One of My Many Obsessions: MOVIES

While many of my friends know this about me, many people also do not. I am absolutely obsessed with movies. Getting lost in another's world, if only for 85 minutes, is one of my favorite ways to relieve stress and relax. Movies are my perfect and optimal escape from my own reality. 


I am a lover of all movies types, ranging from old films, period pieces, cheesy romances, Oscar classics, and Disney's cartoons all the way to law dramas, documentaries, and action packed thrillers. Well, I guess I should of said almost all movie genres. Scary movies are the exception.  However, when it comes to scary movies, it is as if I don't feel like they should be considered movies at all. I guess to each his own in this case. 


Something else related to my movie obsession- I am one of those people, who loves to go to the movie theater alone. This all stemmed from getting my hopes up about going to see a new movie at the theater, only to be let down by a friend or family member canceling the plans. While they shall remain nameless, those friends and family know who they are! So, to solve this issue, I decided I wouldn't wait on others to see the movies I wanted to see. This was going to be something I would do for myself. 


Going to the movie theater alone is the most exhilarating and liberating experience. My first trip was one of the times in my life that I have felt so very exposed. While this experience can be both exciting and scary, I challenge anyone to do it, if they have not!


Even though my most recent movie theater adventures have not been solo, they have included some noteworthy films I recommend seeing. In order from my least to most favorite, here they are...


Limitless- While the film's trailer had me completely pumped up with Kanye's "Stronger," I have to admit I found the movie a little disappointing. Yes, the movie has been #1 in the box office, but I see this one as a renter. Save your popcorn for another flick.

The Lincoln Lawyer- Fantastic movie. This one has something to make everyone happy, unless of course you wanted something scary or horrific. Suspense. Romance. Little bit of violence. Matthew McConaughey. Lots of good stuff. Moral of the story- See it!!

The Adjustment Bureau- GREAT movie! Five stars! This movie is now one of my favorites. In other words, it will definitely be a part of my collection one day. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt mesmerize you with their undeniable chemistry on screen. This one trumps McConaughey's flick only because it leaves you thinking. Fate? Destiny? Do they exist? How much power to we really have in our life choices? Did I really lose my keys? Or was that a higher power making me think I lost my keys? To understand the last two questions, you must see the movie. Although, you all must see the movie anyway. In fact, I would make a return trip to the theaters to see this one again!

An End In Sight

Today was a big day for me. It was one filled with high anticipation and anxiety, followed by intense feelings of relief. Today, I found out my official graduation date for grad school! Summer 2012. Alas, the end is in sight.


After a few weeks of stress and worry, I got accepted to do my practicum this Summer, instead of the Fall, which would of left me with the graduation date of December 2012. Frown. That would not have made me happy. With this great opportunity, I will get to have working experience in a community counseling setting along with a school setting, which will ultimately help me do my job to the best of my ability. I am a very lucky, fortunate girl to have been chosen.


While I sit in my quiet apartment at the end of the day, it hits me. A wave of consuming peace moves through my body. I could literally feel my body relax from my head to my feet. In processing the days events, I came to this peaceful realization that I am moving forward. My hard work is paying off. For once, I did not feel like life was passing me by while I'm under the constraints of my schoolwork. 


It was such a fantastic day. With this newfound tranquility, I can rest easy tonight. 

St. Patty's Day Substitute

While I didn’t get to sip on green beer, I did get to wear green this St. Patrick’s Day, only to avoid be pinched by multiple middle and high school students. Getting dressed for work that morning, I could just imagine the consequences of a substitute teacher not wearing green. OH the Horror! To avoid all violent situations, I dressed in an obviously green shirt for all to see.

This Thursday I was lucky enough to be Art teacher for the day. Woohoo! Easy day. The Art room seems to be a therapeutic environment for all students, where they feel free to dish out any and all gossip on other teachers and students. I knew entirely too much information about entirely too many people by the end of the day. For instance, I do not need to know details of a person’s body odor.

With prom and spring break fast approaching, the chatter on the subjects was quite delightful to overhear…
       …He is taking who?!...OMG- I just love your dress!...I don’t have a date, so I refuse to go!...Prom is stupid!...

Those were the days- when your main concerns were what to do with your hair for prom or what color nail polish goes best with your dress.  Listening to all of the distress in their voices, I just couldn’t help but laugh.

