“I catnap now and then, but I think while I nap, so it’s not a waste of time.” – Martha Stewart

So, the girls over at The Complete Woman blog asked if I would be willing to write one feature a week. I responded with an enthusiastic YES!  Why, you ask?!  Well let tell you …

The Complete Woman understands that we have many looks.  We’re short, tall, skinny and, well, maybe we could stand to lose a few pounds.  We’re tomboys and girlie-girls.  We’re homemakers and business execs.  We’re single and married; we have human children and those of the animal variety.  We live within a block of where we grew up and halfway around the world.  We’re crafty and all thumbs.  We’re graceful and trip over our own two feet.  We go with the flow and blaze a trail.  We love to travel, stay-in, read, watch movies, play sports, cheer, spend days reflecting and hours laughing with our friends.  We’re every color of the rainbow.  But despite our difference we have this in common: we strive to be the best we can be.  Sometimes we win, sometimes we fail.  What matters is we keep trying.  And we have girls to cheer us along the way. 

Won’t you come join us?!

Rating: R

Genre:  Drama

Verdict: Clint Eastwood knows how to make ‘em

The Gist:  Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) has two great loves: his wife and his 1972 Gran Torino.  Everything and everyone else manages to simply get beneath his skin.  When his wife dies things only get worse.  His family wants to stick him in a retirement home.  His wife’s priest, Father Janovich (Christopher Carley), is intent on keeping his promise to watch over him.  Thao (Bee Vang), the teenage son of the Hmong family next door, attempts to steal his Gran Torino as gang initiation.  And to add insult to injury, this old Korean War veteran’s neighborhood is being taken over by Asians.  But when he kicks gang members off his property – saving Thao from their clutches in the process – he suddenly finds himself a hero.  Whether he wants it or not.  And the road traveled that point forward proves despite racial slurs and ornery demeanor, actions speak louder than words. 

My Take: What is there to say but I loved this movie.  The storyline (Dave Johannson and Nick Schenk) provides a strong foundation with characters and situations relevant for today.  Chances are most of us have known a Walt Kowalski.  Most of us understand the threat gangs bring to our own backyard.  Most of us have our own demons to fight.  Add to that a strong screenplay (Nick Schenk) and intent direction (Clint Eastwood) and you’ve got a film that not only entertains, but offers valuable insight.  The characters are memorable.  The dialogue makes you laugh – if only because you cannot believe Kowalski actually said that.  Out loud.  Thao’s sister, Sue Lor (Ahney Her), has some great lines as well – as anything thrown at her, she can dish right back.  The same goes for Barber Martin (John Carroll Lynch).  And the symbolism says what words cannot.  Yes, there’s swearing a plenty and racial slurs to cover most everyone – but it’s there for a reason, rather than simply shock value.  Those are the characters – that’s how they talk.  Pure and simple.  There is also violence, but nothing graphic.  As a matter of fact, the worst act of violence is not actually shown – for which I am thankful.  It’s hard enough watching after the fact.  This, of course, proves you do not have to actually depict horrific events in order to get the gut-wrenching response.  All in all – from laughter to tears – this is a wonderful film that should not be missed.   

An aside:  If you are at all prone to tears, bring Kleenex.  Lots and lots of Kleenex.  I went to this movie with my mom and grama – so there were three generations of bawlers.  All in a row.  It was pitiful. 

Also, I’ve read reviews/comments that did little more than criticize the racism of this film.  It’s just one more example of the way political correctness has created a whole new form of bigotry.  No, racial slurs are not right – but if that is all you are taking away from this film, you are missing the point entirely. 

What better way to begin the week than with thankfulness?!  I can’t think of anything either.  So without further ado …

A big ol’ thank you to Gabrielle over at Shop Wise Bags for honoring me with the following award:

Anyone who knows me knows this blog was started as a friend’s way of keeping me writing, without endless rewrites and edits, in an attempt to propel me toward literary greatness – or, at the very least, finishing something.  I never imagined the faithful readers I would amass.  So really, this thank you is to you too!

And special thanks to Alpha Inventions for sending a ton of new readers my way even while I was out with a sick computer.  My blog would have been so lonely without you – so thank you, thank you!

