Just the Sexiest Man Alive

What would life be like if you had to choose between Brad Pitt and Patrick Dempsey? This is what reading Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James is like. I read this book over a 24 hour period this weekend. I couldn't put it down! It's been way too long since I found a really good contemporary book without any paranormal aspects to it.

Here's a quick synopsis:

Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan-not in the courtroom and not in her personal life. So when she's assigned to coach People's "Sexiest Man Alive" for his role in the next big legal drama, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob's charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.

The only problem some people might have is that there were no love scenes in it. In fact, the couple don't come together in that way until the very end and even then it's not that explicit. But honestly, I'm one of those people who doesn't notice unless the book really needs them and this one didn't. In fact, I didn't even notice they were missing until the heroine mentions something to the hero about it.

The tension between the couple was great. Taylor really resists Jason even though she can't help but be overwhelmed a bit about having People's Sexiest Man Alive pursuing her. And the writer describes Jason so well that you can't help but feel a shiver every time his eyes meet Taylor's.

I laughed so many times in this book that my husband thought I was crazy...err...more crazy.

If you're looking for a nice quick PG-13 book, pick this one up! You won't be disappointed.

Light and Heavy

It's late. I should be in bed, but instead I sit here sad because another Sunday is almost over. (And yes, you'll be reading this on Monday, I know).

I did manage to read a couple books this weekend. The first one was called, The Chef's Choice, by Kirstin Hardy. It was about Cady McBain and Damon Hurst. Damon is a chef (duh!) who comes to Cady's parents bed and breakfast to take over the restaurant. Cady is the groundskeeper who also has her own landscaping business.

Cady comes off as a hard woman at first until slowly Damon wins her over. Damon himself is a celebrity chef who is trying to escape the beating his reputation has taken. And quite a reputation it is.

I enjoyed the cooking parts of the book since I've missed Top Chef so much. This was one of those sweet Silhouette books that you can read in like an hour. It was definitely a nice little surprise.

The second book I read was Plain Truth, by Jodi Piccoult. Yeah, sweet wouldn't describe this book at all. But it was good. Really good. I stayed up until one in the morning Saturday night reading it. It's about a teenage Amish girl who is charged with murdering her baby. But nothing is ever as it seems on the surface.

I would definitely recommend this book. You can tell Jodi does her research. Now I want to buy more of her books. This is the second book I've read by her, and even though I was mad and frustrated with the last book (My Sister's Keeper), it was still a book that kept me guessing up to the last minute.

Those are the two books I read this weekend. Now I need to find a new book! It's been a long time since I had a reading jag like this!

I'm also working on an interview for this week, but if anyone knows any writers out there who might enjoy my interview style, please send them my way! Or if you want to be interviewed yourself because it might be fun, send me a email! Don't be shy... I need you! I can't interview myself all the time. ;)

Books, books, books

I finished some books and then read and completed an entire book this weekend.

The two I finished are:

Stormy Weather, by Carl Hiaasen. This book was written in 1995 and just recently recommended on Dear Author.com. It's set in Florida after a big hurricane has just struck, leaving everything devastated. It starts with two honeymooners and ends with many, MANY different characters. Good and bad. It was kind of fun watching all the bad guys get punished in ironic ways, but I'm not sure I quite "got" this book. It was tiring trying to keep up with everything. It seemed like a new person was introduced in each chapter.

But overall, I liked it. Even if I don't think I'll read another one of his books.

Tribute, Nora Roberts. Yes, I got this book in the beginning of July, and I'm now just finishing it. I can't say there was anything wrong with this book... It was set in my neck of the woods after all, which I thought was very cool. It just didn't hold my interest as much as I'd hoped it would. And I had a hard time keeping track of all the characters again. I'm beginning to think I have memory issues or something.

Again, I can't say I didn't like it. It was an entertaining read. I loved Ford, even if he was a little too perfect. I mean, c'mon! What man doesn't have any flaws? The dog was funny, too. I guess I was hoping for a book more like Geniune Lies (another book about an old movie star) and it wasn't quite the same. But it is a Nora book so better than a lot of books out there. And there were a lot of LOL moments.

And then I read the book that made my whole weekend. It was Catch of the Day, by Kristan Higgins. She won a RITA for this book and I can see why.

This is a story of a woman who falls in love with a priest. Not only that, but the entire small town she lives in and works knows about it and loves to remind her of it.

The book is written entirely in first person, but I don't notice that at all. I just know that there was a part of the book where I was practically sobbing. I highly recommend this author to anyone. I read her book Fools Rush In (last Thursday before the memorial) and it was a great too. She writes the kind of books where you're sad at the end because it's over.

I have one more book by her-Just One of the Guys-and I can't wait to start it. Even if I want to wait, since that's the last book she has out now.

So that's my weekend book reading. Looking at it now, I'm thinking, "Dude, you need a life." But why have a life when there are so many good books out there? Right?

Next weekend I'll work on that whole "life" thing. Unless my Suzanne Brockmann books come in the mail...

