Late Discoveries

I love to discover new things in old things. Whether it's a musical artist I've never heard, a restaurant I've never tried, or a part in a movie that I may have missed the first time, it brings me great joy to stumble upon these plain sight treasures.

So today I am stuck in bed courtesy of the flu and rather than let my migraine, aches and pains, stuffy nose, and fatigue get to me, I am going to list some of the wonderful late discoveries that bring me joy. :-)

1. The Dark Knight. Okay so this is one of the best Batman movies ever. I went to see this movie the first day it was out and sat and watched the movie from start to finish without taking my eyes off the screen. So when I rented it this weekend, I was surprised when I noticed something that I didn't catch the first time I saw the movie. I am referring to the scene where the Joker is heading to the hospital to turn Harvey Dent into a bad guy. The Joker is dressed in a nurse's uniform (which was hilarious) and sits next to Harvey. The Joker gives this "apology" for blowing up his girlfriend Rachel and launches into a convincing argument that leads to Harvey's war path. While he is in mid-rant the camera focuses on the nurse's uniform just enough that you can see that the Joker is wearing a "Vote for Harvey Dent" sticker. This was such a great comedic touch. I'm glad I caught it!

Check out this clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3OueDLQ23o to see what I mean.

2. The Roots. (Dodging Tomatoes and balled up Snickers wrappers...I know I know I'm late). I had a rare opportunity to watch a soul stage marathon on VH1 this week and to my delight I ran into yet another "Late Discovery" the hip hop group The Roots. I have seen a video or two before but I never really experienced their music. They're HOT! I researched the group and learned that they have been out since 1993 or so.

Check them out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7FDUBC40IY

3. Reed Diffusers. Okay so this is the latest craze in the air freshener industry. So I am not entirely late on this one. However, I tried the Bath & Body Works rendition on Reed Diffusers and I was pleasantly surprised. The only major drawback is that after a few days the scent dissipates. I think that the Airwick scents last longer but reed diffusers are a pretty alternative for your office/home.

4. NETFLIX. Okay so I have been a netflix user for a year now. I love it! But I did not realize that there are a plethora of aerobic dvds available. Workout dvds are usually around $15-$20 bucks each. I tend to use them for a month or two and then get tired of the workout. Now that I have learned about Netflix's array of workout videos, I can work out to a different dvd every week for $8 a month.... SORRY BILLY!

TO BE CONTINUED!

Sorry folks, I feel another Tylenol induced slumber coming on.

TTFN

All I want for Christmas

Season's Greetings!

It's been an exciting year filled with so many wonderful happenings. I had a wonderful birthday (just in case you wanted to know). My thanksgiving was pretty low-key yet very enjoyable.

BTW. My financial planning is going extremely well. I am on my way to becoming debt free and more financially stable than ever before. I must say the sacrifice has been just that. However, I'm committed to my choice and I can't wait to experience every success.

So now I am getting ready for Christmas. I love Christmas for so many reasons but my number one reason for loving Christmas is because of what the holiday symbolizes. We give to each other because Jesus' birth gave the ultimate gift to us. And whether or not you believe or if you are of another faith...charity and giving translates into being human.

I give gifts to my nearest and dearest to let them know that I appreciate them and I appreciate their role in my life. I love receiving gifts because of the very same reason. I feel loved, appreciated and cherished.

I remember when I was a very little girl I used to gather all of the Christmas catalogs and select what gifts I wanted most. I would dog ear the page my desired gift was on. Once I selected all of the gifts that I wanted, I created the ultimate wish list. Finally, I would deliver the list to my mom with a broad smile across my face.

My mom would look at the list and smile right back at me. Til this day I haven't perfected an impression of this smile but it clearly conveyed "You adorable child, you'll get many presents but I'll choose them and you will be happy with them because I said so".

And every Christmas, like clockwork...once I saw the gifts that my mom purchased for me I quickly forgot about whatever I had on my list. "How did she always know what to get me?" I finally asked.

She simply replied "I get you something you need, something you want, and something that will last".

After that year, I stopped writing wish lists. I realized that it was limiting and rude. The people who love you most know what you need, what you want and what you will treasure for a lifetime.

So Mom,Dad. Thanks for the unconditional love (something I need), PJ Sparkles, Nintendo, and the pink and white Barbie Dream house with the motorized Purple Mercedes (hey I wanted it), and finally those early morning Saturday courses at CW POST, Latin, the expensive Futurekids computer classes, and the love of learning and growing (tools that will last me a lifetime). I am forever indebted.

Enjoy your holiday :-)

Here is PJ Sparkles. She was the best.

I had the pink and white version but I kid you not I am tearing up looking at the pics. My sister and I spent hours playing with this house. There was plastic food in the refridgerator and everything. The only thing that was weird about the house was that there were no stairs for Barbie to get to the second floor. Weird right? LOL!!