Amateur Movie Review - The Skeleton Key

The Skeleton Key was an interesting movie. It wasn't great but it wasn't bad either. Kate Hudson plays Caroline; a Hospice worker who after losing a patient decides to make a change by taking a job as a in-home Hospice worker. Ummm sure makes sense to me!

Anyway she goes to the home of her new patient Ben (John Hurt) and his wife Violet played by Gena Rowlands who I love from her Gloria day and the Notebook which I recently reviewed. Caroline receives a Skeleton Key that supposedly opens every door in the home. There is one door that appears cannot be opened with the key.

The movie touches on some form of "Hoodoo" not voodoo folks. Hoodoo only works on those who believe in it. The movie is well written and I believe would translate better in book form but all in all the movie does qualify for a B in my film rating.

Kate Hudson looks and sounds so much like her Mother Goldie Hawn that it was sometimes distracting. I was also distracted by the heart pendant Caroline wears with the little key hole. Ok, enough about the key, stop jamming it down my throat. I get it, yes the movie is about a key!

Thankfully unlike most thrillers there weren't too many shots of boobs or panties, just enough for my husband to have his 13 year old boy thrill. "I almost see her boob."

I enjoyed the writing, the acting and the twist but I did feel as if everything was spelled out for me I would have appreciated a little mystery. The audience is not stupid, we could do without the writing on the wall.

A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED!! An abstract post!

Life is strange!

What do you do when your friend is going through something that hurts you to the core as well? How do you support them enough when you feel the hurt, pain, betrayal as if it was happening to you? I have cried with her over the last few weeks as she faces uncertainty. I constantly hope I find the words to help her though her dark days and seek the humor on her lighter days.

She is a dear friend one of the best people I know; when she was in labor I ended up with severe labor pains even though I would not be pregnant for another 5 years!

I pray for her strength and for her children's well being! I love ya T! You are strong, smart, beautiful and funny. Hold onto your integrity, know you have the strength, take the time to smile, laugh, and dance with your babies!

My Very Own Pa Ingalls

Last night about 10:45 pm we lost power due to the tremendous wind that whipped through starting at about 4:00 pm. It was inevitable! We were expecting it. We were ready! Battery lanterns, glow sticks, all four of us in one bed for body heat. Why we didn't start the wood stove last night is beyond me. I think we were a little busy doing things grown-ups do when kids are asleep. This morning we woke up to the house being 50 degrees, tons of beer and food in the fridge (Bek and Ohio were coming over today).

I dressed both kids warmly and my hubby started the wood stove. I entertained the troops while my hub put the beer and food in boxes on the deck to keep cold, brewed a pot of coffee by boiling water on the wood stove and pouring it into the coffee filled filter, warmed some milk for the Precious Toddler, and fried up some bacon in a pan on the wood stove. He came up and put a DVD into the laptop for the boy then plowed some snow. After the power came back on he made us a big brunch.

He is now catching some much deserved ZZ's on the couch while watching a football game.

What can I say? He's a good man!!!

Update on My Personal Earth Angel

In September I wrote of a friend who needed a liver. I am happy to report that she is doing well and did indeed get the liver she needed to live! God rest the soul of her doner .

I have been getting drive by updates from her husband (whenever I drove by their home I would ask how she was doing). He was always optimistic and said he would tell her that I was thinking about her.

Last night I went by her home to drop off a basket I put together for her recovery. Nice warm flannel pj's, lavender linen spray for her pillow, lavender candle, lavender lotion, a journal, and a quick, witty, light, unemotional paperback. I was going to hand off the basket to her hubby and get back to my kids. I knocked on her door and guess who answered...She did! Holy S-H-I-T. I could not believe my eyes or my ears as she invited me in. I thought she would be lying in bed, sleeping, relaxing, or whatever and here she was hugging me.

We sat at her table as she described the last few months of her exhausting life. We discussed our last meeting and I told her that I could not believe that I was sitting here talking to her. I never thought I was going to see her again. She said that right after our tea time everything snow balled. She mentioned how close to death she had been, how much pain, how tired she was and how she had accepted that she was going to die. She was ready and asked the doctors to stop working on her. She didn't want to take a liver if it meant that someone else would better benefit from it (that's her, always caring about others). The doctors told her that, "earth would be a better place with her in it and that he was going to do what he could to make that happen."

