A Movie Review

Because I have an opinion on basically everything, I wanted to share a quick movie review of my most recent Netflix movie.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Basic (Spoiler-Free) Plot (as seen in any of the trailers):

Eric Bana travels through time. A lot. Really, really a lot. Every time he does, he leaves all of his clothes behind. Rachel McAdams is his very, very patient wife

Liz's Thoughts (non-spoiler-free):

Here's a good rule of thumb for all of the movie makers out there: I don't need gritty and real in my movies. I've got gritty and real in real life. I want sunshine, roses, and happy endings in my films; I basically demand it in any romance/romantic comedy/romantic drama/Disney movie.

For future reference, I'd like a better ending than the one we got here.

Additionally, I really, really, really was not interested in seeing Eric Bana's butt that many times. I mean, seriously. There was very little else in the film. I hope he used a butt double that got paid by the number of times he had to display his rear end. In this economy, I'm sure that someone could've used that job to pay their mortgage.

Where's Liz? - Part Three

It's that time again! Where's Liz?

Where was Liz - Rural Wisconsin

No good guessers on the last picture, but it was a tough one. I was in rural Wisconsin visiting my sister and her family in between travels.

Some pictures of that part of my trip:

Getting ready for a bike ride:

I love this next picture because they don't all look like they're having the best time, but really, we had tons of fun. This image just doesn't reflect that for all of them, but I think it's adorable.

Pizza night!

I went to help out in the class of my sister's oldest son , The Bean, and then he and I walked to the market to buy some donuts. He's such a good helper. He pushed a tiny cart around and helped me pick out just the right donuts. He was so cute. I asked him if he wanted to get a treat, and he said he'd like to get donuts, and then he immediately added that he wanted to get some for his two little brothers as well. He's so good at sharing.

Bean and the merchandise:

When we arrived home, Chubbers, the youngest boy, was taking his nap, so we figured he could have donuts later. We left the box with several remaining donuts on the counter and went about our day. Later, when he was awake again, running and playing around, my sister and I were upstairs. When we returned back to the kitchen, we found this:

That adorable boy found the box of donuts, pushed his chair over to the counter where they were, climbed up, opened the box, selected this donut, and then sat down to enjoy it. How he knew they were up there is still a mystery to me. From his eye level, it would've just looked like a box. He's a smart little man.

And of course, after all the donuts and pizza during the week, we had to make sure we did some Zumba to work off the calories.

My nephews are all much better at the Zumba than I am, but I'll keep practicing.

After Wisconsin, it was back to Minnesota for a two days, and then back home.

Stay tuned for the next travel adventure!

Friendly Provo

Note: this posting is the first in a series of thoughts and comparisons of cities where I'm contemplating attending law school.

One thing that Provo has on basically anywhere else is its overwhelming friendliness. For good or bad, people here are just always nice.

Even the graffiti here is friendly. I've seen two samples recently on my daily walks.

First: "I'd rather live kiss to kiss than paycheck to paycheck."

And my favorite: "Toy Story 2 was okay."

I'd tell you where it is so that you could go enjoy it, but it has been painted over by some very dedicated city clean-up crew.

Where's Liz? - Part Two

Next leg of the trip...

Where's Liz?

Where Was Liz - Minneapolis

Congratulations to all of the smart people who Googled "giant spoon and cherry" to discover that I was, in fact, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (I did, however, prefer Matt's description of being in a giant milkshake. That is basically what the whole park looked like--it was a big slushy mess.) I visited three schools in the Twin Cities, mostly because they were all very close together and not necessarily because they're all at the top of my list.

Minneapolis was very nice. It was not nearly as chilly as I expected it to be. There was about a foot of snow in some places, but it was melting quite a bit, so there was lots and lots of water everywhere, in addition to all of the standard rivers and lakes in the area. It was quite a change for a girl from the desert.

The giant spoon and cherry is a sculpture appropriately named "Spoonbridge and Cherry." I went to a sculpture garden in Minneapolis to see it. I liked this particular sculpture, and some of the others were interesting as well. Here are a few more shots of that garden.

This next one is NOT a bench--it's art, people. Don't be confused by its bench-like appearance. It is labeled with artist and donor information and everything.

I find this next one to be odd on many levels...

Minneapolis was great fun. I got to eat at some great restaurants, enjoy some good company, get a bit of clarity on some law schools, and do some nice relaxing.

I would tell you where the next leg of the trip was, but that will spoil all of the fun!

Where's Liz?

My law school decision is taking me across the country to investigate some of the schools where I've been admitted for the next few weeks. I'm a lucky, lucky girl with many options of where to go for school, and I need to visit my top choices to help me make a final decision.

After finding a fabulous house-sitter, I've headed on the road. I'll try to keep you posted, but things will be up a bit after I actually do them, as I am a very busy woman. :)

So, here's the first installment in the road trip game called "Where's Liz?" (In most of these cases, it'll be where WAS Liz, not where IS Liz, as I'll probably only post on the days in between legs of the trip when I'm home, but just take whatever you can get, people!)

