College Papers, New Friends & Broadway Dreamin'

The weekend was supposed to be a two day hedonistic bacchanal of one dollar movie rentals, soda and chips... Yes, I know that calling cheapo movies and Coca Cola bacchanalia is a crime of pedestrian proportion... But it was the best I could do...

Instead, I had one evening of junking out to Leap Year and watching enormous storm clouds roll in. I had two more movies to watch (like I said, hedonistic), but the hubster needed my help in preparing a paper for school. Admittedly, I spent most of the day Saturday procrastinating. I didn't want to read over sixty pages of research materials just so I could edit a paper.

So, The Lives Of Pippa Lee went in the dvd player around four p.m.- which unfortunately was about the time the texts started flowing from my daughter, who was with my parents for the weekend. It is unfortunate that I had to pause the film about five times to answer the kiddo, because it is a lovely little character piece, and I was surprised to find Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder in it. I also love that Alan Arkin is enjoying a major career resurgence.

The hubster and I planned to watch The Book of Eli Saturday night after 11:30, but I was in such a funk, we decided to postpone it to Sunday at 10:00 a.m. We should have been at church then, but we knew we had a lot of work to do on that paper... In retrospect, that was a mistake. I knew he had a lot of work to do. What I didn't know was that he'd misunderstood the assignment. From 12:30 Sunday afternoon until 11:00 Sunday night, he/we worked. (With many interruptions for texts from the kiddo, my mother, hubster's friends, visitors...) I fell into bed midnight Sunday with my head swimming. We were back at it at 7:30 a.m. Monday. We printed the final draft with a mere twenty minutes until it was due.

After that, I brushed my teeth, changed my clothes and headed to my parents' to pick up the kiddo. Thank God for Starbucks Venti Chai Latte (7 pumps, non-fat, light ice). It's a two plus hour round trip, plus a good hour of visiting. I don't mind that, but the hubby had an old friend coming into town. I had not met her and really wanted to do so. So, I loaded the kid in the car and sped back home. I was rumpled, unwashed and hot (no a/c in the car) and a bit intimidated to be meeting this woman my husband has known for over twenty years.

As I was walking up the driveway to the front door, I paused. I took a deep breath, smoothed my very rumpled hair and shirt and decided that I would just be me. I let go of any preconceptions I had (and I did have some), put a smile on and walked in the door...

To meet a woman who was nothing like I had supposed. I don't really know who I thought she'd be, but it wasn't the warm, witty, intelligent person I was privileged to meet. We were talking Shakespeare within two minutes, then moved on to college (we both attend (ed) the same one), both sing, love the arts and so many other interests. It was not kismet, but it was a wonderful, pleasant evening after a most hectic two days.

I feel I've made a new friend. For those who know me at all, you know how difficult that is for me. It was wonderful to let go and just enjoy. Thank you Chandler & M.K. It was grand!

After M.K. left, I found several thoughts coalescing into a desire. Air fares are pretty low right now if you shop smart- Al Pacino is reprising his role as Shylock in Merchant Of Venice on Broadway this fall- I am a theater minor in school and can get student priced tickets... You can see where I'm going with this, right?

Well, I don't think I'll see Pacino since they don't move to Broadway until October 9, but I have NEVER BEEN TO NYC. How can a theatre buff like me have managed that? If I can get amazingly lucky on airfare, I found a hostel-style hotel online- Candy- for $99 a night near Manhattan! I am dreaming of Labor Day weekend in NYC... I'd love to hear any tips from anyone who's traveled there recently, especially with regard to student tickets for Broadway shows.

Oh, and if you were wondering...

Leap Year: As predicted by me, it was a yawn. I wish it were otherwise because I love Amy Adams. BUT- somehow this film made Ireland look DRAB!!! Don't waste your time.

The Lives of Pippa Lee: I read about this first when it had limited theatrical release. The article I read (in either Elle or Marie Claire) lodged the project in my brain, so I was charmed to find it in my local redbox. As I said earlier, I couldn't watch it uninterrupted and I think my opinion of the film would be even better upon a second viewing. Robin Wright's stillness as Pippa is just beautiful.

The Book of Eli: My little brother suggested this when it was in theatrical release. He said I'd love it. I did like it a great deal, but was not inspired to love. I was a bit disappointed that I could see most of the plot coming from a mile away (not counting the delicious twist of what is really on the pages of "the book" in question), but found Denzel Washington more compelling than expected. I admit to often not enjoying Mr. Washington as much as others, although his performance in "The Inside Man" was wonderful as well. Here, beyond the first thirty seconds, you forget Mr. Washington completely- he is Eli.

Comments are always welcome. :) Catch you later...