I told her that if this doesn't tell her how much she should be here nothing would. Her job on earth is not done and I am excited to see what God has in store for her. I told her that no one gets three chances at life. She said that it was funny that I said that because on her birthday her family sang Happy Birthday to her three times. Once for her first life before a liver transplant and one for each rebirth.

I couldn't hug her enough. I was afraid I would hurt her because she is frail and her scar is still healing but when she hugged I hugged with gusto. She is stunning even with her scar and her loss of muscle from bed rest.

Debbie, you will always be my walking, talking earth Angel. You are truly special and blessed. Someone up there loves you deeply and we down here love you too. Your inner strength is amazing and your inner light shines so bright that I need shades. I am a better person for just knowing you. I wish for your new life to be filled with peace, love, happiness, and joy. God bless you and he blessed me by keeping you here! I love you.

Angel Image by www.creationsbydawn.net

Year in Review 2005

2005 - The Year in Review
Borrowed from Belinda

1. What did you do in 2005 that you hadn't done before?
I became a mom of two! I had baby #2 on April 14, 2005

2. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yeah me!

3. Did anyone close to you die? My Great Aunt but I had not seen her since my wedding 8 years ago. We exchanged Christmas Cards every year.

4. Did you travel? Where did you go? Best holiday memory?
Unfortunately no.

5. Best thing you bought?
I guess that would have to be my son's new blankey. I needed a back up for his original and we were finally able to find it. He is a total blankey boy!

6. Where did most of your money go?
On daily living. My husband started his own business so there has been limited funds.

7. What do you wish you had done more of?
Sleeping before baby #2. She came in April and sleep seems to be a priceless commodity in this house.

8. What do you wish you had done less of?
Talking on the phone and bitching about the baby.

9. What kept you sane?
Knowing that this too will pass. Also that my babies will only need me for a very short time and I will one day miss being able to sit and hold them all day.

10. What drove you mad?
My daughter and her constant need for being held. Also, how much she screams it can break glass. Also, my son's terrible two tantrums. Yikes!

11. What made you celebrate?
My daughter's birth, my dear friend being pregnant, the launch of my husband's business, and dear, dear friends.

12. What made you sad?
Lack of funds, going to the food pantry, a friend's fight for life, another friend's heartbreak and the state of the world.

13. How was your birthday this year?
It was relatively quiet. I am happy when it is just acknowledged and don't require much hoopla.

14. What political issue stirred you the most this year?
All of them! The handling of Hurricane Katrina stands out the most to me right now.

15. Were you in love in 2005?
Yes with hubby and my kids

16. What would you like to have in 2006 that you didn't have this year?
Mo Money, Mo, Money, Mo Money!!! No actually some sleep. I would like at least 8 hours a night. I am currently getting 5-6 hours of broken sleep.

17. What date from 2005 will be etched in your memory and why?
April 14, 2005 - the day my beautiful baby girl was born.

18. What song will remind you of 2005?
Since you've been gone - Kelly Clarkson (it was played on the radio every 10 songs).

19. Compared to this time last year are you happier?
I am thinner. This time last year I was pregnant so I guess yes...happier

20. Biggest achievement for 2005
Giving birth to #2.

21. Biggest disappointment 2005?
My father not coming in from Florida to see my daughter

22. What is the one thing that would have made you more satisfied?
More money? Sleep? Me Time? I think I could keep going here, I could not chose just one.

23. Best new person you met?
My baby girl. It has been a hard 9 months but I look forward to creating memories and spending time with her.

24. A valuable life lesson you learned?
That I am strong and can handle a lot more than I thought.

25. How was your health in 2005?
Fine

26. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make resolutions.

27. What countries did you visit?
Ummm...none.

28. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
Mo money

29. Did you suffer hardship in 2005?
No! As challenging as it was I would not consider it hardship compared to how bad things could always be.

30. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My husband who left his job to start a business, oh and for mine for supporting his decision and standing by praying that we would all be OK.

31. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A friend who took the cowards way out by not speaking the truth.

32. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Meeting my daughter and introducing my son to her.

33. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner - I was pregnant this time last year
iii. richer or poorer? Poorer

36. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost

37. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No

40. What did you want and get?
A baby girl

41. What did you want and not get?
I have all that I want

42. What was your favorite film that you watched this year?
The Notebook

43. What one experience do you never want to repeat from this year?
Another C-Section

44. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
Wear what you are comfortable with

45. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
GWB, I love reading about him. Also, consumed in the Jennifer and Brad stuff and Nick and Jessica drama

46. Who did you miss?
Gabrielle

40. Quote that sums up your year:
I'll sleep when I am dead!

41. Was 2005 a good year for you?
Yes

42. What was your favorite moment of the year?
The moment they pulled my daughter out and showed me her little face over the sheet. The doctor took my daughter's hand waved it and said "Hi Mom!" I was in love with her face in that moment.

43. What was your least favorite moment of the year?
My grandmother telling me that my great Aunt Mary had died. Also, my Dad not coming to take care of my son while I was in the hospital delivering. He let me down.

44. Where were you when 2005 began?
In Kearny, NJ

45. Who were you with?
My husband and my in-laws at my sister-in-laws home.

46. Do you have a new year's resolution for 2006?
Oh hell no, who has time for that?

47. What was your favorite month of 2005?
December

48. What was your favorite song in 2005?
Since you've been gone - Kelly Clarkson and You'll think of me - Keith Urban

49. What was your favorite record from 2005?
Kelly Clarkson

50. How many concerts did you see in 2005?
Zero

51. Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2005?
No! I am nursing

52. Did you do a lot of drugs in 2005?
Nope but I took more than I did with my first C-section

53. How many people did you sleep with in 2005?
Three if you count my hubby and two little ones. Family bed!

54. Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
No

55. What was the worst lie someone told you in 2005?
If someone fif tell me one..I am unaware of it.

56. Did you treat somebody badly in 2005?
Not to my knowledge

57. Did somebody treat you badly in 2005?
No

58. What was your most embarrassing moment of 2005?
I am not embarrassed easily

59. If you could go back in time to any moment of 2005 and change something, what would it be?
Not a thing. Everything happens for a reason.

60. What are you most looking forward to in 2006?
Spending time with my family. More quiet time with my husband, my son's personality progression and my daughter's milestones.

A Parenting Low

It happened yesterday and I am still dealing with the Mommy guilt. I have been listening to my friend tell me that her son has been painting lately (our boys are 3 days apart). I started feeling bad that my son hasn't been able to do this because I spend every waking moment holding his sister, Banshee Girl. So I was feeling optimistic yesterday morning (just like every morning) and decided it would be a good time to pull out the paints.

I put the Banshee Girl down, she starts screaming, pull out a wood door hanger from my supplies, pull the paints out of the back of a dresser drawer, find a sponge brush in the back a kitchen drawer. Pull a table cloth out of the kitchen cabinet, get out a step stool so that I can remove the white bottom dining room chair to save it from paint smear.

The girl is still screaming, the boy refuses to get onto the step stool screams and throws the wood door hanger. I say, "do you want to paint?" He says,"OK!" I tell him that he needs to sit on the stool. He climbs into it while I get out cups for the paint. I put two colors in two cups and hand him the brush.

I put the brush in paint and put it to the wood hanger. "See honey? Paint!" He takes the brush and puts it in the paint, puts it to the wood and paints. Yeah! Cool, I walk to pick up the screaming, now snotty girl and just as I do...Handsome puts the paint soaked brush to his face and says, "Hello?" "No! It's not a phone." I scream.

Why I got so crazy is beyond me, it was washable paint! Could have been the screaming for 20 minute Banshee Girl, could have been the 25 minutes that it took to set up the painting area, could have been the position of the moon, the point is this, this was normal Handsome exploration. He has never painted and he was pretending. As I screamed "No!" Handsome throws the paint soaked brush minus the clearing from his cheek across the room and where does it land? On the white chair and falls to the carpet!!!! He is screaming, the girl is screaming, my throat hurts from the initial "No" I turn and slap him with three fingers on his cheek! Gasp!!! Holy crap!

