Typing Without the Use of One Finger is a Suckfest

I cut my left pointer finger pretty badly at work today. I was julienne-ing some orange zest for Orange Honey, used on the cheese plate served as a first course. The knife was sharp. My focus was not.


I chopped off part of my nail and a good chunk of flesh. Now THERE'S a visual for ya. Ick.


So now there's a band-aid on it and it keeps bleeding and it hurts like a mo-fo. Nerve-endings exposed and all that any touch makes me cringe and curse internally.


So, yeah. Typing hurts. Tons. Tried to type on my computer without using that finger, but my fingers are specifically trained a certain way. Typos. Frustration. OW.



Which is possibly why I'm writing this on my iPhone. Thumbs. I can do thumbs...

One year ago...

One year ago, I hated my job.

One year ago, I was heartbroken.

One year ago, I felt lost.

One year ago, (almost exactly) I made a scary journey to Boston that taught me a lot.

In the past year, I have

...accepted a job without seeing where I was working/moving to.

...moved out of state for the first time in my life. Alone.

...met some great people.

...had my heart jerked around, but here I am: stronger.

...survived on a lot less than I thought I could.

...worked outside of my field getting hours to make ends meet.

...been laid off from a job I loved with no solid plan to follow.


Recently, I have

...applied for jobs I never thought I'd get.

...learned who deserves to be in my life. And who doesn't.

...interviewed at a job I never thought I'd be considered for.

...accepted a job that is more prestigious, more challenging, higher paying, and more than a little scary.


I am so incredibly amazed at what can happen in a year and how the Lord has led me by the hand so often. I was lonely sometimes, but I was never alone. I have become stronger than ever, more sure of myself, more capable than I ever thought. I can do this. This is my time to shine.

Next week, I become Pastry Chef Anika Allred. : )

Obsessed

Hi. Remember me? It's okay if you don't. I know it's been a while. I suck. Whatever. Not even gonna look through past posts to see how long it's been. Nope. Oh, well.

Anywho, just thought I'd reveal the things that have consumed my time as of late.

Ready? Let's go!!

DAVID TENNANT

Oh, heavens. I love LOVE this man. Scottish. Gorgeous. Gravity-defying hair. Looks smashing in a suit (see above). Holy TARDIS. First time I saw him was in the 4th Harry Potter. Not the best representation of his awesomeness. Then I got into Doctor Who. Speaking of which:

DOCTOR WHO

Oh, man. I can't even describe it. Officially obsessed. Above is the Eleventh Doctor (played by Matt Smith) and his latest companion, Amy Pond. David Tennant was the Tenth Doctor. He was a HUGE part of why I fell in love with this show. It's kinda hard to explain if you don't know it. Time travel. But SO MUCH MORE. Sigh. You'll just have to look it up. : )

But let's just say, I may or may not have asked my Dad to build me one of these:

It's called the TARDIS (Time and Relative Demensions in Space).

And I totally want one, no matter how IMPRACTICAL it may seem. 

Pleeeeaaaaaassse, daddy?!?! :D

MUMFORD AND SONS

Amazing AMAZING band. Kinda Bluesgrass-y. Kinda FREAKIN' AWESOME. They totally get me. Yes. Yesyesyes.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON SOUNDTRACK

This soundtrack is INCREDIBLE. Something I had forgotten cause I only saw the movie once in theaters. But I just watched it again recently and WOW, I was blown away. The movie is amazing as a whole, but the music just adds this depth and heart to it. "Test Drive" is my favorite. Check it out. Do it.

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH and SHERLOCK

Oh, Benny, Benny, Benny. Glorious, wonderful man. Funny name. Voice like a jaguar in a cello (my fellow fangirls online describe it as such). Marvelous actor. Yes. The whole package. He played Stephen Hawking, for pete's sake!! And did a marvelous job:

And BBC Sherlock, well, I just can't even describe in words how much I loved it. Literally. Best. Adaption. EVER. It physically pains me that I have to wait til 2012 for more Sherlock. Siiiiiiigh.

