This Christmas...

So, this is my first Christmas away from my immediate family. What am I going to do with myself?!?! Well, for one thing, I am not really feeling in the Christmas spirit. I am not sure if that is because I am working like a maniac at Nordstrom selling everyone their Christmas gifts for other people, or because I am not with my family and their amazingly decorated houses. I think part of it is that I am just getting older. It is kind of like birthdays as you get older...not as great as when you were little. But, I will say Christmas is so great since my sisters have had kids. That is the best part, watching them open their gifts!!

FYI, Nyack and NYC are the most magical places at Christmastime. I cannot even handle how much I love where I live. Throw Christmas in there and it is glorious!! The tree and ice rink at Rockefeller Center, check. Hot Chocolate and walking around the city, check. Looking at department store Christmas window displays, check. Being overly excited to be living in NYC at Christmastime, check, check, and CHECK!

I will be spending Christmas Eve with my G-parents in upstate NY, then heading to my Uncle Walt and Aunt Sharlee's (and Sadie and Emily) for Christmas and the rest of the weekend!! You can be sure there will be lots of laughs, food and booze happening. I CANNOT WAIT!!! (I will be posting pics of all of my NYC and VT Christmas adventures, don't you worry!)

Here's wishing you a Holly Jolly Christmas!!!!

Cable TV, Microwave...Who Needs 'Em?

I have lived in NYC for 3 months now with my cousin Lis and we have lived without two (previously) very important items...Cable tv and a microwave. I never thought I would revert to the day without cable tv. As I have previously stated, I am addicted to television, especially my dvr. But, the lack of cable has been much easier than I thought. We basically just watch a ton of Arrested Development and other shows on dvd, and watch the other shows online. Yes, it is annoying, seeing as how we don't have the internet and have to steal it from our neighbors, but hopefully that will soon change. In the meantime, I am forced to pay for the internet at Starbucks or go to my fave cafe, Amazon, or the laundromat (which is where I am writing this, fyi). It has proven difficult, but I am actually surviving without cable. Who would have thought?

The microwave might just be one of the greatest inventions of all time. It was basically my best friend when living on my own. Well, we don't have one. This has led to me having to change what I eat, or just not eat at all because I am too lazy to actually cook something, haha. Don't get me wrong, I know how to cook, but get real irritated only cooking for myself. Microwaves are not expensive nowadays, we just have not seen the use for one at this point. We have survived this far, so I think we will be ok. Ah, how my life has changed...

Wait a Minute...Do I like Vampires?

Ok, I never wanted to join the group of Vampire loving crazytown peeps, but alas, I think it may be possible that I am now included in that group. I have never seen or read Twilight, but I hear that I will become obsessed with it, hence why I am a little apprehensive to watch or read it. I am easily obsessed with things, and I am not really sure I want to be obsessed with high school vampire love, but we shall see. I will tell you this much, I am obsessed with True Blood. It is sooooo scandalous, violent, and super crazy, but I love it. One of the many reasons why I love it: Alexander Skarsgard. Swedish, tall, blond, hot.

Let me be clear about something. I am terrified of vampires. I used to watch the movie Buffy the Vampire Slayer when I was little and would be so scared that when I went to bed I thought a vampire would levitate to my second floor bedroom window and scare the bejezuz out of me. I would proceed to sleep with my blanket up to my ears. "Up to your ears?" Yes, I am crazy. I had this thing when I was little, if my ears were covered I could not see anything and nothing could see me. The same was true if I closed one of my eyes while laying on my side in my bed, noone could see me. Naturally, because I could not see them. We have already established that I am crazy (love of Sassy, aliens in cell phones...yada yada) so no need to discuss this further.

I am not going to suggest that you watch True Blood. I do not want to be any part of you becoming obsessed with vampires or the craziness that is True Blood. If you are intrigued and want to see it, do it...but don’t say I did not warn you.

Broadway...Is This a Joke?!?!

Hugh and Daniel. No words.

Ok world, you are basically beeping with me right now! Bond and Wolverine on Broadway together?!?! I DIE! We all know how I feel about Hugh. And let's be clear, he is always my number 1. But, I am addicted to 007 movies. Next to Roger Moore, Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond! He is so beeping suave and bad ass I cannot even handle it. Too much hotness to go around! Just to clarify, I am NOT a fan of Daniel's stache. No thank you. You can bet your ass that I am going to try my hardest to get tickets to this show. I will most likely pass out while watching...just saying.

I Saw Sassy!!!

The first sighting...RV Park

At this point, I was freaking out about being in Sassy territory.



Oh hey there, Sassy. Who are you spying on?


Sassy is very helpful.

Sassy on the side of the the gas station...He is EVERYWHERE in this town!!!

There was no question that I was giving Sassy a huge hug that day...Hello!!! It's Sassy!!!!

Bigfoot museum, aka, where I lost it! I bought a little too much Sassy stuff.

Sassy lives!! While driving from Crater Lake, OR to the California coast on my roadtrip with my dad and brother Ben, we had a day that became known as "Sassy Day". Needless to say, it was one of the best days of my life. We were just minding our business driving along Highway 299, when I see a sign that reads "Bigfoot Campground." I almost peed my pants. I am so freaking excited at this point, that my dad asked me if we want to turn around and take a picture. Is that even a question?!?! Pull a u-turn! Done and done. Several miles more down the road we see a giant, I mean GIANT Sassy statue on the side of the road. We did not really even notice it until we passed it, so not pic there. Next we saw that "Bigfoot Burger" sign. At this point we were beginning to realize we were in Sassyville.

Then, what was about to happen was totally unexpected and glorious! We entered into Willow Creek. Sassy was EVERYWHERE. Helping the locals with their yard work and building projects, peeking through windows, hanging out at the gas station. You think I am joking? See the pictures! I HAD to give Sassy a hug. Come to find out later, that town is the Sassy capitol of the world. Not kidding. Then what do we find a few more miles down the road? A Sassy gift shop, obviously! It was amazing!! I wanted to buy everything in there. So I did. Ben and I now have mini Sassy statues and I have a t-shirt. I also found out that there is a man dressed up as Sassy that hangs out at the gift shop, unfortunately we did not get to see him, but the guy told me that the man who made that suit for them made the Chewbacca suit. Kick ass! This day was getting better and better by the minute!

We ended our seemingly perfect day by checking into our hotel in Fort Bragg on the CA coast and turned on Monster Quest. Of course, it was the one about Sassy. I could barely contain my excitement/surprise at how awesome this day had turned out! Best day of my life!!!! The next day, we got to go to the Bigfoot Museum in Felton, CA ... Awesome! Through all of this, my dad was awesome! He knows how obsessed I am with Sassy and just let me do what I had to do. I find it hilarious that my family is now all about Sassy. My dad even suggested I start a side business venture involving Sassy. The idea is GLORIOUS!! But, I am not going to tell you, for fear you will steal our idea...

