Bubblehead
Last night I finally took a little time from my regularly scheduled programming to watch Brokeback Mountain. Well, okaaay. Heath Ledger was great, as was Michelle Williams. But the movie was overrated in my opinion; the progression through time rather unbelievable and many of the scenes manipulated for my better misery. In fact, the whole movie was misery-inducing, and I cried at the end of it. Not with cathartic tears bursting forth from a full heart - I don’t mind sad movies; in fact, I kind of like them - but just an “omigod this was so depressing’ kind of cry. I don’t know. Between the two final Oscar nominees, I’m glad Crash won. I think it was the better film. But I am really not in the mood to do movie reviews. I’m in a funk this morning, and coffee’s not helping much.
Want to hear something sad? I was the only body in the theater yesterday. Torie and James popped in to see Ice Age, while I decided to try Inside Man. My admonition to them before we parted ways (”Remember, you guys. I’m not buying you tickets so you can spend the whole movie making out”) took on ironic significance when I walked into the dark theater, five minutes before the movie started, and found myself alone. When I’m with Scott and that happens, our first quip to each other is always, “Hey, now we can make out!”
No one even rushed in five minutes late. If anyone’s interested, I held my own hand.
The movie was good, but then, I don’t want to do a review. See Fence’s site for a comprehensive one. I agree with her 100%, though I don’t remember everything she said just now.
You know what I feel like? I feel as if I’m walking around in a bubble and can’t break out of it in order to properly communicate with people. After the movie yesterday I took the kids to dinner at Fire Mountain, a local restaurant which upholds the fine American tradition of all-you-can-eat buffets. Besides the fact that the all-you-can-eat aspect was wasted on us, as James was sick, Torie picks at and shuffles her food instead of ingesting it, and I don’t eat much myself, I just could not break out of my fluff head to hold a decent conversation. It was frustrating. Thankfully, we did end up talking about some things that Torie’d been struggling with - so it turned out good - but still. I think I’m half depressed and didn’t know it. Geez, that’s discouraging.
Last night, however, after a couple weeks of being incommunicado, Van called from Iraq. He’s fine, he says. He’ll be home for a two-week leave around May 16, albeit in a roundabout way. Right now, he’s at a new base called Speicker. From there he’ll travel back to Anaconda and then go to another Iraqi city and then on to Kuwait. Then he’ll fly to Ireland. Ireland? I told him to look up my bloggies-in-arms and he said he’d do his best in the hour layover he has. He’s such a liar. I don’t know where he gets it. From there he’ll fly to Atlanta (”Look up Heather Anne!” “Sure, Mom!”) and then to Charlotte, where we’ll pick him up and enjoy his presence for the hour-and-a-half it takes to get home, during which ride we should hog-tie him and toss him in the trunk because we probably won’t see him again until we have to drive him back to the airport.
He said the convoy he was traveling in the other day got fired on. He was in the sixth truck and the bomb fell between the first and the second. Nobody was hurt. I asked him if he saw who’d bombed them, and when he said ‘no’ I asked what kind of weaponry could do that kind of damage without the perpetrator being seen, and he said he couldn’t tell me over the phone. I probably don’t want to know after all, come to think of it. He’s working 12-hour days, seven days a week. He sounds tired. And hot. He said the thermometer registered 130 yesterday, 103 in the shade.
I’ve decided to stop complaining about my life.
Besides, the other day I bought a bag of oranges and two bags of apples. Don’t fall over dead, but I’m actually going to eat some fruit. I’ve been exorcising. Wait, I mean exercising. Things’ll be okay - I know they will. I sure am glad you guys are here and paying attention. Really glad. kiss xo
April 10th, 2006 08:07
I like Exorcising better.;)
Yes indeed. At the little house church I now attend which will be moving to the YMCA next week, and I also went in to the city to visit friends and went to their church in Wrigleyville. Very cool. Pastor guy has long hair, intellegence and personality. Who knew Isaiah could be sooooooo interesting! 
We watched DVD’s this weekend - *Speak,* *Yesterday*, *Southern Belles* (stupid but sorta cute in a fluffy headed way) and *Paper Clips.* I would recommend Paper Clips if you like documentaries. Look it up at IMDB for a synopsis. We still have *Honey for Oshun* to watch, but it is 2 hours and has sub titles, so that has to wait for tomorrow night. Then I’ll tell you how it was.
I went to church twice this weekend.
OK gotta run.
Hugs!
April 10th, 2006 08:11
Wow, Van will be one of the soldiers Irish people are complaining about. Flights to the US from Dublin and other places in Europe stop off at Shannon airport. Many of them are US military flights. There have been protests for ages.
