Figuring Out Food

I have a confession.

I'm fake.
Okay, okay I guess it's not me that's fake, it's what I eat sometimes that's fake.

I'll admit it. I don't eat perfectly natural foods all of the time. If it's offered to me, I'll take a diet soda. I like sugar free versions of things. I'll eat things that aren't "natural", and I don't buy organic. I am what many health food bloggers despise.

However, at the same time I eat a lot of good for you foods. I eat fruits and veggies, I tend to eat things fairly close to their natural state as well, with a few things that are definitely not.

If you're thinking I was recently influenced by some health related study thing, you'd be right! Today I actually finished both a book and a movie based on dietary habits. I read The Butcher and the Vegetarian, and then watched Forks Over Knives.

The book was about a vegetarian girl trying to eat some meat in her diet for dietary reasons. She had been raised vegetarian, so it certainly was an adventure. It was alright, kept me entertained. She jumps around a lot with her thoughts though.

With Forks Over Knives, it talked about how a plant based diet is a better plan than a diet consisting of meat products. Funny thing is, I checked out the book The China Study before I saw this, and I couldn't finish it. It was too much of a research paper for me. This documentary? Pretty much the movie version of the book.

Both the book and the movie discussed the points of if we really need meat. Obviously there was talk about the humanity of slaughtering animals for our food, and how certain risks for diseases go do if we don't eat meat based proteins.
Ironically, during both the documentary and the book there were times when I was craving a burger.

See, I think that's one of the problems I've always had with people telling me that eating meat is wrong. Usually, it comes off as a "I'm better than you, so you should do this" type of vibe. It's the same type of thought that comes with telling a smoker that smoking is killing them. Yes, they know that, same with how I know that many plant based diets are a lot better than ones that include meat. But you know what? I like my meat. I hate being limited on what I can try, and that's a big part of vegetarianism. Oh I know that there's plenty you can eat. I've read the stories, "you're not limited at all". Can you try that venison burger? No, you cannot. I'm fine with vegetarian meals, but I like trying meat too. Having limits on what you can eat is what made me so mad about being allergic to shrimp and crab. I mean, during Spring Break my mom was terrified of me trying a sea bass and corn chowder because she thought it was shrimp. (it was delicious by the way).

One of the bigger pictures to get is to cut down on the processed foods and eat more veggies. I at least try to do that I suppose. And I have to admit, part of the appeal of baking bread is feeling like it's "fresher" and "healthier" even if it's not as healthy as I think. At least I know what is in it then. (I also like it because I can slice my slices any way I want, but that's a different story).

Oh I thought I was doing alright since I eat eggs so much, but apparently that's bad too. Any animal based thing. I guess their ideas in Forks Over Knives were more vegan than vegetarian.

I said that the reason why I like being an omnivore is because I don't want to miss out on things, right? So why not veggie it up at home? Some people go vegetarian because it's cheaper, and I know that meat tends to be my priciest grocery. I like to argue that meat makes me feel fuller. I dunno, maybe that's just a mind game I play with myself. Eh.

Do I have a point to all of this? Hmm. Maybe eat what you like, but try to eat as natural as possible? Then again, it's okay to have some unnatural things? Ah, I dunno. All I know is that I want to be able to eat anything, and that includes meat. So I will.
Oh, as for the non-organic? I don't eat organic only because it's cheaper not to. I would if it wasn't, but I'm a frugal college kid.

Guh... I don't want to work on my Annotated Bibliography. Bah. Lazy lazy.

What affects the way you eat? What's one thing about your diet that isn't up to par with the "perfect" diet?

The Oscars- A Recap, and Why I Ate Dinner At Nine

Thus ends another weekend. Honestly, I need to get more creative with these introductory sentences. I'm working on it. Perhaps journalism classes will help with that. I digress.

If you've been reading my blog the past few days, you'll know that tonight were the 84th Annual Academy Awards! How delightful. Many of the wins made me happy, others annoyed, and some I didn't care either way. Here are some of the highlights and lowlights, in my opinion:

• Christopher Plummer winning Best Supporting Actor was fantastic. He totally deserved it, gave a great speech and c'mon! It's Christopher Plummer. He's just a super cool actor. Plus, it was cool that he is now the oldest Oscar winner of all time.
• Octavia Spencer for Best Supporting Actress was wonderful as well, if only for the fact that her acceptance speech was filled with so much disbelief. You just wanted that award to go to her even more after that because it felt so right.
• Um, the Dean getting an Oscar? I'm certainly excited about it. Oh, you didn't know? Dean Pelton (sp?) from Community was one of the writers for The Descendents screenplay. I didn't know that until Twitter talked about it. Awesome.
• I haven't even seen Hugo, and I'm so over it. I think the fact that it took awards for 1. A bajillion things and 2. away from movies I wanted to win made me dislike it. I bet it's probably a good movie though... *grumblegrumble* ...Midnight in Paris should have gotten Cinematography.
• The Artist getting Best Picture. Yay!
• Harry Potter was hella snubbed. NOTHING? Not even makeup, or visual effects? You make me cry, academy.
• The Bridesmaids gals were all dressed fantastically. The super preppy one? (I forget her name) Her dress reminded me of the dress Katniss wears when presented to the Capitol. Y'know, the "fire" one. And I'm gonna stop with the Hunger Games references there.
• Right after the winner of the Best Actress was announced, the girl next to me and I both saw Meryl Streep and Viola Davis stand up at the same time. It looked like a Zoolander moment (think going to the front when someone else has been called), but it turned out she was just going to hug Streep. For a moment, it was pretty scary.