You're from Alaska?

While in Minnesota, I have come to realize that being from Alaska can be real awesome and real annoying. A couple weeks ago, I was at the gas station and this is the conversation that transpired:

Her: "I like your necklace, but I need to see your id"
Me: : "Thanks! Ok, here you go"
Her: Upon examining my id: "GO BACK TO ALASKA!!"
Me: "Uhh..."
Her: "Why are you here?"
Me, in an effort to speed up this real awkward convo: "I moved here"
Her: "Huh, what's it like up there"
Me: "Gorgeous"
Her: "Yeah, I would like to go up there, but only for a couple days and come back HOME."
Me: "Ok, well, thanks, bye"

Strangely, she was extremely defensive of Minnesota and seemed to be upset that I even had the nerve to move here. My mind was blown! Really, I mean REALLY?!?! You are going to be upset at me? You don't even know what Alaska is like and why should you care. That was probably the most outrageous response I have received for my Alaska id.

It gets better... At the Twins game a few days later, I was ordering a Dome Dog and my cashier was a black man. He looked at my id and said: Alaska! (as per usual). He was staring for awhile so I said: "Top right corner" (for my dob) he said: "I see it, I am just in awe." At this point I was like, in awe with me? ooooh snap! Then he said to me: "There aren't any black people up there, are there?" me: "Yes!" him: "What like 4? me: "Um, no, not 4!" then he proceeded to tell 3 other cashiers, that there ARE black people in AK and they all need to go there. I was DYING!!!! best AK drivers license encounters yet! He was super sweet and hilarious!!!

Leaving...Again

Me in Times Square, Jan. 2008

Well, after 40 days working back in Alaska, I am heading back to the lower 48!!! I am really excited to get back to my life down there. I realized something being back here: I am not supposed to be here at this point in my life. I have never felt so liberated!! I instantly felt this as soon as I stepped off the plane in Anchorage. At that moment, I felt extreme excitement. I knew then that I had made the right decision in leaving Alaska. This will always be my home, but it is not my path to be here right now.

After a month on the road (I will be posting about that later), I arrived in Minneapolis on June 16. At that point I was still uncertain if I would be staying there, or moving on to New York City. I interviewed for a job in New York in June and do not know if I got the job yet or not. But, I decided that either way, it would be an amazing opportunity to move to NYC! When else would I really be able to do it? I am not committed anywhere right now, so why not?! I am not too concerned with finding a paralegal job (if this other job one does not pan out), there are about a million law firms in NY. I have been looking into it, and it looks really promising!!

I am headed back to MN next Wednesday. I will be there for about 2 weeks, then drive to Spokane to see Whitney and then on to Montana for Colver and Lorna's wedding!!!! Then, back to MN to pick up any remaining crap of mine, say my goodbyes, and head to NYC to live with my cousin Lis!!!!!!! I have loved being in Minneapolis with my fantastically amazing friends, Kevin and Lacey (aka roomies). I know that I love Minneapolis soooo much and will probably end up living there one day, but for now, New York is where I feel I need to be. I am so stoked about this decision!!

Look out New York, an Alaskan chick is about to dominate you!!!

These Boots Were Made for Walking...

My friend Steph and I went on a mega girls day shopping adventure yesterday. It was much needed after an insanely long week at trial (for my job). Ooooh Lordy did we shop! We first hit up Cosette and Lulu e Bebe, which are two fantastic boutiques at the corner of Lake Otis and Tudor. They are both owned by Lulu and are simply fantastic! I started frequenting it right after it opened and am totes addicted. It is a mix of Domino magazine, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters. I am not joking. If you like any of those, Cosette is the place to check out. We chatted with Lulu for a bit and bought some goodies. This being Steph's first time there, she is now addicted.

Then, onto the Nordy's Anniversary Sale. Oooooh snap! I used to work at Nordstrom part time about 2 years ago for about 3 years. I only helped out around the holidays and sale times. It was fun for sure. Towards the end of my time there, I am pretty sure I just got paid to hang out with my manager, which was cool because she is a great friend of mine. So, whatevs. Either way, the Anniversary sale is out of control. It is the best sale of the year. I bought way too much, but honestly, I don't care. I deserve it!

I have been on the look out for a new pair of boots for quite sometime. I was on a mission yesterday to find the perfect pair! Nordys was the place. I tried on a pair (that Steph ended up buying) that were exactly what I was looking for. No go, my feet are retarded. Then, I found the above pair and fell in love!! They were wicked cheap too!! Yes, they are suede, and as Steph pointed out, she cannot handle suede, it reminds her too much of the 80s, hahahaha! Well, I LOVE the 80s, so bring on the suede! I am stoked to figure out what to wear with these new boots and glad I finally found something that I liked. Did I mention I am a shopaholic?

Rachel Getting Married

Awesome cast.

The other night after a long, long last day of trial, I went to Jon's house and we watched Watchmen. I freaking loved it. We will save that for a later post. I was so blasted exhausted I could not even handle it. I had all intentions of going to bed at7 and waking up 24 hours later. Then, Watchmen was 3 hours long and I got a second wind. So, I went home and watched Rachel Getting Married. I LOVED it. It has received mixed reviews, and I was a little unsure what to expect, except for an incredible performance from Anne Hathaway.

Well, Anne blew me away. I have always liked her movies, but not necessarily her as an actress. I really did like her in The Devil Wears Prada (freaking love that movie). Drugs, scandal, death, family dysfunction. This movie was a hot mess, but I found myself really connecting with the characters. Not really sure why. I am not a drug addict and I am really close with my sisters, but whatev. I cried like a baby. I was watching it by myself and that is never a good idea, that just makes it so much easier for me to sob like mad because no one is watching. I am a basket case and basically cry at anything.

Anne's performance was stellar for sure, but so was the ensemble cast. Her father and sister were fantastic! I found myself rooting for Anne's character (Kim) the entire movie and really felt lonely and sad for her. Man, why do movies get to me so much?!?!

Rome: Dirtiest City.

The Coliseum, my favorite part of Rome.

Ok, back to my Italy posts... We finally made it to Rome after a ridiculous 4 hours train ride from Pisa. We did not even see the Leaning Tower of Pisa because we got in after dark and were so annoyed with the town, worst town in Italy. We were stuck on this crazy train with about a million 16-18 yr olds heading to the Labor Day free concert in Rome. People were sitting on the floor, standing with their armpits in my face, you know, the usual. Thank goodness we all three got a seat, otherwise that would have been a horrible, horrible train ride. As soon as we arrived in Rome, I already did not like it. The train ride really pissed me off. We realized that yet again, most of the museums and other things we wanted to see were closed for the holiday, so we went on a night walk (Rick Steves book, pretty sweet walk) to the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and a few other places. I will say this about Rome, it has a beautiful and awesome nightlife!