April 10th, 2006 08:19
I had fruit this morning myself. Toasted a pop tart and then found out that a bunch of people from work had brought in snacks.
I feel like I live at church, but that’s just because I work there! We had a good day with my kids singing in the main services. Did a bit of recording with them this weekend.
SO glad Van is safe. Glad you get to have him back for a little bit. Will hubby be home then too?
ps…be careful what goes on in your bubble. it can get pretty smelly in there.
April 10th, 2006 08:24
Karedy, yeah, exorcising DOES top exercising, doesn’t it? I mean, if we’re being honest. And we are.
I haven’t heard of ONE of the movies you watched! I’ll imdb them and see if there are any worth Netflixing. I’m almost finished with Angel and the entire Buffy franchise, which - while it makes me sad - frees my Netflix queue up for myriad other items.
Everybody KNOWS the smartest people have long hair. Especially if it’s bright burgundy.
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Nines, I thought it was so strange that they’re flying into Ireland, of all places. I didn’t think we had any kind of presence there, in any way; - I still don’t know why, honestly, and of course Van doesn’t. He operates solely on a ‘need to know’ basis, and apparently, the privates don’t need to know anything. Poor guy, universally hated. If you happen to be at the airport when he drops in, could you smile at him and maybe give him a little wave? I don’t want his first experience of Ireland to include facing angry protestors… Sigh. He’s just a musician who wants to get home to his band and his girlfriend, and the college that the military’s paying for… xo
April 10th, 2006 08:24
(waving hello……)
April 10th, 2006 08:29
Annalee, tell me about the smell. Yikes.
I remember being at church all the time, too, though I was never smart enough to insist on getting paid for my work, like you are. Sheez. I’m glad you had fun with the kids. I’ll bet they love you.
Scott’s coming home on May 14, about a week before Van finally makes it here. It’s perfect timing. Jess graduates from high school around then, too… xo
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FM, hi friend! How are you? xo
April 10th, 2006 08:31
Okay, wait, Nines! Can you see this? I just wanted to say I know I was being simplistic in my insistence that Van’s just a musician blah blah blah… He IS a soldier; he chose it; he has learned to kill people 27 different ways with his bare hands. But he regrets his decision now, and does his best to discourage Jesse from any talk of joining up. I just wanted to illuminate things a little more. Still wave at him, okay?
April 10th, 2006 08:39
I mentioned before that I think you should hug your kids…..well now i imagining the hug you will have with Van when he back home safe with you. It’s making me cry. Oh bugger, usually you make me laugh. xx
April 10th, 2006 08:44
btw -
I’m also glad Van is safe!
*Yesterday* is in Zulu (or something like that) with English subs. Very weird. For what it was they did a fairly good job. Imagine, a film company in Africa…..
April 10th, 2006 08:57
Oh that IS such perfect timing! Yay!
And yes, I’m very thankful I get paid for what I do. I’m actually thinking about not working my “real” job and just going to more hours at the church. Less stress (I know! Can you believe I’m saying that!?) and more time w/ hubby.
I do love the kids…But only for a certain length of time! Remind me never to have 20 of my own…
April 10th, 2006 09:07
Kelly, I’ve been wondering about Van, so I’m glad to hear that he’s safe. I’m also glad to hear that he’s going to be home! I’m so excited for you, even if you do only see him for about 3 hours.
I would go to the movies with you if I were there. I’d even hold your hand. Buy yourself a monkey, I’m tellin’ ya!
April 10th, 2006 09:09
There must have been a movie watching virus among us this weekend. We watched Ice Princess, Good Night and Good Luck and Narnia this weekend. Narnia and GNAGL I could watch over and over. I thought Scott was the same age as me and I will be fifty next year, Ruth Ann will be 29 for the 21st consecutive year. We love you and let the air out of the bubble slowly so that it doesn’t get all over everyone and you adapt slowly.
April 10th, 2006 09:09
Du-ude! I told you Ice Age was funny. Now I am going to have to force you sit in front of the television and watch SpongeBob DVDs until the words “Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?” prompt you to burst with glee and shout: “SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!” You need cartoons, missy, and don’t you forget it.
You want I should go to the airport and give Van a big hug? I adore the airport. It is my favorite place in Atlanta.
I felt like I should have weighed in on that “How do single people get affection” post yesterday, but I couldn’t think of anything to add.
If nautical nonsense be something you wish (SpongeBob SquarePants) then hop on the deck and flop like a fish (SpongeBob SquarePants.)
