I just saw Rock of Ages, and I don't care what anyone says; I loved it!! 

I can't help myself, I'm a fan of campy musicals! Is it a great movie? No. It's not even a good movie, but something about it just made me happy! I had to be really careful in the movie theater, it was hard for me to not sing along with these awesome songs (they just bring back so many memories of being 1 year old in 1987...)

The cast was full of some pretty big names, which isn't always a good thing for a movie musical. Tom Cruise was completely ridiculous, of course, but because he's just as nonsensical and self-absorbed in real life, he was perfect as a filthy, bewildered rock star. Alec Baldwin just seemed to be playing the guy Jack Donaghy must be in his nightmares, and there was no way I could take him seriously as the owner of a rock & roll club. Russell Brand just makes me laugh, not because he's necessarily that funny, but just because he is just such a cartoon caricature of a human being. Juliane Hough did a good enough job (well, the autotuners didn't have to work too hard at least). I'm pretty sure Catherine Zeta-Jones was being played by a robot, she just seemed so stiff...c'mon CZJ, you're a Tony winner now, loosen up a bit. Just to prove that big names aren't everything, I would have to say the best part was Diego Boneta's Drew. 

I have such a soft spot for guys who are easy on the eyes as well as the ears/guys with guitars (!!!) He's just so yummy!

The Kindness of Strangers (or...what Christmas Spirit looks like)

Tonight was our middle school pajama 'faux lock-in' for Christmas. I think a three hour lock-in is just right for 6-8 graders. We watched a movie, played some games, ate some pizza, and did our gift exchange game. It was a good night.
It didn't start out good though. First off it's raining here...and as much as I love rain, it tends to complicate things a bit. Then I went to pick up the pizzas I had ordered and they kinda mixed up my order so even though I ordered ahead of time, I ended up waiting an extra 10 minutes, which kinda irked me a bit. Once I picked up my pies, I was then charged with the task of carrying 6 pizzas and 2 two-liter bottles of Coke out to my car. I got out the door okay, I was able just to back up right through it (cause my daddy taught me good) then I had to stop and re-adjust the boxes and bottles when some guy asked "can I give you a hand with that?" I said, "actually, yes if you don't mind". The he took the two sodas and followed me out to my car, put them in my back seat and wished me a 'Merry Christmas'. Wow!
This guy, this perfect stranger who probably just wanted to get his pizza and go home, totally made my day. I'll probably never see him again, and even if I do, I doubt I'd even recognize him...but this guy decided that instead of ignoring the girl juggling six pizzas and two bottles of soda, he was going to walk an extra 20 yards in the rain to help a stranger. I am so thankful for this, and I think that this (not to sound cheesy) is what Christmas is all about. Helping people.
I realize that I am incredibly blessed. I have food in my fridge (including some leftover pizza from tonight), a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and a warm bed to sleep in every night. I am also incredibly independent (to the point of being stubborn). I don't ask for help often, and I like to think that I don't need a lot of help. I'm not 'less fortunate', in fact, I am very fortunate. But everybody needs a little helping hand every once in a while...and I am grateful that there are people out there willing to lend one!

Lauren Locks and the Three Bears

I'm very persnickety. I always have been and I always will be.
Sometimes being picky is an asset. Sometimes it's not. Sometimes it's just there.
I spent, like, a hour today at Target picking out a Christmas card. It wasn't even for me, but I had to find one that wasn't too cheesy, or too schmaltzy, or too whatever. I had to find the ONE card that was just right
I am always looking for that 'just right' thing. It kills me because, sometimes 'just right' only exists in my imagination...Maybe I should learn to let go of silly things like Christmas cards, but I think there are some areas where I can still afford to be picky, such as:
My hair. We don't always get along, my hair and I, but I at least try to get it 'just right'. Last year I got this horrible hair cut...I wish I'd been pickier with the hair dresser.
Shoes. They have to be cute and comfortable. They can't be just cute. They can't be just comfortable. If my shoes aren't both, forget it. The true test...can I stand a whole day walking around Disneyland AND want to post the pictures on Facebook? Obviously this test isn't for EVERY shoe, I have some heels that I wouldn't wear to Disneyland...but don't upset my feet too much for normal day-wear.
Purses. Can't be too big, can't be too small. I hate purses that are just one big pocket, but I also hate purses that are so structured getting everything in and out is like a jog saw puzzle. And if it's my day-to-day purse, it has to be a neutral color so that if I'm wearing black, brown or blue I'm not going to clash.
And last but not least...
Boys. For me this is where my pickiness comes in as an asset...mostly. I turned in my rental car today, and the cute enterprise guy was driving me over to the body shop to get my car. Commence small talk. Then he said 'hella'. Maybe I'm too picky, but that's a deal breaker (not that there was a 'deal' or whatever, but y'know)
HELLA?!?! Who says that?! Ew.
Am I being too harsh?