The Coliseum was breathtaking. I think I took more pictures of the Coliseum, than anything else on our trip. We got the audio guides, which was a first, and I am so glad we did! I was constantly envisioning what really happened there and that was awesome! I kept thinking about Gladiator, obviously, and it made it that much more real. I then of course, could not stop thinking about how hot Russel Crowe was in the movie.

We saw Trevi Fountain 3 times and I was still in love by third time. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The Spanish Steps were pretty, but I could not really tell because of the thousand people sitting on them. I literally had to kick garbage out of my way to walk up the steps. I was not to happy about that. I found Rome to be the dirtiest city I have ever been to. I have traveled to a lot of big cities, so that is saying a lot. I also was no impressed with people leaning on statues in the Vatican museum. Really?!?! That put me over the edge. How about a little museum respect? Just a thought...

After a insanely long time in the Rome airport (2 very very long security lines, good times), Kim and I departed Italy on our way back to the states. David followed on a different flight. I was ready to leave, but already planning my next trip back! Italy was the greatest experience. I cannot wait to go back and spend more time on the coast and Tuscany!!! If you ever have the opportunity to go to Italy, DO IT! And ask me to go with you, because I will.

Mr. Thornton or Mr. Darcy...That's a Toughie

Mr. Thornton, wearing his shirt the way I told him to.

Where do I even begin... Facebook, of course. So, my sister Hillary and I are basically obsessed with RomComs and "Period Dramas". Okay, let's be real, we just love movies in general. Pride & Prejudice? Hell yes, I will take Mr. Darcy any day! So, Hillary had been talking to me about North and South before I moved and I was so busy gathering all my business that I was not really interested. Then, I saw that she was freaking obsessed with talking about it on Facebook with our friend, Marie in California and I knew something must be real fantastic about this show! Just to clarify, Marie and I have a Bachelor/Bachelorette obsession that we frequently talk about on Facebook and we seem to have very similar interests in the way of tv and movies. So, naturally, I started to get anxious to hear more about this show, and frankly, a little jealous that this awesomeness was going on without me!!

I cannot even describe North and South, except to say that it is amazing. I imagine that everyone reading this post has seen Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley (stupid question, I know), and, like me, was a little sceptical that any movie could surpass its greatness. But, I am pretty sure North and South will be added to my "watch at least every 2 months" movie pile, right next to P&P. As soon as I watched the finale of N&S, I rewound it and watched the last 5 minutes again. I did the same the next night, because naturally, that is the best part of the whole series!

Mr. Darcy, does he ever smile?

Can you compare Mr. Darcy and Mr. Thornton? I don't think so! They are both total a-holes who eventually win your heart. It took me much longer to fall for Mr. Darcy than for Mr. Thornton. As soon as I saw Mr. Darcy I was like, really, that is who they picked to be Mr. Darcy? Then I became obsessed with him, obviously. As soon as Mr. T appeared on the screen, I looked over to Hillary and said "he is hot." Sold. Something about him being such an ass was really appealing (that sounds real bad). Maybe because you could also see his love for Margaret and that he really was a sensitive dude. Darcy was just a turd the majority of the time, but wicked charming. Yes, he loved Liz, but hellllloooo, you don't break up a girls sister and her bf, okay? I don't know which one I like better. That is pretty much asking me which of my handbags is my favorite, it is torture to chose! I am now officially obsessed with both of them.

Let's be clear, Pride and Prejudice and North and South quite possibly have the best endings to any movie I have ever seen, short of Notting Hill, which is the ultimate ending for RomComs. Right? They are totes worth the watch! Great, now I want to watch them both, right now!!

All That She Wants...

Yeah, you know you want to finish that sentence with "is another baby". I cannot even tell you how addicted I am to Ace of Base. Last week, my friend Kevin and I went to a record store in Minneapolis, where I stumbled upon this gem and almost peed my pants. It was used, obviously (as I highly doubt A of B is making any more album copies), but I did not care, as I was still in shock that 1) A of B had a Greatest Hits album and 2) Some idiot would get rid of their this classic pop album. I knew right away that this album would be the start to soooo many car dance parties, it was not even funny.

And so it began...The night I bought the greatest album ever, Lacey and I were headed out for the evening. What do I surprise her with in the car? Ace of Base Greatest Hits, baby! So, obviously, we had to have a car dance party. It was out of control! I am pretty sure we remembered ever single word to all of their hits. When we went out that night, I found it important to tell everyone and their mother that I had just bought this glorious album. Most responses were "They have more than three songs?". Uhhhhh, duh! I was offended. They obviously were not a mega fan in the 90s like I was.

Now that I am back in Alaska for a month, I can guarantee you that Amy and I are going to have several car dance parties. Hells yeah! It's a beautiful life, oh oh oh oh, it's a beautiful life...

Mr. Keyboard, We are NOT Friends!

Seriously, what the BEEP!

Why is it sooooo difficult for my keyboard and I to cooperate!?! I am confused. I have spent an hour (on two separate occasions) typing my Rome post, only to have the whole post deleted by what most would call a "user" error. Riiiiight.... I do not believe that is true. I have had my new laptop for only 2 months and it is still not reading my mind. I mean really, at this point, it should know that I am addicted to celebrity gossip sites, blogging and Facebook, and definitely not get in the way of that! Bitch please! It should also realize that when I accidentally hit ctrl+D, I really don't mean it!!!

Mr. Keyboard, you better learn to read my mind real fast, or you are not going to have a happy life. Just sayin.

Cinque Terre: Favorite Place On The Planet. Hands Down.

The start of our hike. BEAUTIFUL Vernazza, the second village

(of the five in Cinque Terre). This is were we stayed.

Cinque Terre is the region of five (cinque) villages on the beautiful, most amazing, Northwest Italian coast. I cannot say this enough, Cinque Terre is my favorite place on the planet. As soon as we arrived, I knew it would be. I had heard about it from my sister Kim and her husband Josh, who had been there 2 years prior and totally fell in love. You can hike between all of the villages, through the hills, along the ocean, beautiful. So, we started in Vernazza, where we were staying, and went to the next three villages. It was the most amazingly beautiful hike I have ever done. Above is a view of Vernazza at the start of our hike. I apologize for the multiple pics, but I have soooo many more I wish I could post, but I will spare you.

Locks along "Lover's Lane" (Via dell'Amore) between the villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore.
My lock is the newest looking gold lock on the top middle.

The hike became more and more beautiful the further we went and the closer we hiked down to the ocean. There was a section of the trail that was sheer up from the ocean, we were walking in half tunnels carved out in the cliffs, it was called the "Lover's Lane" (come to find out later). There were graffitied like a mofo, but it worked. I would never really say that graffiti was beautiful, but I think that this walk would not be the same without it. I was mesmerized. We kept noticing that there were random locks (as above) all over fences lining the trail. A little confusing. Then, we can upon all the graffiti and, what I can only assume was called, the "Lover's Chair" with locks on the railings surrounding it. I had to put my lock on there, obviously. I had to leave my mark on Italy. I have never been so excited in my life. It was sooo great!!

