Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

So I ended up reading five books in January, not too shabby. I've been very happy with my book selections so far, and Half Broke Horses did not disappoint either.

I'm familiar with Jeanette Walls other book, "The Glass Castle." I had read it several years ago and then had the opportunity to hear her speak in September 2007 at Richardson Reads One Book. "The Glass Castle" is about her unusual and at times rather dysfunctional childhood. It's a wonderful book that I recommend. She was an incredible speaker, humorous and charming. I knew I'd want to read anything else she wrote.

So sister Sarah loaned me "Half Broke Horses." It's the story of Jeannette's maternal grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. Lily was an incredible woman, she taught school in one room schoolhouses, went to Chicago to find herself, and had a way with horses and ranching. She was no-nonsense and called it like she saw it.

The book chronicles her story from a young girl until both of her children are grown up and baby Jeannette is born. It's told in first person, but Walls does not call it a biography or a memoir; rather she calls it a novel because she filled in a few gaps based on what she thought her grandmother would do.

It's a fast read, interesting..... you are always wondering what Lily will be up to next. Is going to be a ranch worker? Or a teacher? Will she give up the life and try to be a city girl? You'll have to read to find out.

If you haven't read "The Glass Castle," I recommend reading this book first. As a matter of fact, I'm going to reread "The Glass Castle" next.... this book gives you a bit of insight about Jeannette's parents and I wonder if that would change my perception of them in "The Glass Castle."

Mo's Review:
"Half Broke Horses" by Jeannette Walls, (2009, 270 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

The Kevin Bacon Project

As you may know, my blog has had a few brushes with celebrity. I blogged about Katherine Center's novel and she left me a comment. I've blogged about the "Sex and the City" tour in NYC and got a code to get 20% off when we go in June. That's pretty awesome!!

I've also had some failures. My repeated attempts to channel Oprah have gone unanswered and though I rave about "Rock of Ages" - Constantine, James Carpinello, Mitch Jarvis, or Adam Dannheisser have ignored me.... but I'm coming to see you on June 18th despite that - third row, nonetheless!!

So a friend of mine told me she was watching an interview with Kyra Sedgwick, Kevin Bacon's wife. He has his name on Google alerts, if his name comes up, he gets a message. So I thought I'd write a blog about Kevin Bacon and see if I can get any kind of response from him.

My Kevin Bacon memories go back to 1982, when I saw Footloose and fell in love. I got the soundtrack on a cassette tape and I played this cassette tape ad nauseum around my house. Every Herbie I saw on the road, I thought it might be Wren looking for me so we could dance.

I also enjoyed Kevin Bacon in Flatliners. He was kind of ass in that roll and we all know I like a good ass. (Or was Keifer the ass in the movie? I can't remember... I have it on VHS, but no VHS player.) Unfortunately, Kevin's talent was subdued by the Keifer Sutherland "NOOOOOOOO" yell that he does in movies. It's very powerful, if you haven't heard it.

Sleepers was another Kevin Bacon movie that made me sad. He was such a bad guy, he deserved to get shot by Ron Eldard. You reap what you sow, Sean Nokes.

One of my favorite Kevin Bacon movies is Mystic River. God, I love that movie. He was so good in that movie as the childhood friend who has to help investigate his childhood friend's daughter's murder.

Okay, so Kevin.... has the Google alert brought you to me? If so, leave me a comment. Let's see if I can have another brush with celebrity.......

Happy Birthday to My Blog!!

I cannot believe that two years ago, I began this blog. I know I was in a blogging slump in late 2009, but I am back!! I plan to chronicle these last six months before turning 40 so you can laugh, cry and roll your eyes right along with me.

Thanks to those of you who read regularly and those of you that pop on when you can. Who knows, maybe this year my dream of turning my blogs into a book could happen......

Happy Birthday, Confessions of an Almost 40 Year Old!!

(Ed.'s note: Damn, that cake looks good. Wish I wasn't on Weight Watchers so I could have some. I've lost 1.8 lbs this first week, so I've got to keep on going!!)

True Colors by Kristin Hannah

I seem to be reading a lot more when I don't put the pressure on myself to read 50 books. It's January 24 and I'm about to start my fifth book for the year - woo hoo!!

I discovered Kristin Hannah last Spring Break, when I read her "Firefly Lane" in two days. The last 100 pages I was curled in bed reading, crying my ugly cry. It was such a good book. I've passed it to everyone when I think they need a good book to read.