The Summer of Reality and a Mustache

This weekend as I was watching season 4 episodes of The Office on my DVR, I realized how anxious I was for the this upcoming fall season. After last years writers strike, I was still left feeling like I was robbed somehow. But I have been keeping myself busy this summer. Here are the shows I've been watching:

1. Swingtown (CBS). Probably the only non-reality based show on my list. But even though the only true swinging occurred in the first episode, I still keep watching. Mostly for Grant Snow and his mustache. Oh and the basement! They should make people sign a waiver before they go into the basement.

2. Gene Simmon's Family Jewels (A&E). Even though he comes off all pompous and arrogant, which he is, he's really a great family man. And the episodes where he watches his two nephews shows he's really just a big softy. Not to mention it's just freaking hilarious.

3. Flippin' Out (Bravo). Jeff Lewis is crazy. There's no denying that. But as you watch, you see the more human side of him. Even while you still want to strangle him in his sleep. I think the finale is on this week. :o(

4. Project Runway/Shear Genius (Bravo). I put these two shows together, because even though I do watch them, I haven't been watching them that faithfully. Project Runway has just way too many designers right now for me to really keep up with. And Shear Genius can be fun, but watching what these hairdressers do to some of these poor models gives bad hair day a new meaning.

5. Bridezilla (WE). This show is the best! I can't get enough of these crazy woman terrorizing their families and bridesmaid. Some of these woman are so utterly insane you wonder what the groom is thinking. This show put the fun into dysfunctional! Last night I watched a bride have her fiance bring fast food to a high priced salon while she was getting a pedicure. Then she asked the lady doing her nails for a fake nail so she could pick the food out of her teeth. Priceless! Oh and did I mention she handed the nail back to the lady after she was done? That's class right there!

Those are the top five summer shows I'm watching right now that aren't reruns. (I've watched all 3 seasons of Grey's Anatomy and The Office on DVD). Now I'm just anxiously waiting for the fall season. I need more Mcdreamy!

Something New, Something Old

Yesterday, I saw two movies, one old, one new. In the morning J and I went to see Wall-E. It was really early...like 10:20 in the morning. When we first walked in, we thought we were going to be the only people there, but suddenly the children started arriving. Young children...toddlers. I was worried at first, but they were actually very well behaved, and the film loud enough to drown out any chatter.

Wall-E is about the last robot on earth, left all alone to continue crushing trash into cubes and using them to build skyscrapers of garbage. He also likes to collect little knickknacks. Things like a Rubik's Cube, bubblewrap, lighters, an old copy of Hello, Dolly! just to start. I come from a long line of clutter collectors so I could totally relate. His only friend is a little cockroach who he has trained to be his pet.

The real action doesn't start until a little later in the movie, but it was still fun to watch his routines and his lifestyle, even if he's wishing to have some companionship. That soon arrives in the form of a robot named Eve. They don't hit it off right away. In fact, she tries to destroy him every chance she gets. But it's funny watching him try to "woe" her.

The last part happens on a ship where humans have been circling the galaxy waiting for earth to be habitable again.

I loved this movie. Pixar really does a great job with all their movies, and this is no exception. I don't think I'd rate it higher than Finding Nemo, but it's definitely up there. I loved Wall-E and Eve. This was their love story.


When we got home, me and J were looking for a movie on HBO On Demand and he wanted to watch Edward Scissorhands. For some reason I've never seen this movie before. It was just one of those things where somehow I missed renting it once it got out of theaters and there never seemed to be a right time to watch it. What a dark movie! But being directed by Tim Burton that just goes without saying.

I have to admit that I didn't "get it". I didn't get what the whole fuss was about. It just drove me crazy that all the misunderstandings were never resolved, and that nobody knew that Edward wasn't doing all the bad things they thought he was doing. I wanted him to be vindicated and he wasn't. I guess the world isn't perfect, and not everyone gets justice. And that Edward was better off in his castle...

Maybe I'll try watching it again. I will say that it's definitely a movie that makes you think, since me and J talked about it for awhile after watching it.

So that's it. My Quickie Reviews for Monday. Now I'm in search of coffee...coffee...

Sheena & Me

(This picture was taken months ago. I thought it was funny how close Sheena was to my husband so my son just had to jump into the picture).

I finished reading Marley and me tonight. It was a book I could relate to a lot. Sheena gave us a lot of the same problems Marley gave John Grogan, although Sheena outgrew a lot of her problems, and Marley didn't.

I loved the book, but I was uneasy finishing it. I don't know why. I guess because we're facing the same decision with Sheena that John had to make with Marley. Maybe because I'm still dealing with the death of my father. Maybe I'm numb, I don't know.

The book really was good. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments, and considering I started it last night, it was a quick read.

It almost made me want to write about our story with Sheena. We got her when my son was two and believe me, when you have a two-year-old and a puppy, you have many stories to tell. Add in the fact that you were living in a small apartment with said puppy and toddler, well... Yeah, not good.