Me and my new Italian best friends from the Blue Marlin Bar in Vernazza.
Mossimo, Jeffrey, and Perfection (as Kim and I liked to call him)

We finished the magnificent hike and had an amazing dinner in Vernazza. Where Kim and David proceeded to chat up a couple of older ladies. Next thing you know, they are offering to do David's laundry if he will haul their bags down the stairs from their hotel in the morning. Done and done. Random!!! We had read in the Rick Steves book (we called him our fourth traveling companion, he made our Italy trip that much better) that the best local bar was the Blue Marlin. So, obviously, we headed down there. Oooooooh man, we had no idea what we were in for. BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE! Yep, I just said that. We proceeded to drink a ton, I was watching all the locals guys with their dreads (I looooooove dread locks, fyi). Hotties with naughty bodies indeed. Just saying. There was a local pommeranian that was hilarious. He/she pranced in the bar, and noone even noticed, like it happened all the time. Soo awesome! So, I was taking my usually ridiculous self pics and pictures of the hot bartenders and awesome bar owner, Mossimo, bustin a move with drum sticks on liquor bottles behind the bar.

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Next thing you know, Mossimo is talking to me. He is asking me about taking pictures, yada yada. He asked if I would take more and email them to him. HELLLLLL YEAH!!!! It's on bitches! At this point I was so freaking excited/buzzed that I could hardly contain myself. After bartender Jeffrey (born in CA, but Italian - awesome!) made us awesome drinks and shots all night, I took a shitton of pics, and probably said "this is my favorite bar on the planet" about 100 times, the bar was closing and it was time to head out. I went over to Mossimo and told him we were leaving, but I wanted a pic of the three of them. He made Jeffrey and Perfection stop making drinks and get together for a pic for me. Precious, obviously. Then, I was like, I want to be in one with you all, too. Mossimo, "yessss!!! get back here" (behind the bar). That is the picture above. Then I said goodbye to Mossimo and we made sure that I would email him the pics. He hugged me and kissed me on each cheek (I almost died). I was in love... Said goodbye to Jeffrey, he was the best, and we made our way down to the water front, then back to our room!!! TOP NIGHT!!!

The next day, we packed up and headed to the first village, Monterosso to lay on the beach. (They have the only beach in Cinque Terre). It was a glorious, relaxing day. From where we sat on the beach, we could see the other 4 villages along the coast (above pic). Absolutely amazing!!!! If you ever go to Italy, you HAVE to go to Cinque Terre. Next time I go to Italy, I want to spend the majority of my time there, it is totally worth it!

Florence...The David is That Tall??

The leather market, aka, handbag heaven.

We stayed at a pretty rad hostel in Florence for three nights, Plus Florence, and had a pretty awesome roomies. Since our first day there was actually spent in Tuscany, we had to make up some time and head to the museums early in the am. David and I headed to Uffizi Gallery, which was freaking amazing! On the walk there (which was surprising shorter than we expected from our hostel) we passed the Ponte Vecchio, which is basically a bridge with jewelry shops on it. You can see the pic below. It is beautiful! Then, Kim met up with us for some delicious (I thought) hot chocolate, then we split off from David to go to the leather market. Basically, the leather market was the greatest thing that has ever been created for my life. I think I bought 6 handbags (2 for my sisters) and I could have bought soooo many more, but I stopped myself. I also bought a ton of pashminas, which are glorious and every Italian wears one everyday.

One of three Davids in Florence. This was not to scale of the main one. It was outside of the Uffizi Gallery.

We later reconnected with David to go to Accademia and climb to the top of the Duomo. Accademia is where The David is. After waiting in line with an ex oil company big wig (and his wife, they were awesome) from who used to live in AK and is real close to Sarah Palin - random- we made our way through the museum. I was looking at some statues when David called over to me, "uh, Hannah" I turned around to see the 15 foot tall David statue and was left speechless for about five minutes. I am not even joking. It was the most perfect, beautiful, amazing piece of art that I have ever seen. We walked around it and stared at him forever. I could not keep my eyes off it him. Every vein, every muscle, every wrinkle, my mind had officially been blown.

The beautiful Ponte Vecchio.

After seeing the gloriousness that was David, we met back up with Kim and climbed over 400 steps to the top of the Duomo (church). It was quite a haul, but totally worth it. The view of Florence was phenomenal!! I was pleasantly surprised with Florence. Kim and Josh had told me how much they loved it (and Kim loved the market, of course), so I knew I would be just as jazzed. Florence, you are amazing!!

Tuscany: San Gimignano

Vineyards of Tuscany...Soooooo amazing!!!

San Gimignano was one of my favorite places in Italy. Mainly because it was quaint, beautiful, in Tuscany, and full of red wine. Before I left for Italy, I had decided that I was going to buy a case of wine and ship it back home, no matter how expensive. San Jim Jam was the village for that I went to the first wine shop I saw and asked the old man about shipping wine home. He spoke very little English, but some how we could communicate. He was basically my favorite person on the planet at that point, he was talking to me in Italian, showing me all the different kinds of wines in his shops. Needless to say, I was mesmerized. But, I did not buy any wine from him. So, I moved onto another shop where the man was real cute and he let me taste 5 wines. When I say "taste" I mean pour me a full pour of wine. I was in heaven. I bought 6 bottles to ship home and they just arrived back in AK 2 weeks ago while I was in New York. I am reeeeal excited to open a bottle with my fam when I get home. We spent the evening in San Jim Jam watching all the locals and have a great dinner at the cutest restaurant I have ever seen. We took a train back to Florence to start our grand Florence adventure!!!

Several of the beautiful towers in San Jim Jam.

Tuscany: Siena

Duomo in Siena

We were on our way to Florence when we realized that basically every museum is closed on Mondays, so we needed to figure out something else to do that first day in Florence. So, we decided to go to Tuscany. Helllllll yeah!! I was so freaking excited. I am addicted to red wine. It is my favorite thing on the planet, next to dvr. We arrived in Sienna and I was blown away. It was such a beautiful town with alot of stories to tell. David and I toured the beautiful black and white striped marble duomo and we walked all over town. Siena is the town in the first chase scene in the newest James Bond movie, fyi. You know, the part with the horse race? Yeah, we were there! From Siena we took a bus to San Gimignano, which we could never pronounce, so we just called in San Jim Jam. That was the cutest, most surprising little tuscan village. I instantly fell in love.

Venice, I Am in Love With You!!

Gondola clusterjam under the Rialto Bridge.

