Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Moon Thoughts in the Early Hours of Twilight

So I know that I am WAY LATE in sharing my opinion to the world, but good things /good company are worth the wait. AND - most of these ideas came to me around 3 in the morning - so if it's perplexing enough in my mind to disturb sleep, it's good enough to share with you (and thanks for being here so I have an outlet).

The list of perplexing things that I will have to go back and re-read...

1. I do not think that in the book Jacob left Edward with the impression that Bella was dead ON PURPOSE - this makes him seem like a cold hearted, jerk. Maybe he didn't KNOW that Edward would proceed onto plan "suicide" but still - the movie made it seem like he KNEW who he was talking to, so those paying attention should have been throwing popcorn at the screen.

2. I do not remember the heart attack being linked to a close encounter with Victoria - I will admit that in book 2, my main concern was either getting Edward back or developing the love interest with Jacob -so it is completely possibly that these facts escaped my eyes. And I realize that linking them together built drama and helped to close some gaps in the movie.

3. Did the book really come so close to "killing" Edward? (They grab his head - leading to Bell's cries "no, no, please NO"- btw, great dialog!) Maybe I just couldn't fathom a world without Edward - but killing him (or coming close) makes NO sense - they had already said his talents were too much to waste, he didn't make a scene, and yes - Bella knew "the secrets" BUT, if they were going to have to OFF her anyway (which obviously they would) they could torture Edward by doing her first. Right? AND, if they could see all of Edwards memories - wouldn't they already see how much she loved him? But again, maybe this is just editing / movie making technique - or maybe I'm wrong about the details.

General thoughts that I can't shake...
1. I'm curious about what happened to Stephanie Meyer in regards to age. Did you get brushed off by a BF that went to college before you? Are you married to a super old dude? Seriously, what is with the obsession with big age gaps? Bella and Edward, Jacob and little bambino eventually, I think there's someone else from the Werewolf pack that is imprinted with a young one - names escape me. And if you step out of Twilight and into Host - there is the same thing there with younger bodies holding the older souls making the difference in age a "non-issue".

2. Knowing that this book is targeted at young readers - I'm having that moment of parental reflection- what are we REALLY saying about love here? Apparently unless you are unable to function, shut down your social life completely, and have raging nightmares and a lack of desire to live - you really didn't love the dude. ? And how much do girls NOT need to have the idea that if you just cared a little more - he'd eventually come back and all would be well. If we referred to our "He's Just Not That Into You" handbook - Bella, would definitely be told to MOVE ON, let go, and get on with that little thing called life - and possibly, look into a prescription medication.

3. Bella has some serious personal space issues - like apparently, she doesn't think people need any. Do you often talk to people that you know would like to jump your bones with your bodies like 3 inches apart from one another? (Unless you are playing mind games) I know I read a blog where someone suggested that Edward becomes jealous and stalker-like. But seriously, it's kind of Bella that goes into Edward-cult mode. She has the one track mind, she isolates herself from others, she can't even pay attention in class when he's nearby. Obsessed much?

Overall, I liked the movie and still love the books. There is something hypnotic about reading them and clearly she is onto some key elements that pull us all in - I'm just questioning if it is all the dysfunctional stuff that makes us love it. But I'll be there for the next one - eating it all up and taking time to consider it later...

On a very funny note. Post show, I was gifted a very appropriate parting-favor.

I am greatly amused that such a book exists! Does this mean that "He's Just Not That Into You" has tricked down to popularity with the young readers? Maybe there is hope to put all this Bella/Edward love into perspective after all. (Thanks Janet!)

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Why Tom Is A Dream Guy

(A.K.A. Lessons for any man in hopes of becoming Mr. Perfect for some lady)

1. Tom is very clear.
2. Tom is very reliable.
3. Tom is always willing to go out with you - regardless of the shopping mission.
4. Tom is very aware of his tone.
5. When you f' it all up - Tom adapts.
6. Tom understands the importance of timely arrival.
7. Tom is not distracted by sporting events nor does he need a remote.
8. Tom can not be tempted by the fruit of another.
9. Tom is always available.
10. Tom is always right, but doesn't have to point it out.

