January 30, 2007

Oscars - the nominations

I KNOW I still have to finish the Holiday party story, but with the upcoming Oscars, I felt I needed to say something. I am having a party with another co-worker and have sent out 40 invites, figuring only about a third will show. Even that will be a good turnout.

The Oscar nominations came out a few weeks ago. The show is airing Sunday night, February 25. Here're the top few nominees. For a complete list, go to OSCARS.ORG


Performance by an actor in a leading role
Leonardo DiCaprio in “Blood Diamond” (MHS - this is one of the better acting jobs for Leo as of late. But big winner? I don't know. The jury is out.)
Ryan Gosling in “Half Nelson” (MHS - I don't think this movie even came to VT.)
Peter O’Toole in “Venus” (MHS - This movie hasn't come to VT yet. Sigh.)
Will Smith in “The Pursuit of Happyness” (MHS - I thought Will did a really good job.)
Forest Whitaker in “The Last King of Scotland” (MHS - I don't like FW and haven't seen the movie yet, but I betcha he will win.)

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Alan Arkin in “Little Miss Sunshine” (MHS - great movie, good performance)
Jackie Earle Haley in “Little Children” (MHS - this movie came and went. I missed it.)
Djimon Hounsou in “Blood Diamond” (MHS - good job.)
Eddie Murphy in “Dreamgirls” (MHS - Not the Oscar winner in my book, though he won the Golden Globe, which makes him the front runner.)
Mark Wahlberg in “The Departed” (MHS - not a big role [I know, it IS SUPPORTING] but he was fine.)

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Penélope Cruz in “Volver” (MHS - she did a really good job. I think breaking up with Tom was the best thing for her career.)
Judi Dench in “Notes on a Scandal” (MHS - Judi - nice and creepy. Good job!)
Helen Mirren in “The Queen” (MHS - I thought Helen did a good job, but didn't feel it was as much of an acting stretch as Judi or even Meryl.)
Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada” (MHS - Love Meryl, but I hope this goes to Judi.)
Kate Winslet in “Little Children” (MHS - I love Kate too, but see note on Meryl. Plus I missed this movie when it came to VT.)

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Adriana Barraza in “Babel” (MHS - Two words - JENNIFER HUDSON)
Cate Blanchett in “Notes on a Scandal” (MHS - Two words - JENNIFER HUDSON)
Abigail Breslin in “Little Miss Sunshine” (MHS - Two words - JENNIFER HUDSON, though I loved Abigail's performance and am glad she was nominated.)
Jennifer Hudson in “Dreamgirls” (MHS - Two words - Oscar winner)
Rinko Kikuchi in “Babel” (MHS - Two words - JENNIFER HUDSON)


Achievement in directing
“Babel” Alejandro González Iñárritu (MHS - Pretty good film. Between the ones I saw, I hope it wins in this category)
“The Departed” Martin Scorsese (MHS - One of Scorcese's better films of recent years.)
“Letters from Iwo Jima” Clint Eastwood (MHS - Pretty good. Like with Scorcese, I think it's one of Clint's better films as of late)
“The Queen” Stephen Frears (MHS - Good film. I liked how they combined the footage from the real event and didn't dwell on the Diana drama. )
“United 93” Paul Greengrass (MHS - Didn't see it. )


Best motion picture of the year
“Babel” (MHS - If the Golden Globes are any indication, this will win. I think it was a good film, but could have been more )
“The Departed” (MHS - Shouldn't win, though it was pretty good.)
“Letters from Iwo Jima” (MHS - Because it is directed by an American, it is in this category. I think it should be in the foreign film category since it is 99.1% entirely spoken in Japanese! Good film.)
“Little Miss Sunshine” (MHS - I think this should win, because it was such a refreshing new kind of breakout film. I know it won't win though.)
“The Queen” (MHS - I don't think this should be in this category. It was a good film, but not GREAT. )

The film that was most overlooked this year in the awards shows was Children of Men. Hopefully they will get SOMETHING at the Oscars, though it is in such few categories.

Stay tuned for the final chapters of the Holiday party, California and upcoming events. I have been so busy with the g-store and partying like the party animal I am that I haven't blogged much.