Hopefully I didn't spoil the Oscars for anyone, but then why would you be on the internet in the first place?
Earlier in the afternoon, I got a text from my mom that simply said "Call me". When I did?
"The Oscar Pre Show is on."
"...Is that all?"
"Yup." *click*

I love my mom.
I went to an Oscar party, and at that party was faced with the first time I've ever had to decline something because I couldn't eat it.
I was going to have dinner there, but I couldn't. If you've read my blog before, you might know why.

Dinner was shrimp pasta.

I wanted to cry. And no, there wasn't any non-shrimp pasta either. I saw the host take the pasta and just dump it into the shrimp. None for Hannah.
At one point I even saw someone who had eaten all of their pasta, but pushed the shrimp to the side. What madness! I was extremely tempted to grab those shrimp with my bare hand and jam it in my mouth. Allergies be damned. Obviously, I didn't though or an epi-pen would probably be jammed into the side of my leg right now.

Another year of Oscars come and gone. May this year bring us many more wonderful Oscar-worthy movies.

Did you watch the Oscars? Were you happy with the winners? Sad about some of the losers?

Movie Night and Other Thoughts

I am quite tired, but I have things to talk about.

Mainly The Artist. Or, how much I want you to go see The Artist. Seriously, it's fantastic.
I hate to sound pretentious, but the use of sound was simply AMAZING. It certainly was a silent film, but at the same time... it wasn't. Hard to explain, which is why you should go see it. The characters were expressed perfectly, and every element was done brilliantly. Y'know when a movie just makes you feel good? This was one of those movies.
There's also something about Jean Dujardin that is simply delightful. His smile is so... charming. I don't know what it is, but it's just charming.
As a random note, John Goodman pops up in there too. I feel like John Goodman just seems to pop up wherever he likes. Not a diss, just an observation. I mean, he's Sulley and I adore that movie. (Props if you know what I'm talking about.)

As for the rest of life, it's been a relaxing day. A lot of huddling next to the heater. Today I've been feeling freezing all day, and I've been told that means I'm on the way to a cold. I've been fighting off a cold already! Bah. Oh well. Thank goodness no tests are coming up.

This evening I was compared to the actress from Beginners. Hm. I've never gotten that before. I suppose I could look like Melanie Laurent. Yes, I had to look up the name. She was the girl from Inglorious Basterds as well.

After a phone call from me mum, I realized I shouldn't be bothered about the Hao moving out without telling me thing. If he's paying still, it should be fine. Still, I just tend to take it personally. I can't help it! What can you do?

Oscars are tomorrow! Whatever shall I wear? We'll think of something.

What was the last movie you watched that made you feel good/you really liked?

Spring, Change of Plans and Running After School Specials

I go outside to see the sun shining and I think that spring is just around the corner! Then I look at the weather report and see that it's going to pour this weekend. One can dream, right? Anyways hello everyone, how are ya doin'?

Okay, I didn't go to The Artist like I planned today. I was thinking I'd go at four, but then it would end at about six, when I was supposed to meet with people for dinner... I just didn't want to deal with people stressing out at me for not being there at said time I just... No. Don't want to deal with that crap if I don't have to. I wrote my blog early instead (just posting it later). Saturday it is then. Funny thing is, I actually just got an email from University Film Organization, and there's someone else who wants to go see it. Opportunity!

Today during my run I had a very "after school special" moment. It all started with forgetting my ipod in the car. The one time someone else needed to use it. The one time that I left it on the seat of the car, when I NEVER leave stuff like that on the seat of my car. Anywho, the point is that I had no music to run to.
A strange thing for me to worry about. Honestly, I ran 26.2 miles with only a cellphone and a water bottle in hand. So why am I in such desperate need of music now?

• It makes me go faster if I'm running to the tempo of an up-beat song
• It distracts from things like the tired legs that are pushing me
• It makes the run go faster

How slow was I going to go? Would I want to stop after a minute of running? These were the things that worried me.
You know what though? I ran the four miles. I didn't suffer. I was fine. As for the pace? I had the same pace that I ran my last four miles in, which was a good pace.

That led me to think, "So the power was in me all along?"
That's when the wise parent/guardian/teacher would say, "Why yes little Susie. Yes it was."
Hannah just doesn't fit in that situation, so I'm using the name Susie instead. You get the point.

