Movie Review : Match Point

I am not a fan of Woody Allen films and interestingly, this did not seem like a typical Woody Allen film. Instead what you get is a straight forward thrill-ride of a tragedy. Jonathan Rhys Meyers assumes the role of leading man with considerable comfort and style. The character interactions and dynamics are intriguing. Scarlett Johansson is sexy as the ultimate object of desire.The movie's ending twist is a classic that Hitchcock would love. It can take your breath away, if you weren't already holding your breath

Birthday Celebrations For Sheila

This weekend I am headed into Toronto to experience some female fun, frivolous adventure, entertainment and shopping galore. I am sooooo....looking forward and grateful for this retreat because I get to spend some quality girl time with Sheila.
Girlfriends are so important -- I'm realizing that more and more everyday, and I'm grateful for the ones in my life. There are girl friends, and there are girlfriends -- those that you can say anything to and know that they won't think you're insane. I'm grateful to have Sheila, because with her,I can say things I couldn't say aloud to others and I know she's thinking the same thing, feeling the same way.
I'm lucky to have that comfort with my girl, Sheila.

Toronto Science Centre

The place was very busy due to the rainy weather. My husband and I noticed that alot of the simulator things were broken and needed repair and a lot of the stuff was pretty old. The kids seemed to overlook this flaw and enjoyed the place. It was nostalgic for hubby and I. My youngest daughter liked trying out all the hands-on exhibits like walking the balance beam, trying the rowing machine and so forth. A new feature for us at the Science Centre is Kids Park. It is a hands-on area where Children can play with water, dress up, play with a crane, and so on. All the kids loved the part where you would launch a ball down a track with loops. I liked the grocery store complete with real scanners and cash register. It is an area designed, I believe, to teach children how to select from the four food groups to achieve a balanced diet, but my girls of course ignored the educational 'grocery lists', and just stuffed their basket with random items. We spent lot of time in this area.

Happy 9th Birthday Brooke... You are Beautiful Inside and Out

Today we are headed to the Toronto Science Centre to celebrate my eldest daughters 9th bithday. She is stubborn, hard headed, emotional, she yells and stomps, she holds a grudge, and her heart breaks so easily. It is a constant test of my patience to find ways to parent her that are effective. It can be really hard to remain calm in the face of a high spirited child, especially when you know that they are upset about something that doesn’t matter at all, or when she just “thinks” that something has happened, or is going to happen, and it never has or will. It is like talking someone off a ledge. If you don’t approach her just the right way, then she jumps….you have to calmly try to explain what is happening and why. I am sure that parenting her is teaching me all kinds of wonderful skills! She is the best teacher of "life" that I could ever have.
She is so pretty! I love her blue eyes. And her laugh just warms my heart. I love that she loves her Daddy. (I at least have Alley who hasn’t gone traitor on me…yet.) She loves music, she's ornery, she's sweet, she's a charmer, and she is a messy slob.
She's mine, lent to me for a short time to try to guide and impart what wisdom I might have aquired over the years and through my lifetime of experiences.. Hopefully she will carry the heart of my words and teachings onwards and perhaps pass them on to her children. Hopefully she will do great things in her life, and if that means being safe and happy, content and secure, compassionate and fair, then I will be happy with the job I've done.

Hoppy Easter

Today was the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. It was cute watching the kids run from egg to egg and getting so excited about their find! Afterwards the kids enjoyed a eggs+tra special breakfast that their Dad made. I'm working nights so it was off to bed for me.

Easter Baking

The Kids and I were busy, between soaking up the sun and having fun baking. Happy Easter Everyone!!

For Hilary : "How in the world can the words that I said send somebody so over the edge?"