HURRY UP, SEASON TWO I AM DYING!!!!!!!

Well, I think that's enough fangirling for one day. There's more. SOOOOOOO much more. I can obsess about multiple things simultaneously. I am THAT talented. Anyway, I hope you'll consider looking into these things I enjoy so much. And share what YOU are obsessed with. I so can't wait. : )

Occupational Hazards

You know what's REALLY AWESOME? When a hot sheet pan touches you JUST ENOUGH to melt off a layer of skin and expose the nerve endings. Then. THEN. It feels so awesome every time you open the oven door. Oh yes. it's super awesome.

Im a baker/cook. I love my job. I love what I do. It's just a little rough for such an accident-prone person to be around hot and sharp things all the time. My left forearm has 8 burn scar in varying stages of healing. The newest burn I'm speaking of is on my right arm. And throbbing.

In addition to burns and cuts(none of those today, thank goodness. Unless you count a paper cut...), I've had tall, heavy oven racks fall on me, slipped on wet floors, run into things often...once, opening a door with my foot with both hands full resulted in a sprained ankle and two bruised knees. Speaking of which, I've lost count of how many times I've sprained/twisted my ankle in my life.

My mom thinks I should be covered in bubble wrap at all times. I'm starting to agree...

My Morning So Far...

Thursday, August 25

Awakened at 11am (give me a break! it's my day off) by a phone call from my youngest sister. We chatted about her starting school, my bizarre dream, and parking permits.

Phone beeped with incoming call from older sister. Phone would not switch over, so ended conversation with lil sis (she had class anyway) and called Big sis back. News: her bun in the oven will be a GIRL!!! Very exciting! Emma will have a sister. She deserves one. : )

Told big sis about my job situation and housing and the crapfest that is my life at the moment. Talked to her current youngest, Isaac who just CRACKS ME UP, he's so darling. He wanted her to put on the sprinkler so he could run through. I MISS THEM SO MUCH. She had to go. Love you, Ranga! (not her real name. nickname. ahem.)

Finally left bed to visit bathroom. Checked bank account (it's payday. whoo!) But wait...I canceled that online payment 2 weeks ago and it's coming out TODAY?!? NONONONONONO!!! Very bad. Bad Bad Bad. Call establishment the payment is going to. Me in a bit of hysterics. On hold. "ARE YOU STILL THERE?!?" Them: did you call your bank? Um...no. I will do that.

Called lady who opened my accounts originally. No answer. 2 more calls left message. Call general number for my bank. Talked to a dude. Transfer. Questions. My verbal password? What? I have no idea. Mother's maiden name? Oh, right. I know that one. Blah blah. Lots of talking. All ended well. Stopped payment. Whew.

Yeesh. Many highs and lows this morning. Mini heart attack to boot. Oy. I should really eat something. I need a chocolate chip pancake...

Hold On to Dreams

Words to live by. Dream on. : )

Sent from my iPhone

I already posted this on Facebook and possibly twitter, but it's worth repeating. *chuckle* ; )

HOW TO TICK PEOPLE OFF Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 99 copies. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sexual favors." Specify that your drive-through order is "TO-GO." If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others. Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up." Reply to everything someone says with "that's what you think." Practice making fax and modem noises. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc" them to your boss. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with prophesy." Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears and grimacing. Disassemble your pen and "accidentally" flip the ink cartridge across the room. Holler random numbers while someone is counting. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way." Staple pages in the middle of the page. Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a croaking noise. Honk and wave to strangers. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complimentary mints at the cash register. TYPE IN UPPERCASE. type only in lowercase. dont use any punctuation either Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and reroute whole streets. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times. "DO YOU HEAR THAT?" "What?" "Never mind, it's gone now." As much as possible, skip rather than walk. Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce "No, wait, I messed it up," and repeat. Ask people what gender they are. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a parakeet. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down. Sing along at the opera. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles.