I still like music though. If the ear buds will stay in my ears and not bother me, I'm fine.

Other than that, not much to say about today. Baked some bread, did classes, did some homework... Yup. Now it's time to clean. My room is getting ridiculous.

I feel like I've asked the music when running question before, so I'll ask this even though it's only Thursday:
Any fun plans for the weekend?

The Oscars are Coming

Kat, do you mean these? Oh yes, the internet has them. Think of any baked good, and the internet seems to have it. Or a version of any food with bacon incorporated into it.

The Oscars are coming up, and I am ashamed to say that I've hardly seen any of the movies.
Let's see... out of the nine nominated films, I have seen... three. Three freakin' picks. Are you kidding me?

I suppose part of the reason I haven't seen many of them is due to the fact that I've been cutting down on my entertainment budget. Trading movies for groceries, aw yeah.

The only reason it disappoints me is because I claim to love movies. Someone who claims to love movies should actually be going to see movies. Whadda fraud.

There is one movie that I vow to see before the Oscars, and that's The Artist. From all of the talk to the crazy concept of it (A silent movie made in 2011?), I've wanted to see this movie so bad. It just looks fun! It also helps that SNL did a spoof on it, and the star of the movie actually made a cameo. I dig actors who pop up on SNL, or anyone for that matter.

So I've made a vow: I will go see The Artist on Thursday. My problem is that I always wait to go see movies with other people. Yeah, I guess that's not really a problem but if you want to see something sometimes you just have to go by yourself. My mom and sister both live by this rule, and because of it my sis has seen six of the nominated films. At least that I know of anyways.

There are other movies that I'd like to see, like Albert Nobbs and Drive. Glenn Close looks like she does a really good job in Albert Nobbs. As for Drive, I just like to watch Ryan Gosling be awesome.

Out of the noms, I've seen The Help, Moneyball and Midnight in Paris. The Help was good, but not oscar worthy in my opinion. Sure, it was entertaining, but not that amazing to get the gold. Moneyball definitely was an excellent movie, it just wasn't my kind of movie. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill were great, but... just not my movie. Midnight in Paris was candy for the soul. Oh, the sights were so pretty, the fantasy of it all was magical... You hated to go back to the reality where Rachel McAdams was a bitch, but then you'd go back to the Roarin' Twenties and everything was wonderful again. Is it Best Picture worthy? Probaly not, but I throughly enjoyed it. So much eye candy.

Oh Oscars, how I enjoy you. Now I just have to figure out where I'm going to watch them. Hm.

Do you watch the Oscars? Have you watched any of the nominated movies? What ones have you enjoyed?

Need To See Entertainment

On the quest to becoming someone who actually knows what movies are being quoted in situations, I've been renting/checking out movies like a storm.

The thing is, I like to add to my pretentious movie cred. However, there are also many movies that aren't "critically acclaimed", but that all of my life I've heard I must see. Maybe it's quoted constantly, or maybe it's a movie that touched a lot of people. The bottom line is, it's a movie that, "I can't believe you haven't seen!"

For me, some of the movies included Moulin Rogue and Donnie Darko. There are still a lot of movies that I need to see just because, "You've got to see it!"

Here are a few of my "Need to See" movies:
Schindler's List- Okay, this is another pretentious movie cred one but my cousin shunned me for not seeing it.
Milk: I've had multiple chances, but I've almost stayed away just because I know it ends sadly. Still, a lot of people I know say it's great.
Top Gun: It's a classic!
Spaceballs: It seems to be mentioned so much, I feel a little guilty for not seeing it.
Most of the Earlier Star Wars: I've seen most of the "first" one, but I hadn't until my senior year in class. (End of the school year, mostly seniors who the teacher had nothing else to do with us.) This is shocking for me just because I've had so many friends OBSESSED with Star Wars, quoting it constantly. I played along for years... It's a bit shameful.

There are a million more, but they're in the back of my head. Soon, someone will mention another, and I'll guiltily play along with knowing what they're talking about. For now, I'll see what I can.

I checked out West Side Story, so perhaps now I can sing "I Feel Pretty", and know what it actually comes from.

What movies are ones that you "need to see"?

Eating Like a European

Before I say anything else, I'll just say this. To add to my "Pretentious Movie Buff Know-How", I watched the movie A Clockwork Orange today. I'm not sure if I really liked it. Can you like a movie where you don't like any of the characters? Because that movie? Does not give you any characters to root for.

Being the holiday season and all, I've been thinking about food. Such as, having different food around for Christmas break, and baking treats, things like that.

Pumpkin bread muffins! Not for me though.

One thing that I've found interesting about food is how people eat. As for the basics like proper etiquette, I'm a freak about it. I hate when people smack, I worry when I accidentally clang my fork against a plate. I like etiquette, but that's mainly because I was raised to be a freak about manners. My mother collects etiquette books. However, people's manners in regards to eating isn't what I've been thinking about recently. I've been thinking about the speed of eating.