Mark May 23 on your Calander. Arriving in stores will be, the new Dixie Chicks album, "Taking the Long Way", produced by Rick Rubin, primarily a rock and rap producer who also crafted Johnny Cash's last albums. The record has been described as more rock-oriented, featuring musicians from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tom Petty's band, the Heartbreakers.
I have been following the Dixie Chicks controversy very closely since it first happened. In 2003 Maines told a London audience on the eve of the war in Iraq that the group was "ashamed" the president was from their home state of Texas. Natalie Maines was just exercising her right to free speech (and let's not forget that many Americans died trying to protect this right, and not on foreign soil, either).
What resulted was a witch-hunt against the Dixie Chicks with many country stations boycotting their music. The Chicks said they received death threats,leading them to install metal detectors at their shows. Maines later said she regretted the phrasing of her remark, but remained passionately against the war.
I think a lot of these pro-Bush people were shocked, that a good country girl from Texas dared speak out against their glorious leader, Lord Bush. I think a lot of these people don't like opinionated women and when they do speak up, well they feel they must shut them up. The chicks have stood their ground and they have came back swingin'! Their new single "Not Ready To Make Nice" has reached No. 36 on Billboard's country singles chart in it's first week. Most stations have completely refused to play the song, though. It is only getting frequent airplay in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Cleavland, And Minneapolis. Historically, many musicians have spoken out against the war and despite the reactions of radio stations and right-wing media personalities, all deserve our support. Lets strike back this time by listening to these musicians’ music and by making the Chicks’ new single number one on the charts. Lets support the rights of socially conscious musicians by attending their concerts and purchasing their albums. It’s the right thing to do. It’s important for citizens – whether musicians, actors or ordinary people like you and me – to be able to express our political views without censorship or violent reactions.

"Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it

I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting"

Movie Review : Stay

Stay has its strengths and weaknesses, but I’m not too sure that it will appeal to most. The camerawork in Stay is terrific. The story of a psychologist (Ewan McGregor) trying to unravel the twisted trauma of a suicidal young man (Ryan Gosling) and convince him that life is worth living. As I watched this movie, I wondered where are they going with this. The movie can be confusing at times, but it all makes sense in the end. You have to stay with the film the entire time or you will get very frustrated. As the credits begin to roll you'll begin to take in what just happened and piece some things together. It's a puzzle that tells you not to blatantly trust what you see. It just asks you to trust in your imagination.

Capote Review

"Capote" is set during the five years that Capote spent researching and writing his most famous and last finished book, "In Cold Blood," about the true life story of the senseless killing of a Kansas farm family of four. Hoffman truly immerses himself in this role. He becomes the gay, peculiar, eccentric, self-absorbed writer complete with mannerisms, vocal inflections, and facial expressions. The film's mystique comes from the bond that Capote forms with the murderers. He forms a weird attachment with them, yet, when he gets all of the information he needs, he readily abandons them. He's a master manipulator at getting people to open up to him. I also really enjoyed the background progression of his friend Harper Lee who during these 6 years has "To Kill A Mocking Bird" published. Though not many can recall the name of her book at this time, it will become one of the most famous novels of all time and one of my personal favorites. Over the course of writing "In Cold Blood", Lee's novel is published to great acclaim and made into a film starring Gregory Peck. Capote attends the New York premiere, but he is still so wrapped up in his own book that he can't come to terms with Lee's success, putting a strain on their relationship. This movie will stay with me for some time........

This Is Not A Meet The ParentsType Film.

Watched this movie over the weekend and I am conflicted on how I feel about it. Junebug can be described as quirky, sweet, frustrating, and mildly depressing. A story about returning-home that is centered on a artsy newlywed couple from Chicago visiting their Southern family of dysfunctional, uncommunicative, bump-on-a-log suburban rednecks from which the husband left behind several years ago. The acting is the strength of this film and the entire cast gives very convincing performances and are able to bring us to a place where we've lived or at least passed through.
My favorite character was George's father, Eugene, a man whose quiet wisdom is constantly overlooked. It often felt like psychological torture spending 107 minutes (which feels longer) with these folksy people.

