'NOTHER CHECK IN

Not much going on here in somewhat sunny NorCal. The weather has been very different lately. We actually had rain last week which was wonderful. This is the start of dry season. I must have slept through rainy season cuz I never saw it. Today is a beautiful cloudy day. Reminds me of home. I'm actually glad I'm off today.
I saw two more free movies this week. You know, the price of living may be higher here in S-valley, but I've never had the opportunity to do so many free things. The first was Dan in Real Life, starring Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche. It's the story of a widower (Carell) who meets a wonderful woman while on holiday with his family, only to find out that she is his brother's new girlfriend. This is a wonderful story written and directed by Peter Hedges who wrote About a Boy, a movie I absolutely LOVE. Remember this title because this movie should be seen.
The second was Rob Zombie's remake of the classic Halloween. Normally I am very leery of remakes, especially when the original is so good. Case in point: I will NEVER watch the remake of Psycho, even though Mr. Viggo is in it. To remake the movie exactly except in color is asinine. If Hitch had wanted it in color, he would have done it that way. But I digress, this remake was quite good. There were a couple good jumps and I was happy to hear John Carpenter's original score used. I also enjoyed the added history of Michael Myers childhood. It was a great addition that enlightened a curious audience into his psyche and why he became what he did.
In keeping with the whole serial killer theme, I just finished reading Darkly Dreaming Dexter and watching the Showtime series made from it. They tell the story of a likable (yes, VERY likable) serial killer. If you're curious as to how that is, read the book or watch the show. As usual for me, I began reading the book first. And I'm so glad I did. The series is great, but it is completely different from the book. The book shows Dexter as colder and far more separated from society; whereas, understandably, the TV Dexter is much more in touch with people around him. I have to admit, I love 'em both, for different reasons. I just got the second Dexter novel and will be devouring it, too, I'm sure.
I have made my desire to step down from my position at work official. And just in time, I hope. Another lead position will be opening up and I'm hoping they'll recognize how well I will do if they give it to me. I really do want to stay there, just not where I am now. But it isn't up to me and I'm prepared to do what I have to do to take care of myself.
I started this blog by saying nothing much was going on. I had a lot to talk about for such a lot of nothing. Guess it was more than I thought. Hope your life is full of great movies, music, and books, too.

WHAT'S UP WIT U?

Not a lot going on with me. I saw a couple free flicks this week. The first was Good Luck Chuck. Not even the fact that it was free could help this movie. The laughs are too few and far between to keep it flowing. A definite rent-only if you need to see it at all. The second was Into the Wild. Now this would have been worth a full-priced ticket to see. It is visually stunning and has a beautiful soundtrack done by Eddie Vedder. I tried to read the book several years ago, but couldn't get into it. To be honest, I find Krakauer to be very self-important and egotistical. I was talking to a friend at work and we both agreed that the story is pretty much told in the first quarter of the book. The rest is devoted to him talking about his adventure in Alaska. Again, I could be wrong. I didn't finish the book. Am thinking about attempting it again. Don't let my harsh words about the author deter you from seeing the movie. It was really good.
The next big (?) news is I finally got a myspace page. I'd post a link, but my page isn't available right now. Second day of having it and I can't access it-I'm not very impressed. We'll see what happens.
I guess the only other thing I can think to say is that I'm saddened by the passing of a great artist today. Let's all have a moment's silence for the passing of Marcel Marceau.

DIFFICULTIES

• In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. Albert Einstein

• Anyone who proposes to do good must not expect people to roll stones out of his way, but must accept his lot calmly if they even roll a few more upon it. Albert Schweitzer

• Love the moment. Flowers grow out of dark moments. Therefore, each moment is vital. It affects the whole. Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed. >Corita Kent

• Affliction is more apt to suffocate the imagination than to stimulate it. >Denise Levertov

• Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. Helen Keller

• To fly, we have to have resistance. Maya Lin

• December is the toughest month of the year. Others are July, January, September, Aprll, November, May, March, June, October, August, and February. Mark Twain

RANDOM THINGS...