So "True Colors" had a lot to live up to. And I'm glad to report that it did. While I didn't cry reading this book, I did let Tivo record several of my shows so I could continue reading the story of the Grey family. And when I pick a book over Project Runway and the Real Housewives of Orange County, you know I've got a winner!!

"True Colors" is the story about the three sisters of the Grey family, Winona, Aurora and Vivi Ann. It's a story of deceit, anger, jealousy, resentment, prejudice, and cruelty. It is also a story of love, never giving up, sisterly bonds, and hope. The story begins when the girls are teenagers and ends when they are middle-aged women.

I highly recommend this book, it was a book that was hard to put down at times. You wanted to know what was going to happen next. It was just released in paperback, so the price is right, go out and get it and start reading!

Mo's Review:
"True Colors" by Kristin Hannah, (2009, 491 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

A Typical Thursday Night in Frisco??

Last night, I met up with a couple of friends at the "Down Under" in Frisco to hear a favorite band play. I was tired, but was excited to get out of the house and away for a few hours. We got there around 8, ate a little dinner, and then were ready for the band to start at 9.

We had a great table, right up front by the stage. At the long table next to us, it was some Frisco Singles' Meet Up Group. They asked us if we were part of them (at first we thought they were from Met Life), but we quickly assured them that we were not part of their group. They were so friendly that we couldn't help but enjoy watching the party. So let me introduce you to some of my new friends:

1. Ms. Mom Jeans - This savvy Mom was shaking her Mom jean-moneymaker like she's never shook it before
2. Mr. Motion Sickness - he danced this swaying side to side move with an occasional snap, I swear he made me feel like I was on a boat during the middle of the Perfect Storm
3. Ms. Business Suit - it's 9 PM on a Thursday and she's rocking her business suit like she just got off work. She must have danced for 20 minutes, then she sat down. When she came back out, the jacket was gone - Flashdance - oh, what a feeling!!
4. Mr. Big Baggy Shirt a la 1994 - He was the guy that originally asked us if we were part of their group. He shirt came down to his knees. He did disappear briefly and come back with it tucked in. I marvelled at how it didn't bunge up his jeans with all of that material stuffed in there.
5. Ms. Stay Classy, Frisco - She had on a shiny black shirt. Not sure why I remember that, but I do remember she had a purse that looked like a container of Chinese take out. It seemed weird, but when I searched the Internet, Chinese Takeout Container Purses are EVERYWHERE - am I missing the newest trend?? What made her classy was she was stuffing her Chinese Takeout Container Purse with the little plastic shotglasses we got when the girl came around and delivered sample shots to the table. So, Ms. Stay Classy has got a great set of plastic shotglasses that say "Hypnotix" on them. That's classy.
6. Mr. George Takei - Fresh from Star Trek, George Takei was here on the dance floor, working it with anywhere from 1-3 ladies. He really had a lot of spirit and was very light on his feet. My favorite was his Cupid Shuffle dance, he added a lot of hand gestures and snaps to get it just so.
7. Mr. Tony Manero - another celebrity sighting as I swear I saw Saturday Night Fever's Tony Manero, complete with chest hair, chains, and dirty shadow dancing with his two dates.
8. Ms. Too Tight - her jeans were too tight, her shirt was too tight... when she was dancing, "it looked like two pigs fightin' under a blanket" <-- can anyone name the movie that line comes from?

I have to say that if this constitutes some of the single pool that's available in Frisco, then I'm not gonna rush out and buy and his/hers ANYTHING any time too soon.

(Ed.'s note: Yes, I know I'm being tacky about these people, but I'm sure there were probably people there that were making fun of our table of people. Such is the circle of club life.)

Moving from 39 & Flab to 40 & Fab!

In case you hadn't heard, I'm turning 40 in June. (hehe) And I'm going to NYC to celebrate with some girlfriends.

I'm not healthy. I'm fat. I don't exercise. I haven't had a physical in probably 7 years.

So as I prepare for 40, I want to be healthier when I turn 40 than I was at 39. I have appointments scheduled with doctors for most of my Spring Break, so I can get checked from head to toe and make sure I'm in perfect working order - or find out what I need to do so I can be.

We started Weight Watchers today at our school. My awesome AP coordinated it, so they come to our school to weigh us and do the meetings. We have 20+ people in our group from our school and around the district. Our superintendent is also part of our group! It's great to have people locally who can help us be accountable.

