Weekend Recap...

Hey there internet....I had some busy and exciting times this weekend, so I thought I'd share it with you. So, here goes...

Friday: I got home from work...and since I hadn't bought my final weight loss reward yet, even though I "earned" it weeks ago, I decided it was TIME. So, my dear ol' daddio and I went to Devil-Mart and bought me a nice, new bike. I got a great deal. It is a Schwinn Jet Star Women's Bike. It was with the clearance bikes. I think someone bought it and returned it, so I got it for over 50% off. Sweet!!! I am so excited to have a new, swanky bike. I am going to ride it to work everyday that it isn't raining (like it is this Monday morning). I am going to love the instant exercise added to my day...and with gas prices, it'll be a great thing for the environment and my pocketbook. Whoo hoo!

Saturday: I worked on Saturday...we had a big huge community service project. We were cleaning up a local park and re-doing the trail that goes to it. And guess what...I rode my bike to work. It felt great. It takes me 10 minutes to drive to work and only 15 minutes to bike it. It's awesome. The day was great for community service. It was sunny, but not too hot...and there was a nice breeze. What we did for most of the day...is clear brush and what not from the trail above the park. So, I spent hours...dragging brush, twigs and rocks onto tarps and dragging up a pretty steep hill. Let's just say...I got a nice workout. It was nice to feel physically fit enough to do it. We started right around 9am...and finished up about 3pm. I helped clean up the site...and headed home around 4pm. I was beat by the time my bike and I got home. Phew. TIRED! I made dinner...and then felt ready for bed at about 7pm. I didn't head to bed that early...but I wanted to. I think I fell asleep sometime in the 9pm hour. My body needed the rest...let me tell you.

Sunday: Ah...lovely Sunday. I didn't go to church this week. It's the annual giving drive...where they feed people a nice lunch and talk about each person's weekly giving to the Church. I know it's how the church survives, but I didn't want to be made to feel guilty about my level of giving...or feel obligated to give more than I already do. I don't give a lot each and every week in the plate, but I do always give money or goods to the dinners we have...and I have given large sums of money to special projects...like funding the summer camp program, etc. So, I feel good about my level of giving. I know that the church is also a business and it has to be...but I figured I would skip a week that reminds me of that.

I did go over and hang out with my dad instead. We've been trying to declutter the house. I think it's going to be an ongoing project FOREVER. My brother's old room is just chuck full of junk we've acquired over the years. I have boxes and boxes of stuff from college....that I just packed up, brought up and never thought of again. Mind you...I graduated in 1999. So, I spent the morning going through it and throwing away 90% of everything there. I was surprised how emotional I was going through some of the stuff. I found a lot of old pictures...and a bunch of old clothes from college. I had forgotten how overweight I was in college...denial has a way of doing that. I was probably the biggest I ever was during my college years. It was really heartbreaking looking at those old pictures. And the clothes...same thing...I would hold up the physical reminder of how big I was and it was definitely eye opening. Of course, everything in me wanted to shred those pictures and throw away all those clothes...but I didn't. I kept the pictures. I am going to put them away in a little box...and keep them as a reminder of how much change I have accomplished. I'm also going to keep them as a reminder...that I don't want to gain this weight again...that this change is permanent. It's easy to let denial take over again...and let the weight creep back on. I also put the clothes in a pile. I'm going to wash the nice ones and donate them. Hopefully someone else who needs them...will put them to good use.

And the rest of my Sunday. I had a lunch with my roomie and another friend. We went to Panera for lunch. I love that place...they have really yummy food and if you make the right choices...a lot are really healthy for you. I had a garden salad with fat free raspberry dressing. And after eating, we went back to our apartment and watched a movie...August Rush. It was completely unrealistic, but I liked it. It was great to hang out with the girls...since we haven't done that in a long time. Since I hadn't seen my one friend is almost a year, it did take a little bit to kind of get to know each other again. Now that her schedule has changed, I am hoping we are going to be able to get together more often.

I think that's about it for my weekend report...and because it's Monday, I'll report that I weighed in and lost a pound this week. That didn't surprise me at all...especially given the cardio marathon I did on Saturday with working out on the elliptical, riding my bike to and from work and all the work done on the trails, etc. I probably burned close to 2000 calories that day...

Hugs all...I hope everyone has a great Monday, even if it is a rainy one like it is here.

Watching old movies...that I've seen before!

I often end up watching a movie on cable...which I've seen before and sometimes even a movie I own. My roomie and I were joking about it the other day...and how really bizarre it is. I could watch a movie anytime...because I have the DVD sitting there in my room, but I will still sit there and watch it on cable, edited down and full of commercials. Doesn't make a lot of sense, eh?

Last weekend...I was trying to take a nap and wasn't doing it very successfully. So, I flipped on the tv to see what might be on. I ended up watching the end of Boiler Room. That's another movie I've seen before...many times. I like it. I'll admit it, the first time I watched it...it was only because Affleck was in it and I like him. His part is very small...but overall, I think the movie is good. Much like Wall Street...it's a movie about the stock business and commodity brokers. This one was about this scrappy guy getting a job at a firm and trying to do whatever he could to get a sale and to get money. He sees the brokers before him with huge houses and really nice cars....and of course, he wants that for himself. Unfortunately, to get those things it involves selling a stock about a product that doesn't actually exist yet...and when the research doesn't come through, the bottom falls out and everyone loses their money.

Of course...most people in the business aren't doing illegal things like in the movie, but it got me thinking. You couldn't pay me enough to be a broker. I would be driven nuts working in a field where you can't control the market and therefore, you can't control your job. One type of stock may be going through the roof...and then it crashes. And, I would also hate it because a downturn in the market doesn't just effect my job and income, but it effects those people I helped buy and sell stock. It would feel great when I was helping people make money, but it would feel absolutely horrible when I was in essence helping people lose money. I also could never do it...because honestly, I don't understand it. I am sure if I actually worked in the field...I'd see the crash coming...or would I? The market has been suffering lately...and I am sure brokers aren't loving their jobs right now.

Busy and fun Saturday....

Ah...the weekend is almost over. How did that happen so fast? I'm happy to report that I did get my run in on Saturday. It was raining when I got up, but it quickly stopped...so I strapped on my shoes and headed out. I didn't eat enough before heading out, so I ran out of gas and stopped at 4 miles, but still...FOUR MILES. I'm not complaining.

