Easy A (2010)

I needed some laughter after a crazy busy week, so I decided to head over to the neighborhood Chestnut Square to see Easy A.

Okay, it's been 20+ years since I was in high school, but I enjoy high school movies even now. This is the story of Olive (Emma Stone, who I think is adorable), who because of a spread rumor, is thought to be the head hoochie mama at her high school.

The plot is good, and the characters are funny. Her parents (Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci) are hysterical. I also liked Thomas Haden Church (UNT alum, woot woot) as the English teacher.

My favorite part of the movie was probably the music. They had "Don't You Forget About Me" from the Simple Minds as well as a remake. They also had the song that was at the end of 16 Candles, when Samantha walks out of the church and Jake is waiting for her - it's a remake too, but if you listen, you will recognize it. They also did a brief homage to the John Hughes genre of 80's movies, which as you know, makes me a very happen person.

If you want a funny movie that you will enjoy, then "Easy A" is an easy choice.

Mo's Review:
Easy A (2010): 4 out of 5 stars

I'm on a Sushi Mission.......

I love sushi. I first started eating sushi when I lived in Tallahassee with Joe. We went to a place called "Kitcho." They had the best sushi. We always got the "Choice of 2" - two rolls, miso soup, and a little salad. It was $9.99 - what a value!! We ate there weekly, it was like our own personal Cheers.

Fast forward back home to Dallas. I have a few different sushi places I like: Mr. Sushi in Addison, Jinbeh in Frisco, Avocado Sushi in Frisco, Big Tree in Little Elm, and Sushi Envy in Plano. My friend Melisa and I went every week for sushi, it was a welcome ritual. I miss both Melisa and our weekly jaunts for sushi.

Now I'm here in Bastrop. I ask someone when I get to town, "Where does one go in Bastrop for sushi?" I was directed to the Chinese buffet in town. I scoffed and decided to find my own. On the day I found South Park Meadow, I found Haiku Sushi. It was incredible. Some of the best sushi I've ever eaten.

One of my fellow principals here is a sushi conoisseur (sp?). I take him and another principal to Haiku last weekend. I ordered my favorite roll and they ordered a few. We shared them all and it was amazing!! I loved the new rolls they selected and we all were very happy with our choices and our meal together.

So Terrell (my new sushi buddy and fellow principal) texts me on Sunday to tell me he's found a place in North Austin that we need to try, Ka-Prow. We make plans to go on Thursday and of course I can't wait. I enjoy Terrell, he's a lot of fun to hang out with.

Thursday arrives (I wasn't sure it would, crazy week!) and we head to North Austin. I'm learning a new route to drive and we chat the entire talk. We get there and order. Our sushi comes and we eat it. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't Haiku. We shared rolls again and I think we both made good choices, but it just wasn't the same. We both seemed a little sad actually.

We head back to Terrell's and we decide that Haiku is still the place to beat. We will continue searching for places to try on our adventure. When I'm leaving Terrell's, he tells me that he feels like he needs to eat a sandwich.... I get the feeling!!

So if anyone knows of great sushi in Austin, let us know..... Terrell and I are looking for our next place to try.But.... we may have to hit Haiku again before we go to a new place!

Maude's Living the High Life!!

So while I did my brief jaunt into Dallas, I had to board Maude. I was a little nervous bc I've always boarded her with Karen, who knows and understands Maude. But I had a few recommendations for "Best Friends Too," so I thought I'd give them a whirl.

I went out there a couple of weeks ago to check out the place. All I can say is WOW!?!!?! They have cabins for the dogs (either 8 x 8 or 5 x 8) and each dog has her own fenced in yard. The bigger cabins come with flat screen TVs. The cabins are air conditioned. The yard area is covered and has a mister.

The cabins form a semi circle around a bone shaped pool and a play area. This is like doggie paradise!! I was worried that Maude wouldn't want to come home when I got back.

She loved it! I took her on Monday afternoon and dropped her off. She ran from me and ran right into the play area. I started crying (this is my child after all) and she came back and jumped on me before she left. It was like she knew that I needed that affirmation from her. I called Tuesday morning to check on her. They said she was doing great and was a good girl (I knew this!!). When I came and picked her up, they had bathed her and clipped her toe nails.... and put on a cute bandana. She looked so pretty!!

This place isn't cheap - $32/night where I'm used to paying $20. But they take excellent care of Maude and she was so tired when she got home, she crashed for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Now I've got a boarding place, I need to find a vet. Step by step, we are getting settled here........