I just wrote a freaking fantastic Italy post, and accidentally deleted it. I guess that is what you get with a new laptop and my inability to adapt to a different keyboard. The other day I was writing an email and accidentally deleted it 3 times before I could finally hang on long enough to send it. I'm retarded...

On to Italy. I met my friend Kim in Portland and we made the trek to Italy together. The flights were surprisingly awesome! Minus the fact that Kim had a d-bag sitting behind her who basically told her that she could not lay her seat back all the way because "his legs are too long". Really? Are you going to be that rude on a 9 hour flight were no one is comfortable? I am not really sure why you being too tall is our problem, you probably should have gotten an exit row or first class seat, just saying. I understand that you have real long legs, but...ok, enough ranting.

We made it to Milan and immediately got on a train to Venice to meet up with David. It was a pretty uneventful 2 hour train ride, aside from the two hilarious Italian men sitting across from us. How do I know they were hilarious? Well, the one sitting across from me (and I mean knee to knee sitting, real awkward sometimes) kept looking up from his newspaper at me, then talking to his friend and laughing. I was amused. We randomly bumped into David at the train station and on we went to explore the magic that was Venice.

St. Marks Square and Basilica were freaking fantastic! The Gondola ride was all I thought it would be. Of course, I bought my first of many Italian leather handbags in Venice. We stayed on Lido, which was a separate island from the main section of Venice. It was fantastic!!! Side note: Salma Hayek got married in Venice the day we were there. And who attended? Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, my crushes. I really wanted to find a way to crash that wedding, I am pretty sure I could have made it happen, but ran out of time. Next, onto Florence!!

Blogging, How I Have Missed You!!!

Ok, so obviously I have not blogged for quite sometime. I'm not gonna lie, I have missed it. I thought about doing one mega post, wrapping up the last 2 months. But, let's be real, that would turn into a debacle and not be fun for anyone. So, I am going to try and catch you up on my fantastic adventures in a series of posts. We shall see how that goes...

See Ya!

I will out of the blogging world for a couple weeks! I will just be drinking wine 24-7 in Italy, no big deal. I will have plenty to post about when I return!

Soapdish, Ironman, same thing...

Robert Downey, Jr. is a hot mess! So naturally, I am in love with him. I have actually loved this guy since I was pretty young and think he might have been my first "Hollywood crush" (aside from NKOTB of course). Soapdish may be one of the most ridiculously awesome movies of all time. And RDJ is classic in it! That is when I knew I loved him! It just kept getting better (and worse) from there. A few run ins with the law, rehab (you know, the usual) and he was a real movie star. He has had a string of great films. To name a few of my favorites: Only You (freaking love this movie), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (crazy awesome movie, and pretty much exactly how I expect RDJ to be in real life), Iron Man (holy crap that movie is good), and Wonderboys. He is very talented, and unexpected. I love that he acts like he is on crack half the time (he probably was through most of his career). He is funny, classy, and straight crazy. I know many of you probably just think he is total crazytown, but I think that is what makes him a great actor. He really uses his weirdness to make incredible characters. He is the epitome of a hot mess.

He might be a little metrosexual and carry a manpurse, and occasionally wear his jimmy jams in public, but I still love the guy. I'm glad he has turned his life around and made a comeback to the sober world. I think I will always have a crush on RBJ, he is just way too adorable. Iron Man 2 has started filming. Get excited!!!!

The Countdown!!!

I leave Alaska one month from today and I leave for Italy one week from today!!! Holy crap! This is all happening so fast, I cannot believe it!! So much to do and not enough hours in the day.

What the Beep, Bret Michaels?

David, Jason, Amy and I have gotten hooked on a little show called Rock of Love Bus. It is an outrageously ridiculous reality show following Bret Michaels (lead singer of Poison) on the road while trying to find love out of 23 filthy sluts. It is gloriously entertaining. I watched the first season, Rock of Love and realized it was totally ridiculous, and therefore I could not stop watching it. This season was no different. Nastier and dumber girls and Bret Micheals nasty hair extensions made a disgusting return. This show is a train wreck and a half, but we totally love it!

SPOILER ALERT: The finale of Rock of Love Bus was glorious. Amy, Jason and I watched it on Monday night. It was down to the final two: Frenemies Mindy and Taya. We were all rooting for Mindy. I was totally shocked when Bret picked Taya, the most ridiculous slut on the show. She has real stupid hair, outrageously over manicured eye brows, and is a crazy self-promoter. She was by far my least favorite. Mindy was obviously the better choice in this equation. Seriously Bret, what the beep were you thinking??!?! Bret Michaels is not the man I thought he was. Oh wait, yes he is. A dirty old rock star who wants a dirty slut to be his girlfriend. He does not deserve Mindy. She is too normal and adorable for him. Taya? Really? Bret, I want to pull out your hair extensions, they are obviously clouding your judgment.

All This Technology in the Palm of My Hand? Ooooh Lordy

I did it. I made the switch from ACS to AT&T and it is glorious. I had to switch due to my fastly approaching move to the lower 48. Because, if something goes wrong with my phone (which it most likely will) I want to have a place to talk to a live person and get my business taken care of! So obviously, I needed a national company. Let's make one thing clear. I am not a fan of anything national (aside from stores-- I would die if I could only shop at local stores. I need Nordstrom and Barnes & Noble). I like to keep my money in local banks and my phone service with local companies, etc. I am just a tad territorial. Although, as my friends and family can attest to, I consistently get screwed over by local companies. Seriously, my local bank sees me coming and say "oh great, what went wrong now". I am not joking. They are practically stealing my money without me noticing. So, I guess it is about time I move on.

I have never been a fan of AT&T. But, I really don't have any options if I want to keep my cell number. Um, duh! I am not getting rid of my 907! I have to say, the rates were waaaay better and I get the data package included for as much as I was paying at ACS without the data package (internet). Plus, I figured it would be beneficial for me to have the internet while on my month long road trip.

I always told myself that I did not need internet in the palm of my hand, that it was outrageous and that I would never get an iPhone. Well, I kind of succeeded in sticking to my guns. I bought the LG Vu and it is amazing! I freaking love this phone! It is a touch screen with the internet and everything else you could possibly want or need in a phone. I can watch tv on it. Yeah, I am definitely NOT going to be doing that. That is taking it a little too far. But, best of all I have no roaming charges (I always get brutal fees when I travel), free nights and weekends and roll over minutes (ACS cannot offer me any of this at a reasonable rate, or at all). I know that all of you with AT&T are saying: "Way to join the AT&T train way late." Oh, I am so on this train, you have no idea. I realize I have only been with them for a week, but it has been a great week!