There were days I would be chasing after them both, not sure who to go after first. Who would cause the worst trouble?

Now she's 12 and not doing too good. The problems I've written about are still there, and even though she has her good days, the problem isn't going to resolve itself. And risking her life for expensive surgery that might not work anyway, isn't an option for us.

She still eats. She still loves going for rides. She still does all her bodily functions. But she's not the same dog. Not by a long shot.

While I was walking past the doors, I looked out and noticed her out there laying in the grass. The humidity is gone for now and she's enjoying the cooler weather. At first I was worried since she didn't seem to be moving, but when I said her name, she wagged her tail. That's what life is like right now.

I miss my dog already. She's not the same dog I had at the beginning of the year. She has always been there for me-for us-no matter what. Through the good times and the bad. No matter how many times I cursed the inconvenience she caused in our life over the years, there was really no chance we would get rid of her. She picked us.

And in that way I could relate to Marley and Me. Maybe there will be a time when I can read it again without feeling uneasy. I hope so. In the meantime, I'd highly recommend this book to those few people who haven't read it yet. (I'm a bit behind). Even if you don't love dogs I recommend it, since the book is also about a man and his life, and the lessons he learned along the way. It's pretty inspirational.

What I've been doing....

Since I haven't been posting in awhile, I thought I'd do a quick, Quickie Review of what I've been doing...

Grey's Anatomy-I finally finished watching Season Three on Friday, which brings to an end my Grey's marathon. Now I'm ready for the DVD of Season Four, and then after that, Season Five. More McDreamy!

How I Met Your Mother-I'd never watched this show before, but two of my coworkers really liked it, so I asked if they could loan me Season One and Two. This weekend I finished Season One and I'm now working on Season Two. It's a funny show! I especially enjoy Barney aka Dougie Houser, although I'm pretty sure he has a real name. Suit up!

Books by Helen Brooks-I found a new author named Helen Brooks. She's a British writer, and seems to mostly write for Harlequin Presents. I like her books because she reminds me of Betty Neels. Well, without the frumpy nurses. She mostly writes from the female POV, but she does it so well I don't really miss the male POV. The love scenes are minimal, but again, I don't miss those either. She's able to get the point across without them. I finished three of her books Friday and Saturday and now I'm going to keep looking for more.

LaVyrle Spencer re-reads-LaVyrle was my first romance writer, and still the one who has a special place in my heart. I reread one of her books last week and I'm reading The Hellion right now. I don't think I'll ever get over her retirement back in the 90's. Sigh.

Tribute, Nora Roberts-in the midst of all these other *cough*important activities*cough*, I've also been reading Tribute. I'm not sure why it's taking me so long to read it. I guess it's just not holding my attention as much as I want it to. But I will finish it soon.

Writing-as I was driving home Friday, I was talking out loud, working all the kinks out in my book. I really need to figure out exactly where I'm going with the plot, and make sure I have all the characters in order. It's taking me way too long to write, but I am writing now!! I think all the reading has inspired me.

Swingtown-it's funny because I originally started watching this so me and Suz could make fun of it, but I think I'm actually becoming addicted to this show and the plot. Although I'm still disappointed by the lack of swinging and the kids need to go. I'm really not interested in their plotline at all. But come Thursday night, I'll still be sitting here watching it. It's just too irresistible.

Project Runway-actually any show on Bravo. I'm a bit of an addict when it comes to that channel.

In the life that doesn't involve books, television or the computer (I do have one), I'm still working (eeh) and going to my mom's house. My husband is starting on her house this week so she can put it on the market.

So that's my life...Quickie Review style. I'm still looking for people to interview if you're interested. Oh, and if I owe you an interview, I'm finishing those up today!

Now I need to get back to that life I pretend I have...

The Darkness Arrives!

My friend and critique partner, Shiela Stewart, has a new vampire series coming out today. The first book is called: Seducing the Darkness. I LOVE this series! As soon as I read STD (heh) I told her she HAD to submit it. And if you know me, I'm not a big fan of the paranormal.

Here is the official press release:

Seducing the Darkness

If you’re afraid of the dark…you’re screwed!

The long awaited release of Paranormal Romance Author Shiela Stewarts first book in her Darkness series is now available for purchase.

Seducing the Darkness begins a tale of vampires desperate to stop a ritual to blot out the sun and raise the greatest evil ever created.

Miss Stewart’s world of vampires is like no other and her explanation of vampirism is not what you’ll expect. And the love she weaves amongst her characters will surely melt your heart and leave you panting for more.

Cast out by her kind, Trinity Ford has learned to live on her own…not an easy thing to do when you’re a vampire.

Trinity was once a fragile girl. Being taken by a powerful vampire prince changed her. Discovering him in the arms of another woman changed destiny. Alone, she’s learned fast how to be tough, how to survive, and how to protect the people in her city from the evil that lurks in the dark. She was managing just fine, until Basil walked back into her life.