Sent from my iPhone

Testing...1,2,3...

Hiya. Been looking into alternative ways of posting, mainly from my awesome, awesome iPhone. : )

Texting was a no-go. All came up as gibberish!! Lame. So here's to try number two. Email!!

Did it work?

Sent from my iPhone

Quarter of a Century

Hey, guys. Guess what? I had a birthday. Last month, actually. Yup. I hit the big 2-5. Geez. I'm still letting it sink in. I wanted to do a blog post closer to the actual day, but when have I ever been prompt about these things? Exactly.

So, yeah. It happened. May 23rd, if you didn't know. It fell on a Monday this year, and oddly enough, I had Sunday through Tuesday off work. Nice gift to me!! Sooo nice to not have to set an alarm (and I also remembered to silence my phone completely, anticipating facebook alerts). So on Monday, I slept in looong and hard. Woke up a time or two, rolled over, and went back to sleep. I LOVE  doing that. On occasion on my days off, I'll even set my alarm just so I can shut it off and go back to sleep. It's really satisfying. : ) I lounged in bed a while, but hunger and my bladder eventually forced me out. I wanted a yummy breakfast, so I made myself a Single Lady Pancake from Joy the Baker's blog. I love this recipe! It makes one big pancake instead of making way too much for one person. Which I've done. : )

After breakfast, I lounged around some more, possibly laid in bed for a while (is it lied or laid? eh.). I eventually got my but in gear and dressed in my Breaking Benjamin shirt and good jeans. Chucks on feet. Oh, yes. Feelin' good. : ) Had to run some dumb errands like putting the cable in my name at the new apartment and checking my PO Box in Eagle. But I had mail!! And not just bills!! So, that was good. Then I went to the Pugmire's and tagged along to the twins' soccer game. They totally won!! It was awesome. And there was pizza. Cheese, please! EmRee was kind enough (and a little nervous to) make me a birthday cake. Got my favorite cake recipe from my mom: Cream-filled Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Photographic evidence:

Lighting my 25 candles in the shape of

a smiley face.

Crazy Pugmire kids. They're awesome.

Scotty, Zac, Allie, Anna, and Grant.

They're singing to me. I'm all embarrassed! 

Parents on speakerphone, too. 

Make a wish!!

Cake was yummy!! Then I skyped with mom, dad, Ashleigh and Alex so they could see me open my presents. Check out my haul!!

So awesome!! 2 of the books I bought for myself. ; )

It was a great day. AND I got a bonus birthday as well!! On Tuesday, EmRee took me to get my first mani/pedi. No, I'd never had either before. Criminal!! It was fun and VERY relaxing. Check it out:

Green is keen. 

Took me all of five minutes to ruin one of my fingernails, as predicted, plus after working in the dirt and stuff, the manicure was hashed after a week. I took it off. But it's still on my toes! Yay for flip flop season!! : )

After the mani/pedi, we picked up Grant from preschool and drove to the outlet shops in Silverthorne, about 20 minutes from Vail. I got some black long shorts (all I had was denim), a peachy button-up sweater, and a thin beige sweater all for really good prices. I hadn't been clothes shopping...pretty much since I moved here, so way overdue! Grabbed some lunch and headed back home. Another good day! Thanks so much, EmRee!! : )

It's pretty much required for a person to look back on their life on the day of their birth. So I did.

Here are my thoughts on the past year:

-Last Spring was hard. Really hard. I wasn't in a good place. I'm glad I've moved past that.

-It is best to stop holding on to someone who doesn't want to be held on to. 

-I still enjoy being vegetarian. 2 years in May! One of the best things I've done.

-My sisters are, and always will be, one of the best things in my life. I LOVE MY SISTERS!!!

-I picked up my life and moved hundreds of miles away where I didn't know a soul. I never thought I could do that, but I did. I'm really proud of myself and now I know I'm capable of a lot more than I thought.