Holiday party with Company X, Part 3 - the antics

After the super exciting gong show, some people continued with the karaoke. Thank heaven they have day jobs! The Big Enchilada finally opened up the cash bar. That is such a nice thing to do for the employees. And of course more fun was to be had. I knew Scott and Dan would assist with the alcohol consumption of the group, which they did (nicely done boyz!) As for me, DR and I did a couple of shots together. One was for the hellofit, the other was in the memory of Client Flintstone, Rep N and Mini-Rep N. MM, one of the key sales people on the Client Flintstone project and MC joined us. Then MC tells us that he had gone out drinking with Mini-Rep N (the one who quit suddenly) and got her drunk, told her to quit. And she did! ha ha ha! That was so freakin' funny! (That's Kyle on the right with a sign used in one of the fantastic performances.)

Around this time, with a few drinks in me and feeling a little restless (and I am sure a little buzzed) I began throwing ice down peoples' backs. I would walk up casually to somebody and while they were talking to somebody else, I would pop an ice cube down their back. I did get it back a few times. I think the best moment with the ice was when Kyle was talking to one of the Enchiladas (Enchilada 2). I slipped ice down Kyle's back and he nicely and appropriately squirmed. Enchilada 2 held up his hands and shook his head in protest. I said,"Don't worry. I draw the line when it comes to executives. I won't do it." I think he felt left out, so he said I could do it. So I did. He also squirmed, much to my delight. Then I noticed the Big Enchilada was standing near us. I took out a hearty piece of ice and said to Enchilada 2,"Would you do me a favor? Would you put this down the Big Enchilada's shirt? I can't do it." At first Enchilada 2 shook his head and said he wouldn't do that either. Then he thought about it. "Sure, I'll do it." He snuck up behind the Big Enchilada and slipped the ice down his back without notice, well, until B.E. felt it. He squirmed, wriggled and yelled. "Omigawd! There's ice down my ass crack!" he yelled. It was a FREAKIN' HILARIOUS moment! I shook Enchilada 2's hand in appreciation. I said,"I really admire you for doing that. Thank you." We had a good laugh. I tell ya, it was so funny.

There were a couple more antics during the evening. There was a little drunk juggling contest with clementines and limes as the juggling objects. There was arguing with Seth that I was really about to turn 40 (he thought I was lying), which Stephanie suported (Stephanie,"She's really 29 going on 30!" much to my pleasure.) There was also somewhat inappropriate behavior as a result of the alcohol (as if the ice dropping wasn't.) At one point Scott felt the need to touch my boobs. Let me be clear that it wasn't exactly a complete grope of the boobs, more like hand on front of boob thing. Not that that in and of itself is right/wrong, but I digress.... Dan rolled his eyes and walked away in disgust. Then Scott felt that in all fairness I should feel his chest. Insisted, in fact. So, he unbuttons his shirt and grabs my hand, sticking it inside his shirt. At one point I asked him if it was doing anything for him because it wasn't doing anything for me. We were laughing and joking about it and then he went over to tell Stephanie. As he began demonstrating on himself about me touching his chest, Enchilada 2 walked up to us to ask if we wanted to continue the party to Red Square. When he saw Scott with Scott's hand inside his shirt, his eyes got big and he thew up his hands. He stopped talking right in the middle of what he was trying to convey because he was so shocked. He said, "-- or not. Whatever you are doing, I don't want to know about it." BWAHAAHAAHAAHAAHAA! MORE HILARITY!

We journeyed to Red Square where more drinking and now dancing took place. Here's Stephanie getin' down wid DR and Kyle. You go, sistah! There was Rob and his charming wife Amy getin' down wid their bad selves. Even the Big Enchilada was getting down with his wife and the group. (I just can't show that picutre!) We had a great time. It was so much fun! We were there until about 1:30. A that point, Scott was really pooped and needed to get his beauty sleep. Dan had left somewhere before Red Square, so I dropped Scott and Stephanie off and headed home. I think I was up until 3am, unwinding from the evening.


Overall, the party was better than last year. I think I had more fun. Plus, I was able to perform a really pointless art piece. My brother, Mrs. Han Solo's Brother, said it was very DADA-esque. I feel so special!

(From left to right - Kyle, Mrs. Han Solo, Scott Mc., Stephanie, Seth)

January 18, 2007

Holiday party with Company X, Part 2 - the party

Stephanie came over and we did a little primping for the party. Then we picked up our...my 'dates' Scott and Dan. I was happy to see that they were dressed up, though we had joked about wearing tshirts and shorts [NOTE: People in Vermont don't seem to dress up here for anythying. That thankfully includes my job, though I do miss dressing up every once in a while.] We parked aobut two blocks from the restaurant. There wasn't any snow or ice which made walking easy for me. I haven't developed snow/ice walking confidence like my native Eastern friends.