I just have to ask: Do people actually chew food thirty times before chewing? I highly doubt it. I've tried, it takes about a minute if you do. Still, eating slowly in general is a good thing. It makes you eat less, and helps you realize when you're full. Still, a lot of people don't enjoy their food like they should. Think of the "Eat like a European" concept. I haven't read the many books about it, but apparently Europeans really enjoy their food. Not like those ridiculous commercials where people are basically having orgasms, but simply without distractions. We Americans just scarf our food down, while doing something else at the same time.

I know I tend to eat my food quickly if I'm not thinking about it. It happens. Recently while eating something, I thought, "When (if) I get to go to Europe, I'll eat like a European." I instantly realized how silly that was, and decided I should do that now.
Sure, I suck at it. I still have things to distract me while I eat sometimes, it's a force of habit. Still, I'm working on it.

Other things I need to work on? Eating only until content, listening to my body more, and all that jazz. Ah, the joys of trying to be smart about food.

Other than that, just trying to be more productive that I have been. Today? Not the greatest in that sense. Let's try again tomorrow, by trying to get to bed earlier!

Do you "Eat Like a European?" Do you care about food etiquette?

On a random note, the whole a versus an thing is bothering me. It's an E before European, but it's not an, right? I don't know.

Halloween and The Avengers

Halloween is coming, and I've gotta be honest: I'm way behind schedule. I mean, I think I finally decided on what my costume was going to be two and a half weeks ago. Ridiculous.

I've actually had part of my costume for awhile now, but today was when I got the detail supplies. Which means putting it together has been happening this evening.
Surprisingly, it's been put together quite quickly. Currently, I'm at the slow part which is sewing but I'm feeling like I'm moving pretty well on it. Maybe watching Captain America while making it made me go faster. When it's done, I'll be sure to show it off!

The funny thing is, I have no idea what I'm doing for Halloween weekend. We all know it's the whole weekend, anyway. For now, I just need to worry about my costume.

Before watching Captain America, I was indifferent about The Avengers. Sure, it looks alright. Now, I'm starting to get excited. I think it's going to be a really fun movie! Plus, there's something about bringing characters together that seems exciting. It's similar to when TV shows cross characters over from other shows I suppose. It's like... universes colliding? What would that character do if they met that character? I don't know why I (or other people) like that idea so much, but maybe it feels like an inside joke.

As for the Avenger squad, I'm thinking Captain America's at the top of my list now. Poor guy defrosts about 65 years after he knows anyone? I feel for ya. Plus, there's something about his "Good ol' American boy" that's somewhat endearing. Iron Man is another one I like, which is kind of weird. Sure, he's a popular character, but he's kind of a dick. Seriously.

Oh, media industry you sneaky little sneak. You make all of these superhero movies, make us like/get to know them, and then make a big superhero extravaganza that's probably going to make y'all rich(er)? Ah well, I forgive you. I love these superhero movies.

Except Hulk. Hulk was a weird one. Just a lot of running around... in the desert. Then again, I never saw the newer one.

Do you like superhero movies? Are you excited for the Avengers? Who's your favorite Avenger?

Disney for the Older Crowd

Today, I spent a little less than six hours watching Disney movies. Yeah, I know. Don't worry, I was with a group of people, so it's not as depressing as it sounds.

Disney movies are so bizarre once you get older. Actually, it's like that for all kids movies. There are some things that you don't notice before, like the adult humor, but then there's simple logic that defy the laws of physics that just make you wonder why that's like that. Sure, you don't really think about the craziness of a flying magic carpet, but how on earth did they get over to China so quickly? Plus, things just seem to disappear out of thin air, then reappear in random areas.

Yes, we had discussions about this. The agreed idea was that items were stowed in cleavage. Makes sense.

It's only Tuesday, but it feels a lot like it should be the weekend. I'm almost glad it's not yet, because I have stuff to do!

What was something you didn't notice at first from a kid's movie, then noticed when you watched it when you were older?

Visiting Clubs and Such

Tonight was the night of meetings for me, and tomorrow is the day of no classes. How lovely!

The first meeting of the night was the APO meeting. I think I said it before, but it's a co-ed fraternity based mainly on volunteer. I've decided that I'm going to pledge, and I went to the meeting tonight. The people seem really nice, and I'm hoping it's going to be fun.

The other meeting of the night was for the University Film Organization. I found this particular little group by going through a list of all of the organizations here on campus, and it caught my eye. I'm so glad it did.

One thing you may not know about UofO is that this is one of the few schools that has a Cinema Studies program in the west coast. It's still forming, but it's a pretty big deal that it actually exists. Needless to say, most of the people at the meeting were of the Cinema Studies major. Slightly intimidating, but what can you do.

For this particular club, I didn't know anyone involved. I simply emailed the organization, found out what time the meeting was, and went. I sat next to a guy who was a Cinema Studies major and hoping to be a screenwriter. My taste in television were complimented. That always brings my ego up. Anywho, soon the meeting began.