So...Where was Liz?

First Day

Today is the first day of a new part of my life.

So far, so good.

FAQ Part 1

*This post is the first in a series of posts answering some of your questions about my future.*

Readers: Which law school are you going to?

I haven't picked one yet. When I know, you'll all know. Because I've never applied to law school before this, I may have applied to slightly too many law schools. My decision has subsequently become ever more complicated.

I will have a definitive decision by May 1st. Until then, the answer is that I simply don't know.

Readers: When are you leaving your job?

Tomorrow is my last day.

Readers: Holy cow! That's so soon! What are you going to be doing in the meantime?

For the next six weeks, I'll be doing lots of traveling off and on to evaluate some schools. After that, I'll be spending time with family, relaxing, partying, and living it up in my last few months of freedom.

Stay tuned for more Q & A when I get some time.

Beggars Can't Be Choosers

Some of my loyal blog readers (read: LL) have complained that it has been three days since my law school announcement with no follow-up information or other amusing anecdotes.

I'm actually on vacation right now and totally reserve the right to not discuss the law school thing today, but I will give a picture and quick rundown of my day.

Car rides: 2

Train rides: 7

Ferry rides: 2

Blueberry croissants: 1 (sooooo worth every calorie)

Street vendors: 483,209

Guys dressed like the Statue of Liberty: 4-8

Ridiculously and hilariously inappropriate street vendors: 1

People dressed like they should be visiting California: 47

Cheesecakes: 1 (one slice--I'm not just eating whatever I want...sort of...)

On tomorrow's agenda? More crazy touristy stuff, family get-together, and bagels. Vacation is the best. Maybe I should skip the whole law school thing and just be a perpetual vacationer. That's a job, right?

FYI

I need to give you all some information, and this blog seems to be the easiest way to make it known. This won't be funny, entertaining, or even super informational, frankly. However, more details will be posted in the coming weeks.

Last Friday, I gave notice to my employer that I will be leaving in just a few short weeks. I'll be taking the next few months to do some traveling, spending time with family, volunteering, and getting in some great rest, relaxation, and mental preparation.

I'll be starting law school in the fall.

Vacation

Somebody's Mother and I went on a quick girls' weekend. It was WONDERFUL and relaxing and just fabulous. And look how gorgeous!

Jealous?

Primary Tidbit

Funny conversation from primary today, as I sat and watched the other teacher for my class from the back:

Teacher: Ok, so what happens after resurrection?

Student 1: (enthusiastically) FINAL JUDGEMENT!

(They all love that one for some reason...)

Teacher: That's right! And then where do we go?

Student 2: Well, there's the one that's like something, and then the moon and the stars.

Teacher: Exactly--the kingdoms like the sun, moon, and stars. What are they called?

Student 3: Celestial, terrestrial...

Teacher: Well, there's telestial next, and then...

Student 3: Um, choles...cholesterol...

Pretty sure we all know where I'm going...

Old Age

Today, in the primary class I was teaching, I used the word "dude" once to get the attention of one of the kids.

Another student replied "Old people can't say dude!"

I told her that I had been saying "dude" since long before she was born. She repeated her sentiment, saying that I just couldn't say that.

My reply: "Watch me."

Everything You Ever Wanted

I'm having such a Dr. Horrible-esque evening.

Sometimes, when you get the things you thought you wanted, you find out that there are a lot of strings attached.

Sigh.

Anybody have some scissors?

Relationship Trouble

I'm having a serious problem in my most important relationship. Those who know me well know that I'm not really one to talk about my private life, but this is just something that I need to share with someone.

Like most relationship problems, it really all boils down to communication issues. I suppose that most people have trouble really communicating what is going on and when they really need something, and I suppose that things are no different for us.

It's easy to let things fester, to leave unsaid the tiny things that are troubling you, and ignore the underlying problem.

I wish that things were different. I wish that the problem wasn't so frustrating and seemingly unsolvable. If only my side could be seen...

I mean, really, how hard is it for my MacBook to tell me when it has a low battery? Just a small pop up, a tiny warning that it's about to shut itself down? It used to warn me, and now, out of nowhere, it just stopped doing it! Come on, MacBook--communicate. Tell me when things aren't okay, and I'll try to fix them. You just shut down without warning when I'm trying to do things. This is seriously the only problem we've ever had! I love everything about my MacBook--why all this trouble now? Two and a half years into our relationship, and this is what I get?

Better keep an eye on that battery meter...you never know when I'll have to run and find a power source...

(Ten bonus points to everyone who KNEW that this post was going to be about a piece of electronic equipment right from the beginning.)

Things Not to Do

Here are some things I should not do in public:

• Eat
• Walk
• Talk
• Text

Aren't you jealous that you didn't get to see all of the reasons why this is the case? Too bad for you--I save my best awkward moments for total strangers and coworkers...

Brain Dump

Once again, boys and girls, it's time for a brain dump.

