A New Project
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Clearly I haven't been keeping up with this blog. I've started a new project here. It's something a little different, but I'll be keeping up with it. Hope to see you over there :)
How to Tell My Parents I Plan to Write for a Living
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I was happy, this summer, to return to my happy Texas suburb. No more papers for three months. No more reading assignments. I have a job. I have a car. The neighborhood pool looks over the lake. Generally, there’s time to relax, but I’m also earning some extra cash. This summer was supposed to be fool-proof.
That is, until you factor in the parental units.
The thing is, I love my parents. They’re strict, yeah, but they’ve taught me how to survive in the world. I didn’t grow up to be one of the multitude of idiots I encounter in my day-to-day life, and I am grateful.
Yet, somehow they got it into their heads that I’m going to go to grad school and become an English professor. It’s not that that’s a bad idea. It’s actually a smart idea—which is why they love it. The problem with this whole shebang is that I have never once expressed interest in going to grad school, let alone becoming a professor. You’d think they’d notice that I’ve yet to sign up for the GRE. But no. They talk about it at least once a week. Bring it up casually, as if they are pushing it into my head.
If this is their plan, it’s failing miserably. Sorry. What I really want to do is write. Specifically, write for television.
I love tv. I mean, most people do, but I don’t just like to watch it—I love the way it works. Serialized stories have always appealed to me. Television characters seem to become so much more than other characters. You get to follow them through years and years. They get so much screen time that they become real. Also, to be honest, tv is sometimes the only storytelling people get. I don’t approve of this. I am an English major after all. I work in a bookstore. Books are necessary. Unfortunately, many people live without knowing the joy of reading. Without the knowledge that comes with it. Good tv—great writing—is one way to bring a little bit of the literary world into people’s lives. That may sound a little ridiculous, but the more smart tv we have out there, the better off we are as a society. Seriously, if anything half-decent replace things like “Jersey Shore,” we’ll all certainly be better off.
In any case, it’s easy to write that here, but less easy to tell my parents that after graduation I plan to pack up and move to LA. I like to hope that they’ll support me in whatever I decide to do, but who knows?
That is, until you factor in the parental units.
The thing is, I love my parents. They’re strict, yeah, but they’ve taught me how to survive in the world. I didn’t grow up to be one of the multitude of idiots I encounter in my day-to-day life, and I am grateful.
Yet, somehow they got it into their heads that I’m going to go to grad school and become an English professor. It’s not that that’s a bad idea. It’s actually a smart idea—which is why they love it. The problem with this whole shebang is that I have never once expressed interest in going to grad school, let alone becoming a professor. You’d think they’d notice that I’ve yet to sign up for the GRE. But no. They talk about it at least once a week. Bring it up casually, as if they are pushing it into my head.
If this is their plan, it’s failing miserably. Sorry. What I really want to do is write. Specifically, write for television.
I love tv. I mean, most people do, but I don’t just like to watch it—I love the way it works. Serialized stories have always appealed to me. Television characters seem to become so much more than other characters. You get to follow them through years and years. They get so much screen time that they become real. Also, to be honest, tv is sometimes the only storytelling people get. I don’t approve of this. I am an English major after all. I work in a bookstore. Books are necessary. Unfortunately, many people live without knowing the joy of reading. Without the knowledge that comes with it. Good tv—great writing—is one way to bring a little bit of the literary world into people’s lives. That may sound a little ridiculous, but the more smart tv we have out there, the better off we are as a society. Seriously, if anything half-decent replace things like “Jersey Shore,” we’ll all certainly be better off.
In any case, it’s easy to write that here, but less easy to tell my parents that after graduation I plan to pack up and move to LA. I like to hope that they’ll support me in whatever I decide to do, but who knows?
Operation Re-Watch LOST
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I officially finished my Junior year of college yesterday. That, my friends, is quite scary. Real World Countdown: 1 year. In the meantime, however, I plan on making the most of my summer free time (I say "free" meaning the time when I'm not at work. It's nice not having homework, yes?). I foresee much reading by the pool in the next few weeks until the temperature hits the triple digits when being outside is just silly, after which I plan on using my Netflix account to its fullest extent.