Then I found out what the University Film Organization does.

They make movies.

How cool is that? I got really excited, and the more details I heard, the more interesting it became. For instance, a trip might be happening up to the studio where they made the movie Coraline. If you've ever seen that movie, you know that the sets they made were incredible (Cherry blossoms made out of popcorn, and yet looks amazing? What?).

Even if you don't like claymation movies, you have to admit the sets were incredible.

So yeah. That's that. I'm hoping the stuff I've learned from Broadcast Media in high school can sort of help me, but they said that they can help us learn. Awesome.

Other than that, my only class for Thursday was cancelled. That means... working on a paper and EB due on Friday. Oh, homework. Still, a whole day? That's nice.

What's the last thing you went to without knowing anything about it? Was it good or bad?

Squabbling Freakout Events

I always thought that it would be depressing to go to a movie by myself. My mom and my sister told me that it wasn't sad, if you want to go to a movie just go. Pish, what nonsense.

But then this last Sunday I did just that. And really, don't knock it until you try it.

What I went to see was the movie Horrible Bosses, which I really wanted to see. Jason Bateman, Jason Sudekis, and Charlie Day? Yes!

Which brings me to the movie. I thought it was great, funny, all of that good stuff. It's interesting about the funniness though because there seems to be a trend going on in comedy movies now that I'd like to call the Squabbling Freakout Event.
As you've seen in a lot of movies, there are many instances where the main characters all start talking about an event going on. This usually leads to all of them talking at once. During this time, some of the funniest lines tend to be said, and I think the reason for that are the comedians themselves. These moments give them the chance to improv, and let them think of some of the goofiest lines you've ever heard.
I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I think it's actually a great way to go about making funny parts in movies. It's just kind of funny that it's become such a mainstream thing. I remember when more indie movies did it, now it's so much more mainstream. Humor changes with time, like everything else. For instance, I don't think as many people now think slapstick is that funny. Even sarcastic humor isn't as funny to us as it was in the 90s.

Guh, I can't believe it's only Tuesday. Then again, there is no way in heck that I'm ready for my long run yet, so it's kind of okay that it's only Tuesday.

I tried looking up an image for an example of the Squabbling Freakout Event in action, but they were no where to be found. People really like seeing Jen Aniston nibbling on a concerned Charlie Day's ear though. Goodness.

What things have you seen change through time that you wouldn't have thought of changing?

Watching Iconic Movies

You know when you finally finish something you've been meaning to do for a long time? It's a little weird when you finally do it after saying you will for so long.

For me?

I finally got to watching one of the most iconic movies ever created.

I watched The Godfather.

It's always weird watching a movie that has been so hyped up by everyone around you. Of course The Godfather has, it's won awards and is known as one of the greatest movies ever created. Also one of the longest. Yes, it was long. Did I like it? Well, it's kind of hard to say how much. Yes, but not as much as I thought I would? That sounds about right.
Everything was good in it- the story, the acting, everything. I think it's just when something is hyped up for so long, the only way it can fill that gigantic void is if it starts shooting money out of the screen and gives you a massage as you're watching it.

Despite all of this negative talk, I did like it. It kept me intrigued the entire time, and all that jazz. (Except maybe about 10 minutes where I thought, "Geez, it's STILL not over?")

Plus I'm a sucker for big Italian families.

Tony! You left the cannoli cream in the oven room!

Have you ever seen The Godfather? What did you think about it?
What's a movie that's been hyped so much your expectations are higher than they should be?

Stubborness With Age, and Midnight in Paris

At what age do you become too stubborn to look at other sides of an argument? When is it that whatever you've learned is the only way that things can be learned? I ask this because lately I've started to notice that my dad doesn't really like anything new. When we go to a movie, he only ever thinks it's okay. Everything is simply "okay". I also gave him a book that he might find interesting, because I know how he likes history. It's about the history of the United States, but it's told from the views of the natives, the slaves, and all of those who aren't in command. Now, I'm pretty sure that my dad was taught the way of Christopher Columbus being the most amazing guy out there, and just discovering America like he meant to. (Fact: He wasn't, and he didn't.) This book happens to show another side of that story, and I don't think he wants to think about it. Is that just his personality? Or do we get to an age in our lives where we simply think that all of the things we currently like are the only things we can like for the rest of our days? It's probably the former, but I can't help but think otherwise.

Today I went to the movies with my sister, and we saw Midnight in Paris. It made me want to go into movie review mode, so here we go.