I'm really ready to get fit. I don't care about how much I weigh, as long as I'm healthy and can do what I want to do physically. I'll know when I'm where I need to be.

And guess what I bought?? The Shake Weight!! It was $19.99 at Target and you get a $5 Target gift card for buying it. (Thanks Heidi for the heads up!!) Six minutes a day to better toned arms - woo hoo!! I'll also be walking and doing some exercise DVDs too.

I'll post on here my progress, but you may NOT judge!! And if you know any great WW tips or recipes, please share. I have a freezer full of Skinny Cows and a frig full of water bottles, so I'm ready!!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

You know I consider People magazine one of my reading staples..... but in my defense, often I learn of good books and movies that I might not otherwise be aware of.

As I was reading my end of the year People, it was listing the best books and movies for 2009. So armed with my Barnes & Noble XMas Gift Card (thanks, Dad!), I check the list to see what I've read and what I'm lacking.

I read that one of the best books of 2009 is "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. How is it that I've never even heard of that book? So I go to Barnes and Noble.com and order it and a few other books. (Plus War, Inc. which stars my future hubby, John Cusack. A girl can still dream, right?)

I got the book, but was reading other books so it sat on my nightstand for a few weeks. So on Saturday afternoon, I start this book. I pretty much read non-stop and just finished it about a half hour ago.

And I'm mad.

Mad that it's over. I wish there was another 450 pages, I could have gone on and on reading. I wish I would read it more slowly, savoring each page rather than wanting to get through it so fast. The characters were so well written, the visuals so descriptive, I felt like I was in 1960's Jackson, Mississippi. The story is told from three perspectives: white Miss Skeeter, black maid Minny and black maid Aibilene. It's interesting to see how their stories interconnect and how their lives change from beginning to end.

It's a fabulous read! Another great possibility for Richardson Reads...... I'm not sure what I'll read next, but I hope it's half as good as the books I've read so far this year.

Mo's Review:
"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, (2009, 451 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Oprah, why you do me like that??

Dear Oprah,

Why you do me like that? This week, I get my February Oprah magazine, pull out my ticket give a way card to see if I won a trip to your Live Your Best Life weekend in NYC. My hands shake as I type my code in the blank, hoping that maybe this will be the time you don't reject me. I hit enter and sigh as I see the rejection once again. You are sorry that I didn't win, really? Or are you just being polite?

Oprah, I'm one of your biggest fans. Let me state my case:

Oprah Magazine? subscriber
Oprah Book Club Books? read every one from cover to cover
Movies that you recommend? I've seen them all!
20th Anniversary DVDs? Watched them over and over.....
Oprah Show? Tivo it daily

Speaking of the Oprah show, I've been trying to get tickets to this show for the past three years. When you had the phone number, I called for hours (and made my aunt and secretary call too) and never once got in. I cried one day because I spent 6 hours dialing and all I got was either a busy tone or an "all circuits busy." This season you are doing the online lottery. Each time it opens, I faithfully enter and each time, I get a nice rejection e-mail.

I've even replied to a show topic, getting as far as having a producer call me and interview me. Then nothing. Silence. Rejection.

If you recommend music, I buy it. I try to do what Dr. Oz says, I wish that Nate could decorate my place. I used to try and buy some of your favorite things when you did that show.

Oprah, I don't know what else I can do to show my devotion to you. I'm an educator, does that help my cause? I'm turning 40 in June and just want to Live My Best Life - which would include seeing one of your shows.

Before your show ends in 2011, I pray that I get to make the pilgrimmage to Chicago to see your show. I know I'd make a great audience member. I'd be on time, I'd leave my camera and cell phone at the hotel, I'd wear bright colored clothes and I would smile, laugh, and clap at the right times. I would cry if needed.

Please, Oprah??? Puhlease???

Thanks,
:) MO

It is the Final Countdown!!

So you can see I added a timer to my page to countdown to the big 4-0. On June 17, 11 friends and I are heading to NYC to celebrate my birthday (also other birthdays, college graduation, and victory over breast cancer), so you can tell it's going to be a fun time.

So here's what I'm lining up for the big trip:

1. "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" - I've put in a request for tickets and would LOVE to go to the show. Status: Wait and see

2. "Live with Regis & Kelly" - I've mailed a request for tickets to this show and would also LOVE to go to this show. Status: Wait and see

3. "The Early Show" - Misty has us confirmed with tickets for the VIP section as well as a backstage tour of the studio. Status: It's a go!!