So, I've decided that it's finally time to do it. Re-Watch LOST. As the final season comes to a close, it just makes sense to go back and watch all of the old episodes again. LOST is one of those shows that is planned so impeccably (almost all of the time)that re-watching is worth every second. And no, I'm not one of those LOST junkies trying to ease the pain of withdrawal, I'm just a girl who loves watching stories unfold. And this story is masterful. It almost seems like a crime that it has to be split up into seasons with long months of hiatus during which I forget all those minor details which make LOST so interesting. Also, I like the idea of writing for television, and the only way to learn how is to watch the good stuff.
If you're not a LOST fan, I get it. It can be pretty ridiculous in its epic-ness, and its certainly not for everyone. But if you just haven't watched it, I suggest it. It takes a lot of dedication to pick something like this up mid-series because every episode holds so much crucial information, but its well worth the time (and you can make a summer project out of it!).
So I'm probably going to be posting some of my reactions to re-watching LOST here. Not too many (and don't you worry Katie, I won't bore you with too many details), but I think it's interesting to think about the crazy-awesome plot structure JJ Abrams, Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse created.
So, I've decided that it's finally time to do it. Re-Watch LOST. As the final season comes to a close, it just makes sense to go back and watch all of the old episodes again. LOST is one of those shows that is planned so impeccably (almost all of the time)that re-watching is worth every second. And no, I'm not one of those LOST junkies trying to ease the pain of withdrawal, I'm just a girl who loves watching stories unfold. And this story is masterful. It almost seems like a crime that it has to be split up into seasons with long months of hiatus during which I forget all those minor details which make LOST so interesting. Also, I like the idea of writing for television, and the only way to learn how is to watch the good stuff.
If you're not a LOST fan, I get it. It can be pretty ridiculous in its epic-ness, and its certainly not for everyone. But if you just haven't watched it, I suggest it. It takes a lot of dedication to pick something like this up mid-series because every episode holds so much crucial information, but its well worth the time (and you can make a summer project out of it!).
So I'm probably going to be posting some of my reactions to re-watching LOST here. Not too many (and don't you worry Katie, I won't bore you with too many details), but I think it's interesting to think about the crazy-awesome plot structure JJ Abrams, Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse created.
Film Reviews
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Well, I seem to generally fail at keeping up with this. So here’s the short version of my reviews for all of the movies I saw over Christmas break:
The Young Victoria - Jean-Marc Vallée
This film was just as close to perfect as you can get. Okay, I’m a sucker for a period piece, but this film was truly stunning. The cinematography is beautiful, the costumes are exquisite and terribly accurate, and the acting is perfection. One cannot imagine a better fir to the 18 year old monarch than Emily Blunt, who balances Victoria’s youth and strength as a ruler in her lifelike portrayal. Rupert Friend is Wickham no more as he proves his strength as an actor in his Prince Albert. Friend’s Albert is lovable and honest, and convinces the audience he is worthy of Victoria’s love.
But, as much as this love story is beautiful, it is not the focus of the film. This film is truly about the young Victoria, and is certainly worth a watch.
Up in the Air - Jason Reitman
Yes, this film got a lot of hype, but was it as good as it’s made out to be?
Yes, and more. Jason Reitman’s film is funny, poignant, and pertinent. Clooney is impressive as Ryan Bingham, but the true light of the film comes from the women. Both Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga shine in their respective roles. In short, see it. It’s worth it.
The Princess and the Frog - Ron Clements, John Musker
Okay, I embraced my inner 8 year old when I saw this and dressed as a princess—tiara and all. Needless to say the adults in the theater were either confused or amused, but the kids were so jealous. But that’s not what made this movie-going experience magical. The film did that all on its own. Taking me back to my childhood (oh Beauty and the Beast, how I love you), Disney completed The Princess and the Frog with hand-drawn animation. The film is also a true musical in the old tradition, with a soundtrack to die for, capturing the Cajun and jazz essence of Louisiana while keeping the music appealing to everyone.
The story is wonderful, the jokes hit, the animation is beautiful, and the singing is to die for. SEE IT!
Sherlock Holmes - Guy Ritchie
It’s fun, I’ll give it that. Steampunk makes me a little too happy sometimes. Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law have great chemistry, and embody the (interestingly rewritten) characters. Okay, I’m an English Major, and sometimes I take umbrage when my favorite characters are messed with. This is why I couldn’t completely embrace the film. But the end-credits were to die for!
Avatar - James Cameron
Meh… Avatar is a gorgeous film. The visuals are ridiculously good, and the special effects dazzle. But come on, it’s FernGully. And that movie scared me as a kid.