Saturday was also my roomie's bday. It was one of those birthdays that ends with a ZERO. I won't say which one...you'll have to figure it out. We went to the movies and then watched a rented movie. We went to see Vantage Point, which was pretty good. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but I did. I thought it was cool how they showed the same 20 minutes from a bunch of people's different views...hence why it is called Vantage Point. There was a guy sitting a few rows behind us who was SO annoyed every time the movie went back to the same starting point...I guess he didn't google the plot before going to see it. The rented movie we watched was Dan In Real Life. It was cute...and Steve Carell and Dane Cook with both quite funny.

What did I get my roomie for her bday? Well...I made a mint no bake cheesecake for her to take and eat with her family. I knew it wasn't on my diet, so I was glad she could enjoy it with them. She said it was good and they liked it...in fact, I think her sister got very excited about it. LOL I also got her 2 books about MS, health and weight loss. She's doing all the research she can and they have a lot of ideas and meals plans in there...so I hope she finds them helpful. I also got her some smelly stuff from Tar-get...and some pistachios...cause they are yummy and she likes them. I think that's it...oh yeah...and a kick @rse card.

Saturday was kind of a busy day...which is kind of nice since I usually am not the Queen of Productive and Running around. What have I done today? Well...maybe if you are lucky, I will save that for another entry. *winks*

I Am An Animal Documentary

I recorded a documentary months ago on HBO...and just got around to watching it yesterday while I was home and off work. The documentary is called, I Am An Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA.

So, I am going to share some of my thoughts on this documentary....and in full disclosure, I am a vegetarian and a pretty radical one at that. I have been a vegetarian 100% since sometime in 2001...and don't see myself eating meat ever again in my life. It's a choice I made first for health reasons (even though I have seen some of the most unhealthy vegetarians in my life...) and then became a vegetarian for social/political reasons. I'm not vegan...I eat cheese and eggs (only cage free/free range eggs). I don't wear leather, etc.

Now, I consider this my own personal opinion...and I don't feel the need to put my beliefs about eating meat onto other people. I think everyone has to make their own choice...and if someone else chooses to eat meat, that doesn't offend or bother me. I hate the smell of meat...the idea of the BBQ smell makes me nauseas. But, I don't think my beliefs need to be your beliefs.

Okay...so about the documentary. It's about the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and their foundress, Ingrid Newkirk. First off, it's not a documentary for the faint of heart. I was watching it while I was working out on the elliptical...and numerous times I had to look away. They show a lot of horrible images of things that are done to animals. Newkirk said she believes it is the most effective way to truly effect people. Some of the images were heartbreaking to me.

I admire Newkirk's passion about something she believes in...I truly do. I think many people have beliefs, but when you actually ask them to do something about their beliefs, they fall short. It is either too hard...or it risks too much, etc. Newkirk felt animal rights was important, so she gives everything to it and I admite that dedication and passion and "stick-with-it" attitude.

However, I also believe she is insane or in some way mentally ill. I think in the end, she hurts the movement. She says openly in the documentary that she has an anger button and when it is pushed...she reacts strongly and often without thinking. I don't think that is someone who should be in charge of such a political charged movement as PETA. She goes over the line and therefore makes a mockery of what she is actually trying to accomplish. I would never join PETA...never again...I did once and realized that I supported their ideas, but not their actions. Newkirk says that the crazy tactics need to be used because it is the only thing that works...she says that breaking into someone's store and throwing fake blood on all the clothes will animal products has worked...has gotten designers to work with them, etc. Maybe it worked, but does the end justify the means. If you think all animals should be treated humanly...don't forget that humans are animals too.

The documentary also showed a lot of undercover investigating that the organization does. They showed how their workers will get employed in the chicken/turkey/beef factories...or the research facilities...and then record what they see. PETA them will bring it to the press...and report anything that breaks the law or is cruel to animals. I think that is great work because so many times...these industries go unchecked. If you ever wanna know what can or more likely is in your beef...go read Fast Food Nation. If you'd prefer to not know, so you can still order the Big Mac and swallow it down...don't read it. I think it is important that as consumers...we know what is going on.

However, because PETA does all this showboat/crazy antics...who is going to believe what they say? When people see an expose from PETA, they think it is another ploy or trick. I know that I don't take what they have to say as face value...because they play too many tricks. So, I think that Newkirk might get more media attention with her antics, but it isn't necessarily a good thing.

And my last pet peeve (pun intended) about the organization...is one of the celeb spokespeople. Pamela Anderson is one of the people who speaks out on PETA's behalf...A LOT. She's in the documentary. I have seen her all over the internet...I've her in print ads and what not. She says she is a huge supporter or PETA and all they do. Hmm, really? Anyone know why I might think this is a problem? Well...Pamela Anderson has been clear and open with everyone in America about how often she has had breast implant surgery. She did it a few times earlier in her career...and then she took them out...and then a little over a year later, she put them back in. Do we really think that there wasn't a bit of animal research that went into making sure that breast implants were safe for humans??? Of course it was researched on animals. So, Pamela Anderson walks around saying how great PETA is...and PETA champions her as a sponsor, but at the same time...she is carrying around breast implants that she has had put in numerous times. It's such a hypocritical thing to me...and we know how I feel about hypocrits. And, I am more disappointed in PETA than I am in Pamela. PETA basically says that if you don't follow them 100%...you are the enemy, but they accept Pamela Anderson as one of their champions. Nope, sorry...don't think so. I know she gets good press...and people flock to her ads where she is wearing next to nothing, but well...what's more important...the movements integrity or having a flashy, pretty face???

I thought the documentary was interesting...and brought up a lot of things for me to think about. It confirmed for me why I am a vegetarian and why it is important for me personally, but it also brought up why for many reasons, I don't stand behind organizations like PETA.

Alright...I am off my veggie soapbox...for now!

Revenge sometimes is sweet!

I sometimes love Tim Burton movies...and sometimes I think he's just a tad too crazy. I love love love Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. I thought Big Fish was really interesting...and thought Corpse Bride was pretty great too. Now, I will admit...I loathed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I thought it was just too Tim Burtonish if that makes any sense.