And in case you are wondering - I'm speaking of "Tom" the Tom Tom GPS.
If only I could find one of these to keep me on track in my life as well as it does in my travels!
Now that would be a dream!

Monday, December 28, 2009

In the Land of Dips


Below are two dips I took for a spin over this holiday feasting season... both were met with rave reviews and are so easy it will be our little secret.

Spinach Dip

1 8 oz block cream cheese (I used low fat)
1 can Rotel
1 package frozen spinach

Thaw spinach and then squeeze out liquid. Throw all ingredients into crock pot and let melt (I did this about 30ish minutes before munching time). Eat with tortilla chips or baked lays. Yum. (recipe origin unknown - but greatly appreciated)

Crab Dip

1 8 oz block cream cheese (again lower fat option used)
1/2 can Rotel
1 small can crab (6 oz) drain liquid

The original recipe suggested to mix ingredients and eat cold. It was fair to good this way. However- it greatly increased in potential when heated up! So I'm strongly suggesting throwing all ingredients into your crock pot and enjoying with your favorite crackers. (recipe from a live local TV show - adapted by yours truly)

Both would make lovely, easy, and WARM additions to your New Years or Football snacking engagements! Enjoy.

Find more wonderful yummies by visiting Cole & her Tuesday's at the Table.

SNOW is a 4 Letter Word

Not so long ago, I introduced my son to the art of snowflake making. Then I even discovered these 3D wonders online and had to try that out too.

Now, we are decorated with over 100 snow flakes and growing. It's beautiful. There are stories about some - shapes that inspired them (Yoda's head, our Chihuahua's outline when laying on her back, raindrops, sporting teams logos, etc). So we've safely mastered the art of snowflake production - with both round and square bases. And we've made memories. And we've had a lot of fun and laughter doing it.

And it WAS a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the season.

And then Mother Nature came along and dumped all over our little world.

We've officially been in 2 blizzards this year. And we aren't even out of December yet! And I don't live in Alaska. Seriously, I understand that some people have dreamy eyes when they speak of a "white Christmas"...but wake up people! Snow = delays, unsafe travel, road crew workers being stuck in overtime around the clock and the chore of digging your car out - not once but 3 times in 3 days. And really, after you've safely covered the grass and given everything a nice dusting of powdery white - the rest is really unnecessary! We are sitting in 10ish inches of UNnecessary snow. At what point do you just give up and say - oh well, the outside world wasn't that great anyway---let's stay in?

I just saw the weather forecast. He said the S word. Again. I'm logging off before I'm overcome with the desire to send him hate mail--only because mother nature's inbox is full.

Enjoy the season. Somewhere there is a beach - it deserves to be used!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

You Know You Have a Problem When...


So I've been infected with the crafting bug. And the cooking bug. And the get fit bug. So all of that means I am REALLY enjoying the time off and the free time to do as I please (mostly). Which leads to the story of an ornament tree and some thoughts.

Whoever invented hot glue - you are my hero. I love your low temp meltage. Your strings that are like cheese. Your drippings that clean up easily. YOU. ARE. A. GENIUS.

But sometimes - you have to know when to say when.

If you have become a human spider web - put the gun down.

If you begin to rob your own Christmas tree to complete your latest craft project - all the while rationalizing that you were planning to do something different next year anyway - you MAY have a problem.

If you have dreams of additional stores you might be able to visit in hopes of finding the perfect holiday balls to create another craft with...step away from the balls.

If your perfection-ism prevents you from randomly assigning the placement of the balls - there is a support group near you, please go.

But in the end, if you have created a wonderful masterpiece thanks to inspiration from your bloggy friends - well, then it's not a problem.... it's a blog!

And a huge shout out to Kristen for the inspiration to give this project a shot! Super blog with great ideas!