Basil Hawthorn has been the reigning prince of vampires since banishing his father to the Realm of Dark Mystics decades earlier. When a prophetic dream makes him realize Trinity’s life is at risk, he decides the only way to save her is to push her away. Doing so is not easy. Trinity is the only woman he has ever loved, ever will love, and he can’t seem to let her go.

When rumors arise of a plan to raise the King and blot out the sun, both Trinity and Basil know they must do everything to stop it. Even if it means working together. Despite the betrayal and the threat, they find themselves drawn to each other. Love has no boundaries, especially in the face of danger. But will they be able to stop the ritual before it’s too late?

Or will the darkness capture them both?

To purchase the book go to:
www.lindenbayromance.com
www.allromanceebooks.com
And check out Shiela Stewart’s website where the darkness begins. www.shielabooks.ca

So I was trying to think of a way to express my love for this book, but the only way I could think to do it right, was to cut and paste the email I sent to her as soon as I read it. (Late at night after I stayed up to finish reading). I took out some of it, but you get the jist:

Seriously wow. This book is hot, girl. I hope to God this gets published and people realize how truly good it is. This is your passion. This is the one that will take you over the top.

....You HAVE to write a sequel. Seriously. I will not rest until you do. LOL I'll bug the shit out of you. I can't believe you don't have one already. Usually you do. LOL Slacker!!! ;o)

....Chat tomorrow! It's 12:16 and I really need to go to bed. LOLOL Hopefully my son's school will be delayed because it'll be hard waking up at 7:30 to take him to the bus stop.

BTW, she already has a sequel...and a few more after that I'm sure.

If you do anything this summer, make sure you read this book!

Oh, and just so you know, Shiela really thought I was going to roast her in this post. Probably because I kind of told her I would. *grin* But that's my job. To keep people guessing. Maybe next time, Shiela!

Julia Quinn, The Lost Duke of Wyndham

I finished this book this book Saturday morning. Oh how I wish I could write historical! I loved the richness of this book, and the words used to tell one of the best love stories I've read in a long time. It's kind of strange for me to say that when I just read three books last weekend that I raved about in the same way. But none of them had me stopping to cry because I was overwhelmed by emotion.

Julia has magic in her fingers. That's all I can say. I think another reason I might've been crying was because I just don't know how to convey that magic into my words as well as she does. As a writer, I can't help but be envious.

But since this is a review I should discuss the book, right? And not just my mental problems. This is the story of Jack Audley-a former solder, and now a highwayman. He's a very charming version of Robin Hood. Grace Eversleigh is the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. The duchess is a tyrant of the worse kind.

This story starts out by Jack attempting to rob the stagecoach that the duchess and Grace are traveling in. The duchess recognizes her son in Jack's face, and is determined he is the real Duke of Wyndham.

Each page I read found me falling more and more in love with Jack. He was charming and thoughtful and just an all around good guy. With secrets.

And Grace, she could hold her own. She might've been pushed around by the duchess, but she managed to make the best of a bad situation.

What else can I say? It's a beautiful story. It was also funny, but the humor was a bit more subtle than her other books. Yet that didn't take anything away from the story. In fact, I think it made the story that much more richer. Like chocolate. Dark chocolate. Mmm... I love chocolate.

I can't recommend this book enough. Five out of Five.

I'm so glad...

I received Pollyanna from Netflix in the mail. After watching this movie I was bawling like a baby over here. Being a Disney movie, you'd think it would be cheesy, but it really isn't. Even the ending isn't a complete happily ever after. It's just a movie filled with hope, that shows the price that pride can play on your soul.

When I was younger, I really didn't like it. My mother was always watching older movies, and I'd just roll my eyes and walk away. Thank God I gave them a second chance when I got older.

This movie also has Haley Mills, who is to me, one of those actresses who can be really good or really annoying. Like Parent Trap (the original one). I can hardly watch that one anymore. She's just soooo...I don't know the word for it. Over the top? Plus, you have twice as much as her.

BTW, she was in the Saved by the Bell (when it was called Good Morning, Miss Bliss, according to IMDB). For those people who made fun of me watching it. ;)

Next in my queue of Haley Mill movies is Summer Magic. I just love that one! If my husband hadn't wanted me to get National Treasure 2, I would've had that one sent at the same time as Pollyanna. (Although National Treasure 2 was worth it! Such a cool movie!)

I just love a positive uplifting movie once in awhile. It just reminds you how simple life was at one time.

Plus, it's fun to play the "glad game". Right now I'm glad to be inside during this thunderstorm. Eek!

Quickie Review - Sugar Daddy, Lisa Kleypas

I finished my final Memorial Day book yesterday while fishing with my husband and son. It was Sugar Daddy, by Lisa Kleypas.

My friend Jen had recommended this to me awhile ago, but because it was in hardcover, I decided to wait for it to be out in paperback.

I loved it! This is the kind of book I've been waiting for. It has the kind of romance that I've found lacking in books in the past few years.

In a way, it reminds me of a Susan Elizabeth Phillips book-the way it starts out with the heroine as a child and travels across the decades. It's also first person, which was a bit of a shock, but I hardly even noticed it at all.