• I heard an interesting story about how, if one is tricked into thinking time passed more quickly than they actually thought it had, they feel like they had more fun. Commence speeding up your clocks...now!
• Smells like something is cooking in my apartment. Nothing is cooking in my apartment. Nothing has cooked in my apartment for a couple of days--I've been eating my lazy food since I've been feeling a touch under the weather. Bad sign?
• I have a trash can right next to my couch where I sit to watch TV. This trash can is very convenient for throwing away all sorts of things, and particularly convenient for knocking things off of my arm rest and right into the can. Smooth, I know... Happens at least once a day. You might think that I should move the trash can, but that, dear friends, would be inconvenient in a whole new way.
• People have told me several times lately that I wouldn't like to travel somewhere or participate in some activity. Here's the bottom line, people: you don't actually know what I want to do. YOU might not enjoy it, but I might, so unless the activity is celery-related, go ahead and don't try to make up my mind for me.
• I like Christmas, but I don't love cleaning up after it. After cleaning up the decorations at work, I've lost all motivation to clean them up at home. Sigh. I simply must take down my tree this weekend--it's just irresponsible to leave it up much longer, especially since it is having a severe structural integrity issue.
• Through the magic of pre-portioned detergent, I can say with confidence that I have run the dishwasher exactly 17 times since moving into this apartment...seven months ago.
• I've been seriously pondering over the last couple of weeks if I might be poisoned in some way. Just a thought. Radon? Toxic spills? Asbestos? Celery salt?
• My professionalism at work has taken a big hit due to the most recent storm. I've taken to wearing my snow boots to work. Oh well...at least I'm not going in my sweats. Yet.
• Bought some new shoes the other day when out shopping with Somebody's Mother. I always find something cute when I'm out shopping with her.
• I received several very thoughtful gifts for Christmas. Apparently, gift-giving is no longer contingent upon good behavior.
• The new year is just around the corner. Here's to a year full of excitement and adventure for all!

Love, Love, Love

Today is my parents' 35th wedding anniversary. They've been married longer than I've even been alive! (Thought this today, and then giggled for about 10 minutes about having that random thought...)

Each night, I write down three things that I am thinking of that day that I am grateful for. (Side note: you should all try it. It's good for you. And the universe. Good for you, the universe, and your journal/computer--makes it feel needed. Just good all around.)

Tonight, I was thinking about how grateful I am for two parents who love each other, love me, and are committed to working hard through whatever comes up. The trials that our family has endured have certainly not been a walk in the park, but their love for each other and us has inspired them to work, facing the same future together, hand-in-hand, headed into whatever comes next. I sure love them.

Yesterday at church, my parents had a funny, quiet little moment with each other, and I made some comment about keeping those things at home, away from the public.

I've changed my mind though.

I have two fabulous parents who each love me and support my goals, dreams, and ambitions. They pick me up when I fall, listen to me cry, and then help me learn how to pick myself up in the future. I love them.

In addition to all of this, they are madly, passionately in love with each other. Not only do they have a deep, mature love and respect, but they are also just crazy about each other. Sometimes, it's like being with a couple of twitterpated teenagers. They are silly, smoochy, snuggly, and occasionally embarrassing, and I don't care if the whole world knows it. They are so in love. It's inspiring and encouraging.

So, love to my mom and dad, and here's to the next 35 years.

Meanest Coworker Ever

I love Christmas. I love traditions, I love celebrations, fireplaces, spending time with family, and I love Christmas foods.

One of the great things about having people marry into my family is that I get to add all kinds of wonderful traditions to my own. My brother's wonderful wife makes the most fabulous sugar cookies. I look forward to them all year. She has the best recipe, and I'm a total sugar-cookie nut as it is, so it's a wonderful treat.

Today, I was working at a different office training some employees. My aforementioned sister-in-law dropped off a plate of sugar cookies for me. Each year, she makes me my own plate of cookies because she knows how much I love them. I told you--she's wonderful.

I've been looking forward to these cookies for at least a week, since my sister-in-law advised me she'd be dropping them by. When she and my adorable nephews brought them in for me, I thanked them profusely, and then stuffed the cookies under my jacket on the counter in the back.

I spent the rest of the afternoon listening to the employees at that office whine about how I was not sharing cookies with them. I certainly would not share with them. Holiday cookies come in limited quantity, only once a year, and sharing homemade cookies with them would be like pearls before swine--they'll eat ANYTHING. It's not that I was eating in front of them--I had removed the cookies from sight, and I made no further mention of them. Later in the afternoon, my coworkers brought our department's Christmas present to this office over to them. Our present? Candy! They got candy, yet they continued to whine about the cookies.

At the end of the day, I collected my coat and my plate of cookies and left. There was a bit more whining and grabbing for cookies, but I would not relent. I think that they probably were bothering me about it more because they thought it was funny and less because they actually wanted cookies, but whatever.

Of course, the employees clearly forgot that the last time I was there, I brought them all cookies that I had purchased especially for them!

Whatever. I'm the meanest coworker ever. Cry about it all you want. I don't even feel bad--I'm here with a plate of cookies!!