Black Violin

This past Friday, I took my little brother Ben (who is actually like 6 inches taller than me-yes, he is real tall) to see Black Violin. I did not know too much about them, but I knew I was going to instantly be in love when I saw them live. Indeed I was. I have seen ALOT of amazing concerts in my day; Coldplay, John Mayer, Elton John, Jack Johnson, The Frames, Kings of Leon, and several others, but this was like nothing I had ever experienced. I played violin for 7 years and I am not saying I was phenomenal by any means, but I know how difficult and time consuming it is to learn to play any instrument well. Black Violin knows their stuff. They play as if their instruments are apart of their body. They were all over the stage, engaging the audience like nobody's business. It was as if the violin was their voice. I guess for them, it is. It was mesmerizing. As soon as they took the stage, no "hello, what's going on Alaska" (as would usually be the case), but an amazing sound that literally brought tears to my eyes and the biggest smile to my face. A violin, a viola, and a dj. That may sound a little dramatic, but if you have ever been fortunate to see these incredible artists live, you know exactly what I mean.

Black Violin was in Anchorage all of last week giving concerts for schools and master violin classes. They started playing at 9 and 14 and really have a great message and story to share with kids. They have toured with pretty much every major hip hop artist you can think of, but got their start from Alisha Keys. The group is made up of Kev Marcus (violin) and Wil B (viola, beat-box, voice, and several other instruments) playing while DJTK is dropping beats in the background. Seriously, this group is the story of my life and everything I love. I feel that this is the one music group that could ever encompass who I am. I don't need words, just give me a beat, throw in some strings and call it a day.

If you ever get the opportunity to see Black Violin, do not pass it up. When your 13 year old brother looks at you after the concert and says, "they make me want to play violin" you know they have really taken classical music to the next level, and are changing the way people feel about it. They are inspiring and absolutely phenomenal.

Mt. Redoubt, You Are the Devil

Well lady, here you are in all of your devil glory. Look at your huge head, with some sort of crown or something on, your hands on your hips, big kazongas, and lightning at your feet. Um, why the hands on the hips? What the beep do you have to be pissed about? Is it really necessary that you mock us with your attitude? At least you did not make me wear a hideous face mask because of your nasty ash. Otherwise, I would have taken you down my friend. So, devil lady, I think you should stay down in the bottom of Mt. Redoubt and never come back. Lock it up! Am I making myself clear?

Best Costco Find, Ever!

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Um, we are missing one bride and one brother, whoopsie.

I went to Costco last week and found the best, most amazing dvd finds of all time. Well, you will only think so if you are in my family or like old movies. That place was the mecca for $8 old movies, and I was in heaven! I found Houseboat, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Singin' In the Rain, and Rebel Without a Cause. I pretty much went ballistic when I saw 7B for 7B. Seriously? On dvd? Best day of my life. That movie is by far one of my top five favorite musicals. It is pretty much 7 Brothers all running around wearing plaid shirts, chopping wood, dancing at a barn raising, and singing to the ladies they kidnapped, no big deal. Singin' In the Rain and Houseboat? Pump your brakes!! For real, Costco is just messing with me at this point. Cary Grant and Sophia Loren in Houseboat = spectacular. That is definitely one of my all time favorite movies. Sophia Loren is so classic. And Cary Grant, ooooh man, I love that guy! We watched this movie alot growing up. I can not say enough good things about Singin' In the Rain I did not watch it until I was in high school, which was very strange. We watched a TON of old movies, and musical growing up. I have no idea how that was never slid in there. I found my other favorite musical, Meet Me in St. Louis, at Costco several months ago. Sooo freakin fantastic! Apparently, Costco knows what's up in the movie department!

Get Ready to Beam Me Aboard...

Old School - Helll yeah!

So, I guess I am a trekky, I said it. BUT I am not a nerdy trekky who dresses up or anything like that (even though that could be real entertaining). I just love me a good space show with holograms, attractive crew members, and "beam me up" thingies.

My family loved this show growing up. That was the one show we would all sit down and watch together on Saturday nights. I'm not gonna lie, I had a major crush on Captain Jean Luke Picard and Number 1. Don't even get me started on Jordy Laforge. I used to pretend I was him by putting a banana hair clip over my eyes. Didn't everyone do that?!

The Newbies.

I saw a kick ass preview for the new Star Trek movie at the theater this weekend and I could barely contain myself. This movie looks total crazytown and awesomely spectacular!! I cannot wait to see it!! I am a little nervous that it won't be as good as I am expecting, but with J.J. Abrams directing it, I feel like it has to be glorious! This movie is set to release May 8. I am super stoked that Wolverine and Star Trek come out within a week of each other, right after I get back from Italy and right before I move. Can you say best 3 weeks of my life?

Am I Ready for This?

I am leaving my family and friends behind in the great state of Alaska two months from today!! I am starting to get emotional about it and I think I am in a little bit of denial as well. When I was driving home from my parents house in the valley last night, I started getting teary eyed because the sunset was so amazingly beautiful on Pioneer Peak and the surrounding mountains and I know I will not be seeing that in Minnesota, no sir. It is just one of those things that I take for granted living in Alaska and will not realize how much I miss it until I am gone. I recently realized that subconsciously, I am starting to pull away from people. Knowing that I will be leaving soon and maybe should practice being away from everyone involved in my life. This is completely unintentional. Of course I want to spend all of my time with my family and friends, but I think I am just a basket of emotions and do not want to face reality just yet. Basically I want to cry every time my family is all together, knowing that I will be missing out on all of this in the future. My mom sent my sisters and I an email today that basically said how great we all are and how fortunate we are to have such a close, amazing family, and that they will all miss me. Obviously, I cried. I think all of these emotions I am feeling are completely normal for someone who has never moved away from their family and friends. I just cannot believe this is finally happening.

I am excited about moving, don't get me wrong. I am so excited to be close to my great friend Lacey, and my cousin Peter in Minnesota. Mainly, I am excited about the whole new adventure it will bring. 2 months from today, I will be starting a new life journey. It will be rough, but it will probably be one of the best experiences of my life. I know I can handle it. Whatever happens, I know my friends and family love me and that is all that really matters.

Friday Night Lights

Last year I discovered one of the best shows on television, Friday Night Lights. I am not exaggerating when I say that. This show has got some serious heart. They are the little show that could. It did not get picked up by NBC right away this season, so it was exclusively on Direct TV, um... who has that? I was pissed! Thankfully, NBC decided to air the third season starting in January. I cannot stop watching. This show is filmed remarkably well. The cast is phenomenal, the music is great and it all circles around crazy intense Texas football, what more could you ask for? Every time I hear someone talk about this show, they are saying how amazing it is! But, so many people have never seen it or have no idea what it even is. Well, I am telling you now, watch it!