Tim has a new movie coming out. I am actually really excited by it. It's another remake, but I think it could be amazing. Of course, it is starring Johnny Depp since Burton seems to have man crush on the guy...and puts him in everything he does. What movie is it? Sweeney Todd. I spent some time on the website and it looks really great. Don't believe me? Well...spend some time and
visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site or visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace.

Now...one of the main themes of Sweeney Todd is venting and getting revenge. If you know the story of Sweeney Todd...you know the sick and twisted way that Sweeney gets his revenge. Now...have you ever been the meaner side of yourself? Have you ever gotten revenge on someone? I would like to be the bigger person and say that I have not, but it would be a lie.

Wanna hear a story of when I got revenge on someone? Of course you do. Here goes:

Okay, I was in college....and this girl and I just didn't get along. She was mean and bitchy and she often was mean to other people, including myself. She just thought she was the best thing ever. I had a job on campus as a computer lab monitor. One of our jobs is to troubleshoot for students and help if we can. Bitchy girl comes into the lab and sits down. I saw her and grumbled under my breath what a evil thing she was. I saw her log on, put a disk in and it looked like she was getting ready to print something. It was finals time...so it was probably a paper. So, I logged onto the printer cues...and low and behold, she was sending something to the printer. I then became evil Shelley. I logged onto the cues and deleted her print job. So, bitchy girl walks over to the printer...and nothing comes out. She goes back and prints it again. I delete it again. She then looks at the computer lab desk...hoping to get some help. She sees me...knows we don't get along and decides to go into the other computer room in hopes that her paper will print on that printer. So, I watched the printer cues like a hawk...and when her job popped up, I deleted it. I could hear her starting to panic in the other room. I am sure her paper was due any minute. She finally came in and sheeply told me that her paper would not print and asked for my help. I spent like 5 minutes fiddling around on my computer looking like I was doing something important. Then, I got up and went over...pulled up her paper, pressed print...and went and got it off the printer. I handed it to her. She thanked me over and over again for saving her. So, not only did I mess with the girl for close to a half an hour, but well...I made her thank me after it was all done.

Yes, I know...be afraid, be very afraid. Or at least learn the lesson not to get on my bad side, eh? Now isn't confessing your sins kind of fun? I liked it. If you wanna tell your own story of being mean and getting revenge, you can do it on one of the Sweeney Todd websites. I don't think anyone should get revenge like Sweeney Todd did, but messing with a mean college girl for a while...that is just fun!

Stephen King is movie GOLD!

I absolutely love Stephen King....I think his books and the movie adaptations are amazing. He just has a way with words...and can think of some amazing twists to stories. Both of my parents grew up in Maine, so we also have some loyalty to King...who is a Maine native. Plus, he's a rabid Red Sox fan. How could I not like him?

My dad had all the Stephen King novels in the house...so, I think I have read all of the classics. I haven't kept up on the new novels, but the oldie, but goodies have all been read. Yes, I have read each and every page of The Stand!

So, what is my favorite Stephen King movie? Well...my favorite overall is an easy one to pick, it is the Shawshank Redemption. Tim Robbins...genius. Morgan Freeman...amazing. I just love that movie. It is on TV all the time and whenever I come across it, I have to stay and watch it to the end. Can you believe that movie is based on a short story? I read the story when I was in high school and thought it was great. Of course, King's short stories are always a little longer than the standard short story, but then again...he has always been a wordy fella.

Now, which movie is my favorite Stephen King thriller?? Is it Misery? Pet Sematary? Carrie? Christine? Well...those are all good choices, but not my choice. My favorite scary movie by King is 'It.' That movie absolutely terrifies me. One, I am incredibly afraid of clowns (I happen to believe I might be afraid of clowns because of the movie...). The movie just chills you to the core...and scares you on every single level. And, I have to ask...have you read the book? Because if you think the movie is scary, you should read the book. It makes the movie look like a walk in the park. I couldn't believe how afraid I was when reading the book. I worked at a video store for 2 years...and whenever someone asked me what the scariest movie in the store was my answer was always...always...It!

And while I am on having this complete lovefest, I should mention there is a new movie coming out based on one of his novels. The Mist by Stephen King is coming out on November 21, 2007...just in time to go with the family for Thanksgiving. Hey, if your family isn't scary enough, take them to see a King flik! The movie is about a freak storm in Maine which causes this mist to take over the town. Of course, these creepy and horrible creatures live within the mist...and the town residents have to battle the evil in order to survive. It definitely looks interesting...and I am willing to see anything that is attached to King's name. Check out the site and the trailer. Oh, and leave me a comment about which Stephen King movie or novel is your favorite!

And as always...have fun at the movies!

good time had by all...

I had a good good time at the Kevin Smith Q&A...the drive there and especially back was a little long, but well worth it. The show started at 7pm, but the doors opened at 6pm. We left at about 1:30pm...I had to stop by work and buy gas, but after that...we were on our way. It took just about 4 hours to get there and got in, found the parking garage and headed to the hall just in time for them to open the doors.

Our seats were really good...we were on the left side of the stage and right up front. We were basically at eye level with the stage and when Kev came out, we were only about 20 feet away from him. I am usually super unlucky when it comes to seat location, so I was pretty happy to say the least.

The show started just a couple minutes late...and Kevin said that since he kept us waiting he would entertain us with one of his friends...and then walks out, Jay Mewes. I was so excited...since I adore Mewes as well.

Kevin started talking, answering questions...and the show was hilarious. I got to hear some stuff I have never heard before. He also told his version of the Aristocrats joke after initially saying he didn't want to...and I think that was the highlight of my evening. My roommate tried to catch the joke on her cell phone, but we aren't sure it is actually audible. We'll see. He also told some stories about making movies, casting decisions (some interesting comments about Jeremy London from Mallrats), and their personal lives.

Of course...it was all full of swearing and sex stories...who would expect anything else. And we also got to hear a little bit of the drama between Jay...his new girlfriend...and Kevin's wife.

Oooh...and Jay did the most adorable thing. He could never find the fold in the curtain to get back stage, so he would just sit there and rustle with it over and over again...hoping to find it. At one point, he just got on the floor and rolled under it. I think he couldn't find it honestly the first or second time, but after that...he did it for the laughs. They also talked a good deal about Jay's drug history and how it effected his life...the movies. It was definitely an interesting conversation.