The economy of today is often being compared to The Great Depression of the 1920’s and 30’s.  Well, that ain’t all bad.  After all, despite hard times, they still had such delectable treats as molasses crinkles - THE cookie from 1930 to 1935.  More than likely it’s popularity stemmed from the fact that the recipe takes but one egg – everything else most will have on hand.  And let’s not forget their uncanny ability to melt them troubles away …   

Molasses Crinkles

Ingredients

3/4 cup soft shortening

1 cup brown sugar (packed)

1 egg

1/4 cup molasses

2 1/4 cups flour

2 tsp soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

granulated sugar

Directions

1. Mix shortening, sugar egg, and molasses thoroughly. 

2. Measure flour by dipping or sifting; blend all dry ingredients. 

3. Stir dry ingredients with wet and chill. 

4. Once chilled, heat oven to 375 (F) and grease baking sheet. 

5. Roll dough in 1 1/4” balls; dip tops in sugar; place sugar side up, 3” apart, on greased baking sheet.

6. Sprinkle each with 2 or 3 drops of water.

7. Bake 10 to 12 min – or just until set, but not hard. 

So, I’ve been without a computer for two weeks; here’s a few highlights from my time away …

Denial, anger, acceptance

Why is it computers go on the fritz at the most inopportune times?  Yeah, I don’t know either, but it ain’t right.  The first sign that something was amiss was the fact that I couldn’t access the administrative side of my blog.  Like any rational human being, I blamed it on MSN.  Of course, after four days – and clicking an innocent link on Google only to be routed to a porn site – I began to think the problem may be a bit more personal.  With that, I broke down and took it in.  Other than that, the only thing I took from the experience is this:  computer geeks are a lot more like super heroes than geeks.  Unless, of course, you bring your laptop in and they look at you like you’re stupid and send you on your way – only so your computer can get worse, forcing you to come in the next day and be relegated to the end of the inordinately long line of computers – then, well, the geek shoe may very well fit … 

So that’s how it was done

The first few days were pitiful.  Pitiful I tell you.  My whole routine was off-kilter.  I just sat around, looking dazed and confused.  Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration … but still … it wasn’t pretty.  Slowly, I began to recall such rudimentary tools as telephones … libraries … pens and – GASP! – notepads!  By the end of the whole ordeal I realized I had become much too reliant upon my computer – perhaps the whole computer-bug-thing was God’s way of saying, Get a hold of yourself woman!   

Filling those hours

My work really does depend on a computer.  I could read up on old notes, scribble a few new, but any serious writing project had to stay on stand-by until my computer was fixed.  So what’s a girl to do?  Well I’ll just tell you what she did – she cleaned like a mad-woman!  That’s right!  I shredded YEARS worth of stuff.  That, in itself, took days.  And made me a tad grouchy … but now that it’s done, it’s invigorating!  Of course, now that I’ve started, I realize just how much there is to do.  Wretched luck really.  Oh, and I did spend a couple days reading.  Reading.  All.  Day.  Long.  Reading, to me, is an indulgence.  Needless to say, those two days were pure bliss.  Sigh. 

God’s grace

As you may recall, I’ve been wanting a new computer desk.  My problem being I have a very small budget … and I’m exceedingly picky.  Yeah, these two things don’t work so very well together.  For over a month I searched high and low  - Craig’s List, outlet stores, thrift stores.  All for naught.  I had all but given up when I perused the ads last Sunday (insert angels singing here).  There it was … a beautiful L-shaped desk, in espresso, for my exact budget … and they threw in the matching hutch.  (whimper)  My dad and I finished putting it together just in time for my computer to return home.  And here’s a helpful hint to all those who tend to be a bit accident prone:  carpentry is a painful proposition.   

And there’s more … a friend of ours purchased my plane ticket to Sweden.  That’s right.  I’ll be flying out to see my nephew (and brother and sister-in-law) in July … and I won’t even have to worry about where I’ll get the money.  It’s a blessing I cannot quite fathom.

My Amy-lost-her-job-and-will-soon-be-homeless party

Last, but certainly not least, I attended my unemployment party.  Coming up with friends who could laugh at such proved more difficult than I originally thought.  However, the friends who did show up, ensured it was some good times.  We made stone soup, day old bread, and cookies made from a depression era recipe.  We drank beverages out of brown paper bags.  We chatted.  We laughed.  My friends also came bearing gifts to aid me in my transition: white bread, processed cheese slices, spam, cardboard signs and boxes (yesterday’s picture was one fine example), fingerless gloves, plastic bags, bottle of Irish cream, window washing fluid and a rag, cooking for happiness cookbook …

And I realized, more than ever, just how blessed I am to have such friends.  True friends.  Friends who will be there in the good times and the bad.  Friends who will cry with me … and then turn around and make sure those tears turn to laughter!  We should all be so lucky …

Stay tuned:  the much-anticipated-recipe from the depression era.  I would post it now but let’s be serious … this has got to be the world’s longest post as it is!

And, dare I say, better than ever?!

Life isn't measured in minutes, but in moments

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Drama/Fantasy/Romance

Verdict: A masterpiece

The gist:  Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) was "born under unusual circumstances" - being born a man in his eighties and aging backwards.  We follow his extraordinary journey from birth at the close of WWI New Orleans to the 21st century.  We see the world through his eyes - from grand adventures to everyday life.  Through it all we discover that whether traveling forward or backward, all that makes up life - joys, disappointments, loves, dislikes, even our place in history - are but fleeting moments.  And the fact that they will not last, makes them all the more precious.        