Richardson Reads One Book- "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein

Even though I now live in Bastrop, every September marks our annual "Richardson Reads One Book" event that Sarah and I love to go to. It's the literary event of the season!! haha

Now that I live far away, it takes a bit more effort..... taking 2 half days off of work, boarding Maude, the Parking Spot, and a plane ride.... but it is still worth the effort!! I worked a half day on Tuesday morning, then headed to ABIA. I love ABIA - it's new, clean, good restaurants, and easy to navigate. I landed in Dallas about 2:30 and was picked up by my brother-in-law Mike. We headed back to their house.

I had almost 2.5 hours to do NOTHING!! I think Mike was concerned that I was bored or lonely, but I loved it. I watched TV, read, chilled.... something I don't get to do very often at home now. Mike kept checking on me, but I was good.

Sarah got home and we headed to Richardson HS. The reception last year was at a bank, where we had booze. But tonight it was in the library at Richardson HS. So no booze. Boo hoo!! The culinary arts kids actually made all of the food and it was good, but I would have loved a glass of wine to wash it down with.... instead, water.......

Let me just say that Garth Stein is HOT. He's smart, witty, and good looking. Total package. Nice to watch. We were on the 3rd row of the auditorium, so we had great seats. He was a fun and engaging speaker. After, we got him to sign our books, then headed to Snuffers. We gorged on cheese fries so much so that we didn't want our dinner. It was so nice to have time with Mike & Sarah - I miss seeing Sarah on a weekly basis.

Next morning, I got up and Mom picked me up. We went and grabbed breakfast, then it was back to DFW to head home. I was in Dallas for a total of 20 hours, but it was a lot of fun. It was the first time I've been home in two months, so it was good to get a little shot of Dallas in the arm!

And the book? If you are a dog lover, then you will LOVE this book. I didn't want to read it after about 50 pages in bc I was worried about what might happen to the dog. I'm so glad I did. I cried at the end, just like I did with Marley and Me. Dog lovers, this is a MUST READ!!

Cost of Donation to RROB: $25.00
Airfare: $100.00
Parking: $13.50
Boarding Maude & bath: $90.00
Cheese Fries at Snuffers: $6.99

Spending time with my sister after missing her for two months: PRICELESS!!!!

Until next September........

Eat Pray Love (2010)

As I continue with the no-FB pledge, I've had a busy day. Slept in, then went to our new HS dedication to show my support for the principal and my friend, Russell. It's a beautiful campus and it took me back to almost 2 years ago when there was a dedication for the new campus that I opened. It's hard to believe it's only been 2 years.... wow!

I ran a few errands, drove by work and tied up a few loose ends, then decided to go see "Eat Pray Love." I loved the book and I've had the chance to hear Elizabeth Gilbert speak about two years ago in Richardson. What a phenomenal woman!

I loved the movie and I thought Julia Roberts really did a good job as Elizabeth. I laughed and I cried, I could relate to a lot of the movie. I was ready to go find Felipe if she hadn't gone back to him. Of course, when your love interests are played by Billy Crudup, James Franco, and Javier Bardem, life isn't too bad!

While I don't know that I'm finding myself, I'm finding myself trying to live more in the moment and enjoy now. Let the past stay where it is, quit worrying so much about the future and just enjoy the now. Since I've done that this week, in just ONE week, it's been amazing. I've had plans for three nights, I've read, talked to friends, played with my dog and just enjoyed.

It's been great..... and I look forward to my life to continue to evolve and develop over time. If you've read the book, the movie is a must see. If you haven't read the book, the movie is still enjoyable.

Mo's Review:
Eat Pray Love (2010): 5 out of 5 stars

Day Four of No Facebook and I'm Feeling Fine!!!

So, I spent too much time on Facebook. I was using it as a way to try and stay involved in what was going on back home. I would read and scroll, read and scroll, trying to figure out what was going on in everyone's life.

I cut the cord. Sunday night at 8 PM. It's been 98.5 hours and I'm actually doing okay. Only once have I thought about reactivating my account. Instead, I've read two books, finished a scrapbook, started working on my guest room closet and getting it organized, played more and walked my dog more, gone out to dinner with friends twice, and joined an organization in town.