I have never seen a Woody Allen movie before today. I'd always been told that he filmed "more artistically than others", so I braced myself for whatever was to come, perhaps being a movie that drags on far too long. However, as the movie progressed I became intrigued with his unique film style. Maybe he doesn't do this for all of his films, but I'd need to see them to know for sure. For instance, one of the things I found interesting was during the times people talked to each other. In most movies, you'll see the camera flip from one person to another, to however is talking or perhaps have them in the same frame. That was not the case here. There were some scenes where the main person was having a conversation with someone a few feet off camera, or have the action focused on another situation as the two characters we were listening to conversed in the background. Were there lingering camera shots? Of course there were, the whole beginning is five minutes of shots of Paris while a song played.
One thing that Allen does not have is subtlety. When he wants you to not root for a certain person, he definitely makes sure you won't root for them. Rachel McAdams plays the fiance, who is the antagonist of this story. She plays Regina George in Mean Girls, right? Well picture that... only 100 times more unlikeable. Really, is it so hard for people today to agree with the idea of Romanticism that you have to make the fiance and her parents that unlikeable?

Now, about the movie itself. The movie is about Gayle (or however you spell the male version of that name). He goes off to Paris with his fiance and his fiance's parents, and it's a city he adores. He moons over the city and the 1920s, while Miss I-hate-anything-my-fiance-says bickers at him about having stupid dreams, and how his novel probably won't pan out. Better to do something in a city you hate that makes you completely miserable than at least try to do something you like, right? She also happens to have the hots for one of her guy friends that's there with his wife as well. The guy friend happens to be one of those people who will ramble off information about EVERYTHING, because he's an expert in EVERYTHING.
One night, while walking the streets alone and taking a seat on some stairs, Gayle hears the chimes indicating midnight, and discovers a whole new world. Or, old world actually as he gets transported to the 1920s.

The magical situation in which Gayle finds himself is whimsical, and I was completely drawn into it. Still, with all of the magic and wonder of the past, it's nice to see that we actually end up learning a lesson that doesn't completely throw away common sense. It's wonderful to get caught up in the moment, but one must take a step back and look at the big picture as the hero experiences for us. I suppose that it's good to know who to not like in the situation, but the setting in the past is so exciting that it's not really necessary to push their nastiness to the extreme.
Despite there being a few irritating things, the movie left me with a serene smile glued to my face. The magic, wonder and Romanticism made me want to dream a little more of things that make me happy. Also, I'd never really been a fan of Paris (I simply didn't care), but now I realize just what a beautiful city it is.

Class tomorrow? Blah. I guess every week started is that much closer do being done, right? Eh.

If you could live in any city, where would you live? This movie made me think about this. I don't know where I'd want to live, but there's still a lot of cities that I want to visit.

The Thing About Monte Carlo

Well I had my first class of the summer today. So it begins.

There's been something that has been bothering me for quite some time now. This little thing that's been bothering me started as soon as I saw this preview:

"But Hannah," you ask, "Why on earth would this bother you so much? It's just a preview for a cheesy movie."

True, it does look like a cheesy movie. THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE.

Did anyone else out there ever watch The Lizzie McGuire Movie? If so, you were one of the people who got deja vu when watching this preview.

Of course they re-create movies all of the time. It's just... that's part of my childhood. I have a distinct memory of watching that movie in the basement of my cousins' Ohio house over and over again. Actually, just this part:

And that really is the biggest reason that this new movie cannot top it.
Plus, I've never been the biggest fan of Selena Gomez. She seems... uppity.

That's seriously all I've got for this evening. Hope everyone has a lovely day!

Did you watch The Lizzie McGuire Movie? What are your thoughts on this new movie?

Televisions, Waxings, and Super 8

I can constantly hear the muffled sound of televisions at home. I forgot how nice it is to have quiet, but I suppose there's nothing I can do about it. It just feels like everyone is continuously watching TV in this house. Now, I know I love Hulu, but for some reason I'm not much for TV.

My room right now? It's disastrous. I wonder how on earth I was able to get so much stuff into my dorm, because my room is insanely full of things. Where did it all go? I have no idea. I'm currently in the process, or should be in the process of cleaning things up. I keep on doing other things, or getting other things done, ya know?

In random news, I got my lip waxed for the first time ever! I've always been terrified of the idea of waxing my lip, but it wasn't that bad. She did use this numbing stuff though...

And yesterday, I went to see Super 8 with my sister and dad. SO GOOD. If a movie can put me through a spectrum of emotions, I tend to think it's a good movie. I don't really want to go into film review mode though, so I'll just leave it at that. Even if it is a little predictable.

A bit of a ramble, but that's just how things are working out lately. A lot of random thoughts just strung together. Have a lovely evening!

Have you ever gotten anything waxed before?

Running Worries and Favorite Classes

Tomorrow is scary. Events are occurring, I need to do my long run tomorrow... Gah. But that's tomorrow, let's think about today, shall we?

Actually, speaking of running, I am oddly sore. Really, I'm all off on my running mojo. This may be the reason I'm a little spooked on my long run tomorrow. However, what really worried me is what happened after my run this morning. Apparently, I was a lot hungrier than I thought I was after my run, because I got really light headed. Usually, I have some fruit before my run, and that's enough until after my run then later eat something else. While waiting for my food to cook today after my run though, I started to get dizzy. It wasn't until I was over at the dining hall that this started to happen, which makes it even weirder. Luckily, I got some juice in me for a quick fix until my food was ready. Still... worrisome.