The restaurant is two stories tall with large glass windows and high celings. They lights are low but not so low you have to squint to see where you are. Soft lights. The tables are decorated with little christmas trees atop cream colored linen.

We mingled for a few minutes before planting ourselves at a table. Being the trend setters Stephanie and I are, we were mongst the first to sit. Soon everybody settled into their spot - the Enchiladas were grouped together with the other Founders, the admins sat with other admins. The dev and programmer geeks also surrounded themselves with like minds. It reminded me of high school cliques. There were exceptions, because there are a few people who don't really have departments to stick in. They mingled with other non-grouped people. At our table, we added Andy, his wife Jeanne (pictured below) and Heidi.


The menus at our place settings told us of our dining options - chicken with walnuts (ick), salmon with capers (also ick) or steak with some kind of fancy named mushroom. The latter was my choice. There weren't any appetizers, so the people who started drinking as soon as they got in the door were well on their way to a state of drunken bliss by the time the entree arrived. (A co-worker's story on that one later.) We did have thinly sliced bread with olive oil to soak up the early rounds of alcohol. One of my co-workers "Gladys" came up to me loudly whispering how drunk she was. We hadn't started dinner at that point yet.

They brought the food. We ate. Dan and Scott had begun drinking their Switchbacks. I had held off on the alcohol with the dream of an open bar. I did have a $5 soda. In the meantime, Heidi and I needed to practice our talent. After we ate we went upstairs to where the show was going to be and practiced out routine in the bathroom. During rehearsal, we made some significant changes on the routine. Boy, was I glad we practiced. Soon after, people began migrating upstairs. The space where we were to perform was shared by the karaoke DJ and wasn't really enough room. One of the perfomers had become the MC and informed us we were the first act (of 5). Though I protested, he insisted that was what we had to do. Heidi and I put on our costumes - black tshirts with red paint spelling DORKZ on the front. The MC announced us. It was time.

INTERIOR - STAGE AT ADRIANA'S
Heidi and Mrs. Han Solo enter the stage. They bow to the audinece, then to each other. The MC runs between us with the microphone. Heidi, who is holding a plastic bouncing ball throws the ball to MHS.

Heidi: Row

She passes the ball to MHS who catches it but says nothing. MHS throws the ball to Heidi.

Heidi: Row

She throws the ball again to MHS who catches but says nothing. MHS throws tha ball back to Heidi.
Heidi: Row
The ball passing continues.

MHS: Row
Ball pass.
Heidi: Your
Ball pass.

MHS:Row
(You get it, right? One word per catch. It's a round which is why I didn't say anything.) By the end of the song, Heidi finishes, but I am not done. When she doesn't catch the ball (because she has finished), I try to get her to catch it. She doesn't and I walk off the stage. End Scene. Isn't that one of the lamest wastes of time you have ever seen? THAT'S what made it so brilliant! There was no point!! Most everybody who could a) hear; b) see; c) see & hear didn't get it. I did have a couple of people tell me how great it was because they got it. It was hilarious (at least to Heidi and me.) The next act was a karaoke performed by some people who should be happy they have a day job that doesn't involve singing on a regular basis. I was irritated that they combined the karaoke with the talent show. There were a couple of other acts, though I think mine was one of the best. The prize for first place went to a manager who brought up one of the other manager's kids to do a trick. Lame trick, but kids always win. They got a 84gb-Ipod. They totally didn't deserve it. Come on, a kid? Please! (Not that I am bitter about it.) However, 2nd place (which should have been 1st) was Rob who recited movie haikus. THAT was talent. 3rd went to the aforementioned MC who played a song on his guitar. He was decent, but we felt he shouldn't have been eligible because he was the MC. Heidi raised such a stink that we got a consolation gift certificate for bring one of the only real performers, as they had mixed in a bunch of bad karaoke performances. There was also a chick who sang "Broadway Baby" (which I had sung years ago in a show with Sarah C.) and a guy who ran a mile home to get his guitar to perform. Sadly he wasn't miked well, and we couldn't hear him. 'A' for effort though.

Stay tuned for Part 3 - the antics...

January 17, 2007

Golden Globes - my brief thoughts

Okay, I still haven't seen Borat and some of the other nominated films have yet to reach Burlington. However, I thought Sacha Baron Cohen's thank you speech was nicely grotesque and appropriate for his win. There were a few other speeches I have to make metion of.

Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) - it was refreshing to see this new gal bursting with appreciation and shock at her win. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I look forward to her performance.
Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada) - I love Meryl. She was pretty funny.
Bill Nighy (Gideon's Daughter) - He was pretty funny.
Martin Scorcese (The Departed) - He's one of those people who I would love to hear at a panel discussion. He is one of the most passionate film lovers I have ever heard. He believes in the magic of film. I thought he deserved his trophy for The Departed.
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) - I think everybody in the house that night was crying with her speech. It was such a heartfelt speech.
Hugh Laurie (House) - Hugh is a wonderful British actor with a wicked sharp sense of humor. I am so happy for him.
Warren Beatty/Tom Hanks - Though I thought the tribute to Warren was entertaining, I also felt it had a personal touch on it, as Tom and Warren are really good friends. It was almost like watching people sitting around a dinner table complimenting each other. As for Warren, he had some very funny moments, but went on waaaaaaaaaaaaay tooooooooo looooooooonnnnnnngggg.

There were some fabulous dresses, but nothing that made me say "OMIGAWD". What was the deal with Vanessa Williams' lion mane hair style? Crazy, I tell you!

January 08, 2007

Holiday party with Company X, Part 1 - the preparation

A few weeks before the party, an email went out announcing the exciting event. We were going to dine in downtown Burlington, at a restaurant called Adriana's. I had never been there. I wasn't sure about going, as I was feeling a little down about holidays and such. However, as the days passed, I decided it would be a good idea to go. I asked Stephanie about inviting her friends Dan and Scott as our "dates". She firmly stated at the beginning that they wouldn't be her "dates", but sure, invite them. So the invite went out.

In the meantime, an email (or two, or three) went out around Company X about doing some kind of Gong Show - talent show. I had made a suggestion before for our summer parties to do some kind of talent show and was flately rejected. It suprised me to hear that people actually thought it was a good idea. By this time I was over the idea of doing a talent show mostly because I didn't think it fit with a company holiday party and certainly didn't want to put myself through the humiliation of being "gonged". I had several people ask me if I was going to do it. When taking a little poll around the office, I couldn't find a soul who would do it. I asked the organizer of the talent show and she said there were only four acts. In speaking with Stephanie one night, I thought it would be funny to do something really absurd like throw a ball back and forth and say nothing or sing. Though she declined to do it, Heidi agreed. The plan was in motion.

The talent reheasals were done in secret with Heidi and myself. Only Stephanie knew what we had planned. We did have to tell the party coordinator that we were going to participate in the show, but asked her not to tell people we were doing it. Not even Tim, Heidi's beau knew what we were going to do. The plan was coming together quite well.

Back to the "date" invitation - I had been emailing Dan and Scott about attire. Stephanie and I were going to dress up (because it was a party, after all!) and asked if they would as well. Though it was doubtful Dan even owned a suit, they had agreed to step it up a little more than their normal after work attire to hang out with the ladies. I think the enticement of an open bar helped too. I figured if the company didn't do the open bar thing, at least Dan and Scott would have had a good meal and a free beer or two from me for being our "dates".

Continued...

January 05, 2007

Things I appreciate

Well, though today I am feeling depressed, I feel (thanks, Pipa) that I should list some things I am thankful for and appreciate. I don't know if it's the Gemini in me or the psycho in me, but I can be very split on the feelings. I can tuck away the depression and pull out a happy exterior when needed. Anyhow, here's a list. Not complete list, because there are really so many things I am thankful for. And please don't feel left out if you weren't mentioned by name. I am thankful for you and you are included on this list somewhere. This list is not in any particular order, just bursts from my brain.
  • freedom
  • my faith
  • trees
  • Joe, Patrick, Mikey (and their parents)
  • Kenna Raye (and her parents)
  • Kyan (and his parents)
  • my parents
  • my brother and sister
  • the funny things my cats do
  • Wiloughby
  • the ability to speak
  • the ability to hear
  • the ability to walk
  • sleep
  • flowers
  • transportation
  • a warm apartment
  • food to eat anytime I want it
  • paintings, sculptures
  • museums and libraries
  • teachers and education
  • voting
  • Wicked - the original Broadway soundtrack
  • U2
  • music (too many to name)
  • Raiders of the Lost Ark
  • Star Wars - Episodes IV, V (and sometimes VI)
  • American Idiot
  • Jimmy Carter
  • COV
  • North Ave
  • dreams
  • hopes
  • smiles
  • laughter *especially from kids*
  • board games
  • movies
  • use of my hands
  • use of my mind
  • braces for my teeth
  • my health
  • friends and others who read my blog
  • friends who don't read my blog
  • friends in Vermont (can't name you all)
  • friends throughout the USA (especially in Texas and SoCal)
  • friend in New Zealand
  • friends who let me complain and laugh with them
  • friends who accept me and my crazy ways
  • nature
  • generousity
  • humbleness
  • books
  • choices
  • clean drinking water
  • Alex, Doug and the other Chapmanites
  • waking up in a country where I can say disparaging things about the government and not be executed
  • freedom to travel
  • chewing gum
  • sliced bread
  • pizza
  • burritos
  • dancing with Mario and friends (no, not Mario Lopez)