-I really love my job and I'm good at it. I love the people I work with and I LOVE being closer to work. 10 minute walk definitely beats a 30 minute drive PLUS 10 minute walk. ; )

-I love my family more than anything. I miss them like crazy, but I feel like this is where I'm supposed to be for now. I can't say what will happen in the future, but here is good for a while.

-I'm thankful to have the church as a constant in my life. I have a great branch to go to and friends there. THE CHURCH IS TRUE!

-I've learned to open myself up more to change. Obviously. Change is the only thing in life that stays the same.

-The Lord will provide. I'm not meant to know all the answers right now. I'm trying to trust Him more.

-I won't sell myself short. I know I deserve the best because I'm willing to give it. 

-I've shifted my focus a bit. I know what I want now and how to get it. Now I'm just working toward it.

- EUROPE. NEXT SUMMER. NO EXCUSES.

-Books are still some of my best friends. I read to lose myself as well as find myself.

-Music is vital to my life. Then. Now. Always.

Well, this post is getting rather lengthy. I guess I'll wrap this up. Here's to another year!!

From Eagle to Vail

Hi. It's me. Yes, I know. Been a while. I say this every time, so I should probably stop making false promises, but I REALLY MEAN IT THIS TIME when I say I'll try to be more consistent. Mmkay?

Righto. So, I moved. Again. Consensus: I HATE moving. Seriously. I have waaaaaay too much stuff. I should just get rid of it all. Simplicity is the key! Except my books. Gotta keep those. And movies. Boxed tv shows. They stay. And I love my bed. And all my kitchen equipment. I'm not parting with that. Well, shoot. Guess I'm screwed, then. I'm doomed to lug all my crap from place to place for...however long. The rest of my life! Hope to minimize the frequency of this. Guh.

Anyway, my lease was up in Eagle. I really wish I didn't have to move. I liked it there. The house. Roommates. Mostly. Kinda....but I DO miss the dog. Matty.

C'mon. Look at that face! And such a cuddler.... *sigh*

But Eagle was just way too far. 30 minutes each way. Plus the friggin' gas prices, it was just killing me. So I started looking at new places mid-April, searching in Avon and Edwards, which are 5 and 10 minutes away from work, respectively. NEVER dreamed I could find something in Vail cause it is dang expensive! Well, it is everywhere around here, but ya know. But I did! I found a place 2 minutes from work! Right near where I was parking all winter, actually. I can walk to work now!

Middlecreek Apartments. Old roommate called it Sing-Sing, cause it

kinda looks like a prison. : )

Rent is a bit higher, though. And had to figure out how to pay a deposit and all that crap. Bleh. AND I had to figure out the logistics with my landlord/roommate cause I already paid my "last month's rent" and then paid it again cause I didn't know I was moving so soon. Took some convincing to get that money back. But it all worked out! Started moving stuff with my car the end of April. Got help from Brother Brook from the ward and his truck with my bed and stuff. And my cousin Alicia and her husband Jason happened to be nearby on vacation and offered to help! Soooo sweet of them! Pretty easy to move the big stuff with so much help. Thanks you guys!! : )

Me and Alicia in front of my new apartment building.

Officially moved in May 2nd, a Tuesday. Always weird the first night in a new place. Different smells, different sounds...plus all your stuff is in boxes. I hate that feeling. But I actually slept okay. Which is good, cause I had to work the next day. Slowly unpacked the next few days. Felt TOTALLY settled once my books, movies and kitchen stuff were situated. Sigh. Feels pretty good now. Getting used to roommates. One I completely get along with. We talked for and hour and half the first night we met. Good sign! Other, we get along, but she's glued to her boyfriend. He's quite a winner. (Sarcasm). Nah, I'm kidding. Mostly. He's nice enough. Just...I dunno. *shrug*

Anyway, I'm feeling pretty much at home here. Still paying the deposit in installments, which sucks, but the girl who's contract I bought has been very understanding. Work has been inconsistent, which doesn't help money matters, but I picked up hours in Engineering. Landscaping. Ick. That's for another post, though. 