My take:  The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is one of those rare films that has it all.  Is it far-fetched?  Yes.  Is it long?  Very.  But it's greatly entertaining.  For starters, it has a strong screenplay (Eric Roth and Robin Swicord); one that makes you laugh one minute, cry the next.  With a blend of past and present, fantasy and reality, it becomes more than a mere tale.  Fantastic as it may be, it's life.  This is reinforced with an amazing cast of actors, including Brad Pitt (Benjamin), Cate Blanchett (Daisy), Tilda Swinton (Elizabeth Abbott), Julia Ormond (Caroline), and Taraji P. Henson (Queenie) - just to name a few.  Finally, David Fincher (director) takes all the pieces and creates a visual masterpiece full of grandeur.   Put it all together and this film offers what few films can: a sweet escape from reality, while offering viewers valuable lessons for the very thing they seek to escape. 

An aside:  I will admit, I drug my feet when it came to this movie.  The thought of someone aging backwards was a little too much for me.  I'm all for fantasy, but that seemed just a little too weird.  But really, when you think of it - how many of us have said, "If I could just go back ... "  Well here you go.  So if you're not sure if you want to see the movie, take it from someone in your shoes - put your reservations aside and go to see the film.  Then take the message to heart - and savor each moment life affords you...   

So, I'm at church on Sunday when I see a friend of the family who I haven't seen in ages.  He's telling me about his son who is engaged when he stops, pauses, takes a good hard look at me, and says, "You know, I keep thinking someday you'll get married.  But maybe not."  Long and short of it, true enough, but I was taken back.  I just stood there, looking at him - my mouth was open, but there were no words.  Finally, I said the only thing that came to mind: Yes, well, good thing our God is still a God of miracles now isn't it?  Then I smiled sweetly and went along my merry way ...   

When you can live forever, what do you live for?

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Fantasy/drama/romance

Verdict:  It doesn't suck (seriously; couldn't be helped!)

The gist:  Mid-way through her Junior year of High School Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart)moves from sunny Arizona - where she lived with her mom and her new husband - to the small, misty town of Forks, Washington - where she will live with her father.  Clumsy and shy, it doesn't take Bella long to capture the hearts of her fellow classmates.  All, it would seem, except for Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).  Edward is like no one she has ever met - and it is more than his striking looks.  He's intelligent, witty, fast, strong, and pale-skinned.  He also reads minds, hasn't aged since 1918, and drinks blood to survive.  He's a vampire.  And so begins the story of the ultimate forbidden love - that between a vampire and his mortal.      

My take:  While not the best movie ever, Twilight is an enjoyable ride.  Like the books, the premise of a vampire loving a mortal draws you in.  The actors are aptly cast and strong in their roles.  My only real complaint in regard to acting is the lab scene:  Edwards looks as if he could puke.  I'm not sure if this was Pattinson's depiction or that of the director (Catherine Hardwicke) - but it was a bit unnerving.  Other than that, Stewart and Pattinson maintain a strong chemistry.  And the whole of acting talent proves with a tighter storyline, stronger dialogue, and enhanced special effects, this movie could have been pure magic.  Still, it serves as a fun diversion to real life.            

An aside:  Yes, I'm just now getting around to seeing the movie, but - and you might want to sit down before I tell you the next bit - I have yet to read the series.  GASP!  I know, I've failed in my girly duties.  If it makes you feel any better, it is top on my list for 2009 - right after I finish reading on the mound of books currently piled upon my nightstand.  Of course this will not help you now, since I cannot accurately compare the movie to the book.  However, I'm fairly certain the books is better than the movie.  Pretty sure. 

So far, so good.   Though I did end 2008 on a sad note.  While spending time with a friend whom I've been friends with since FOREVER, we concluded that the guy I had a huge crush on most of my Junior High and Senior High years is, indeed, gay.   Little did I know, all those times I cried myself to sleep because he had spent a little too much talking to a girl or took some girl home, was all for naught.  I should have been bawling when he was talking to the boys.  Sigh.  Pity. 

Let us be serious in our resolve to have a great new year

Here it is, dear readers: 2009.  May it be grand!

I don't know about you, but I've been mulling my goals for the year.  Perhaps because I'm unemployed, perhaps because I'm older, but this year I've been convicted to understand the reason behind my resolutions.  Why do I want to accomplish these goals?   Is it just so I can say I did?  Is it for my own benefit?  The benefit of others? 

Granted, there's nothing wrong with a frivolous resolution or two.  As a matter of fact, no matter how deeply I consider my choices for the year, I'm keeping my resolution to be a gun slinger.  YEEHA! 

But this year, I also want to reach for the lofty.  Won't you join me?  Let us be determined to set our energies to that which will not only benefit ourselves and those around us - but that which will have a lasting effect.  After all, as Les Brown once said, Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!