I know you are wondering...No, I didn't ask a question. There were tons of people in line and in all honesty, hearing other people getting their questions answered was probably more entertaining than asking my own. I don't know the last time I laughed that hard....seriously.

He went on for about 5 hours...started at 7pm...we left very close to midnight. He would have kept going to, but the venue cut him off. It was definitely worth it....even if it meant the drive home getting us in at 4:30am. My roomie drove since I drove there, but I didn't fall asleep...so I was a tired kid when I got home.

If you ever get the chance to go to a K-Smith Q&A...you should. It was definitely worth it.

I'm going to see K-Smith tomorrow!

Did I mention I am going to Ithaca tomorrow??? Yes, I am. I am heading to Cornell to see Kevin Smith AKA Silent Bob doing a Q&A. I am so excited. I have been looking forward to this since the moment I ordered the tickets. I have watched both of Kevin's DVD Q&As and they are just too funny. I love his movies, but what I love even more is his ability to tell a story. He has a knack for it. You ask him a question...and he tells you the best 20 minute story that ends up answering it. It just makes me happy. I could come home and be cranky...and if I pop those DVDs in, I would instantly be happy.

Here's an example..of Kevin telling the story of protesting his own movie, Dogma.



Ok...back to the boring description of my life. So, I am preparing for my trip to see Kevin tomorrow. I went out to take out the garbage and clean out my car. I need to get some stuff out of the backseat and clean some crap out of the trunk. While I am working away, this big ass truck with the biggest truck rack ever drives by. I swear this truck was bigger than my whole apartment. It was just crazy. Hey, instead of buying a house, I should just buy a huge, huge truck. lol So, I came back inside and kept getting ready. I did some dishes...thought about doing some laundry or maybe put my laundry away, but I am too lazy. And then, I plop down in front of the tv and watch some utter crap. whoo hoo...exciting night for me, eh?


P.S. DOn't forget...tomorrow...roomie and I are going to see Smitty!! I am so excited.

sometimes it pays to be a bitch...

So, as I wrote a while back...I got very angry with Blockbuster recently. Here is the Cliff Notes if you don't want to click on the link and read my angry rant. Basically, Blockbuster raised their prices by 50% and said it was to better serve their customers. Now, I don't know how having people pay more for the same level of service is serving them better, but well...that's why I would never belong in a huge corporation. I know it is about the almightly buck...and be hidden in providing better customer service, etc.

But anyways...I digress. So, my last billing date at the old rate was on 8/20/07. I paid my monthly fee and thought to myself that I would use the service for the last month and decide if I was going to stay with the service or go elsewhere. There are some benefits to Blockbuster, so I was weighing my options.

Well, since my last billing date was 8/20...I should have service until 9/19, right? And Blockbuster sent an email saying that if you did not sign up for a new service plan, they would be terminating your plan at the end of the service month. At first I thought...good...I am glad they are not just signing people up for the more expensive plans without their permission. I'll decide what I am going to do when it gets closer to 9/19. I might stay. I might go.

So...last week when I am on vacation, I return 2 online movies to the Blockbuster store on Tuesday and get 2 new movies. I saw on my account that they had been received and my new movies should ship anytime.

Tuesday came and went. No movies shipped. No biggie...sometimes it takes a day.

Wednesday came and went. No movies. I started to get cranky. It usually never takes this long for the website to say it is sending you new titles.

So, I sent in an email customer service ticket. I explained that I returned movies and none had been sent to me. I got an email back on Thursday saying that my account had been terminated because I did not pick a new service plan, etc...and that I must have missed the email, etc.

Huh? My account was terminated....suspended...whatever word they used??? It was cancelled before my month that I paid for was up. So, to say that I was livid was an understatement. I emailed again and said that I paid on 8/20 and therefore, how can they cancel my account before I get the month I paid for?? I got another email back telling me that since I didn't pick a new plan, I was cancelled.

So, I decided to call them. The only problem is...finding the phone number is almost impossible. David Blane's next trick should be finding the phone number on Blockbuster's website. So, to find the number...I had to send in another email ticket asking for it. I got it...4 hours later....and then I called. I spoke to a nice young man, who sounded so much like a girl...I thought I was in an episode of Pat on SNL. I explained the situation and told him that if I did not receive the month I paid for, I was going to contest the charge on my credit card. I told him I had emails printed out showing the last billing date and when I was told my account was terminated, etc.

He said he was sorry and that he was going to put the 2 weeks I was owed back on my account. My next billing date would be Sept 27th....so that I would get the 4 weeks I paid for. Okay, I was actually happen...well, as happy as Blockbuster came make me lately. This all happened on Thursday. The guy(?) said that my next 2 movies would ship out on Thursday or by the latest Friday.

So, Thursday came and went. No movies shipped. No biggie...the guy(?) said it might take til Friday.

So, Friday came and almost went. It was 2 pm...and I knew from Blockbuster's website that they have 4 hours to answer an email, so I needed to email now. So, I emailed...gave the person the history and asked why movies aren't being shipped yet again.

I got an email back that was semi-nice and semi-snark. They said that 2 movies were now being sent to me...and they suddenly appeared in my queue. And then the person said that I got 2 free weeks on my account, so I was compensated enough and I shouldn't be complaining.

This is when I lost my shit. I got two free weeks? No the hell I didn't...I got the 2 weeks I paid for. My billing date was moved forward ONE week to compensate me for the week I missed when my account was cancelled.

So, I emailed this person back and said that I did not get 2 free weeks, I got what I paid for. I told them that if they were offering 2 free weeks, please feel free to move my account billing date to indicate that.

I got an email back saying I already got 2 free weeks, booyah!

I got all snarky again...and emailed back. Saying that I appreciated the person making right what Blockbuster did wrong (the person on the phone, not the email person). But, I wanted to make clear that I did not and have not received anything free. I got what I paid for, nothing more.

Then, I informed them that giving this level of service and that the price hike was supposed to increase the level of service, I would be leaving the company after the 2 weeks and returning to Netflix, a company that never cancelled my service and then called giving me what I paid for a free gift.