April 10th, 2006 09:14
Oh! And one other thing. Jenn is right on with the RSS Feeding. Do you use Firefox? If not, you should. Their latest RSS feed reader is called Sage. It is lightweight and AWESOME.
April 10th, 2006 09:46
Claredy, you know one of the nicest things about Van? He lets YOU be the one to release the hug; otherwise he’ll just stand there forever, if need be. He’s awesome. Of course, he COULD snap my neck in 27 different ways… haha, I guess…
(I hope that didn’t make you cringe. I was going for the laugh. I may have misfired, though.) xo
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I love foreign films, Karedy, so I’ll look for it. And while we’re on the subject of Africa, I don’t know why now, but one of my family’s favorite films (I mean, my family growing up) was The Gods Must Be Crazy. We watched it a dozen times and laughed hysterically at each viewing. I saw it a few years ago and was all, Hnuh? xo
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Anne, never have 20 children of your own. Or even three.
No, three is good. Hey, I really can’t believe you’re telling me there’s less stress with your church job than with your “real” job, but… that’s a good thing. Is it feasible? Your hubs is the worship leader person, right? Would you WANT to work with him 24-7? I don’t know… You could always have fun slipping into the broom closet on occasion, though. There is THAT to consider, when you’re considering. xo
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Jenns, monkeys SCARE me. I keep TELLING you. But I would happily hold your hand. I would have liked somebody in the theater with me yesterday; that was weird. The movie’s only been out two weeks, too! I don’t get it. It was a good movie. Hmph. xo
April 10th, 2006 09:53
Roddy, no - remember - Scott’s only 25.
I liked GNAGL okay, but it wasn’t fantastic in my opinion. But Narnia was good, though I saw it in the theater and haven’t rushed out to rent/buy it to see again. But then, I’ve been heavily ensconced in tv on dvd, and haven’t been thinking much about actual films. I mean, comparably… I still watch 3-5 every week.
I’ll take your bubble advice under consideration, though it would be MUCH more interesting to go out in a bang, don’t you think? I mean, if I was going out. Which I’m not, don’t worry. If you’re worrying. xo
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Heathy, did you know that I worked for several hours to get the pennywhistle just right on the Spongebob theme? I can play it like aces now. I think you need a ring tone of it, don’t you?
Please please go hug my son at the airport. You know what’s weird? I like airports, too. I don’t like flying, because I’m always stuck in coach with my knees up under my chin, but I like
hanging around in airports with the other psychopathswaiting for arriving friends/family. You heard me, missy.I use Firefox, but I still don’t know what an RSS feeder actually IS. Should I use protection? xo
April 10th, 2006 09:57
Jabs itself into the bubble
April 10th, 2006 10:01
Right, now with the communication channels bubblefree, isn’t it awesome when you have the theater all to yourself? It makes me feel special. If only it was served with hott guys. I totally have a crush on Dr. Dorian from Scrubs by the way, the duration of which is definitely longer than the 5 minute crush I had on the drummer of The Lucksmiths. Very intelligent, funny, a little dorky, kind hearted fellas, do they really exist? Hey, I was supposed to be replying to your post, I fink. Oh Well, I really only wanted to say Hello Kebello!
April 10th, 2006 10:26
The less stress part comes from not trying to cram two jobs into one week. It comes from not trying to force Sunday to be both a work day and my rest day. It comes from more free time in general.
And I wouldn’t really be working WITH hubby much. Just in the same building. We are both looking forward to that. And the broom closets.
It’s just the financial giving up that’s hard. Church obviously pays much less. So lots of weighing in on a lot of things there.
April 10th, 2006 12:07
In a funk, huh? I have that problem myself. A lot. I have a pretty good cure for it, though: I just find someone to listen to what’s bumming me out. They usually do one of two things in response: tell me I’m not crazy, or make me laugh at myself because I am. Either way, I’m in a better mood by the time the conversation’s over.
April 10th, 2006 12:07
Okay - I don’t know who Pin is, but that’s hilarious.
I’m laughing at Rod watching Ice Princess too.
Okay. Now for a proper comment.
So glad Van’s coming home and will be after Scott’s back. I envision a big family dinner with lasagna and french bread.
I’ve never gone to a movie alone. Having the whole theater to oneself would be a little creepy. But you could fart if you needed to. That’s the good thing…
April 10th, 2006 12:18
Okay Kelly, I have the scoop. I asked Chaz what and RSS Feed was. He said that RSS is basically they type of program (so we can forget those letters) and a feed is something cool. When you give it a link (say to Aakansha’s site) it will periodically (you set the time frame) check her site for updates and then then let you know. So mine comes out on my toilet paper. Aakansha showed me all about RSS feeds on toilet paper in one of her posts and since I’m a computer GENIUS, I rigged it up to make it work.