January 04, 2007

It's not easy...

feeling bitter and jealous. It really serves no purpose. Just makes me break out and adds shoulder tension. Still, I am having a moment. Here's a little poem that expresses my current emotions.

Breathe.
Scream.
Breathe.
Pointless rantings of a childish feeling.
Are you my mother?
Bang! Pow! BOOM!

Dreaming of other places...

Last night I worked at the g-store until 11:30. It went well, though I don't know if I enjoy being a CSR (Customer Service Representative aka Supervisor) all that much. Too much for my little brain to keep on top of (breaks, customers, problems with machines, clean up and chores). But everything went pretty well. I was able to get people out on time and there weren't many customers left in the store by the end. I have to work tonight too. We shall see how it goes.

So, I get home and am up until 2am. It takes me a few hours to unwind. I also caught up on what was happening in my friend Gail's life. She moved this past week to Austin from LA. I think it will be a great place for her. I can't wait to visit her there! We talked about our love lives (or lack thereof) and I filled her in on the Company X holiday party (still to blog about). I got to sleep pretty quickly after the clock struck 2.

There are only a few things I remember about my dream. I was with Gail and we were in LA to go to a concert. But I couldn't make it to the concert because I was sidetracked by a guy. This guy was somebody I knew in real life (but you know how dreams skew things with reality) and I "knew" that (I guess?) He didn't want me to go to the concert. He wanted to show me around town and whenever we had a moment away from the crowd, he and I would have a makeout session. Then we would go back with the crowd (friends of his apparently) and walk around a part of LA that was a little like 3rd Street Promenade and a art fair. It went on for blocks. I periodically would run away to find Gail to tell her I was still trying to get away. I kept giving her excuses for not coming to the show. She didn't seem to be too mad about it. She eventually figured out that it was because of a guy. I don't remember much other than that, but it was a fun dream to have. Now if I could just find that guy in the real world....

January 03, 2007

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!

Of course this doesn't really show the glory from the whole fireworks show, but it's not too bad considering this was from my mobile phone.
Sunday I met up with Stephanie and Amanda (in from Maine) and we had brunch at a really yummy place called Chef's Corner. I putzed around the Williston shopping area until it was time to see my movie, Happy Feet. It was a cute story, though the music left something to be desired. I came home and did some cleaning (amazing, I know) and got ready for my night's festivities. In the evening, I met up with Stephanie, Amanda and Carrie to ring in the new year at our co-worker David's house. He's got an awesome view of the Waterfront, where the fireworks took place. We had swell hors de ouvres and David made me a really tasty peppermint martini. It was really good. Though Stephanie thought I should get drunk, I resisted. I think that was largely because I didn't feel there was anybody to waste my drunken kisses on. ha ha ha! I did meet a bunch of new people, including a guy who lives in Nome, Alaska and another guy who is buying a ravioli factory. The fireworks show on the waterfront was pretty good. The photo doesn't really show how lovely it was. Besides the show, there was the TV on mute showing the Dick Clark Ringing in the New Year or whatever it is called, starring Ryan Seacrest. Though I couldn't stand to watch Ryan Seacrest ringing in the new year on TV, I didn't have to put up with it long. Thankfully they turned off the show. I text messanged(?) a bunch of my peeps and got several greetings back. At about 1am, we took a taxi back to my house. Carrie had a little too much to drink, so she crashed on my floor.
In the morning, she left to go to her folks and I went off to the movies to see The History Boys. I think I am in love with Jamie Parker, one of the "boys" Sigh. He's dreamy. And British. Sigh.
All in all, I am looking forward to 2007 - better health, happiness and adventures!