See...that's my pet peeve. I do appreciate the phone rep making it right, I really do. I was impressed with how quickly he took care of it. But, I hate it when you don't get what you paid for and then people say they will give you something for free. It isn't free, I paid for it. If I order a pizza and you mess it up...don't tell me you will send me out a free pizza. It isn't free...I already paid for that pizza, you just didn't give it to me.

So, anyways...after my last email...telling them that I had enough and after my billing period, I was taking my ball and going home, well...going to Netflix. I got an email saying that I was being given an extension on my free trial.

So...my billing date is now October 20, 2007. I am actually now getting an actual free month of service from them. I am now actually getting something for free. And you know, I never wanted something for free. I wanted them to make it right. But once they kept telling me I was getting something for free and I wasn't, I got pissed.

It's sad...that being a bitch and being aggressive is what worked. It's too bad that being calm and nice just doesn't cut it. They say no...and move on. I had to come back at them and get a little nasty. And two, threatening to leave the company is what did it. And trust me, it's not a threat, it's a promise...I will use my account until the end of the free period...and then return to Netflix.

So...if you need something from customer service...ask for a supervisor...get mean...and threaten to leave your company. I should have threatened to walk on email #2.

There ya go...my "I Hate Blockbuster" story of the day. Given how things are going, I will probably have a new one for tomorrow.

I hate you Blockbuster!

Months ago...when I signed up for Blockbuster's Total Access movie program...I wrote a post just saying how wonderful and great it was. I recommended it to family...friends...anyone who wanted to know and probably some who didn't.

Well, Blockbuster and I are officially not friends anymore...and I won't be recommending them to people anymore. Netflix is the shiznit people!!!

Why am I so cranky? Well...when I first signed up, their prices were basically the same as Netflix's, but you got the extra benefits and perks. You got to exchange the online movies in for movies at the store...and because you checked them in at the store, you got your movies sent to you faster. It sounded like the best of both worlds.

And then they sent me an email on Friday or whenever...and made me chuck full of crankiness. They said that their rates would be increasing and that they were making new types of plans. If you wanted to be able to exchange all your movies at the video store....then the price was going WAY up. If not, you could keep your current pricing tier, but you can only exchange a few movies a month. Or you could go online only. They said they did this...in response to a snarky email I sent them in order to more meet their customers needs.
Since when is charging people over 40%more meeting their needs?
Since when is charging people the same amount but taking away something you used to provide meeting their needs?

It's bullshit...and it's just showing that Blockbuster are greedy, slimey bastards.

It's a shame too...because in the beginning, I thought that Blockbuster had it going on. I thought they were going to be able to beat Netflix out. But now...I am pretty sure I am going back to Netflix. I might not get the free rentals, but at least I know that my rates aren't going to get hijacked again. Because unlike Blockbuster....when I have been with Netflix...the prices did change once, they went LOWER. That's right people...lower. When I first signed up for Netflix back in the day...3 movies out at a time cost $21.99 a month. And then 3 months later, they lowered their prices to $17.99 a month....and they have stayed at that rate since then.

So...Blockbuster...I officially hate you and your evilness. And now I plan on going back to Netflix. I feel like that girl who breaks up with her awesome boyfriend to date a complete schmo...and then realized he is a schmo...and goes back to that staple old boyfriend. Sorry Netflix...I never should have left you!

Bring the whole family...

There are so many movies coming out this summer. It does seem like the summer of movies. I have been tempted to go to the actual theatre numerous times...when usually I always wait for things to come out on DVD.

There have been a lot of movies, but there have been a lot of scary movies and action movies, etc. There haven't been a ton of family movies this summer. I mean, there was that one cartoon, but than that...there isn't a lot of stuff I would feel comfortable bringing the whole family to.

There is a movie which is opening on August 24th which is friendly to all members of the family. It's called Eye of the Dolphin.



The movie is about a troubled girl from Los Angeles who is expelled from school and then has to live with her father, who is s dolphin research scientist. He only has his eyes on work and doesn't have time for an out of control daughter. The only solace that she finds is a friendship with one of the wild dolphins on the island. It reminds me a lot of Free Willy. It definitely seems like one of those feel good movies I can remember seeing when I was a kid. If you wanna know more, check out the
Eye of the Dolphin movie trailer.

Free Monday!

Today is my first Monday where I am off work. Let me tell you, it's awesome...for a couple of reasons. One, I went to the racetrack with my dad yesterday...and if I didn't have today off, I know I would have been completely wiped out. And two, I am going to have lunch with some of my friends today...they work the second and night shift. So, having the day off makes it so we can actually make plans.

ooh...more about the track. I have never been to the horse track before, even though we only live about 15 minutes from it. I am not much of a gambler and I like my dollars to stay in my pocket and all. But...it was my dad's company's corporate day at the track. So, I bet on some races...and all in all...did OK. I think I came up about 13 dollars ahead, which is better than being 13 dollars in the hole. Plus, I had one race where my horse 'Wish Me Success' wasn't even in consideration...but then at the last second, she shot out of no where and won the race. It was pretty cool.

And...we did get free chairs at the track. I don't really want them, so I am trying to sell them on ebay, but there are a bajillion on there, so I don't know if they will sell.

Oooh...and I watched Are We Done Yet? this morning...on my DAY OFF. I really liked Are We There Yet?....so I hoped I would like the second one. All in all...not really. To me, it seems like someone spent a weekend watching Money Pit and Funny Farm and decided to steal all the funny parts of that movie and do it again with Ice Cube. It was funny...but then again, the originals were funnier.

Alright...off to shower and then to a nice lunch...and then...gulp...to the dentist. *pouts*

trick or treat!

I am a complete movie buff...love them! I worked at a video store for 2 years, not because I needed the money, but because I loved the free movie perks.

I am usually not a huge fan of the scary, horror movies...but I still watch them. I have watched Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Ring. But in all honesty, if I am going to watch a scary movie, I love the old school scary movies like "Nightmare on Elm Street", "Friday the 13th" and of course, "Halloween."


There is a new version of Halloween the movie coming out on August 31st by Rob Zombie. I wonder if this movie will seem old school or will it seem too new. Do people know who Rob Zombie is? He wrote "House of 1000 Corpses" and "The Devil's Rejects." Now...I have seen "The Devil's Rejects" and that was one bloody and intense movie. So, I don't think that the new Halloween movie will be lacking in intensity, bloodshed and scream out of your seats horror.