I seriously adore this show. Yes, there are extremely attractive cast members who date each other and that is entertaining. But, it is more than that. The football team bond, the small town bond, the great story lines for every character. Texas football is a whole other world, and I like it! I really hope that this show gets a fourth season. I had a FNL mini-marathon for the first season this weekend, and we are in the middle of the third season right now. I cannot stop watching it. You NEED to see this show, it is great! My favorite person on the planet, Chelsea Handler, is obsessed with FNL, probably more than I am. She has had almost every cast member on her show and it is awesome. FYI, Matt Saracen, I am in love with you. What can I say, quarterbacks have my heart.

My Name is Hannah, and I am a Shopaholic.

"I cannot live without this". I constantly have that look.

I just saw Confessions of a Shopaholic last night and realized it was the story of my life. Not the part about debt collectors stalking me, working at a magazine, or falling in love, but the rest of it. The parts about shopping because it makes your life better and the world better, you cannot live without any of it, and you refuse to give any of it away. Yeah, those parts. I am out of control. Even when I try to save money, it never works, I just end up going shopping. I never really feel guilty for shopping. That is the problem.

When I am bored, I shop. When I feel bad about myself or a situation, I shop. And, I am pretty sure I am evil enough to force my addiction onto other people by making them buy things they would never have bought before. Just ask David and Jason. Hey, it's just money, right? It is a vicious cycle, but I like it! I almost get annoyed when people don't like shopping. Um, seriously? Who do you think you are? Shopping is the greatest therapy out there. I do always ask myself: Is it really necessary that you buy so much stuff, and don't use ANY of it for like a month, while it sits in shopping bags on your bedroom floor? No, it is not necessary, or logical, but just having the shopping bags full of stuff makes me feel better. Oh man, as I am writing this, I am freaking myself out! This is baaaaad news!

The phrase "do I really need this" usually does not exist in my vocabulary, unless it is a very big purchase. In that instance, I will think about it a little bit, then usually end up buying it. I am not good at saying no. Another thing I am not good at? Turning down a sale. I am a huge sucker for sales and actually have gotten pretty good at sale shopping. Sales are the ultimate in shopping world. You score the most outrageous deals and still have more money to spend on non sale items. I know, that sounds wack, but that is how we function.

Greatest name for a girl who loves shopping/fashion and works in journalism? Rebecca Bloomwood. Hands down. That is Isla Fisher, the main character in the movie. She is fantastic, adorable, I want to be her! Her fashion sense is outrageously awesome, her closet takes up her entire bedroom, and she is passionate about shopping. It is the one thing that makes her feel right. The way she talks about shopping like it is an experience and you have to enjoy every purchase, not rush through the stores. Um, duh! Who doesn't like to look at handbags for an hour and still not decide on one, but maybe 3?

I will say this. I am going to sell alot of my handbags, clothes and everything else I own (much of it with the tags still on) before I move in May. I have already started the process of sorting through everything and it is liberating for sure. Unfortunately, it makes me want to go buy more stuff. I really need to get a handle on this, we shall see... Now all I need is to work for a magazine and fall in love and my life would be complete. I'll take the job, not the love, who needs that?

Mambo Italiono!

I am going to Italy!! I am so excited!! Why am I going? Because I want to and I can. It is kind of awesome timing if you think about it. I am moving to MN on May 16, so this is in between transitions, therefore, perfect. My friend Kim (fellow Crewnit member who is now living in Portland) and I are flying over April 24 to meet up with David at the end of his European adventure. We are flying into Milan, traveling around for 10 days, and flying out of Rome. I am beyond excited!!! As long as I get to go to a coastal town (ideally, Cinque Terre), the amazing market in Florence (as per my sister, Kim), a vineyard, see all the statues and architecture I desire (David, Trevi Fountain, you know, the usual), and drink a boat load of wine, I am all good! And, I just bought a new camera and plan on taking about a million pictures, that I am sure will not do Italy justice.

Have you seen Only You? Marisa Tomie, Robert Downey, Jr. & Bonnie Hunt + Italy = Yahtzee! I am in LOVE with this movie and have watched it about a million times. I have always wanted to go to Positano because of this movie. It seems like the most spectacularly beautiful coastal town. But, pretty much everywhere in Italy seems beautiful, so wherever we go, it will be a win win.

Just in case you were wondering; Yes, I am fully prepared that upon my return to the US, I will most likely want to immediately fly back to Italy and live there. I am totally okay with that. I am just still in shock that we are actually going. It is going to be so amazingly gorgeous, I don't even think I can prepare myself for it all. Kim and Josh have been a good Italy source and I am going to continue to rack their brains for the best things to see and do and not do while we are over there. They went to Italy for 3 weeks, 2 years ago and have amazing pictures and stories. I can only hope that this trip to Italy will spark an international travel urge in me, that will change my life forever. Don't be surprised if I go to Europe like about times a year after this trip. I know I am jumping the gun a little, as I have not been to Italy yet, but I know myself. I will completely fall in love with it. Although, I might be sick of wine by the time I get back. Who am I kidding, that will never happen!

My Little Gold Friend.

I usually am not too amped to watch the over 3 hours of speeches, but last night was probably the most entertaining and well put together Oscars I have ever seen! Yay Slumdog Millionaire!! I seriously love that movie, sooo much! It was by far one of my favorite films of 2008, if not my No. 1. If you have not seen it, you HAVE to! They dominated the little gold statues last night. Best Motion Picture and Danny Boyle for Director, among several other wins. I was also very excited that Penelope Cruz won Best Supporting Actress for Vicky Cristina Barcelona. She was phenomenal in that film, and deserves all the credit she has received. My two biggest excitements of the evening? Hugh Jackman being the best Oscar host on the planet and my girl-crush, Kate Winslet, winning Best Actress. Are you kidding me? I was so excited for her. The Reader was a great film, unexpected, but great. She is so versatile, I just adore her so much. And Hugh, I am sure I do not need to tell you yet again how in love with him I am. His singing and dancing numbers last night were amazing. He had me at "Good evening and welcome to the Academy Awards" in his Australian accent.

Alaska and I are Parting Ways...For Now.

As many of you may already know, I am moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota in May. Yes, as in 3 months from now. I did not take this decision lightly and it was a very had decision to make. My amazing friend, Lacey and her hubbie and my cuz Peter live there, so that will be awesome! I also have some family and family friends about 2 hours away. I know this will be difficult, but I think I at least need to try and get out there and do what I want with my life, with my future. I want to experience living somewhere other than Alaska and want to know that I can make it. I am really stoked about the opportunities and adventure this will bring. My family and friends are completely supportive and that makes it so much easier to leave them all. This just means we are going to have to have vacations together and visit each other, alot!

I am driving out of here on May 16, taking my time, driving through Seattle, Spokane and Santa Cruz to visit friends on the way. I will be stopping in AZ (I realize this is a HUGE detour from MN, but whatever) for my cousin Noah's wedding on May 30 which should be spectacular and a mini family reunion. Then head up to my new home the first week of June. I love road trips, so I am really looking forward to that!