This book is about Liberty Jones who grows up poor in the town of Welcome, Texas. While living in a trailer park with her mom, she meets Hardy Cates. Although Hardy feels the spark with Liberty, he knows he wants more to life than living in a trailer park.

Years go by and Liberty's life is touched by tragedy and struggle, before finally being helped by a guardian angel or a sugar daddy, depending on how you look at it.

What's weird to me is that this is yet another book about chance encounters. What are the chances of me reading three books like this in one weekend?

But regardless, I LOVED this book. I can't wait to read the second one, Blue-Eyed Devil. But since it's in hardcover, I'll have to wait again. That's okay.

So three books in one weekend. In the past, that wouldn't have been that big of deal, but now I consider that something to be proud of!

This book is definitely going on my keeper shelf to be reread over and over again.

Not Another Bad Date

I've finished a second book. This time it was Rachel Gibson's, Not Another Bad Date. What can I say about Rachel's books? I've enjoyed all of them, some more than others. The one thing that always impresses me most is the way she does the male POV better than a lot of romance writer's. Sometimes too well. They can come across as jerks until the very last minute when they redeem themselves.

This book is the final book in her series about four writer friends. Adele Harris has been cursed (literally) with a series of bad dates over the years. It seems like she can never catch a break. Until she runs into Zack Zemaitis again. (It's a "Z" thing).

There was also a subplot about "life after death" in the form of Zack's late wife. It reminded me a bit of Wishes by Jude Deveraux. (Back when she didn't write crappy books). Wishes is one of my favorite books of all time so I enjoyed that part a lot. It added some humor to the book.

I enjoyed this book. It's a good beach book. I'm not sure if I'll read it again, but it definitely made time fly by. And as always, her love scenes were hot!

The one complaint I have about Rachel Gibson's books is the way she always seems to rush the endings. But overall, I've enjoyed all her books and will continue to read them as soon as they hit the shelves.

But if you want to read a really good Gibson book try See Jane Score.

Oops, and I just realized this book wasn't supposed to come out until this Tuesday. I had no idea since I've been really bad when it comes to keeping track of release dates. Bad Borders!!!

I guess I should've looked for the new Julia Quinn one too. ;)

Love the One You're With

It's 1:53 in the morning and I just finished a book. A book I started around nine o'clock in the evening. The book is called Love the One You're With, by Emily Giffin. I've read all her book and loved (almost) all of them. I guess you can describe her books as chic-lit, but with a little twist. She always seems to tackle the hard topics in such a way to make them almost breezy yet still painfully realistic.

This one was no exception.

The book starts when the heroine of this book, Ellen, has a chance encounter with Leo, the one who broke her heart eight years ago. He's also the one who tore her life apart and brought out all her worst qualities. But has she gotten over him yet? And what about her happy marriage? Is it really that happy? The tagline for the book is: How can I truly love the one I'm with when I can't forget the one who got away?

That's the short description, but it was really about so much more. Emily takes you on a roller coaster of a ride, where even you're not sure which one she'll choose in the end, and if there will even be a happy ending. There is a happy ending, but not one of those unrealistic endings where everything is neatly tied in a bow.

I'm not going to say much more than that. If you haven't read any of Emily Giffen's books, I suggest you do. Start with Something Borrowed, the book I fell in love with first. It's probably one of the few books I stand by 100% when recommending it.

Now I'm all hyped up on that staying up late to read high. It's always hard to fall asleep after that. The good news is that I have two more books to read after this! Well, not tonight obviously. I do plan on getting some sleep. Maybe.

Oh and do you know the real sign you're reading a good book? When you're finished and you realize the television has been on Nickelodeon the entire time you've been reading (my son turned it on before going to bed) and you didn't even notice.

*sigh* I've really missed losing myself in a book. Now I'm going to go look for some Time Life commercials to make this the most perfect night ever! I hope I find Air Supply...

P.S. I'm Hungry

I'm going to try something new. Instead of waiting until after I've watched a movie to review it, I'm going to review it as I go. My memory is so bad I'll usually forget details five minutes after watching it. I guess this will be like Television Without Pity. But nothing like it.

Today (Sunday) I'm watching P.S. I Love You. Netflix mailed it to me awhile ago and I really need to send it back so I can get more. They've taken way too much money from me as it is.

So here it is... My impressions of P.S. I Love You. Melly style. (BTW, I'll try not to do spoilers, but you should still read at your own risk. Oh and I've read the book, so if we were at the movie theater I'd be that person. The one who knows more than the other person.)

I just got through the fight scene at the very beginning. It was cute although I couldn't understand half of what the Irish guy was saying. Okay, looked it up and the Irish guy is Gerald Butler. There's this stripping scene in the beginning, and the second he started dancing (it was actually funny rather than sexy), my son ran out of the room. Now I know what it takes to get rid of him!

Credits are on now. That was a long scene before the credits.

