Back to School

I love film history. I know it is not a surprise to any of you. If I were able to have my dream job, I would be a film historian or work with film preservation. At times I get antsy wondering why I am not doing what I love and start looking at film schools. During one of those times this past fall I found that UCLA’s Film School offers online courses during the summer. So I took the plunge and I enrolled in Acting and Performance in Film II. The class focused on the challenges actors face in performing in different genres like mystery, drama, comedy, etc. I enjoyed the lectures, the books I had to read, and the majority of the films I had to watch (I still hate Doctor Zhivago). This week they posted our final grade. Drum roll please . . .I got an A+! Brace yourself I’m going to brag a bit more – an A+! Of course I want to send a big thank you for MN in helping me edit my papers. But it really does make a difference if you love the subject you are studying. So after successfully completing one course, I will be registering next summer for another class and hopefully this will help tame the film lover inside me. But I may have just wakened the beast.

Death Cab for Cutie

You would think that as little I have been posting that I have not been up to anything this year but it has been just the opposite. Last week AJ and I went and saw Death Cab for Cutie. I’ve enjoyed their music over the years (including Ben’s stint with Postal Service) but their new album Codes and Keys is what won me over that I needed to see them in concert. A very enjoyable concert that actually started on time which is so rare. Here is a sample of why I like them (the video is a little weird, but I do love the song):



I forgot to mention that Ben never stops moving during the entire concert. He is always in motion, I was exhausted just watching him. No need for an exercise plan for him.

The Hit

My father, sister and I went and saw the Orem Hale Theater production of The Hit by Mike Buckley:

“Susan is dying. But when she hires an inept hit man to speed thing up, things get topsy-turvy funny in a hurry. A zany and heartwarming play about dying and learning to live.”

We went to the afternoon showing and noticed that the audience was made up of more of the mature set then other performances I have gone to, which is not bad just an observation. Since it is a theater in a round, you feel part of the production like you are witnessing it as a fly on the wall. The play was funny, it was enjoyable, and for only $15.50 way worth the money. The bit players coming into the antique shop to make “purchases” were a delight especially the ones played by Levi Larson. Plus I loved the running gag of the family heirloom for every character. After the play I asked my sister didn’t David St. Julien’s funny performance reminded you of Kirby Heyburn and she agreed. You still have another week to catch it, don’t miss it.

Lucky One

I just found a new song I love and I had to share it. I heard it on an episode of Royal Pains and I could not get it out of my head. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It's called "The Lucky One" by Jess Penner.

Braces

Yes, you read that correctly. After years of waiting and saving I have finally gotten braces. Everyone who knows me knows I need them, except for my nephews. When one of my nephews found out I was getting braces, he asked why because he didn’t think I needed braces (This is why you have nephews. They love you unconditionally and build your self esteem.) So I will not be getting a house any time soon since I took a big chunk out of my down payment savings to pay for all the prep leading up to and including getting my braces. It was selfish on my part to get them and not get a house but I have been wanting them for years. I just decided that enough was enough and I was going to do something about it. Most people know that I do not like getting my picture taken, and really it is because of my smile. So in three years, I promise, get your cameras ready!

Peter Falk (1927-2011)

I’ve been meaning to post this for a week about Peter Falk passing away with complications of Alzheimer’s disease. I loved watching him play Columbo as a child. You the viewer saw the crime take place at the beginning so it was not that you were trying to figure out the murderer, you enjoyed Peter Falk asking the questions and starting to walk off then turn around and say “Oh, there’s just one more thing.” It was priceless watching him needle the who’s who of television stars who were the suspects. Of course he was great in his film roles like Princess Bride and Murder by Death as well. I say that’s pretty good for a guy with only one eye.

Oh, there's just one more thing....

Occupational Hazard

So, I just had a blonde moment that I had to share. I was calling my credit card company to activate my replacement card and the representative asked why I was calling and I said to activate my library card. Yep. I actually said that. I corrected myself by saying I mean my credit card. He then asked me did you just say library card? I said yes. He laughed and said that is funny. After completing all my verification he concluded our conversation saying with a chuckle, now don’t go using it at your library because it is not going to work. I just became the topic of conversation at that call center today. I just know it.