A question that I've been asked, as I'm sure many of you have been asked has been, "What's been your favorite class in college?"
Before recently, I had no answer to this. I also understand that my opinions on what my favorite class has been will most likely change because I'll have taken many more classes. Alas, I believe that I've come up with an answer to this:
History of Fashion.
I'm not even sure if the time spent during the class has counted as my favorite class time. It's not necessarily about that though. I love the knowledge that I'm getting from the class. There are so many different types of clothing, and so many things look quite similar. On the other hand, there are so many things that I'd seen before and did not have a name for.
Plus, if you've never heard me say it before, I'll say it again. I love spouting out facts. This class has been perfect for that.

"Did you know the only women who wore togas were prostitutes or fallen women?"
"That shoe is called a Chopine, and it looks like a hoof. It's from the Elizabethan period. Also, during the Restoration period red shoes meant you were of nobility."
"People have worn some weird outfits. Do you want to see pictures of them, and see what they're called? Because I totally have pictures."
"Geez I want to wear an Ionic Chiton. Also a Fontage. They are so ridiculous, it's amazing."

I feel like I've become such a costume nerd, and I love it. For instance, when watching POTC, I was seriously thinking (and muttering, 'cause I'm a little crazy and I feel like it's necessary I speak my thoughts), these things:
"Hmm, he's wearing a Waistcoat and a Cassock coat. Oh, there's a Tricorne. Wigs! Ha, no wonder we call the Restoration period the Pirates of the Caribbean period. Dangit, what are the women's dresses called again? (It was a Manteau gown. I keep on forgetting those.) I think that's a Great coat..."

See? Costume nerd. Now, I don't know if this fasination with naming off costume parts will continue on after this class is over. Will I care after I no longer require the knowledge? I hope so.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, this is a Fontage:



It's the hat. Yeah.

It's a hat that so ridiculous it was made fun of even when it was in fashion. I think an example of that today would be Uggs. Or better yet, pants with writing on the rear.

That's what has been on my mind for the day. I've got a packed next two days! Goodness. Starting to get super nervous about tomorrow... We'll see how that turns out.

What was your favorite class in college?

The Wedding, Tests, Easter Candy and Movies

Did everyone have a splendid day? Because I most certainly did!

First of all, let's start with the Royal Wedding. Weirdly enough, I woke up to go to the bathroom five minutes before my alarm was supposed to go off. My bladder has good timing I guess.
My gang and I ended up only watching about the first half hour before shuffling back to bed. Yeah, I guess we're not as hard core as some people, but honestly? I just wanted to see the dress. Personally, I would not go for the lace sleeves, but she looked lovely. And there were some crazy hats.

Getting a test back can either make your day terribly dismal or extremely cheerful. When you get two tests back in one day, those emotions can be doubled either way, or canceled out depending on opposing scores. One of the tests that was returned to me today was my Spanish test. When I originally took it, I felt pretty good about it. That confident attitude was riding with me until Profesora wrote the class scores on the board. Only one A, two Bs, three Cs, 5 Ds and 4 Fs. Those were  not good odds. However, if you looked at what I wrote at the beginning of this post, you would have already realized by now that yes, I did do quite smashingly. In fact, I was the only A. Aw yeah.
My other test that I got back? History of Fashion. I was terrified, even though I thought I did alright. All the professor told us was that the scores were to the extremes on both ends. I just wanted a B. Instead... I got an A! Woohoo!

Goodness, I shouldn't be bragging about my grades but it just feels so good!

As for other things in my life, all I can say is take a look at this:

This is my last piece of Easter candy, and now it is gone. It's bittersweet really. I need to get my rear back into full gear, and having no more Easter candy helps. Still, I will miss its deliciousness.

As a last note from me, I now have a new distraction. I just found out that my dad got Netflicks, and I happened to learn his password. Instant movies and television shows? Oh dear. I just watched The Graduate, which it has been years since I've seen it. I don't understand why people love that movie so much because story wise? It's a little bit... odd. I don't know if I want to root for the main character, because his motives are a bit off-kilter.

Do you still have Easter candy?

The Oscars Predictions

I've been quiet about it during the week. Yet in real life, I've been all stirred up for the event happening tonight.

That's right. It's the 83rd Academy Awards tomorrow.

Have I been planning things all week for it? You bet I have! That of course also means I've been thinking about who is going to take home the little gold man for themselves.

With that, I'd like to throw in my opinions of who should win an Oscar. I won't bore you with my opinions of who I think will win tomorrow, simply because we've heard the same ideas for who's going to take home gold a million times.

For Best Picture: Everyone's been saying that The King's Speech is a shoe-in to win, but The Social Network is more of a movie for my generation. I'd have to strongly disagree with that statement. I personally loved The King's Speech, and I was not a very big fan of The Social Network. Especially that ending? It was a moment of, "Are you kidding me?" The reason I'd like to say The King's Speech should win is because it overall was amazing. Fantastic cast, pleasing to the eyes, a story that will make you smile and feel sad... Just overall wonderful.