What happened to the volume? Crap where the hell is the volume??? It's not muted. Okay, I pressed stop and then play again. Volume is back. But now I need to rewind. This is not getting off to a good start.

J (my son for those who might not know) just walked down and asked if he died yet.

Hey, it's Harry Connick, Jr! Phoebe! I mean, Lisa Kudrow!

Aww... I guess he's dead now. Should I tell J?

Me: He's dead.

J: Cool! *Walks outside*

I could've sworn everyone was Irish in the book, not just Gerry (Gerald Butler, the dead husband). I guess they changed it. (See, I am that person!)

Drinking!! This is my kind of movie.

Wow, awkward moment from Harry Connick Jr. He looks good with his foot in his mouth.

Where is Denny from Grey's Anatomy??? Jeannie promised me Denny!

J is taping up a sword in front of the TV screen. WTF?

Aww...She's calling the voicemail to hear his voice. I remember we did that with the answering machine after my FIL passed away.

Despite what I'm saying here, this is really very sad. It's achingly realistic. (Just like the book).

Gerald Butler is back (in her imagination) and I still don't understand what he's saying. But he looks good.

Oooo, greasy hair. She looks like I do sitting here right now. Oops. Busted acting crazy. Don't you hate when people pop in on you?

Aww... She just got the first of the letters he sent after his death. But no, there wasn't a tape that I know of in book, but it was a good idea for the movie. Gives it more impact.

Isn't this a great commentary? You have no idea what's going on do you? The movie is just going on and on.

Okay, fine, they just walked into an exclusive club by pretending like Holly (the widow) was a princess. How's that?

Harry Connick Jr is doing a lot of talking. Talk, talk, talking. Ooo, puking. That's always fun to watch.

The next letter! She was running down the street to get it and J asked me if she was getting the golden ticket.

I bet they liked putting her little fantasies of her husband in this movie, so they could ask Gerald to keep taking his shirt off. I know I'm enjoying it.

LOL This leprechaun scene is really funny. Trust me on this. Ahh...karaoke! I remember this from the book. Yeah, I don't remember it going exactly like this in the book. Oops, battery in laptop is about to die. Okay, all better now.

*sniff-sniff* She's singing to Gerry.

Lisa Kudrow is a bit of a slut. But in a good way.

I'm hungry.

I should make a sandwich.

Harry Connick, Jr is babbling again. Poor man. I want to reach out and move that piece of hair out of his eyes.

Ooo, I have email!

Another letter. At the end of each letter it says, "P.S I love you" and J is over here saying, "I didn't see that coming!" Smartass.

Man...they are talking about corned beef. Dammit, I'm hungry. Now instead of drooling over HCJ, I'm drooling over his sandwich.

Gerald Butler. Shirtless again. Did they have so many male actors, there wasn't enough shirts to go around? Still not complaining though.

Next letter. I'm really hungry.

Kathy Bates just tied Hillary Swank to the bed and she's raising a hammer. Oops, wrong movie.

I must have something around here. Potato chips? Something. Okay, popcorn in microwave.

They are on a trip somewhere, but I missed the destination while in the kitchen.

Hillary Swank looks like Judy Garland right there. Is that weird?

SHEEP! Baaaaa!

DENNY!!!!!! *drool* (Kind of sad I went from sheep to Denny aka Jeffrey Dean Morgan right there, heh?) Ooo, and he has a Irish accent! I guess that means we're in Ireland. I'm quick!

Ick. This popcorn is kind of burned.

Dude, he's singing. Wait, now they switched to Gerald Butler singing. But I didn't recognize him at first since he's wearing a shirt.

J was walking outside with his sword and I said, "Good luck on your quest." He didn't look amused.

They are stuck in a boat with no oars. The three girls on the movie. I thought you might want to know I'm still watching.

Awww...all her friends have good news, and she can't be happy for them. That's rough.

Damn! I wish I could be rescued by Denny! Where is a boat? Where is water?

Mmm...they are eating again. I'm still hungry. That popcorn sucked.

Look at Denny's dimple. Why can't he be the shirtless one in this movie? They had enough shirts for him??? Maybe he stole Gerald's shirts.

HOLY CRAP. I TAKE IT ALL BACK!!! I must rewind. Dammit, J is in here.

Full backtal nudity. Wait, what's the opposite of frontal? Seriously, you should watch this movie just for that!

J is whining because I burned the popcorn.

Lots of Denny shirtless. Nice tattoo.

She's with Gerry's family. Lots of talking.

Next letter.

Flashback.

Pretty purple flowers. I wish I could go to Ireland.

Gerald Butler with both shirt and jacket. Look at his hair blowing in the wind. LOL This is a funny scene. And a pretty scene. Everyone is as pretty as the scenery. I can kind of understand him too. Yay for me!

Where is my cell phone? Maybe I can get my husband to pick up some food. J had it last.

Aww... He loved her even though she's a bit insane. That is true love right there. Ask my husband.

LOL Irish Wild Dog.

*sigh* Kissing. J just said, "Eeeh."

