A Peek at Karen's World: Out of Town

What I Just Watched at the Theater

Alice in Wonderland--You know it's Tim Burton from the very first frame. Looks great, the story's great, Helena and Johnny are HILARIOUS and there are plenty of recognizable voices to the CGI characters. Just wasn't thrilled with the casting for Alice. She was too shy and quiet. But overall, I liked it and I'm going to see it again when I'm more awake.
Avatar--Stunningly beautiful. The story was fairly generic, but the characters and the visual effects were so great that the nearly three hours passed in a blink.
The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus--Heath Ledger's final film is weird. But beautiful and surreal and fun. And, if you HAPPEN to know anyone else who's seen it, rejoice. Because you're going to want to talk about it.
Valentine's Day--It's no Love, Actually but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I laughed. I cried. It was better than...well...Bradley Cooper is pretty!

Stuff I Just Watched From the Comfort of My Own Couch

Brick--I am a huge fan of noir and I love this combo of noir/90s teen drama. Joseph Gordon-Leavitt is a compelling actor to watch and the story draws you in. Loved it.
Confessions of a Shopaholic--Predictable, but cute. And Isla Fisher actually didn't annoy me.
Fever Pitch--Not the BoSox-heavy Jimmy Fallon version, but the original Colin Firth version. I loved it. It's a little more raw, and a little less cutesy, and I really liked it.
House Bunny--Completely cheesy, but Anna Faris is just so funny!
Seems Like Old Times--Cheesy Chevy Chase/Goldie Hawn flick, but fun and silly and not a bad way movie to have on in the background while doing other things.

What I Just Finished Reading

Ghost Hunting by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson--An insightful look into the world of T.A.P.S. This book explains how the team came to be and highlights some of their more memorable experiences. It was great to get a more in-depth look at some of the cases I remember watching on ScyFy.
These Is My Words by Nancy Turner--Beautiful, rich story written in journal form and telling about 20 years in the life of Sarah Prine, a strong and capable woman living in the Arizona Territory at the end of the 19th Century. It's difficult and sad, but beautiful.
Body Surfing by Dale Peck--I really didn't enjoy this book. At all. You can check out my full review, which is not flattering.

65 in 365: 2010

1. Read 30 books. 4/30
2. Renew my passport.
3. Sing in public (at church or something).
4. Go to a film festival.
5. Finish current novel.
6. Query at least 10 agents.
7. Go to the gym an average of 3X per week.
8. Organize a Blogger Meet Up.
9. Attend a blogging or writing conference.
10. Organize my bedroom.
11. Paint bedroom furniture.
12. Change my hair.
13. Buy new running shoes.
14. Finish raising/saving money for H4H.
15. 100% Visiting Teaching EVERY month. 2/12
16. Back up all photos and print some of them.
17. Finish mission scrapbook.
18. Finish Utah scrapbook.
19. Try rock climbing.
20. Go to 10 Angels games.
21. Ride the train to LA for a day trip.
22. Go to one of Little Sis's basketball games.
23. Wear size 12 jeans.
24. Mail birthday cards to at least 5 friends.
25. Organize and participate in Single Adult Family Home Evening.
26. Throw or attend an Oscar party.
27. Get the sibs together for an updated family photo.
28. Save up for a DSLR.
29. Replace the windshield on my car.
30. Find out names of great-grandfather Herman's parents.
31. Donate to a political campaign.
32. Decide who to support for CA Governor.
33. Walk in a park.
34. Watch 25 movies from my Netflix list. 9/25
35. Visit a museum.
36. Take The Nephew somewhere fun--just the two of us.
37. Organize Girl's Night Out 4 times. 1/4
38. Visit Kelli in St. George.
39. Learn the rules and play D&D.
40. Go to a TV show taping.
41. Buy 4 gifts from Etsy shops.
42. Buy and wear more professional work clothes.
43. Go to the dentist.
44. Read scriptures 30 mins a day for 30 days. Restart at 0 if I miss a day. 1/30
45. Bake a pie entirely from scratch.
46. Pedicures every other month.
47. Get CPR certified.
48. Donate blood twice.
49. Go camping.
50. See the Grand Canyon.
51. Buy a golf bag and go to the driving range 6 times.
52. Change the oil on my car--myself.
53. Save $1000 without spending it.
54. Sew a skirt and wear it in public.
55. Complete a 500 piece puzzle.
56. Give $$ to a panhandler.
57. Open Roth IRA account.
58. Wash/vacuum car once a month. 0/12
59. Clean out closet and donate clothes that don't fit.
60. Get new glasses.
61. Have my hearing checked.
62. Run a 5K.
63. Organize a Pride & Prejudice viewing party.
64. Invite my family over for dinner.
65. Donate $5 for every item not completed. (Readers choose the charity.)

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Out of Town

I know I'm supposed to be doing Stephanie's Group Blog Thursday and it's a really good topic. But I'm out of town at a conference for Job's Daughters in the lovely, exciting town of Visalia, California, and, well, I'm a bit busy with that. So her topic is a good one and you should all go check it out, but I'm taking this week off. I'm sorry, Stephanie!

Anyway, I just wanted to post a couple of quick updates.

I've had 29 entries for my 'Up' DVD giveaway. You have until this Sunday night at 11:59 to enter, so make sure you do that! Click here to find out how!

I wanted to take a minute to update you, too, on my Papua New Guinea trip for Habitat for Humanity. So far, 15 people have donated a total of $545. I am stunned by the support, encouragement and help you all have offered. You've tweeted and facebooked and blogged and I just can't thank you all enough for that.

My readers are the BEST!

Have a great day. I may or may not be around tomorrow. I will definitely be back by Sunday, though, and with a new Blog of the Week.

10 comments:

Elizabeth said...: Lol Too bad this was posted a bit late for me =P. I showed up on campus and went upstairs to talk to you. Haha Oh well, maybe some other time. Have fun at the conference!; November 12, 2009 2:34 PM
Ms. Wanda said...: LOL! Your missing car story was way better than mine:); November 12, 2009 3:31 PM
Lyn said...: Have a safe trip. I loved the Hotel confession by the way. Scary, but awesome.; November 12, 2009 8:34 PM
Karen said...: Elizabeth: Maybe if you showed up on campus more often than ONCE a SEMESTER! LOL

Ms. Wanda: At least we were in an enclosed garage instead of the pouring rain!

Lyn: Thanks! And yeah. Scary. But I'll be talking about that experience for years to come!; November 12, 2009 11:03 PM
Cairo Typ0 said...: Have fun at your conference! :); November 12, 2009 11:57 PM
Gina said...: Enjoy your conference. Hope it's a good one!; November 13, 2009 12:21 PM
Just Playin' said...: Enjoy your time away! NOthing like it!
Please do me a favor. Would you go to my blog and “follow” me again? Because I changed my URL, I have lost many of my readers. I know you can still hunt me down, but this will make it ever so much easier on you. I will once again show up on your Reader and Blog Roll. I knew this would happen but needed to change to be more representative of who I am now. I think this is the best fix. Thanks for your time. If you have another solution, let me know! Thanky!!!!!; November 14, 2009 9:49 AM
Dorkys Ramos said...: I hope you get back home safe and sound! Can't wait to read all about it :); November 14, 2009 12:05 PM
2 Toddlers and Me said...: Hope you're having a good trip and that's so exciting about your Papua New Guinea donations. People just surprise you in a good way sometimes, don't they?; November 14, 2009 12:38 PM
~*Michelle*~ said...: prayers being said for a safe trip, Karen!!!; November 14, 2009 12:40 PM