Magic Shuffle For Garth

Go to your music player of choice and put it on shuffle.
Say the following questions aloud, and press play.
Use the song title as the answer to the question.
How does the world see you?
Coward Of The County by Kenny Rogers

Will I have a happy life?
Hammer To Fall by Queen

What do my friends really think of me?
Beverly Hills by Weezer

Do people secretly lust after me?
Hide In Your Shell by Supertramp

How can I make myself happy?
Addicted by Simple Plan

What should I do with my life?
Fall To Pieces by Velvet Revolver

Will I ever have children?
Don't Stop Me Now by Queen

What is some good advice for me?
Loser by Beck

How will I be remembered?
King Of The Road by Roger Miller

What is my signature dancing song?
Learn To Fly by Pink Floyd

What do I think my current theme song is?
You're My Best Friend by Queen

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners

What song will play at my funeral?
Oh My Love by John Lennon

What type of men/women do you like?
Heart of Gold by Neil Young

What is my day going to be like?
Echoes by Pink Floyd

The Magic Shuffle For Jill

Go to your music player of choice and put it on shuffle.
Say the following questions aloud, and press play.
Use the song title as the answer to the question.

How does the world see you?
Full of Grace by Sarah Mclachlan

Will I have a happy life?
Keep Yourself Alive by Queen

What do my friends really think of me?
Behind those hazel eyes by Kelly Clarkson

Do people secretly lust after me?
We'll never know by Lifehouse

How can I make myself happy?
Smile Like You Mean It by The Killers

What should I do with my life?
Soak Up the Sun by Sheryl Crow

Will I ever have children?
Oh be Joyful by Matthew Good

What is some good advice for me?
Pump it up by Elvis Costello

How will I be remembered?
I won't back down by Tom Petty

What is my signature dancing song?
Not your average girl by India Arie

What do I think my current theme song is?
Saturday Morning by the Eels

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
The Long Day is Over by Norah Jones

What song will play at my funeral?
Wish You were Here by Pink Floyd

What type of men/women do you like?
Basket Case by Greenday

What is my day going to be like?
Vindicated by Dashboard Confessionals

Walk The Line

Walk the Line is the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter's tempestuous courtship. The movie reveals that it was a relationship that spans many years. During these years the film provides some back story on Cash's life. Joaquin Phoenix gives an amazing performance as Cash and Reese Witherspoon turns in the best performance of her career. The movie also presents two questions that can alter the course of our lives. Who are you going to be during your time on this earth? And who are you trying to touch with your work? I also like how the movie doesn’t let us forget that all of this took place in another time, when music from stars like Cash or Presley was not widely accepted and viewed by some as evil. Evil music like theirs led to drug use and divorce, which was also frowned upon. All of these are elements woven in and out of the movie and make this story almost a modern-day fairy tale. We want Cash to beat all the bad guys and get the girl in the end. I enjoyed this movie because it made Johnny Cash look incredibly human with faults, dreams, and desires just like anyone else. I enjoyed this movie because it is about friendship and staying with a person through the good and bad.

Enjoyable Weekend

We had a wonderful week-end. Friday, the kids stayed home as they had a PA day and spent the afternoon with Garth. I spent the afternoon with my girlfriends enjoying lunch and celebrating birthdays. Friday evening we rented movies and watched "Just Friends" starring Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart. It had some funny moments. I also watched my new favorite Friday evening drama, Injustice. Saturday was a beautiful day weather wise and we spent time in the morning watching the birds out the window, and listening for spring as it tried to come early. During the morning we ran some local errands and came home to go for a walk and tour some model homes in the neighborhood. My eldest daughter and I decided we would try out a new recipe and made killer chicken quesadillas for dinner. After dinner we enjoyed another rental "Prime" starring Uma Thurman and Meryl Streep. I really enjoyed this movie. Today my eldest daughter had a playdate and I spent some quality 1:1 time with my baby. We read, coloured and played her new Princess Game that she got from her birthday celebration earlier this month. Together her and I baked a Peanut Butter Pie and we pretended we had our own cooking show.
Did I mention how nice this week-end has been?