Maybe I’m being critical, but the whole story seemed unoriginal to me. The acting was okay from most parties, and Zoe Saldana was amazing. I do admire the physical work the actors had to put in to play the Na’vi, but the story fell so flat. Sorry guys. I didn’t see it in 3-D though, and maybe that makes the visuals worth the sub-par plot.
The Young Victoria - Jean-Marc Vallée
This film was just as close to perfect as you can get. Okay, I’m a sucker for a period piece, but this film was truly stunning. The cinematography is beautiful, the costumes are exquisite and terribly accurate, and the acting is perfection. One cannot imagine a better fir to the 18 year old monarch than Emily Blunt, who balances Victoria’s youth and strength as a ruler in her lifelike portrayal. Rupert Friend is Wickham no more as he proves his strength as an actor in his Prince Albert. Friend’s Albert is lovable and honest, and convinces the audience he is worthy of Victoria’s love. But, as much as this love story is beautiful, it is not the focus of the film. This film is truly about the young Victoria, and is certainly worth a watch.
Up in the Air - Jason Reitman
Yes, this film got a lot of hype, but was it as good as it’s made out to be?
Yes, and more. Jason Reitman’s film is funny, poignant, and pertinent. Clooney is impressive as Ryan Bingham, but the true light of the film comes from the women. Both Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga shine in their respective roles. In short, see it. It’s worth it.
The Princess and the Frog - Ron Clements, John Musker
Okay, I embraced my inner 8 year old when I saw this and dressed as a princess—tiara and all. Needless to say the adults in the theater were either confused or amused, but the kids were so jealous. But that’s not what made this movie-going experience magical. The film did that all on its own. Taking me back to my childhood (oh Beauty and the Beast, how I love you), Disney completed The Princess and the Frog with hand-drawn animation. The film is also a true musical in the old tradition, with a soundtrack to die for, capturing the Cajun and jazz essence of Louisiana while keeping the music appealing to everyone. The story is wonderful, the jokes hit, the animation is beautiful, and the singing is to die for. SEE IT!
Sherlock Holmes - Guy Ritchie
It’s fun, I’ll give it that. Steampunk makes me a little too happy sometimes. Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law have great chemistry, and embody the (interestingly rewritten) characters. Okay, I’m an English Major, and sometimes I take umbrage when my favorite characters are messed with. This is why I couldn’t completely embrace the film. But the end-credits were to die for!Avatar - James Cameron
Meh… Avatar is a gorgeous film. The visuals are ridiculously good, and the special effects dazzle. But come on, it’s FernGully. And that movie scared me as a kid. 
Maybe I’m being critical, but the whole story seemed unoriginal to me. The acting was okay from most parties, and Zoe Saldana was amazing. I do admire the physical work the actors had to put in to play the Na’vi, but the story fell so flat. Sorry guys. I didn’t see it in 3-D though, and maybe that makes the visuals worth the sub-par plot.
Nine (2009) – Rob Marshall
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This film was certainly a treat. Having seen neither Fellini’s 8 ½ nor the Broadway musical, Nine, I went to the theater with a fresh pair of eyes, and was not disappointed.
Nine has its flaws—it’s too long, it’s not enough either musical or straight movie, it lacks focus—but there’s something about this collection of performances that drew me in and, even after 2 hours and 20 minutes, had me begging for more. These individual performances are the heart of the film. Each woman in the star-studded cast has one, perhaps two, beautiful moments of song and dance before again fading again into the background of the plot. The one exception is Marion Cotillard’s Luisa Contini. Cotillard outshines the rest of the cast as Guido’s shunned wife, bringing a life to the character that none of the other actors manage.
As far as the musical numbers go, they certainly please. They may not quite feel right in the rest of the film, but individually they shine—quite literally in the case of Kate Hudson’s Cinema Italiano. The best number by far is Be Italian performed by Fergie (Stacy Ferguson) as Saraghina—the prostitute that taught young Guido about sex. Fergie demands attention with her stunning vocals and stage presence.
In short, if you don’t leave the theater in love with the film, at least you’ll leave craving more of Marshall’s killer song and dance routines.
Nine has its flaws—it’s too long, it’s not enough either musical or straight movie, it lacks focus—but there’s something about this collection of performances that drew me in and, even after 2 hours and 20 minutes, had me begging for more. These individual performances are the heart of the film. Each woman in the star-studded cast has one, perhaps two, beautiful moments of song and dance before again fading again into the background of the plot. The one exception is Marion Cotillard’s Luisa Contini. Cotillard outshines the rest of the cast as Guido’s shunned wife, bringing a life to the character that none of the other actors manage.