That's a cool purple hat she's wearing. I wonder if I could pull it off?

Oh, there was another letter and she's not talking to her friends. But she might be figuring out what job she wants. Sorry, I got distracted.

Damn, Lisa Kudrow is giving it to her good. But now they are getting along.

Awww

Hey, it's Harry Connick Jr! Long time no see! She should jump him.

Kathy Bates is telling them to turn the life raft back around. Oh. Wrong movie, again?

Another awww moment.

I'm so glad they aren't changing the plot much from the book, just some of the details.

I'm crying now. Oh man. Kathy Bates is a hell of a actress. I want to be her.

Tears are streaming down my face. Dammit.

I'm trying not to be spoilerish here.

Harry's back. So many men in this movie. What's not to love?

Oh shit. Crying again. More like sobbing instead of just tears this time.

How did I wait so long to watch this?

Oh good, they didn't change that part from the book. I was worried. (I can't tell you what part since it's big time spoilerish).

Heh. Good ending.

Awww...what a wonderful movie!!! Even for someone who has read the book! I'm definitely giving this one 5 out of 5. And even though I cried, it was the good kind of crying, not bad. I highly recommend it.

And really, how can you not watch it after my commentary? ;)

I'm still hungry though.

How many dresses?!?

I watched 27 Dresses on Saturday. It was good! Even my son watched it. (Although he'll deny it if you ask). I really enjoyed it. It's so hard to find an enjoyable romantic comedy these days.

The one thing I couldn't figure out was why she had so many weddings to go to. Did she have that many friends who got married?!? Or maybe I'm just the loser with no friends who doesn't get it. ;o)

The dresses were awesome! The best scenes involved them.

James Marsden was the lead man and although he wasn't bad, I didn't quite get how handsome he was supposed to be. I know my friend Jeannie would disagree with me, but he didn't do it for me. But he fit the role, so it worked.

Katherine Heigl made the movie for me. She's such an amazing actress. I'd hate to ever see her leave Grey's Anatomy, but if she did, she has a long career ahead of her.

If you haven't seen this movie, and you're looking for a quick, funny, romantic movie, pick this one. Just be prepared to have Benny and the Jets in your mind forever!!

4 out of 5!

I Need a Vacation!

Today I'm taking you back in time. Do you remember when you left Aunt Edna on top of your car then punched a moose in the nose? Or how about that Christmas when you had to dig up your tree with your own hands? Or that unfortunate Mile High Club incident?

Yes, you know what I'm talking about. The Vacation movies.

Ahh...just writing that makes me smile. Oh, Clark Griswold, you bumbling fool. How do you make me fall for you time and time again?

Today, I was bored-err-writing, when I started flipping through the free movies Comcast offers. Then I found it. Vegas Vacation.

So instead of reviewing the movies I got this weekend, I think I'll rate the Vacation movies-in order.

4. European Vacation.

Ehh. That one never really did it for me. Sure, it has its funny moments. The really nice British guy they keep hitting with their car. Oh and it also has one of my favorite quotes of all time: "Hey look kids, there's Big Ben, and there's Parliament."

I think it was the kids that did it for me. They just weren't funny. I feel bad saying this since I know the actress who played the daughter passed away, but she did NOT look like their daughter. She didn't even look like a teenager!? I don't expect realism in a Vacation movie--after all, "Rusty" changes ages on a constant basis, but don't make it so bad that I can't think of anything else!

Lastly, the whole stereotype of Europe made me wince instead of laugh. 2 out of 5

3. Vacation.

You'd think the original Vacation would be in the number one slot, but no, it's not. Maybe it was before my time, I don't know. But it's just not my favorite. Although it does have one of the best roller coaster sequences of all times. My friend Robin and I used to watch it every year before we went to Kings Dominion. To get us prepared. lol

Oh, but I did love Aunt Edna. She was the best part.

One last note... I was nine years old when this came out, and still pretty young when I finally watched it. That scene with the dog really upset me, and always left a bad impression in my mind. Another reason this isn't my favorite. 3.5 out of five

2. Vegas Vacation.

Now we're talking! There isn't a moment of Vegas vacation I don't like. From the moment Clark comes driving erratically down his road, running into everything, they've got me. Even the kids are easier to deal with.

Oh and two words: Wayne Newton. Seriously. lol The way he went after Ellen still cracks me up.

I don't know if it's because it's more modern than the last two or what, but it's definitely one of my favorite movies. 5 out of 5

1. Christmas Vacation.

Yes, it's not officially Christmas until I watch this movie. It's a classic. It rates up there with The Christmas Story. I'm dead serious!

Not only that, but the soundtrack is awesome! And there are so many good quotes froom that movie I wouldn't even know where to start. 5 out of 5

Well, that's it. Thanks for going on Vacation with me! :o)

"Holiday road, oooooooh oooh ooooh. Holiday roooooadddd."

Got Cox?

Monday Quickie Reviews

I watched three movies this weekend, which doesn't happen very often. Why watch the television when there are so many computer games to be played? But I've gotten a bit burned out on computer games, so movies it was.