I know you are scared of monkeys, but there is really no reason for it, so I always disregard it. If you knew a monkey, you’d like them. Just like everyone fell in love with Johanna’s Iguana once they met him (name: Brilig Slithy Toves - yes, from Jabberwoky).
April 10th, 2006 12:53
It’s not just military who use the airport. It used to be the major stopover base for transatlantic flights going elsewhere in Europe - they could refuel at Shannon and then continue on. Then they made up some sort of deal to prevent the airport getting sidelined by higher fuel capacity craft - all US-Ireland flights had to stop in Shannon. But now the airport gets most of its money from allowing planes carrying around 300 000 American troops a year to refuel there en route to Iraq and so forth. And the complaints are mainly (a) that we could be made a target by allowing this (b) that this is a violation of our official policy of neutrality (c) that 30 odd flights have been used to transport prisoners to American torture facilities.
Oh, they also have a gift shop…
April 10th, 2006 15:00
your boy is still in our prayers, and I laughed out loud at the exorcising. Call a Priest because I so need some exorcising - you have NO idea.
April 10th, 2006 15:09
Hey Cathy Ruth Ann got to pick which movie we watched and she picked Ice Princess. I watched it with her. Good move huh. You sure Scott is only 25, that means he was like 4 when Van was born, you cradle robber you.
April 10th, 2006 16:37
Pin Aks, dear. It was a little titillating to receive Clive Owen’s intense blue-eyed, first-scene monologue all to myself, but after that, I was lonely. Maybe if I wasn’t depressed, I would appreciate the more kooky aspects of the situation. I should have brought a glow-in-the-dark care bear.
Now that you’ve let the air out of my head, there’s NOTHING left. I had to get Torie to blow in my ear for a couple minutes, and I have no idea how long that’s gonna last. xo
Scrubs is on my list of must-see tv on dvd. I’ve seen a couple of shows, and have found them VERY funny. I liked Zach Braff in Garden State, too. Is he Dr. Dorian?
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Annes, so you really are considering making the jump? That could be really good. Or it could be really bad. STOP asking me for advice!
I know you’ll make the right decision, because you seem to be a right-decision-making kinda gal. xo
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Alex, I suppose it’s always good knowing if you’re truly crazy, or if the craziness is just all in your head (making you one vast festering sore of craziness). You guys make me laugh, and that means a lot. Actually talking to someone would require picking up the phone and that’s against my religion when I’m in a funk. Once Jess gets home from work, he can set me straight. He’ll mock me out of it. xo
April 10th, 2006 16:54
Cath, I’m laughing harder at the picture of Rod AS an Ice Princess.
You’re close… it’s spaghetti and salad, but that’s for dinner tonight, not for Van’s return. When he gets back we’ll probably dine finely at Fuddruckers before going to see a movie. Okay, I’ll make lasagna another night, probably the night he brings his girlfriend home for us to meet, but only because I’ll be required to. MAN. I’ll also be required to spend a couple hours removing dog hair from the carpets. Sheee-it.
I missed my opportunity to fill a huge space with farts. I’m so disappointed with myself!! xo
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Jenn-So-Brave, So-Unscared-Of-Monkeys. You know, Heather Anne was also kind enough to explain RSS feeds to me, and to send me a link - and seeing as she did it first, I’m afraid she’s the winner. I’m sorry for your loss. The prize is a monkey. Crap, huh?
I adore iguanas, oddly enough. xo
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Nines, WHAT in the hell American torture facilities???? That sounds like yet more insidious made-up slander to further terrible relations between us and every other country in the world. Or it could be true. Whatever.
Thank God that at least there’s a gift shop.
Just so you know, I would carry all the guys home on my frakkin back if it would relieve the tensions between our countries. I hate tensions. Tensions should be locked in the attic to die horribly and handily in a fire later to free up Mr. Rochester for marriage. xo
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Melly, you’re scaring me. You’re not possessed by monkeys are you? If not then, that’s okay. xo
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Roddy, you KNOW Scott has always said that he robbed the cradle, and that I’ve always countered with I robbed the grave. I guess that would make me not yet a twinkle in my daddy’s eye when Van was born. Somebody call Guinness. Or, actually, just call FOR some Guinness. What do you say? xo
April 10th, 2006 18:35
Dangit! I’ll have to talk to Heather Anne about getting that monkey from her. I’m sure she couldn’t possibly love it as much as I could.