As far as the musical numbers go, they certainly please. They may not quite feel right in the rest of the film, but individually they shine—quite literally in the case of Kate Hudson’s Cinema Italiano. The best number by far is Be Italian performed by Fergie (Stacy Ferguson) as Saraghina—the prostitute that taught young Guido about sex. Fergie demands attention with her stunning vocals and stage presence.
In short, if you don’t leave the theater in love with the film, at least you’ll leave craving more of Marshall’s killer song and dance routines.
Summer's End
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My summer is quickly coming to a close, and looking back I realize that I really haven’t accomplished everything I wanted to, but I don’t feel too terrible about it. On my list of accomplishments is learning how to drive a standard car, which is sort of a miracle for me. Okay, so I’m still not great at it, but I can get from one place to another without annoying other drivers (as long as I don’t stop on a hill, that is). I’ve also managed to procure a job for the fall semester, which is terribly important considering my study abroad plans in the spring. Other than that, I can’t say that I did too much other than read, write a little, and watch a lot of tv and a bunch of movies. I certainly didn’t write as much as a)I wanted to or b) I should have considering I want to be a writer for a living and if I don’t practice I won’t get better or even really develop a style that isn’t rambly where I make up words because I like the way they sound…
Anyway, what I did this summer instead of developing skills to advance my career aspirations or working to earn money is watch a lot of YouTube videos. I know that this sounds kind of lame. I mean, what kind of self-respecting girl watches YouTube all summer? Well, this one did, and it was enlightening. This is because I didn’t spend my time watching viral videos of kittens in baskets or something of the like, but instead watching vlogs and original music. It really gave me hope for the future of the arts. I mean, here is this venue on which thousands of aspiring artists are recording music or creating short films, or collaboratively making up a person who can become “real” via the internet (just google Paige Railstone).
Honestly, YouTube is waving and shouting “Look here! The arts aren’t dead!!” They’re simply morphing with new technologies and media of expression. Sure for every John and Hank Green there are a million cat videos, but hey—that’s true of any medium. So, in short, keep an eye on the YouTube community, it’s going places fast!
Anyway, what I did this summer instead of developing skills to advance my career aspirations or working to earn money is watch a lot of YouTube videos. I know that this sounds kind of lame. I mean, what kind of self-respecting girl watches YouTube all summer? Well, this one did, and it was enlightening. This is because I didn’t spend my time watching viral videos of kittens in baskets or something of the like, but instead watching vlogs and original music. It really gave me hope for the future of the arts. I mean, here is this venue on which thousands of aspiring artists are recording music or creating short films, or collaboratively making up a person who can become “real” via the internet (just google Paige Railstone).
Honestly, YouTube is waving and shouting “Look here! The arts aren’t dead!!” They’re simply morphing with new technologies and media of expression. Sure for every John and Hank Green there are a million cat videos, but hey—that’s true of any medium. So, in short, keep an eye on the YouTube community, it’s going places fast!
The Times They Are a-Changin'
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So, I didn’t ever really write a birthday post, but turning 20 is sort of a weird experience. It’s not any real benchmark age here in the US. It marks the end of “the teenage years,” but brings with it no perks—nothing seems to change. But leaving teenager-hood (I feel like there’s a better word than that. Adolescence would probably be better, no?) is a little intimidating; I mean, I’ve been alive for two whole decades! I don’t think that this hit me really hard until I watched home videos from my eleventh birthday party and realized how close that seemed, even though it’s been half my lifetime since then. I got this flash of how swiftly time passes, and it shook me. In two years time I’ll be graduating college. Graduating! I should not be allowed to be a real adult yet. I am still wholly in the dark about what I might do with myself once I leave school. I toyed with the idea of graduate school there for a bit, just to avoid the real world, but I don’t think it’s for me. That may change, but for now a mere two years separate me and the “real world,” and somehow I don’t think that “author” is a reasonable straight out of school profession (that is to say, for someone who is unpublished and hasn’t finished any novels or even very many short stories as of yet). So looking out into the future is a scary thing right now, as I am much too comfortable in my current place in the world and don’t really want to ponder where I might go next (or should need to go next).
That’s really it for now. I leave you with a strange old but young feeling, but perhaps that’s because I refuse to ever “grow up.”
That’s really it for now. I leave you with a strange old but young feeling, but perhaps that’s because I refuse to ever “grow up.”
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