The first movie I watched was Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Movie. What can I say about this one? For one thing I didn't read the part where it says "Graphic nudity," so I was very surprised to see the 'full monty' so to speak. This was especially bad since I was watching with my son. At the first naked boob sighting, I sent him out of the room, so he missed the wanker. But they did manage to sneak it in towards the end. Oops!

What did I think of this movie? Well, it was funny, but in a WTF? kind of way. I know it was mocking the movie Walk the Line and the whole rock star life and it succeeded with that. But it was soooo long! At one point I walked in the kitchen to do the dishes. If something can bore me to the point of doing dishes, that's NOT good. I'm kind of wondering if it's a Talladega Nights kind of movie. Something that needs to be watched more than once to get the full effect. Well, since it's going back to Netflix tomorrow, I'll never know. For now, I say 3 out of 5.

The second movie I watched was Juno. What can I say about Juno that hasn't already been said? It's a funny bittersweet movie that touches on a serious subject. And as someone who had a baby pretty young, it did hit home a bit. I liked it. It made me laugh, it made me think and it made me cry a bit. I would give it 4 out of 5.

And the third movie I saw was Ratatoulle. I love Pixar movies. They are amazing! Visually stunning. This movie was also about cooking, which is one of my favorite kind of shows/movies to watch. But it's not something I feel the need to watch again. Don't get me wrong--it was a very sweet movie, but maybe it's better for kids. And the thought of a rat making my food? Ewww...lol 3.5 out of 5. Maybe a 4 if I watch it again. I still think Finding Nemo is my favorite.

That's all for Quickie Reviews today! Tomorrow: Song of the Day

Eddie...what have you done for me lately???

Eddie Murphy, you should be ashamed!

When I went to bed last night, my husband was watching Norbit. I’d heard this was a bad movie, but that didn’t bother me. I’ve liked lots of movies that the critics hated before.

But this time…they were right.

Now, I have to admit I didn’t see the very beginning, but I really don’t think that would’ve helped.

The whole concept is that Norbit (played by Eddie Murphy…as most of the characters are), is an orphan who marries this awful woman (also played by Eddie Murphy…okay) who pretty much abuses him in the worst way and cheats on him right in front of him. She also hits dogs with her car. Why? I don’t know.

The other significant thing about her is her weight. Something that is beat into us (literally) for the entire movie. The worse being when they have her at a water park. After awhile, even I was a bit uncomfortable with the jokes. I agree with the comments a couple people left on IMDB, why does she have to be mean AND big?

Then there was Cuba Gooding Jr. Why Cuba? Why? You won an Oscar, dude! Do you remember? Show me the money!?!? Do you owe Eddie money or something? He wasn’t even a main character or funny at all. He was just…there… Wasting his talent.

There was also a skinny chick, played by Thandie Newton, who grew with Norbit as an orphan and has come back to buy the orphanage they grew up in, which BTW, I think is actually a Chinese restaurant. That part wasn’t clear to me since I came in after the beginning. Anyway, she is very nice, very sweet and also very skinny. What are the writers saying here? That only skinny people are nice? I’m pretty sure that Eddie helped write this movie, so that’s saying something right there.

The only character I truly enjoyed was the pimp. Here we are in this small town and for some reason you got this pimp walking around. When he’s at a town fair, he decides the girl in the kissing booth is going to be his ho. Yes, a cheap laugh, but there it was.

The one thing I kept thinking this whole movie was how Eddie changed into all these characters-which probably took him hours, for this piece of crap movie. What a waste of time!

I can’t recommend this movie unless you fast forward to Eddie Griffin’s part as the pimp. Otherwise take a pass on this movie.

e A Novel

I just finished up a book called e A Novel by Matt Beaumont. I got it after reading some recs for his books on a couple romance blogs.

This is not a romance, but a very funny book "...told in a succession of emails that zip around the corporate network with escalating intensity." (That's from the back of the book.) I've always enjoyed books written this style. Meg Cabot had a couple books like this as well, although her books were romances, and this book is more like a trainwreck you can't help but stare at.

The book is about an ad agency set in London who is trying to win the all important Coke account. As you read the book, you watch as the agency slowly go down the drain, and the various characters that help take it there.

I think my favorite was the boss who couldn't stop copying the Helsinki office on every email he sent. He of course thought there was something wrong with email, when it was really operator error the whole time. The best was when he copied the entire corporation. Something most of us are afraid we might do at one point or another. :oP

I have to admit it took me awhile to get the characters straight. In fact, I think I'm going to go back and read it again, now that I know who is who. Yet even that didn't stop me from enjoying it.

I stayed up to 12:30 last night reading it and then woke up early so I could finish it. It's definitely a book I recommend to everyone who has ever worked in a office or just enjoys British humor.

Here's the Amazon listing for the book: e A Novel

I see he has other books listed. I'm going to have to look for those as well. For someone in a reading slump, this was a breath of fresh air!