And if you don't believe me that it will be scary...check out the trailer:



Now, if only Jamie Lee Curtis could be in it. I just think she should be in all Halloween movies. Scary movies...well, they scare me. But, I think I will see it...when it comes out on video. I am too much of a wimp to see a scary movie in the theatre and have myself screaming with a hundred complete strangers. But if you are braver than I am, check it out on August 31st!

Are You SuperBad????

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love movies. I am a complete movie junkie. I am constantly watching movies on DVD...and every once in a while going to the theatre. I probably watch hundreds of movies a year. For the past couple of weeks, I have been seeing trailers for the new movie, Superbad. One of the stars is Michael Cera, who I LOVED when he was in Arrested Development. Just because of that...I want to see this movie. It also looks pretty funny. I imagine it is going to be a lot of slap stick humor, but from someone who loves movies like Old School, I am okay with that. The plot of the movies is basically that there are these two lifelong friends who have always had each other's back in high school, but now they are going to seperate colleges. Well, before they part ways, they decide to have the bigger graduation party ever in hopes of reversing their lifelong losing streak and changing them from the "geeks" to "studs." Of course...nothing goes as planned. It looks silly, but Superbad also looks like it might be stupid enough to be absolutely hilarious.

Check out some clips from the movie and see if you think it is funny as I hope it is. There is also a clip over on YouTube's main page, so check that out too.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot the most important thing...the movie comes out in theatres on August 17th. I am not sure if I will see it in theatres, but I KNOW I will be watching it on DVD.

When will enough be enough?

I am sure everyone and their brother is talking about it...so why not me? I am so disgusted about the situation with Lindsey Lohan and her legal and substance abuse troubles. She left Promises Rehab and relapsed publicly 11 days later...while getting arrested for a DUI, driving without a license and possession of cocaine. She has already had one DWI...which she also fled she scene. After that incident, she bailed out and jumped right into rehab. And after this DUI...she also bailed out and immediately entered another rehab.

Now I don't mean to downplay the power of addiction and how it can take someone's best intentions and throw them right out the window. However, treatment only works...if you play by the rules and do what you are supposed to. Lindsey Lohan is a poster child for not doing things the way someone in recovery should be. She is someone who seems to go to rehab when it will get her out of trouble, but doesn't seem to want it to negatively impact her life at all. Why do I say this? Well...one, fresh out of rehab she is going to Vegas nightclubs where booze and drugs are available and encouraged. She said she was sober there, but still...anyone in recovery knows that people, places and things will get you sooner or later. You can't surround yourself with the drug...the temptation and not think you are going to come out the winner, especially a WEEK out of rehab. And then there are unconfirmed reports that Lindsey was asking where she could score some ecstacy at the club since she wouldn't get caught on her alcohol detection bracelet if she was abusing drugs.

And then her DUI situation...11 days out of rehab she was caught speeding, driving recklessly and under the influence of alcohol. Where were all her sober friends then? And...they also say that cocaine was found in her pants pocket. She says it wasn't hers, but even if that was true...why is someone 11 days out of rehab have someone else's cocaine in their pocket??

I do have compassion for the girl...because I think getting clean and sober while being in the fishbowl of celebrity is hard, especially when you have the money and status to not really face the consequences. I mean, if this happened to me...where I was charged with a felony DWI and had a $25,000 bail...I wouldn't be going anywhere. My butt would be sitting in jail until my next court appearance. For Lindsey...25 grand is nothing, paid it and moved on. And for her own sake...because if she doesn't get clean, she is either going to kill herself or someone else, I hope she gets some consequences. I hope that this time...the judge doesn't think rehab as "good enough"...I hope she serves some time. Of course, it will all become the next Paris jail saga. I think this girl really needs a good wake up call. A serious one.

I do wonder...when will enough be enough? Does she have to drive drunk and hurt or kill someone? Do we have to find her OD'ed in her hotel room? Haven't we learned this lessons in Hollywood excess over and over again??

*shudders*

drive-in report and other mumbo jumbo...

Tech Report

I am logged onto the computer using my new wireless mouse. whoo hoo. It's awesome. I needed a new mouse because my old one was catching and just plain ol' crappy. I decided to get a wireless one so I wouldn't have to worry about the cords, etc. It's pretty cool. I also installed a new USB port on my computer because I only had 2 ports before...and well, that's not nearly enough.

I like getting new toys...no matter how small.

Drive-In Report

This weekend was really wuite nice...all around. I had friday off work...so that felt like part of my weekend and then last night I went to the dinner and the drive-in with 2 friends. And today, I had a nice day at church and then just lazed around the apartment.

The movies was fun. We saw the new Harry Potter movie...which in all honesty, I could care less about. I haven't seen any of the HP movies, so I didn't really know what was going on. But, my 2 friends really wanted to see it...and sometimes, the whole world isn't solely about me. LOL. It was a good movie...just not my style. The second movie was Live Free or Die Hard. I LOVE Die Hard movies...I would see Die Hard 17 if they made it. I just think they are awesome. I like how John McClain is this conflicted, every man kind of guy. And...I love that in every movie he gets the absolute tar beaten out of him, but still finds some way to save this day. And this movie...also stars Justin Long and Kevin Smith. How can one not love this movie?

My only real complaint about the drive-in is how late you end up being there. The first movie doesn't start until 9pm and then the second movie doesn't start until about 11:30pm. We didn't leave until about 2am...which is WAY WAY WAY past my bedtime. In fact, when the second movie started it was past my bedtime. *yawns*

It was a good time though...good times!

VBS Report

And speaking of good times, I wanted to say again how much fun I had at VBS. It really was a blast. I am so glad that people asked me to help out. I have always loved my church...but in the last couple of months, I am more connected that I ever have been. The little kids were so cute...every day at work, I would tell another story of something adorably cute that the kids did. It was exhausting and a lot of really hard work, but well worth it.

I did miss my mom terribly this week. Church was always our place...where we went together, so being at church every night...made me happy and sad. I know that if she were alive, she would have been there too....helping with registration and snack time, etc. She would have made oodles of cookies for the closing ceremony. She would have helped me cut out paper crowns for the kids to color. I really felt her presence with me this week...which felt wonderful, but also really sad too because she should be here. I have a million questions I never asked her. I have a million stories I know I am going to want to tell her.