I just told my boss last week that I was moving. That was the hardest part. But, I did it and he was so supportive, I could hardly believe it. Seriously, it is still blowing my mind as to how well he took it. I have been with him for almost 8 years and he has taught my so much, so this is an emotional parting. I grew up at this law firm, it has been my life. I have been blessed. Sure, it has accounted for high-stress and nervous breakdowns, but it has provided me with a lifetime of knowledge and I will be eternally grateful.

I plan on taking the two weeks before I leave to say goodbye to friends/family, take my last few camping trips and do some Alaskan things that I have been wanting to do, but haven't. Of course I am nervous and sad to leave, but, I'm soooo excited!! I am ready for Minnesota, but can it handle me? Let's hope so!

Oh, So That is Why he is Not Calling...

This past weekend Amy and I went to see the much anticipated, He's Just Not That Into You. I loved it, of course. I am sure you are catching on that there is not much that I don't love. I loved it so much I went to see it with my sisters again this week. I'm ridic, I know. I bought this book several years ago when it first came out and found it to be one of the funniest, most accurate, real books I had ever read. It is more of a compilation of emails/letters/questions and responses, a self-help book if you will, than an actual novel. Either way, it is glorious. I think every woman should read this book. It is unbelievably accurate and I found myself saying "Ah, Damn, that really means he is not into me?" quite often.

Girls can be the same way towards guys. Not call, lead you on, yada yada. So, I definitely do not think it is fair to put all of this on guys. Girls are emotional. Waaaay too emotional sometimes. We read into everything, we analyze most everything a guy says, and make up stories in our minds of how an entire relationship will turn out, never wanting to actually believe that he is just not that into us. Who wants to believe that crap anyway? It is true. Ladies, guys do not think like us, mmk!?! I have had my share of gut wrenching, never want to see a guy again experiences, who hasn't? But believe me, I know how easy it is to fall into the "Damn girl! He is sooo into me, you don't even know!" trap. Um, like everyday.

Go see this movie!! It is a chick flick and a half, but the cast is great and the movie is very enjoyable!

You Can Breakdance?

Yesterday at lunch, I came home to Hillary playing "My Love" by JT and Lucy breakdancing on the kitchen floor. This is not a joke. That kid is ridiculous! Seriously, she was breakin it down like nobody's business, like she knew what she was doing. We have no idea were she learned to do it, but who cares, it is awesome! Then after work, I came home to them still blasting JT and dancing. But this time, there was breakdancing mixed in with incredible Robot moves from Eleni (5) and Lucy (7) (Nina and Jonas were joining in as well). Now that seriously came out of nowhere. How do they know how to do the Robot? I could not stop laughing and was pretty blown away at their talent. Lucy is a natural at this sort of thing, she is taking ballet and is real good at dancing. She has the sassy style and attitude (sorry Hillary, I know it is my fault!), she is basically my Mini Me. If I am uncertain about an outfit, I usually ask her. Yes, she is almost 7 and I ask her for fashion advise. Hillary has got her hands full with this one. These kids are ridiculously awesome to observe, that is for damn sure!

Best Dance Off, Ever!!

CB and Usher, super excited about their upcoming dance-off with JT

Everyone knows I love JT (Justin Timerblake). That kid can dance! But, I also love Usher and Chris Brown(CB), mainly for their dancing skills. While watching the Grammy's last night with Kim and Josh and raving about how incredible JT is, I discovered something. Possibly the single greatest event that could ever occur? Dance off between JT, CB, and Usher. I would lose my mind. If you have ever seen these boys dance, you know exactly what I am talking about. I have never seen such amazing dancing as JT when I saw him last year. But then I watch CB and Usher and I am continually blown away. This match up would be so glorious, I cannot even handle it! So, I am going to have my people talk to their people and set this all up, no biggie.

Hi. Have We Met?

I have amazing green eyes, don't worry about it.

Apparently, I had forgotten all about my obsession with the actor Clive Owen. That is, until he recently re-surfaced promoting The International. I am not really drawn to this movie, but I am most definitely liking the press for it. Damn, he is classy! Welcome back my friend, welcome back! How could I possibly have forgotten about him? He is real good looking and pretty damn good at that little thing we like to call acting, so...naturally, he is the perfect man for me!

He is going to be in Duplicity with Julia Roberts this year, so I have even more press pics to look forward to. Booya! I loved him in Children of Men, which is a phenomenal film. If you have not seen it, do it! He was very good and surpassed any expectation I had of him as an actor. He was also really good in Closer, which is a pretty scandalous and crazy film. But, I was totally intrigued and really liked it. I completely fell for him in King Arthur. A hottie wearing armor, dominating the country side in his studly warrior ways? Perf! Kiera Knightly step aside, I got this one!

I am pretty sure if I ever get married, he must have the hottest British or Australian accent (hello, Hugh Jackman), or he is out. Just saying.

You Had Me at Watergate

I watched Frost/Nixon this weekend and was blown away. It is by far one of my favorite movies of 2008 (right up there with Slumdog Millionaire, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Man On Wire). There is one moment about 5 minutes into the movie where I could not look away from the screen and knew that I was going to be in love with the film. Indeed, I was in love. I knew the basics about Watergate, but not much more than that. I knew the scandal, I knew the controversy, but nothing really prepared me for these interviews. I was very intrigued and interested just to learn more about them and the scandal.

I was so captivated. The whole movie truth and admittance is sought from Nixon, and damn, did Frost get it or what! It was mesmerizing watching these two phenomenal actors perform. Frank Langella (Richard Nixon) and Michael Sheen (David Frost) were incredible. I instantly fell in love with Michael Sheen. I was rooting for him the whole time. A British TV show host interviewing the former President of the United States? That is crazytalk! No, it is genius. Frost knew what he needed, what the American people wanted to hear from Nixon and fought to get it. Even when I thought he was not prepared enough to interview Nixon, I still found myself fighting for him. I really got into these characters and almost cried at one point. Frank Langella was awesome. You hated him, thought he was a scum bag, but you also had this heartfelt sympathy for him. Spectacularly done. The supporting cast was so well chosen, it is not even funny. With Sam Rockwell (one of my all time faves), Kevin Bacon (who has aged quite well), Oliver Platt (Classically awesome), and Matthew Macfadyen (Yes, he is Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice, so of course I loved him) how could you go wrong? This film is downright gloriously done. Well done Ron Howard, well done.

I think that everyone should see this film. Scandal, betrayal, trust and faith. This film portrayed all of those beautifully and really opened my eyes to a political time before me, a time that I have always feared and questioned. Government is not for the weak, that is for damn sure. Frost/Nixon is a phenomenal film, I cannot say it enough.

VOLCANO!!!

Mt. Redoubt, blow your damn top already! It will be good times all around, so get on with it. But be warned, you scratch my car with your ash, or force me to wear one of those hideous face masks, and I will take you down my friend!!