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
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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...........
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...........
Saturday, January 9, 2010
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
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
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
Friday, January 8, 2010
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
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
Thursday, January 7, 2010
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!!
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!!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
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
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
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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
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
Friday, January 1, 2010
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!!
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!
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!
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