4. "Sex and the City" Tour - I did the Sopranos tour the last time I was in town for a long stay, so I'm excited to go on this tour. The movie comes out three weeks before we go, so it should be a lot of fun!! Status: Ready to buy my tickets, but waiting to see if we get Regis & Kelly first!

Of course, we'll do all the regular touristy things as well, but these are new things that I've yet to do in the city. I can't wait!!

I'm also going to go see "Rock of Ages" again. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE that musical!! It is so good!! See for yourself:



My favorite line from that clip? "Is there a Tony for bad-assery?"

There should be!!

Any other ideas of things to do and see for my trip? June 17th can't get here quick enough!!

Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

This was a fun and easy read - it's the sequel to "The Nanny Diaries." Nan is grown up, married, and coming back to NYC after travelling the world with her husband's job. She reconnects with Citrine, an old high school friend, who has married well and is moving into the the same building as the "X's," Nan's former employer.

Nan has started a consulting firm and takes a job with the prestigious Jarndyce school, and she ends up having Grayer return in her life. In comical (and sometimes sad) fashion, she finds herself in the middle of the X's affairs... What happens? You'll have to read to find out.

I knocked this out in a couple of days and as I said, it's a nice and easy read. It made me laugh, it irritated me, and it made me feel sorry for Grayer at times.

Mo's Review:
"Nanny Returns" by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, (2009, 305 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

How Did I Get So Alone?

(Ed.'s note: The purpose of this post is not to ilicit sympathy or to get a bunch of comments stating this isn't true. This is how I feel, so it's valid. And if you don't want to deal with my feelings, then don't read this post.)

I don't have a best friend. It just hit me today. It makes me sad. 'Cause I'm a really good friend.

I had some really great news to share and no one to share it with.

Now I have friends, lots of them. Friends that I go to HH with, to the movies with, even travel with some of them. But I don't tell all of my friends everything, so to share this news would require lots of back story and time. In the past, I had a friend or two who knew everything that is going on in my life and I could just call and fill them in quick.

How did I get to this place? I'm not sure I know. Most of my friends are married and have kids. I understand that there priority is their family. I wouldn't want it any other way. I've seen what happens with kids when they are not the priority. But many of my married friends always seem to find time for dinner or a movie or just some time to catch up. I hate when someone gets married and they end ties with all of their single friends, replacing them with their husband and other married couples - these being the same people who before they were married swore they would never become one of those people....

In the past, many of my friends came from the work place. Now that I'm the boss, it makes it difficult to have friendships with people that work for you. It's hard, so not everyone can do it. But even then, work becomes a big part of the conversation and you can't always discuss those topics when you are the boss. I'm trying to reach out and build relationships with other administrators at work, but again, so many of them are in different places in their lives, it doesn't lend to much more than a casual acquaintance.

Chicago and I talk about this a lot, he's 40+ and single, so he can relate. He's always telling me to be my own best friend. And I agree. And I am. And like I told him this morning when I shared my news, sometimes it just feels nice to have someone (besides you) tell you that you did good, that you are awesome, that you are valued. He tells me that I need to learn to enjoy being alone with myself. I told him I go to musicals, lunch, travel by myself, so that's not a problem. But I also told him that sometimes I just get sick of myself!! With the exception of a fabulous dinner/movie with friends last night, I've been alone with myself all weekend and I'm going crazy!!!

I guess you just have to take a moment and mourn. Feel the feelings and move on. Life changes, people come in and out of our lives for a reason.

So what am I going to do? For one, I'm going to take a shower, and treat myself to a nice lunch to celebrate. I'm gonna look in the mirror and tell myself that I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me (just not as a best friend!).



Maybe Sheldon is on to something...........

Leap Year (2010)

There really is not much else to do in this severely cold weather except to eat and watch TV and movies. Tonight, Heidi, Amy and I went to grab dinner at Pei Wei (yummo!!) and then went to see the new movie Leap Year, starring Amy Adams (aka Heidi's girl crush).

Amy Adams plays Anna, a woman who has been dating Jeremy for four years. (Jeremy is played by Adam Scott, who I normally like, but in this film he has a lollipop head and is so skinny, think Christian Bale in the Machinist). He's a cardiologist about to go to Ireland for a convention. At dinner before he leaves, Anna thinks he's going to propose, but the box ends up being diamond earrings.