Instead of holding on to my old life by a toe-hold, this week I've been busy building my new life here in Bastrop. And it feels great! I think eventually I will get back on - there are just too many old friends and family members that are on FB to not have it as a resource. But at least it won't be the only thing I do at night and/or on the weekends.

But until then... I've got to finish my book for my trip to Dallas on Tuesday and I want to get my guest closet completely finished. I've got to catch up on Netflix too... it's been way too long... must find out what is going on with Don Draper and the gang........

PS - Yesterday marks two months since I moved here. I'm glad to be here, it was a good choice for me. I'm looking forward to a long career here!

Alone vs. Lonely

So tonight, I've sat on the couch, drank wine, and read my book. I paused to consider the concept of alone vs. lonely.

If you'll indulge my inner nerd for a moment, alone means: separate, apart, or isolated from others. Lonely means: lone; solitary; without company; companionless or standing apart; isolated. If you look at it that way, they mean pretty much the same thing: isolated and apart.

I've been alone for a long time now. I've lived alone for 11 years. Why? Because I don't want anyone that close to me. I don't want to be hurt. I'm scared of rejection. Some people chose to take the risk and it works out for them, I choose not to. I like my space. I like my order, my way of doing things. I don't ever see myself having a relationship, moving in with someone or getting married. I know I'll die alone. I'm okay with that.

When I lived in Frisco, there would be times I would be lonely. Spending holidays by myself or sometimes wanting to go out to dinner or do something, but not willing to do it alone. Those moments were few and far between though. I had a pretty busy social life, so when I was at home, I was thankful for the peace and quiet.

Since I've moved to Bastrop, I've been lonely a lot more often. I have no friends. I have no social life. I work and I come home. It's like Groundhog Day, over and over. I miss having my sushi friend, my movie friend, my musical friend, etc. I had a great network of people that kept me busy. Now, no one. Nothing. I spend most nights by myself, watching TV or reading.

I'm lonely. And I'm not sure how to get out of it.

This was the one thing that worried me the most about taking this job. I knew I could handle the work part easily. But I was worried that at 40, being single, and Bastrop being a small town, that I would lose the social life and network I've worked so hard to build the 8 years I was in Frisco. Everyone I trusted told me not to worry, I'll make friends and be just as busy as I was in Frisco. (Ed.'s Note: Next time I should listen to my gut more. I'm just saying.)

So, I'm trying hard to really focus on my "lonely" time and turning it into "alone" time. I'm reading more, scrapbooking a bit, looking at planning a trip to take by myself, starting classes at Texas State for my Ph.D. I'm getting more comfortable going out to eat and to movies by myself. I'm trying to build a life that if I never am able to connect and make friends, that I have something for me to do besides sit at home.

So maybe I can go back to just being alone and quit being lonely.

I'm baaaackkkkkkk!!!!!

Were you wondering if I fell off the face of the Earth?

These past 5 weeks have been intense and crazy!! Finally, school has started and we've got teachers and students settled (at least I think). I've had friends and family come and visit. I've learned more about my town and am ready to start getting out and exploring the other communities close by.

My life has been much quieter since moving to Bastrop. I don't have as many friends locally, so I've been spending some time by myself. And it's been good. I've been doing some thinking. I've been trying to work through some of the hurt and anger I've been feeling. I've learned who my true, real friends are and I'm thankful for them. I think I appreciate them much more than I may have in the past. Instead of focusing on the hurt, I've tried to let go. I've started making goals for short and long term. This move changed a few of my goals, so it's been to good to think about them and how they have evolved.

Even though it's September, it's like a new year for me. Here are some of my goals:

1. Get out and explore.... Smithville, Elgin, Luling, Lockhart, Austin, Round Rock, Johnson City, Fredericksburg.....
2. Sign up for superintendency certifications at Texas State. I'm not going to be a principal forever.
3. Buy a new car - I LOVE having no car payments, but I'm not sure how much longer little Jiggablue is gonna go. I'm not sure what I want, I think a Honda CRV or a Ford Edge. Must go look and make some decisions.
4. Full physical - while I've got my glaucoma under control and I've ruled out bad cholesterol and diabetes, I need to check my heart and lose weight.
5. Get out and volunteer, meet people, and get involved in the community.
6. Stay open to all opportunities, even ones that I might not have considered six months ago.

This move has been a great way to stop and look at my life and make changes. My life is just one big change right now. No complacency allowed!!

If you could make one big change in your life, what would it be? Who would you become? What would you do differently?