Actor In a Leading Role: As much as I love Colin Firth, I almost want Jessie Eisenburg to get some love for the Social Network. However, then I look back and think the only reason that Colin Firth doesn't stand out more is simply because the cast is such a good group of actors. And the utter fear that Colin Firth shows in the first few minutes of the movie? It's completely perfect.

Actress In a Leading Role: Yes, I'm going with Natalie Portman like everyone else, but it's not only because of the vigorous training that she went through to prepare for the role. It's incredible to watch her throughout the film because she's able to flip her personality at the snap of a finger. Also, she's able to actually portray her dancing styles differently when she either the Black Swan or the White Swan. Now that's some serious skill, considering her lack of dance background before this.

Actor in a Supporting Role: Oh man, this is the hardest one yet! The thing that makes it so hard is that my two top ones stole the show from the leading men. I'm in between Geoffrey Rush for The King's Speech and Christian Bale for The Fighter. What makes it so hard is that they both did so well, but for different reasons! Bale was great because of his over the top performance, but Rush had an amazing performance that was extremely subtle! I honestly have to go with Geoffrey Rush, because in an amazing cast he stood out the most. Plus, he didn't have to act crazy to do it, which in the situation is incredible.

Actress in a Supporting Role: I didn't see Animal Kingdom, but I heard the woman in that is really good. My choice on the other hand is Amy Adams. Sure, I'm a little biased since I loved her before, but I think that she did really well in this role. It's also a type of role she hasn't really done before, yet I still believed her.

Animated Feature Film: Do we really have to ask? Toy Story 3.

Cinematography: I almost want to automatically just go with Inception, but how visually pleasing was it really? Yes, the visual effects were outstanding, but does that count as great cinematography? I think I want to go with True Grit for this one. The feel of it just worked.

Visual Effects: If Inception didn't get this for making the most awesome scene ever, the world would cry.

Best Director: Gotta give this one to David Fincher for The Social Network. He was able to make the world of Facebook and a couple of rich kids arguing over loads of money a lot more intriguing than it should be. Honestly, you think about it afterwards and realize: "Wow. These guys already have tons of money. Now they are freaking out about more money. Plus they're all super geniuses.  I really feel bad for you."


I could go on and on and on... but I think that's enough out of me, don't you think? I hope y'all have fun watching the Oscars tonight!

Who do you want to win tonight?

A Busy Day

Whoo. I have been go go going all day long!
Before I start, I would just like to say what I spend a Friday evening doing.

I spend an evening in a fort, listening to/reading Harry Potter to some Harry Potter newbies. Yeah, that's how we roll.

It simply has been one of those days. A summary of the day would be this:

• Wake up
• Go for a run/Do planks
• Shower
• Eat Brunch/Lunch with hall
• Drive to Corvallis
• Do some clothes shopping
• Get fabric for costume design
• Eat American Dream
• Watch the girl's Civil War basketball game
• Watch I Am Number Four

And now we're here. I think I need to pass out... But Center Stage is on! Goodness.

The Oddities of the Human Body, Lazy Saturday and The Town

The human body is a strange and complicated thing. Each little part works together, yet has its own special feature. At times, the parts don't always work together the way you think they would.
Starting out on a run this morning, my legs and my upper body felt like two separate entities. It was as if my legs were an excited dog who just couldn't wait to run, and my upper half was the owner being dragged along.

My legs just wanted to go! Maybe it's because I haven't been running very long distances lately. I need something to work for. In other areas of my body being goofy, I've found my elbows are getting calloused. I had no idea why they were like that, until I realized: My elbows are getting calloused from planks. It's so ridiculous I have to just laugh at it!


I can't believe the day has gone by so quickly! I was supposed to get all sorts of work done today, because nothing's going to get done tomorrow. Yet, here were are and it's 10:00 pm. Dangit. Perhaps waking up later in the day has caused my time to disappear. I would not doubt it.

My biggest concern has been writing out a page of note for my History midterm. Our professor allows us a page of notes, which is pretty cool. Yet, writing out that page is somewhat painful. I know the information, I just don't want to write it out! Bah. So what have I done today? Ran, put clothes away, watched The Town. Seriously, what did I do?
Speaking of which, The Town is an odd movie. I won't go all review-y out on you all, but I will say a few things. I had a hard time trying to figure out how I felt about the characters. In one scene, I'd like a certain character, then the next have no pleasantness towards them whatsoever. Along with that, there were just some ideas that were too ridiculous to take seriously. Still, it was an entertaining movie.

I suppose it was nice to have such a chill day, but I'm so anal I feel like I need to get stuff done! Actually in retrospect, I do need to get stuff done. Unlike my room mate who seems to be part cat, I can't sleep all day. I'd like to do well in school, thank you very much.

Goodnight, or Good morning to those of you in different time zones. I'm off to try to study more. ...We'll see how that turns out.