So, yeah. Soooo nice to be close to work. I walk every day, unless weather is bad. And sometimes even then! And, I mean, look at this view!!

That's what I see getting off the elevator on the 7th floor. 

Yeah. Location, location, location. 

I'm excited for a beautiful Summer in Vail, Colorado!! : )

You

You. Yes, you. I am writing this for you.

I know you are reading this. And I want you to know I am writing this for you. No one else will understand. No one else knows. They think that this is for them. But it’s not. I am writing this for you.

I want you to know, life…it’s hard. Every day can be a challenge. It can be a challenge to get up in the morning. To get yourself out of bed. To put on that smile. But I want you to know, that smile is what keeps me going some days. You need to remember, even through the tough times, you are amazing. You really are.

You should be happy. You are gorgeous.

I know that the weather might not be perfect. You might have to turn your back to the wind or feel the cold nipping at your nose. But you know what, at least you are there to feel it. At least you can enjoy the sun’s warm rays on your face. Or that cold February wind biting at your cheeks. You know what that means?

You are alive.

Everything will be okay.

I found this on lettersillneversend.com

So, thank you to whoever wrote it. I really needed to hear that. 

<3 Anika

ANNA & THE FRENCH KISS

Hey, all. Um...so my blogging track record hasn't been awesome lately. I should be better. I want to be. I WILL be. Right? Uh huh.

Anywho, this is just a short one. Wanted to pay homage to an INCREDIBLE book. Seriously. I love it so much, I have on more than one occasion considered making it legal. Make an honest book out of it. Or something... *looks around awkwardly*

So...yes. ANNA. It is greatness. Page after page after page. Awe. Some.

LOVE.

This is the story of a girl named Anna from Florida who, for her senior year of high school, is sent to Paris, France, by her father. And she DOESN'T want to go. Crazy, right? But she has a maybe, almost, could-have-been boy/friend and she has this awesome job working with said boy, and...yeah. Getting uprooted for the most important year of high school isn't easy. But she goes, she meets a boy. Etienne St. Clair. Not just any boy. An ENGLISH boy. Who is technically an American. Confusing...but AWESOME. But it's complicated. Of course. And it happens in the most romantic city in the world! And...yeah. I just can't even describe it right. 

The writing is just so effortless. Stephanie Perkins has completely captured the teenager in all of us. The uncertainty, the dialog, the feelings...all of it. I seriously can't wait to read it again. And the rest of her upcoming books! She is amazing. 

The Genius.

Not only is the book entertaining, but it's educational. Yup. Some vocabulary terms I learned.

                    Callipygian: having well-shaped buttocks

                    Meretricious: alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar attractions; tawdry

See? Very useful in everyday conversation. Especially when you can use the 1st covertly in...mixed company. ; )

And a few of my favorite quotes:

           “His friendship alone has strengthened me in a way that no one 

else’s ever has. He swept me from my room and showed 

me independence. In other words, he was exactly what  I needed. 

I won’t forget it. And I certainly don’t want to lose it.”

“How many times can our emotions be tied to someone 

else’s--be pulled and stretched and twisted--before they snap? 

Before they can never be mended again?”

“Boys turn girls into such idiots.”

“I wish for the thing that is best for me.”

“Meretricious. Showily attractive but cheap or insincere.’

Yes. Amazingness. Really. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Seriously. Okay. Now go read it. 

Mmkay?

Random Piece of Paper

I found this piece of paper in a random place while packing up stuff to move a couple months ago. I have absolutely no idea where it came from, but it is freakishly accurate. Thought I'd share. : )

ANIKA

Temperament: Idealist

You are the quintessential dreamer- spending more time thinking about the possibilites that the world holds for you, rather than your reality. You don't settle for anything less than what you truly desire, and you work very hard. You tend to live in every place except the present- you are prone to daydreaming about the future and re-thinking the choices you made in the past. Sometimes you get overly caught up in your thoughts.

