So far, 2010 has been pretty merciful.  Nothing excellent so far, but no tearing out of the hair and sobbing in a pile yet either.  I take my blessings where I can get them.

Yesterday went pretty well, being the first day in almost two weeks that we had any sort of normal routine around here.  In that two weeks time, Liam has become comfortable with climbing the gate into the kitchen and rooting around in the pantry and also opening the gate at the top of the stairs and playing upstairs.  He did a little of that yesterday, I didn’t mind the playing upstairs but I took issue with the pantry rooting.  Thankfully, he listened when I told him to get back in the living room.  For the most part.  And naptime was embraced and cherished by all yesterday and THAT is a wonderful thing indeed.

So really, so far, there are no complaints.  A MIRACLE!

Last night we rented “The Hangover” from the Blessed Redbox and I was so right.  Remember last week when I mentioned that we saw “Funny People” and it wasn’t that great and that we should have gotten “The Hangover” instead?  I WAS SO RIGHT.  “The Hangover” is seven different kinds of awesome.  If you haven’t seen it yet, get thee to a Redbox and get it.  If you have, then HIGHFIVE because that movie rocks.  We both enjoyed it immensely.  I might watch it again during naptime (since Kile forgot to take it with him this morning to return on his way to work), I liked it THAT MUCH.  There were parts that were SO WRONG but it was still the most hilarious thing I’ve seen in weeks.  So yay for that!

There you have it.  2010 doesn’t suck so far and a dvd recommendation.  That’s all I got.

Longtime readers of this here blog are well aware of our love affair with the local drive-in.  It has been how we’ve seen movies for years now.  We even went before we “had” to, back when we just had Harry and could have easier procured a babysitter or taken him to a standard theater.  Then Liam was born and standard theaters were out.  Evie came along and I forgot what seeing a movie at a standard theater was like.

We COULD have been like a lot of families and seen movies primarily on DVD and just left it at that.  But to know Kile and I is to know our fondness for movies.  Our first “date” was to the $1.50 movie theater to see “Hunchback of Notre Dame”.  When we were first married, we would often catch an early fast food dinner on Friday nights and then head to the last matinee of whatever had just come out that day.  When Harry was an infant, we took him to movies with us all the time.  It was a sad day indeed when we learned taking him to movies wasn’t going to work anymore (around 18 months of age, when we went to see “Shrek” in the theater).  I also remember with great joy the day we tried him in a theater again (he was 3 and it was “Finding Nemo”).  Sure, we watch a lot of DVDs too, but we also love to see movies in the theater.  There isn’t any experience quite like it.

The drive-in is definitely different than seeing a movie in a theater, but it still beats waiting six months (or more) to see the latest blockbuster.  Winters are long and dreary around here while the drive-in is closed.  It’s not always EASY to go to the drive in, especially with the two little ones.  Both of them are about the age that they’re itchy and crabby and whiny and generally annoying.  But we make it work and it’s pretty much always worth it.

But… I don’t think I can go back.  Not after this.

Last Wednesday night we went to see “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”.  30 minutes in or so, a transformer blew and we were issued passes to come back again.  BIG BUMMER.  I was so anxious to see this movie, the movie I was most looking forward to all summer!  The BIG one!  We couldn’t go back on Friday because Kile had to work and we figured Saturday would be swamped.  Sunday night would be perfect… still the weekend techinically, but smaller crowds.

We packed up the kids after dinner, got money out at the ATM to buy popcorn with, got drinks at 7-11 and waited in line outside the gates for about a half hour before they let us in.  We got a great spot, got all set up and everyone situated.  The movie started late.  It was supposed to come on at 8:55… it was more like 9:15.  But, that’s about par for the course at the drive-in.

Maybe two previews in, the screen went black.  Eventually, the sound cut off too.  We waited.  We figured it was a busted bulb in the projector, which we later learned was true.  But it was a while before we learned that there was no one at the theater who knew how to replace the bulb.   Second verse, same as the first.

This time, however, we asked for money back instead of passes.  I don’t think I can go back there.  It’s just ridiculous.  And now I’m devastated that I don’t know if I’ll be able to see Harry Potter until it comes out on DVD.  That’s just AWFUL.  A crime against humanity.

So I’m frustrated.  And annoyed.  And sad.  And peeved.  And downhearted.

Dangit.   NOW where am I going to see my movies at??

Gosh, is it Tuesday already?? What the heck?  Why am I losing large chunks of time all the time? And DON’T say it’s cuz I’m old.  Cuz then I’ll be forced to smack you over the head with my handbag, you young whippersnapper.

***

So the sixth Harry Potter movie comes out tonight at midnight.  I want to see this movie.  We’ve kinda slacked off in the drive-in department lately, mostly because nothing much good was playing in June so we got out of the habit of going.  The last we saw?  Transformers.  We didn’t even go see Ice Age 3.  I think the general attitude was: “Meh.”  Which, yeah… who really wants to see Ice Age 3?  I sure don’t.  But that’s never stopped us before.  We usually go to the drive-in just to GO.  What movie is playing is sort of beside the point.

But I really wanna see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.  I’m not one of those quasi Harry Potter fans who don’t even bother to read the books.  I read them all!  More than once, even!  I’d like to see it tonight at midnight but… yeah no.  Unless I took Harry with me.  And he has school so that wouldn’t work so hot with a 2 hour and 33 minute movie on a school night that starts AFTER midnight.

The best option is going to the drive-in tomorrow night.  Also a school night, but with a movie starting roughly around 9, would be home slightly sooner.  So what if Harry has school the next day?  So what if Kile has work? This is HARRY POTTER.  This is bigger than school and work.

Damnit, I’m putting my foot down.  We’re going.  And that’s final.  Just suck it up, boys.