She decides to follow him to Ireland and propose to him on February 29th, Leap Day, which is a tradition in Ireland. The movie is basically about her adventure in getting from Boston to Dublin, with a little help by the Irish Innkeeper Declan (Matthew Goode). You'll have to see the movie to learn anything else.

I will say that Matthew Goode is goode-looking, though I'm not a big fan of beard, more of a shadow would have been nicer. This isn't going to win any Academy Awards, but if you want a fun movie that makes you laugh and may make some of your more sentimental saps cry, then this is a good film. For the purpose of my evening, a night out with the girls, it was a perfect movie!

Mo's Review:
Leap Year (2010): 4 out of 5 stars

The Soloist (2008)

When I got up at 6:20 this morning to let Maude out, it was sooo cold!! When I got up at 8 to walk her, it was 12 degrees. Needless to say, I've been useless today. I had Tivoed "The Soloist" last weekend while I was out at a party and decided today was the perfect day to watch it. Now, it took me most of the day because I took a few breaks to nap and Facebook.

This movie was a great movie, although it did make me sad. Robert Downey Jr. gets better as he gets older. He was fabulous as Steve Lopez, the LA Times writer looking for a story. Jamie Foxx plays Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Jr., a homeless musician who 30 years ago went to Julliard before his schizophrenia changed his life. Foxx was good in this role (but I couldn't get over his hair, it was creepy weird).

Lopez tries to befriend Ayers and make the homeless of LA (some 90K people) have better lives. Lopez still writes for the LA Times and Ayers lives in an apartment, but still has many issues.

Great movie, well written, well acted, lots to think about.......

Mo's Review:
The Soloist (2008): 4 out of 5 stars

Love Field (1992)

I had a bad day at work today. I ran a few errands after work and when I got home, walked Maude, took out the trash, and did dinner... I was tired. So I crashed for a few hours, then I woke up, bored and with no plans.

I flipped channels and came across a movie called "Love Field," starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Dennis Haysbert. Maybe because I had no expectations, I actually ended up really enjoying the movie. Pfeiffer plays Lurene Hallett, a woman in 1963 Dallas who idolizes Jackie Kennedy. When the Kennedys come to Dallas for their ill-fated trip, she goes to Love Field to try and meet them. She ends up getting close, but not quite meeting Jackie. Later that day, when she finds out that President Kennedy has been shot, she decides to go to Washington for the funeral, against the wishes of her husband.

As she takes the bus to DC, she encounters a black man, Paul, and his daughter Jonell. She befriends them, much to the chagrin of both the white and black people on the bus. When there is a bus accident and they are stuck at the bus terminal waiting for a replacement bus, Lurene notices marks on the child and calls the FBI to report her kidnapped.

The rest of the movie is Lurene on the run with Paul and Jonell. Jonell's mother has died, and she was placed in a children's home where she was abused. Paul just wants to bring his daughter home. As they travel toward DC, the backdrop are the days leading up to President Kennedy's funeral. Once in DC, something happens that changes all of their lives.

Michelle Pfeiffer received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for this film. She was really good. Denzel Washington was originally slated to play Paul, but pulled out at the last minute. Haysbert was good, but all I could think about were the Allstate commercials that he does. An interesting fact, the movie, while taking place in Dallas for the first 20 minutes or so, was never shot in Dallas.

Mo's Review:
Love Field (1992): 3 out of 5 stars

17 Minutes a Day to a Better Me!!

As you all know, one of my suggestions is to get in better shape and health. I've been trying to figure out what I can do.... as I was watching a Tivoed Ellen, it came to me........

1. 8 Minute Abs - I'll do this daily - it's only eight minutes. And it's been around since 1994, so you know it's gotta be good.

2. 3 Minute Legs - what? you ask..... here, watch the video......


Isn't that awesome? I can sit and exercise.... I'll be able to balance a cupcake while I squat and lunge...... I love it!! As the commercial says, they are hard to do if you aren't in shape.... duh!!! But with their patented "guided asssistive technology" (aka a seat), I can do lunges just like Jane Fonda in her aerobic days.... I wonder if it's big enough for my ass!??!?!?......

3. Shake Weight - off course, I'll end with this activity....



After doing this for 6 minutes a day, I will see visible results in my arms and shoulders..... with their patented "dynamic enertia", my triceps, biceps, shoulders and chest will not be bulky, but lean and lanky....