My Baby Turns 6!

We had my youngest daughters birthday party today. It was at an indoor playland. All in all, the party went very well. We had 8 kids in total and except for some minor injuries there were no major war wounds. All the kids had a great time, proof of which was the difficulty the parents had in getting them to leave. My baby is thrilled with all her gifts - everyone was too generous. She got so many great things she doesn't even know where to start. Lucky girl!
Happy Birthday, Baby!
I cannot believe you are 6 already. How did that happen? I just want to freeze time so that you can stay 6 forever. What a joy you are. Let me count the ways…

1. Your laugh comes right from your belly. And you laugh often.
2. You are so huggable and kissable. There are times I can't stop myself from kissing you all over your face. And you don’t mind – too much. You love to snuggle. Especially with your Mommy.
3.Your big sister is your best friend. You might not admit that because you’d say “B gets me soooo...mad.” But you love her very much. When she’s not around you ask a million times when she’s coming home. Oh, and B loves you, too. Sometimes she talks to you with such softness in her voice that resonates love and adoration. My wish for you two is that you will be best friends always.
4. You love to reenact things – like characters or dialogue in a movie. You are a great performer. A show off. You’ve always loved to be the centre of attention.
5. You are a miracle. Imediately after birth, upon entering this world we had a terrible scare. Your tiny little heart stopped and you stopped breathing. Your Daddy and I watched as the medical team revived you and then you were rushed up to the Neonatal Intensive Care. You had another moment like that while there. You were a strong little being and stayed strong. I think about how lucky we are.


I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living,
My baby you'll be.
Robert Munsch

My Hubby Is A Good Man

Garth has become a collecter of Vinyl lately and went out to browse at some of his favorite suppliers and just returned with this treat for me. Yeah!!!!!

Saw 2 Review : You Can't Top The Original

I would give this movie a 2 out of 5. In this sequel, the writers chose to use more victims, more story twists, more gore, etc. Instead of two people trapped in a bathroom, we now have eight victims wandering about in a house attempting to figure what their connection is before their demise. We have the increasingly violent muscle man, the frightened young boy, the mysterious Amanda who we recognize as a survivor from the first Saw, plus a slew of other minor characters that you realize early on aren't going to be making it very far. The main issue I have with this sequel is that we don't learn very much about the characters and therefore don't care quite as much when they are violently offed.
In any case, there are definitely some stomach churning moments.

Click on the image to see this awesome view of the Toronto Skyline taken from Centre Island.
Source: http://wvs.topleftpixel.com/

Warm Winter in Toronto

Toronto is having an unusually warm winter so far.I am not complaining, but it's strange.

This will be added to my wishlist.

As well as loving celebrity gossip, friends and family know that I'm a bit of a trial junkie. I've got a thing for the criminals and the law. In 2004- 2005 I followed the trials of Robert Blake, Michael Jackson and Scott Peterson. I am still amazed at how a seemingly normal looking guy who everyone seemed to love and had no criminal record could end up murdering his wife and unborn baby. Since the trial a bunch of books have come out about the Scott Peterson trial.Of all the books this one appeals to me the most. It is not written by someone that a reporter, former lover, former lawyer or distant relative trying to make a buck. It's called, "For Laci: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss and Justice." It is written by Laci Peterson's mother Sharon Rocha. It's the first time an immediate family member has spoke in detail about the disappearance of Laci. Sharon says she plans to use money from the book to start a fund for search and rescue in memory of Laci and Conner.

Sharon Rocha will have her first in-depth interviews in more than a year with: Katie Couric on Sunday, Jan. 8 (7 pm, ET) on "Dateline NBC," and on Monday, Jan. 9 (7 am, ET) on "Today," "Larry King Live" (CNN) Jan. 9, and Nancy Grace (Court TV) and Greta Van Susteren (Fox) Jan. 10.