Interests: Simple

You are continually pursuing a simpler and less complicated life- and you don't allow yourself to fall victim to all of the "should do's"  that society continually bombards you with. You are thoughtful about your life choices and think in terms of yourself, others and the world in which we live. You have a great sense that we are part of something much bigger and we must be good to others, if we want others and the world to be good to us.

Amusement: Thoughtful

You are easily stressed out and overwhelmed- and you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Because you tend to be self-reflective, you know your limits quite well and must remember to not exceed those limits. When you overwhelm you life with obligations and responsibilities, you tend to shut down and go into yourself even further. Take some time to find your serenity and kick back your feet.

Passion: Traditional

Your notions about romance are viewed as unrealistic  by many, but don't let that stop you. When you think of romance, you think of huge gestures of commitment, sacrifice and love like we see in the movies. Flowers, chocolate, and wine are just some of the ways to your heart. You want to feel loved and treasured by your partner and you expect to be courted, admired and hotly pursued. You long for old fashioned dating.

So...yeah. Like I said, I haven't the slightest clue where this came from, but it pretty much got me right on the nose. Freaky. Haha! 

Rated: The Fall

Hi, all. What's new? Hope you're well. What's that? Oh, my shoulder? It's okay. I've stopped wearing the sling because I would still use my left hand and end up bent over because of the sling. It still gets a little sore, but much improved. Estimated complete recovery is another 4 weeks. Sigh. But I'm sure it will pass quickly. *crosses fingers*

Anyhoo, I just wanted to talk a bit about one of my favorite movies EVER. "The Fall". Directed by Tarsem Singh, starring Lee Pace of "Pushing Daisies" (ahem. I LOVE THAT SHOW SO MUCH I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU BUT IT WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER POST).

So. The Fall.

I first heard about this show when I was looking up Lee Pace. I clicked on the link for this movie on imdb.com and started reading about it. The story really captured me and the movie stills I saw were incredible, so I looked for a way to watch it online and that's how I first saw it. I really researched it beforehand and struggled with the fact that I was aware of the its rating before I watched it.

It was rated R. 

For some people, that's really not a big deal, which is fine. I mean, to each their own. I'm not gonna tell anyone what they can or cannot watch. But for me, it gave me pause. I've always been very "NO. NO RATED R MOVIES EVER." For pretty much my whole life.

Although in full disclosure, I have seen 2 Rated R movies. 3, including The Fall. The first I saw was "Billy Elliot" when I was, like 12. I had no idea what it was rated and I didn't find out til afterward. My mom even rented it for me. I'm pretty sure she's not aware of that, but I guess she is now. : ) I liked the movie, but it was British, so I didn't understand half the dialog. Which is a good thing because the reason it was Rated R was because of language. I think. 

The second movie I saw I borrowed from a friend. He highly recommended it, so I watched it. The rating wasn't clearly displayed on the case, but I had my suspicions. Once again, for language. It was "The Blues Brothers" with John Belushi and Dan Akroyd. I had heard references to it for years and after seeing it, I finally understood the inside jokes and everything. I liked it. But I don't think I need to see it again. 

This is a still from the opening scenes of the movie. Gorgeous.

So, The Fall was the first movie that I watched knowing full well that it was Rated R. Let me explain a bit why I did. On imdb, there's a link on the movie's site where you can see all the reasons for its rating. Language, nudity, drugs, violence, etc. I clicked on that for The Fall and saw that there was no nudity, no language, a small amount of violence, and a small drug reference to Morphine. That's all. And there's the subject matter as well, which I will also explain in a bit.

Now I'm not trying to rationalize my actions. I knew what I was doing. I'm just telling you that I was well-informed of the entire matter before I made my decision to watch it.