I watched a great movie the other day. When Pan's Labyrinth didn't win the Oscar for best foreign film, I was pissed. What movie could have been better than that? Well I finally watched the one that did win, The Lives of Others, and I understand why it won. This film is amazing! I still love Pan, but everything about Lives is incredible: the acting, the script, the direction. It is a must see. But you can finish reading this blog first, if you like. An interesting note about the star, Ulrich Muhe, he was born in East Germany. I think this makes his performance in a film about the end of the Soviet control of East Berlin all the more poignant. I could go on about this film, but I'd rather you watch it and let me know what you think.
I've decided to step down from my position at work. I don't know what I'll do instead, I'm not sure how soon this will happen, but things have happened in my life that require that I do this. I hope to stay at B&N in some capacity, but it may not be possible. I may just have to become a waitress again. Oh well, whatever pays the bills.
This birthday has been difficult. More so than any so far. It's just another year, I know, but it's another year. The past year has been very busy for me. I've been to Arizona and seen things like the Grand Canyon. I went to Mexico and saw the hardships there. I went to San Diego, twice, and finally saw The zoo. I also went to Shedd's Aquarium in Chicago. I think I did more traveling in one year than I've ever done. I'm glad for that, but it does leave me wanting more. It is a shame that none of this is real. But I guess that makes things a little easier.

THE PATH CONTINUED...

So I celebrated yet another birthday. And I have to say it was a very unique trip. I decided to go to Yosemite. I haven't been in a long time and have wanted to go back since I moved. It was a very spiritual experience. The typical me would be harping on about how the whole time was ruined because I had a killer headache for a good part of it, but I don't want to listen to that me.
There is nothing more comforting than nature. That is how it has always been for me, but, as with many things, the daily grind of life often makes me forget that. Possibly the best moment of the trip was when I was suffering the most. Because my headache was almost unbearable, I decided not to go on a walk and climbed a huge rock that was across from the campsite and laid there staring at the sky while listening to relaxing music. I watched birds flying from tree to tree and saw so many planes flying overhead. They were much closer than usual, probably because the campground was at 8000 feet. I closed my eyes for a short time and when I opened them, there were more birds buzzing about. Suddenly I realized that they weren't birds at all, but bats. I'd never seen so many bats, and in daylight! It was a true mosquito buffet happening right over my head.
The next morning I awoke to more pain and frustration. The idea was brought up to just pack up and start home, but I didn't want such a trivial thing to ruin the day. So I pushed on and put the negative behind me. I made the long and often unnerving drive to Glacier Point. If you go to that link, you will see some amazing photos taken from the point. I thought I would end this blog with a photo I took which is one of my favorites. I am so glad for making the trip to Yosemite. Getting in touch with nature, rejoicing in it's beauty, seeing awe-inspiring sites is exactly what I needed. There is nothing better than mammoth, granite formations to put your life into perspective.
We are here for such a short time, geologically speaking. Look at what time can really create:

A STEP TAKEN...

Recently, I have found myself very depressed and lacking direction and focus. The realization finally hit-if anything is to change, it has to come from me. After many months, I finally went to a service at The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment. The grounds are very beautiful containing several gardens, a labyrinth for walking meditation, and a bookstore. The temple itself is so peaceful. If you look closely at the photo in this blog, you will see there appears to be a tree growing along the right wall. Yes, that is a real Australian Pine. I found myself staring at it several times throughout the sermon, finding comfort in the closeness of nature. The service included lots of good music and a time to meditate. This was the second week of a nine-week series on 'actualizing your spiritual potential' through the writings of the Bhagavad Gita. It was very interesting and I found the meditation extremely beneficial. The center welcomes all faiths, so I noticed the use of the word 'god' several times throughout; however, it wasn't too preachy and I just interpreted the word to fit within my personal spirituality. Reverend O'Brian quoted from both the bible and Ralph Waldo Emerson. I have decided that, since I know very little about Transcendentalism, I should research it further. What little I read at this Wikipedia site makes me think that I could benefit from what they have to say.
I think that I will try to attend services there more often and I may try to attend a service at the UU church in San Jose. Maybe I'm returning to my roots. I'll let you know how that works out.

YA GOTTA LOVE THE 80'S

I promise I will blog about my year in NorCal, but a friend just sent me this video and I had to pass it on. Anyone who remembers the 80's will enjoy this. And for the rest of you

• yes, we did dress like that
• yes, music was fluff like that
• and yes, the videos were that cheesy

As ashamed as I am to admit it, those were the days!