The girl hasn't stopped screaming, the boy is now screaming as he heads to my kitchen where he proceeds to slam his hands into my refrigerator. Paint all over! I am cleaning the chair, working my way to the rug and as I walk over to clean the refrigerator he is standing there, mouth open, blood curdling scream coming from his mouth and now the arms open wide as he puts them around my neck for a hug. I am in no mood for a hug and still really pissed at this point.

The girl is still in the first act of her Opera. My head is ready to explode and that is when my son says in the most heart wrenching little voice, "Mommy." Like the Grinch, my heart grows a whole 10 sizes bigger and I put my arms around him and we cry together. He just wanted to know I still loved him and I am cleaning!!! I carry him to the counter, arms around each other (Banshee still screaming), I tell him, I am sorry, you can't throw things when you are mad and Mommy shouldn't ever hit you.

I wash the paint off his hands, fingers, cheek, shirt and my hands. I carry him over to the floor where Banshee Girl is and hug the both of them. She quiets down finally and Handsome asks for Blue's Clues. He is over it but it will take me a week to be over this if ever. I could have handled this whole thing in a better way. I could have waited for my husband to be around so that I could have given Handsome my whole attention while the husband held Banshee Girl. I could have laughed when he put the brush to his face. Now his first experience of painting will be ugly. Thank God he is too young to remember this incident in the coming years. I will be putting painting off for a few months.

BTW..the whole time I typed this, Banshee Girl was what??? That's right screaming!!!

Love this stuff

Stolen from Mommymaki

1. First song you remember hearing on the radio as a child:
I am sure that there is something before this but at the moment my earliest memory is Rhiannon by Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac 1975. I loved Stevie and still do. I remember thinking she was so cool and I wanted to be just like her. I loved the way she dressed and sang the song with her looking at the window as I sat in the wood panel station wagon with my sisters in the tiny back seat.

2. First album you remember listening to as a child: This is a hard question for me...Mom played all kinds of music. When she cleaned she would stack the 45s on the turntable so there were loads of different songs by different artists. She did a lot of Connie Francis, Neil Diamond (Lord help me), a ton of musicals like The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady (I still have this one and the Connie album) but the one coming to me right now was by the 5th Dimension - Up, Up and Away.

Lyrics are as follows:
Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
We could float among the stars together, you and I
For we can fly we can flyUp, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
The world's a nicer place in my beautiful balloon
It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon
We can sing a song and sail along the silver sky
For we can fly we can flyUp, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Suspended under a twilight canopy
We'll search the clouds for a star to guide us
If by some chance you find yourself loving me
We'll find a cloud to hide us
We'll keep the moon beside us
Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon
Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon
If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky
For we can fly we can flyUp, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Balloon...Up, up, and away.....

It is amazing that I have not murdered yet!

3. Album that takes you back to junior high: Ahhh this was the time of the Bee Gees and Saturday Night Fever.
4. Album in high school: Bruce Springsteen-Dancing in the Dark (my favorite Bruce Album) and Madonna's-Like a Virgin (some cool facts)

5. Favorite album in college: Bon Jovi's first album, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, Def Leppard, U2, Oh God I loved all the metal hair bands. (Fun quiz on hair band lyrics)

6. Song that reminds you of what it was like to feel cool: Huh? I must not be too cool because I don't have any.

7. Favorite albums to road trip with: Bruce Springsteen's Darkness, Creedence Clearwater, Melissa Etheridge, Creed...oh who am I kidding? I love everything. No faves

8. Best relationship angst album or any other albums worthy of mention. I hate relationship songs. Worthy mentions: Operation Mindcrime and Metallica

9. Your personal soundtrack today includes. Ummm The best of Sesame Street and Hot Potato by the Wiggles.

10. So if this is your personal soundtrack, what's the plot of the movie in 50 words or less. Tired mom and can't think of anything beyond my exhausting day of kid songs, kid movies and the next chance I will get to sleep. Boring huh?