Our heroes meet the Mystic. Look at that sky! And the reflection in the lake! Love.

As for the violence? There are a couple people who are shot or stabbed. There's a bit of blood splatter and fisticuffs. But honestly? I've seen worse on CSI or Bones! Bones, seriously. There's an episode I watched last week where a woman's head completely exploded after being shot with a high-powered rifle. And you pretty much see the whole thing! And there's blood squirting out of her neck and stuff. It was seriously gross. I love that show, but I really can't watch it while eating. Ever. *gag* The Fall has nothing as bad as that!

Alexandria visits Roy. I love their dynamic. 

And for the subject matter and drug reference...well, I'll just sort of tell you the storyline to explain.

It's the story of a 9-year-old girl named Alexandria with a broken arm who's stuck in a hospital while her arm heals. She befriends a man named Roy (Lee Pace) who is confined to a bed after falling from a horse and injuring his back while doing a stunt for a silent film. (I can't remember what the actual date period is, but I'm thinking the '30s?) So Roy starts telling her this elaborate story to keep her entertained and to also coerce the little girl into getting a full bottle of morphine for him to "help him sleep" (it is implied that it's to take his own life, but never actually said as suicide explicitly). That would be the "subject matter" that I guess contributed to the higher rating. 

A mounted butterfly transitions into a sandy island surrounded by

a butterfly-shaped reef. One of my favorite visuals.

I don't want to give too much of the story away in case you choose to see the movie. It is truly one of the best movies I've seen. All of these pictures are from the movie. Amazing, aren't they? The entire film is just visually stunning and so moving. The performance by Lee Pace is incredible, and I don't know how they got that little girl to cry so much! She did a great job.

I was watching the Special Features on the DVD and I discovered that Lee Pace was actually in a wheel chair the entire time he was playing Roy. They didn't tell Catinca (who played Alexandria) that he could walk until after they filmed the last scene at the hospital. I find that amazing. I don't know if it was because Lee is a method actor, or just to make it easier and less confusing on the little girl. She also called him "Roy" the whole time, on and off set. I suppose so she wouldn't say the wrong name. Completely brilliant performance from both of them!

The surrounding figures are people twirling, which seems bizarre, but

somehow fits just perfectly in the scene. 

Anyway, so I'm not saying that I'm all about Rated R movies now. I haven't seen one since. I do own "The Fall", but it's the only Rated R movie I have. I watched it just yesterday and it still makes my mind reel. I love it. And I'll see it again. And again and again. 

This is a video of the opening scene of the film. Along with the visual brilliance there is also the music which just blows me away. They included my absolute favorite symphony, Beethoven's 7th, 2nd movement. I really love it. And if you never see the movie, at least watch this. The black and white with the music and slow motion? I can't even explain how great it is. Just watch:

                                                                   

The lovely Lee Pace, who also plays the Masked Bandit in

the story Roy tells. But I like  him unmasked. ; )

And I thank the glorious Lee Pace for bringing it to my attention. *stares at the picture, drools*

Hm? What? Oh, right. Ahem. So, yeah. This is my little "controversial" blog post. Comment at your leisure. Remember, no judgments here. As long as you do me the same courtesy. : )

Until next time...

Fractured

Hey, guys. Just a little note about my injury. This isn't MY actual x-ray. They sent a cd home with me that had my x-rays on it, but it doesn't like Vista. Which I have. So, I found this online an it's very similar to my fracture. Mine is a little closer the end and not as much slippage of the bone. Luckily. 

So. The story. 

I went snowboarding on Tuesday afternoon with my friend EmRee Pugmire, her 5-year-old-son Grant, and another lady from the ward, Gwen. We went to Arrowhead, which is actually where Gwen lives so we just met her there. First run was fine. A few stumbles, but no big ones. I'm still trying to get used to the whole speed thing. 