Love ya mom...each and every moment.

Reno 911! Miami

Hey y'all...we all know how much I LOVE movies. I am a complete movie buff. It's the reason I worked at a video store for 2 years and am considering working at a video store again. I love movies...so a job that gets me free movies is definitely a plus. I end up watching between 3 and 6 movies a week, depending on how much real life gets in the way.

One movie I would highly recommend is Reno 911! Miami The Movie. I've know these characters for a while and just think it is too funny. It makes fun of those TV shows like Cops and puts their police in ridiculous situations and tapes them a la Cops style. If that's not funny...I don't know what is. The movie comes out on DVD on June 19th, so if you haven't seen it yet, you can rent
Reno 911! Miami in less than a week.

My absolute favorite character of the movie is Lieutenant Jim Dangle. Hands down. Absolutely. He is every stereotype of a gay man, a gay man in the closet. He doesn't wear the uniform that everyone else does. Instead, he wears hot pants or short shorts. I heard a rumor that they were sometimes filming around real police officers and that some of the female officers complained about his little short shorts. *giggles* Now that's funny. He struts around and pretends to know what he is talking about, but sadly...none of them do. He is definitely the shining star of Reno 911! Miami The Movie in my opinion.

Do you believe in ghosts?

For the longest time I didn't believe in ghosts...that spirits stayed around after someone died. I often felt that ghosts were just something that people wanted to believe in, not something that actually existed. I thought those reality tv shows where people have to stay in haunted areas were just well...silly.

But, I will say...if you asked me, I would say that I do believe the spirits of people can hang around. I don't know if that's really about the spirits or about the living who are still here, etc. If you asked me a year or two ago, I would say that I have never seen or heard or felt a ghost, but then I took a bunch of kids to the old county jail to do a community service project.

We got there around 9am...and the kids just thought the jail was too cool. The guy working there (it's now been restored and used for community space)...took us on a tour of the old jail and showed us all around. It was dark, damp and definitely did not feel like a good place to be. The kids thought it was awesome and kept telling each other that they were going to lock each other in. It was all fun and games until we actually got to working on our assigned project. The jail cells were used for storage...so tarps were in one cell and christmas decorations were in another (I just find that hilarious that garland and a christmas tree are in a jail cell). So, when we needed something...a kid or two would run back into the jail and grab whatever was needed. The kids all wanted to be the ones to go and would fight over it..at first. The first two kids went...and I could hear them yelling and playing in the jail. And then it got quiet. One kid came running back. He said that he pretended to lock one kid in and when he did that...there was a loud noise and then he had a hard time opening the door of the cell. They yanked on the cell and when it opened...the other kid ran outside. I went outside and convinced him to come back, but for the rest of the day he had no interest in the jail. Later in the afternoon, I went to the jail to get some things. There was this bizarre wind in some of the hallways and the whole place just had a presence to it. I know horrible things happened in that jail. Inmates killed other inmates. Inmates committed suicide, etc. You could just feel that dark and danger that was in that room.

Why am I talking all about ghosts and creepy ghosts at that?? Well, I once believed there were no such things as ghosts and being in that jail made me at least open my mind up to the possibilites that there might be paranormal presences out there. Well there is a new movie out based on a Stephen King story called 1408. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Stephen King. My dad grew up in Maine and almost took a creative writing class from him in college. (he signed up, but ended up dropping the course...I bet he regrets that now!). I think his books are fabulous and the movies based on his books are pretty good too. I will be afraid of clowns forever mainly because I saw IT at an early age (and also because clowns are uber creepy). He writes with such intensity and wit...you can't help being drawn into his storylines.

Enough with the Stephen King lovefest and back to 1408. The 1408 Movie stars John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson. The basic storyline is that horror novelist Mike Enslin (Cusack) is convinced to prove that paranormal phenomena does not exist, so he checks into infamous room 1408 at a NYC hotel. There is folklore that it is haunted and that any guest who stays there doesn't survive the hour. Enslin wants to prove that 1408 being haunted is just a myth, but when he checks in...strange things start happening.



Does he make it out of the hotel? Does he survive the night and prove that the ghosts are a myth? Does he survive the night and confirm that the ghosts are most definitely real? Or do the ghosts take him within an hour just like every other guest of room 1408? Well, the movie comes out on June 22nd, so to find out...you are going to have to buy a ticket like everyone else. I am excited to see this movie because like any other Stephen King movie, it is sure to not disappoint.

