Empire Records Strikes Back

One of my favorite movies, Empire Records, has been on television every single day this month. This weekend, I even watched it twice. But that's nothing compared to the hundreds of times I watched it as a teen and then well into my college years, usually on VHS.  To me, it still holds up today even with the absence of technology throughout the film (I love that cassette tapes actually appear in the background more than once).

Has anyone else ever wondered where this move was supposed to take place? I always thought New Jersey since Lucas rides his motorcycle to Atlantic City late at night with ease, but after a quick Wikipedia search, I learned that Empire Records is supposed to take place in Delaware.  I also found out that that it was widely considered a flop despite the number of the actors that wound up becoming famous after they shot the film.  Apparently, Wikipedia can inform and crush hearts at the same time.

What I love most about Empire Records is the honesty and the camaraderie between the characters. I always wanted a group of friends like that, and a place where you were welcome at any time, whether it was to listen to music or just eat in the back room. And the film is so distinctly 90's, a time when things were simpler: less electronics and more time spent with actual people. There's warmth in the familiarity, and maybe that's why I keep watching it.  I don't think there will ever be a time when I don't covet Liv Tyler's plaid skirt and AJ's shabby man-cardigan. Word. xo

Better Late Than Never

It may be a few days after Thanksgiving but I'm still thankful for so much and I hope that feeling follows me into December.  On Thursday, I was pleasantly surprised that my apple pie came out as pretty as it did, and I was able to watch about half of the Macy's Day Parade while preparing dinner and enjoyed every minute.  My grandmother usually makes the stuffing but my mother took over this year and it was delicious. It's silly how sometimes the smallest things make us happy.

But most of all, I'm thankful for Anthony, who truly is the best part of my life.  I couldn't ask for more in the partner department, that's for sure. xo

Love is...

spending a cold Saturday night at an empty Panera Bread with your fiance instead of going out on the town. It was one of those wonderfully mellow nights spent with warm bowls of soup and lovely conversation, and I'm thankful that Anthony wanted to spend that time with me, even though it was less than eventful. But I guess that's just love. xo

Hello, Beautiful!

Now, I didn't cry when I picked out my own wedding dress, but I almost always cry when I watch Say Yes to the Dress. That show is the reason I even considered (for about ten seconds) going to Kleinfeld's in Manhattan and trying on $5,000 wedding dresses after I got engaged last year.  It's safe to say that I was more than a little excited when I got to see Randy Fenoli speak at Yale last Thursday.

Randy was just as sweet and color-coordinated as I knew he would be, and his catch-phrase is "Hello, Beautiful!" The room was full of college students who hung to his every word as he told us his life story.  He's been through plenty of hard times, but he tries to empower himself and everyone around him to be the best that they can possibly be.  He was positive and uplifting, and I can't think of a better way to spend a chilly November afternoon.

I took thirteen photos and unfortunately, this is the best one.  Trust me, Randy was adorable.

Hosting Thanksgiving

In less than a week, there will be a group of ten people invading our small apartment, ready to gorge on turkey, stuffing and pies.  I can't remember a time when I've been so anxious about making mashed potatoes.

Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for all that we have, but I still worry about the silly logistics. Will we have enough soda? Where are we going to get four extra folding chairs? And my personal favorite: are people going to mind the twenty minute drive to our place?

The one thing I am majorly looking forward to is watching the Macy's Parade with Anthony while eating breakfast on Thursday morning before the guests arrive. I've been waiting to enjoy those few hours since last fall.  xo


Image courtesy of Design*Sponge; I can only hope that our table looks half as good.

'Tis the Season

It's 'red cup' time again! I'm not sure why, but sipping from these cheerful Starbucks cups really makes it feel like the holiday season has arrived. And I don't even mind admitting that I enjoy the jazzy, peppy piped-in festive music that will start playing everywhere from supermarkets to gas stations. Now, it's time to start Christmas shopping...

A Gentler High School

Spotted: At a high school in Fairfield county in the first floor girls' restroom, this very polite graffiti was scribbled on the back of the door of the second to last bathroom stall:

In case you can't make it out, the top comment says "Obama is the Bomb Diggity" with a fluorescent yellow "Romney is a sack of Poo" written next to it. And don't forget my favorite: "You are beautiful" in black marker. So positive and inspirational. I think everyone likes encouragement when rushing in the bathroom during third and fourth period.

I just love how PG-13 these writings are.  When I was in high school, the stairwells, lockers and restrooms were all covered in nasty sentiments and negative thoughts, the c-word and t-word thrown around liberally. Hardly anyone ever mentioned politics in regular conversation, nonetheless took the time to scrawl their beliefs in a public place.  I know this is a small sample size, but I think I like the new attitude of today's youth. xo

Bulldogs All Around

Today at work, everyone in my office received one of these awesome Yale "Handsome Dan" Bulldog stress balls. I immediately put him on my desk, front and center. 

You know how some people bring little mascots on vacation and then take pictures with them in really cool locations (think of the Travelocity gnome popping up in a family picture at the Grand Canyon)? I can totally imagine taking Handsome Dan all over the world with us, propping him up on Anthony's shoulder in every photo. Let's face it, this rubber dog has a face for close-ups. xo

Panda Cam 24/7

How can you possibly watch this panda cam, which is streaming live from China, and not feel 200% better? If I was still a tween, I'd put panda stickers all over my notebooks and not even feel embarrassed. xo

Vote!

Today's Election Day--did you vote? I did!

I actually got a sticker this morning--score!

It's about 11:00pm right now and the polls are reporting slowly. I'm anxious, and excited, but nervous.  When I voted this morning, I closed my eyes tight for just a moment after I filled in my ballot with the designated black marker.  It's such a privilege to vote and it's important to realize that there are so many people around the world who don't have that right.  And to think that women have only been able to vote in America for less than a century. We've made amazing strides in the past 100 years. 

I can't wait for the rest of the results to trickle in! xo