We were about half way down the first run (which is long, by the way) and EmRee warned me that it's pretty flat near the end getting back to the chairlift, so I needed to pick up some speed. Well, I didn't do that great a job. I was too far to the left and using toe edge to turn more just slowed me down. I ended up popping off my board and walking a bit back to the lift. Annoying. I hate that, but one of the perils of boarding. No way to propel yourself forward, like with ski poles. 

So, we headed up the lift again. I followed EmRee down a different run, a little more steep, but not too bad. After that run, it merges into the same run we came down the first time. I knew about the flat spot at the bottom, so I was determined NOT get stuck again. I got to a steep part and was tempted to slow down, but I knew I needed the speed. I guess it was more than I could handle, cause I must have caught my toe edge and tumbled down hill. I hit the outside of my left shoulder and the left side of my face on the snow. My goggles and hat bounced to the top of head and I laid on my back for a few seconds. 

Bruise by my eye from my goggles hitting the snow.

Hard to see, but it was swollen. And sore. 

I sat up and knew immediately that something wasn't right with my shoulder. But I had to get down to the bottom one way or another, so I got back up on my board and rode down. Luckily I had enough speed to get all the way to the lift. My friends were waiting for me and I just said that I had a bad fall and I was done for the day. I was leaning on my board and must have been swaying a little, so I sat down and had some water. I could hardly use my arm. I made it back to my car and called my dad on the way home. I didn't really know if I needed to go the the ER or anything. I have the mentality of "What are they going to do, put me in a sling? Give me some pain meds? Pff." I think I get that from my dad. ; )

But I finally did. My roommate told me about a clinic a few miles away, so I drove there and got some x-rays. The diagnosis? Fractured clavicle. Great. And yes, I got a sling. And a prescription for pain medication. But at least the pain was justified. I've never had a broken bone before. Gotta say I'm not a fan.

I called my boss that night and she totally understood that I couldn't work the next day. She's been really great about the whole thing. I ended up taking Tuesday and Wednesday off and then worked Friday, Saturday, and then Sunday night after church. 

It sucks, being injured. Yeah, the pain sucks, but also the annoyance and frustration of being so...restricted. I can't do all the normal things I do, like dress myself, shower, or bake without pain. 

Tomorrow will be a week since the accident, and I'm really hoping thing get A LOT better. And fast. Yeah, yeah, I know it takes time. But, still. 

Oh, and I also discovered a lovely bruise on my hip.

Nice, huh? 

So, yeah. That's the story. I'll try to keep you posted. I'm feeling pretty good right now. No work today or tomorrow, so just rest and healin' time. Yay!

Until next time... : )

Wings, Spells, and Illusions

Hey, all. So...I really love to read, right? Yeah. Shiny electronic things have been capturing my attentions more often, though. I'm trying to change that. It totally helps that there are SO many awesome books out. Case and point: The Wings Series by Aprilynne Pike.

Wings is not your usual supernatural series. 

I love fantasy, but after a while...it all starts to sound

the same, you know? Honestly, I haven't read many faerie stories, so this 

is new to begin with, and the story that unfolds is even more unique. 

Laurel is a teenage girl who has been

 home schooled for years, but after moving to a new town, her parents think it's time to enroll in a real high school. She makes new friends and, of course, a boy. But one day, she discovers a small bump in the middle of her back. It continues to grow until one morning...it blossoms. Into the most amazing flower. With the help of her friend David, and the mysterious boy she meets in the forest near her old house, 

she discovers her true identity.

I won't give too much away, but I highly recommend it! The second in the series is "Spells". 

I just finished it.

Laurel and David have a relatively quiet six months after the events that happen in "Wings", but when Laurel is  summoned to the Academy in Avalon, she learns how much she doesn't know about herself and her past. A really good read. Can't wait for number three!! "Illusions". 

Release date is May 3, 2011. So stoked!!

I hope you'll check them out. 

Until later... : )