So, watch out 2010!! I'm gonna start the year as a blob, but I'm going to end the year full of "dynamic inertia" and be one hot mama!!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I've just completed my first book for 2010 - "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Originally, Shaffer was writing the book, but when she took ill, her niece Barrows helped her finish. Shaffer ended up passing away in February 2008.

The story takes place in 1946, Juliet Ashton is a writer in London. She gets a letter from a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. (Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands located south of England in the English Channel.) From this, Juliet gets caught up in learning of the experiences of the people of Guernsey Island during the German invasion of World War II. Elizabeth, a young lady who fell in love with a German soldier, gave birth to his daughter, and was sent away to German prison camp, is the connective fiber between all of the Guernsey Island people. From the letters and her visit to Guernsey, Juliet finds her next writing topic, a book about Elizabeth and her experiences.

This book is really just a collection of letters to and from Juliet...... to her best friend Sophie.... to Sophie's brother and her editor, Sydney..... to the dashing Markham Reynolds, who is trying to woo Juliet..... to the many people of Guernsey.......

You'll have to read the book to find out what happens...... what is a potato peel pie? Does Markham win Juliet's heart? What happens after she visits Guernsey? Do we ever learn what happened to Elizabeth?

This is a fabulous and a pretty quick read, when it was over, I wished there was more to read. I think this would make a perfect book for Richardson Reads One Book in September..... in case any of you are listening.

Mo's Review:
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Burrows, (2008, 274 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Nine (2009)

Today, I went to see the musical "Nine." I wasn't sure about it, as I've heard mixed reviews from both critics and my friends. But as I love musicals, I wanted to see it and be my own judge.

The film revolves around Guido (Daniel Day-Lewis), an Italian director who can't come up with his next movie; despite the fact they are to begin shooting in ten days. As Guido desperately tries to figure out his movie, he interacts with the various women in his life: his wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard), his mistress Carla (Penelope Cruz), his muse Claudia (Nicole Kidman), his costume designer & producer Lilli (Dame Judi Dench), the American reporter Stephanie (Kate Hudson) and his Mamma (Sophia Loren). Throughout the movie, his relationships with these women evolve and change, some more than others.

Daniel Day-Lewis is a good actor - he makes you believe he is whatever character that he plays. I thought Marion Cotillard was fabulous, but I couldn't get over my disdain for Penelope Cruz (Vanilla Sky ruined her in my eyes). Kate Hudson was fabulous in a very small role as well. Fergie did a great job as Seraghina, the woman who introduces Guido (as a boy) to sex. Her song "Be Italian" is one of my favorites (as is Kate Hudson's "Cinema Italiano.") I've downloaded the soundtrack from iTunes - I enjoyed the music. The costumes and dance numbers were great as well.

I liked this movie - I need to see it again because I think I may have missed some things. If you like musicals, you'll like this movie.

Mo's Review:
Nine (2009): 4 out of 5 stars

New Year - New Blog!!

As you probably can tell, I'm really into the New Year this year!! 2010 rocks!!

With the new year, I thought I'd make some changes to my blog. I've changed the background and I love it. (Ed.'s note: If you've ever been in my office at school, you'll know why I love it!)

I've collapsed my books and movies from 2009 and just left my favorites up there for you to look at in case you need a book or movie to kill some time.

I've decided that I'm going to use my blog to review books and movies that I like in hopes that you may find the information helpful.

I'm canning the 50 books a year challenge, I haven't made it yet. I'd rather read fewer books of substance that a bunch of fluff to make my goal.

I love comments, thoughts, and ideas - don't be afraid to share!!

Suggestions for 2010

Happy New Year!! This is an exciting year for me - I leave my 30's and embark upon my 40's. I really can't wait. The 30's have been a time of personal and professional growth, I am not the same person I was 10 years ago. Back then, I was still living in Florida, teaching in my inner-city school, and trying to figure out who the hell I was and where I was going in life. The last 10 years have been a crazy ride!!

I don't do resolutions, because they seem to get broken before February 1st. I make suggestions, so here are my suggestions for 2010:

1. Lose weight.
2. Get a physical.
3. Travel.
4. Read.
5. Exercise.
6. Determine my next career path and get going.
7. Cultivate new/maintain old friendships.
8. Give back through volunteering.
9. No regrets.
10. Be Happy!!

Pretty simple and straightforward, eh? Meet me back here on December 31 and we'll see how I do!!

Happy New Year!