‘Twas brilig, and the slithy toves
Did gire and gimble in the wabe.
All mimsy were the borogh groves
That the mome wrath outgrabe.
That spelling is from memory. It’s just a little diddy I think of when Iguanas are mentioned.
April 10th, 2006 20:44
Sorry you watched the movie alone. At least no one could annoy you. Well you could annoy yourself.
“I wish that person would shut up.”
“Man, someone stinks.”
You are always looking over your shoulder trying to find the culprit, but they always duck when you look.
“It’s a conspiracy I tell you.”
April 10th, 2006 21:02
Rod - you are a good husband. My daughter LOVES that movie and always wants to take ice skating lessons for weeks after watching it. I personally have not seen it.
April 10th, 2006 21:45
Jenns, maybe you could work out joint custody, or if you’re lucky, Margaret will hate it and you’ll get to keep it all to your little ol’ self.
Did you make that poem up? NOT. Beware the Jabberwock my Jenns…. and whatever you do, shun the frumious bandersnatch. I don’t know if my spelling’s correct. xo
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Chaz! I’m so glad you peeked in. Jenn said you plan to post in Korea, and that’s a good thing, because of course, I miss you. I hope you’re doing well.
Um, were you hiding in the theater? ‘Cause that conversation sounds suspiciously like the one going on in there, and yes, sigh, I WAS alone (or thought I was, hmph). Next time you might bring a monkey for better reconnaisance. It could creep along the floor or swing from the exit signs and MAN, now I’m scaring myself again…
Maybe you should get Jenns a monkey. xo
April 11th, 2006 01:53
I heart you. Hope your tomorrow is better, and brighter. : ) (Also: SO glad your boy is safe and sound.)
April 11th, 2006 03:25
Mornin.
Tell Van to enjoy his hour in Ireland, as NM said, probably Shannon. And he may see protesters although I don’t think that there are many there all the time. So maybe he’ll miss them. Or they’ll miss him. Which ever.
Glad you enoyed Inside Man. I loved the reaction of the cops when the Sikh dude came out of the bank.
April 11th, 2006 05:17
Google “extraordinary rendition” Kelly.
And hellooooo? Guantanamo?
But I’m sure Van is lovely.
It’s those government types who are mainly responsible for that shit.
How’s Battlestar going? I’m going to ask someone to get it for me for my birthday. Season one - the Baltar Good Hair era.
April 11th, 2006 05:37
Van IS lovely. I remember the first time O posted a reply here. It was because I was so touched that he had given away his bicycle. He is the MAN!
April 11th, 2006 05:38
Gah, ’twas the first time “I” not “O”.
*losing my mind, slowly but surely*
April 11th, 2006 07:28
Kerri, I heart you too sistah. Is your guy back yet? (Thank you for being glad for Van - me, too. I don’t like to hear bombing stories. No.)
xo
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Fence, I just want my turban! I get a little tired of Spike Lee going on and on in EVERY film about the horrors of racism, but then, I’m a white Anglo-Saxon kinda girl, so what have I got to say about it, really? He do have a point, he do. And though it’s better now, quite awhile after 9/11 anyone smacking of Middle Eastern descent got a bum rap, and by that I mean, the furious brunt of all our fear. It’s sad; I saw it in action at the airport; I felt terrible about it. xo
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Nines, well Guantanamo to you too! Oh wait, you mean, not as a greeting, but as in torture facilities?! Never mind, then; I take it back.
You know I hate political yimmer yammer, little thing. I can’t help whatever our leaders are doing, except by voting, and I’m not the lobbying sort. I can’t even count out change at the grocery store. Honestly, I think every single gov’t is corrupt in some way and we only know an nth of what’s really going on. Again, it makes me sad. Which is why I bury my head in shows like BSG.
I’m enjoying it, but not with the rigor of Buffy et al. You know what’s interesting, though? I’m kind of getting tired of Angel and am feeling ready to move on. I don’t like them being at Wolfram & Hart. I’m just getting a little bored. I know, shock.
Oh yeah, I wanted to tell you that a news team interviewed Van on the day he was being deployed. They were asking him all kinds of questions about the war, etc., and he was all like, “Sigh. I’m just going to go over there and do my best to help the people. I signed up so I’d have college paid for…” I was really proud of him for being his confident self, and for not being all hoo-ah (army machismo). xo
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Claredy, O think you’re lovely…
I’m glad you’re losing your mind, too, because then I’ll have company on the way down. And yeah, I was really proud of Van for giving his bike away. He is lovely and generous. xo