***

My children are monkeys.  That is all.

***

Our big Disney Extravaganza is next month.  Like in WEEKS.  It’s getting close.  I’m still scared, but mostly about the traveling to Florida component.  I think the rest is going to be a blast and a half.  But two toddlers and luggage and car seats and strollers and airport security?  BE STILL MY HEART.  Has anyone done an air trip like this before and if so, HOW.  We’re flying Southwest.  On the way out, we stop but don’t have to get off the plane which has GOT to be a plus, right?

I have a feeling this will be the death of me.

***

I think Evie just ate something quite possibly non-edible.  Uhm…

***

The overwatering of the grass continues!  Kile is starting to think maybe he should turn down the sprinklers a hair.  You think?  There’s almost seven hours between the noon and evening waterings and the ground doesn’t even get 100% dry.  And that’s through the hottest part of the day!

The water conservation police are SO gonna have our asses.

***

My left hand is misshapen and sore.  I’m turning into a crone.  I blame the knitting.

***

And yet, I insist that I am NOT OLD.

Oh and GET OFF MY LAWN, punks!

What?  It’s too late for Oscar buzz?  Too bad.  That’s what I’ve got for today so you’re just gonna have to deal with it.

I didn’t post yesterday but I figured I had earned a good day off anyhow.  Anyhow, isn’t Sunday the day you rest?  That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.

In our grand old tradition, we watched the Academy Awards last night, from Ryan Seacrest’s red carpet show on E! to Hugh Jackman’s fond adieu at the end of the broadcast (we had to turn off Barbara Walters’ show because, seriously?  Jonas Brothers?  I DON’T THINK SO.).   A good time was had by all.  Sure, there were dull spots.  There always are.  And sure, there was a moment a little more than halfway through the thing where I got supremely sick of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Slumdog Millionaire” being called out as the winners.  But on the other hand, I haven’t seen either movie so for all I know, they were very deserving of their honors.  But dang it, why couldn’t “Iron-Man” or “The Dark Knight” won for Visual Effects?? I mean, at least I SAW those!

Still, despite the fact I’d seen probably a grand total of three movies that were nominated (wait, correction, make that four.  I did see “Kung Fu Panda”), I enjoyed the whole thing and as is my nature, I have some observations to share with you all.

• Robert Pattinson.  *drool*  He was there and he brought his hair.  And his eyes.  And, you know, the rest of him.  *dreamy sigh*
• Hugh Jackman made a awesome host.  I was convinced of this a mere 10 minutes into the show after watching his truly fabulous opening number.  As Kile said, it rivaled Billy Crystal’s infamous montages.  That’s saying a lot.  He had great energy.
• The new format with the old actor winners bestowing the new nominees with praise and advice?  LOVE.  That was awesome and I’m sure it meant a lot to the nominees to hear it.  I hope they do that again.
• Heath Ledger.  I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when he won Best Supporting Actor.  I know I was a freakin’ mess.  Shoot, even BRAD PITT had tears in his eyes.  By far, the most beautiful, sad and meaningful moment of the entire awards show.
• That said, the “In Memorium” montage was also very beautiful and sad this year.  Queen Latifah singing “I’ll Be Seeing You” literally gave me goosebumps (still does, in fact). And being reminded of all the wonderful talent we lost this last year pretty much kicked my ass.  Damn you, Bernie Mac!
• SO glad that Kate got the award, even if I didn’t see the movie.  I’ve been a big fan since “Titanic”.
• During the Best Actor presentation, whenever they would show Mickey Rourke, I couldn’t help but stare at Robert Pattinson sitting behind him.  Humina.
• Surprised that Sean Penn won but not too much.  You gotta love the guy, prickly as he is.
• Aaaaand “Slumdog” wins.  Big surprise.

We had to watch “The Dark Knight” afterward because I was still on a Heath Ledger high.  Better than the Jonas Brothers, that’s for sure.

So did you watch?  What were your thoughts?  And why did I write most of this post this morning and then totally forget to finish and post it?  Am I that lame?  (Don’t answer that.)

I got email from my dear friend Michelle last night that she sent to my friend and I.  She was having a hard time sleeping and had thought up how we were six degrees of seperation away from Kevin Bacon.  And not just once but TWICE.  That, my friends, is pretty freakin’ awesome.  I’ve always wanted to play this little game but… meh.  It seemed like a lot of work and brain power and I really feel like doing or having either of those things.  But thanks to Michelle, I don’t have to.  So here’s the first run-down:

• We are friends with Angela, whom we have known since high school.  Lurves Angela!
• Angela met Sean Astin (she got his book signed and a picture taken with him for her Christmas card that year.)
• He was in the “Lord of the Rings” movies with Cate Blanchet
• She is in that new movie with Brad Pitt (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, fyi Michelle)
• Brad Pitt was in “Interview with a Vampire” with Tom Cruise
• Tom Cruise was in “A Few Good Men” with… Kevin Bacon.

Dang but that’s fun.  But that’s not all!  Here’s another one:

• We were taught by Ms. Ray in high school (she was my favorite teacher!)
• Ms. Ray’s cousin (maybe 2nd cousin) was married to Tom Selleck  (I remember when she called him Cousin Tom and was very impressed) (I was too, Michelle)
• Tom Selleck was on “Friends” with Courtney Cox (He was “Richard”, remember??  I loved the scene where he and Ross were waiting impatiently for Monica and Rachel to fight over the last remaining condom in the apartment)
• Courtney Cox was in the “Scream” movies with Neve Campbell
  Neve Campbell was in “Wild Things” (Naaaaaasty movie) with… Kevin Bacon.

So tell me.  How are you seperated from Kevin Bacon?  Do you have the brain-power to do one of these?  If so, you gotta share with the class.

photo credit: John Griffiths