Thursday Thirteen #32

The Last Thirteen Movies Shelley Has Seen and What She Thinks of Them. This one should be easy because I list all the movies I have seen over there on the left...oops...which makes me realize I need to update the last couple of movies I have seen. 1. Deliver Us From Evil: It was a great movie and horrible all at the same time. It was a great documentary, but just well...terrifying to watch. I was shocked to see the actions of the Catholic church, the blunt honest of the priest being interviews and how the church basically rewarded anyone who kept "the secret." Great movie, but well...it completely broke my heart. 2. Good German: I liked this movie, well...kind of. I thought it was an interesting story and well, I like George Clooney and all. But, I did think it was pretty slow going at points...and if I had been tired, I completely would have slept through the whole movie. It definitelywas made in the old time genre look...and that was kinda cool, but at the same time I desperately wanted an action sequence. 3. The Dead Girl: I liked this one too. It starts with someone finding a dead girl...and then the rest of the movie is really mini-movies telling how each character is connected to the dead girl. The final segment is actually the dead girl's story of her final day. I thought it was really compelling and felt that Brittany Murphy, Kerry Washington and Marcia Gay Harden did fabulous jobs. Check it out. 4. Deja vu: This movie stars Denzel Washington...hummina...as a ATF agent investigating a terrorist bomb that went off on a ferry boat. During his investigation, he finds a way to watch what happened in the past and then change things in the past. I thought the movie was good..except...I saw Back to the Future...so I know that you can't go back in time and not have it mess with the current timeline, etc. So...Emmett Brown would be having a fit with some of the time travel leaps...pun intended! *winks* 5. The Painted Veil: I adore Edward Norton...I think he is fabulous and talented...and well, dreamy. I basically think that Ed can do no wrong. This movie was just beautiful to watch....and was a great story about two people really growing to love one another. 6. Breaking And Entering: I liked this movie because I felt the storylines were really quite complex. It's about this kid who is paid to break into this one building and steal their computers, LCD screens, etc. And the guy who owns the building (Jude Law) then becomes obsessed with figuring out who it is...and in the process starts having an affair with the boy's mother. The story continues from there and the two families get all mixed up together. It's definitely a british movie...and quite enjoyable. 7. Aurora Borealis: I loved this movie. It has a great cast, Donald Sutherland, Joshie Jackson, Louise Fletcher, Juliette Lewis. It was never released to theatres or at least not to a broad release, so I snagged when it came out on DVD. It's about Josh's character who takes a job as a handy-man in his grandfather's building, Sutherland. Josh is a pretty low key, goal-less guy who is still haunted by his father's death as a child. Sutherland's character is suffering from Parkinson's and dementia...and slowly losing his ability to function. I just thought it was a great movie highlighting what it means to be family and the secrets every family holds. Plus, Sutherland was just phenomenal as the grandfather...a true pleasure to watch. 8. Music and Lyrics: It's a movie with Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant, how could it not be cute?? Basically if you look "cute as a button" up in the dictionary, there is a pic of this movie. 9. Catch and Release: I liked this movie...love the cast, mainly Jennifer Garner and Kevin Smith. I think the part was just perfect for Jennifer, since it seemed to embody who she is. I love Kevin Smith, but there was no acting in this part...at all...he just played himself, wardrobe and all. It was cute though...very forumalic, but well, did you expect anything else? 10. Little Children: This movie was interesting and disturbing. Plus, I love all things Kate Winslet, so I wanted to see the film. It basically is the story of a small town and all the dysfunctional sexual relationships that are both said and unsaid. There is a convicted sex offender in town, who is constantly under the watchful eye of the community action group. Kate Winslet's character is in an unhappy marriage...and begins an affair with another married dad in his play group. I was really intrigued by this movie...thought it really showed the complexities of relationships and the consequences of choices. 11. Alpha Dog: Hated this movie. Hated! I thought it might be decent, even though it starred Justin Timberlake. Actually, I thought he was decent, but the movie was not. The basic plot is a group of thug wannabees are owed money by another thug wannabee, so they kidnap his brother as payment and things go steadily wrong from there. My main complaint, the director seemed to think the only way to show emotion or drama is to have the actors scream their dialogue. The movie is just dreadful. Do not see, even if it is for free...cause you will never get those 2 hours of your life back. 12. Dreamgirls: Good movie...loved the music and the storyline of striving for your dreams in the face of adversity. I did fall asleep in the middle, but it was because I was exhausted...not telling of the movie at all. I think Jennifer Hudson definitely deserved all the awards she got...except she should have been nominated as Best Actress, not Best Supporting...since she carries the movie. 13. Slingshot: I rented it because it has an interesting cast...David Arquette, Balty Getty, Thora Birch, Julianna Marguilles, etc. It's about these two con-men who seduce women and then clean them out...and when Balty gets involved with conning Julianna...he meets her daughter, Thora, and suddenly it is about more than just a con. I expected more...and it just didn't deliver. Alright folks...there ya have it, my drivel about the last 13 movies I have seen. What's the last movie you saw????

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Random dump of how my weekend went...

Hey everyone! Happy Tuesday! Here is just a random lowdown on how my long, holiday weekend went.

On Saturday I went with my dad to Maine for the day. My dad and mom used to always go sometime over Memorial Day and clean up my grandparents' stone, etc. He has been doing that for years and years. I wanted to make sure he still went, so I offered to go along. It was a really nice trip. It's such a beautiful area up there and the weather couldn't have been nicer. We spent more time in the car than we spent in Maine, but it was still very, very nice. We walked by the house my mom grew up in and then drove by the house my dad grew up in. What's amazing...is the property values up there. There were tons of houses for sale and they were all going for insane amounts. One house had the asking price on it...and it looked like a decently sized 2 or 3 bedroom home...listed for $450,000. That's just insane...absolutely insane.

I went over to the local Blockbuster on Sunday...to exchange out some movies. When I went up to the counter to check out...the manager was the one renting me my movies. We ended up talking about the movies I was renting, etc...and it ended up coming up in conversation that I used to work for the rival video store in town. She asked if I was looking for work and said that if I ever am, to apply...because she would love to hire me. That just made me giggle...and got me thinking. I mean, I am so happy I left the video store, but sometimes I miss that extra video store money. So, I don't think I will be applying anytime soon, but I am going to let the thought linger in my head a little bit. Plus, I like the idea of basically getting a job I wasn't looking for...didn't apply for! *giggles*

On Memorial Day...I went over to the Saratoga cemetary and brought some flowers to place by my mom's marker. I hadn't gone down since the services, so I knew it was time. Of course...because it is a veteran's cemetary...it was insane there....had to drive around forever to get a parking spot. It was really nice though...tons of people there...and flowers everywhere. I was really glad I went up. Then I went over and spent some time with my dad...we returned some dishes to people that brought food and such. Then...I went grocery shopping and came home.

Speaking of grocery shopping....I am a walking hypocrit when it comes to Devil-Mart. I went to Wal-Mart three times this weekend. I went on Saturday night...not to buy anything, but to get a walk in. I spent so much time in the car on the way to Maine and back that the number on my pedometer was just pathetic. ick. So, I wanted a good sized walk, but didn't really want to be outside. So, I went to Wal-Mart and walked and walked and walked. The store is huge, so walking through it a couple of times adds on a lot of steps. Then...I also went back to Wal-Mart on Sunday...for a walk and to buy some stuff. And then on Monday, I desperately needed to go grocery shopping, so I went back to Wal-Mart. I walked throughout the whole store once and then got a cart and got to shopping. Of course, I saw a bajillion people while I was there. I always get busted at Wal-Mart...since I talk a good game about how much I hate the store and what they stand for. But alas...sometimes I can't help loving their low, low prices. I bought all the groceries I needed for the week (which wasn't A LOT, but still) and it only cost $27.00...at Hannaford that would have cost a lot more.

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day...and if you had the day off, that you enjoyed it!