In the spirit of the luck of the Irish day, I was lucky enough to be asked to sub again on Friday. Lovely. There went my plans of basking in the sun beside the pool.

Well, I started my Friday morning off by having a seventh grader say, “Ms. Carr, You don’t look a day over 30.”

Awesome. There were no words of response. I just tried to distract myself from the fact I look eight years older than I am.

The day went smoothly from there- not. My duty was to give and monitor five middle school science tests and hold two middle school study halls. No free period. While the tests went ok (no cheaters), having two middle school study halls is literally murder for a teacher. Not to mention they were one right after another.

Study hall activities are not limited to but include playing with a tennis ball, fixing one’s toga for a Greek feast, showing a half-naked girl on a cell phone background to the substitute, writing one’s name on the board 83 times, throwing chairs at one another, writing love letters, and filling out March Madness brackets.  I’m positive that my students were the most productive of the day. Also, I had a mild panic attack when the school secretary walked in to deliver a note to a student. Fingers crossed that I won’t get in trouble.

Substituting- never a dull moment.

Spring Break

Spring break as a graduate student should probably be spent relaxing and doing things that require no energy at all, possibly on a beach somewhere. Not for me. Where did I beg my mom to take me? Yes, I said my mom. Of course, it had to be the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Disney World. This is not a joke.

We set out on our trip on a Monday with our Fodor's guide to Orlando only to return the following Friday with a wand and tired feet. I had taken the liberty to plan out our itineraries for each day and made dinner reservations for each night.

Because we got there so late on Monday, I had made my mom and I dinner reservations for the early setting at the famous Victoria and Albert's restaurant inside the Disney walls. Complete with a six course meal, a formal dress code, and a rule for no children under ten, we knew we were in for an adventure. We started off with a lobster amuse-bouche that was delish and a good sign about the rest of the meal, which was followed by a cold appetizer of tuna and octopus. Next, our favorite course of the night- vegetable ash-crusted Halibut. Before then, I have never had Halibut, but it is now one of my absolute favorite dishes. Fourth course was a chicken, truffle, and wild mushroom creation that was divine. I die for anything with truffles in it. The main entree was veal tenderloin for me, which just melted in my mouth. Now, by this point in the meal, we had consumed a good bit of wine, so when I took a bite of the sweetbread on my plate, I wasn't exactly comprehending what I was eating. By the time the realization hit me, it was too late. I can now say I have eaten cow brains. Wow. My stomach still flips when I think about it. Although, they were quite appetizing. We finished up the dinner with an amazing Creme Brulee and without a doubt the best coffee either of us had ever had that was brewed for us at our table.  This dinner was an experience that my mom and I will never forget and one I would recommend to anyone. Of course, the personalized menu, two waiters, and red rose after dinner helped!

Tuesday- The day I have been waiting for. The day I would see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I forced my mother to wake up bright and early, so we could be at the park right when it opened at 9, which is exactly what Fodor told us to do. I truly don't know if I have ever been so excited; there was no comparison on the excitement level between me and a 10 year old standing next to me. We rushed to Hogwarts Castle where the major ride attraction for the park is in attempts to beat the crowd. After winding through the castle filled with all sorts of Potter memorabilia, we jumped on the virtual ride where we faced a dragon, giant spiders, and flew on a broom with Harry and friends. Mom and I got off the ride laughing hysterically and ready to do it again, which we did later that day. Getting a wand was a major objective for the day, so we got in line for Ollivander's Wand Shop for which we waiting longer than any ride. To my surprise, when we went inside the shop with 35 other people, Ollivander chose ME to find a wand, or rather have a wand find me. I was thrilled that I was chosen over all the other children and teens in the room. After all, I have definitely known and loved Harry longer. With a huge smile on my face, I clutched my wand of Holly with a core of Dragon Heartstring while we waited in line to purchase it. Yes, I realize I am a huge nerd of epic proportions, and I don't care. The day was truly fantastic and unforgettable, and I am so thankful that my mom was so very patient with me and my childish enthusiasm throughout the day. Dinner at Narcoossee's, a great seafood restaurant, was a lovely way to end the day, where I had Swordfish and mom ate Crab-crusted Mahi Mahi.

Wednesday was the day for Epcot, where neither my mom nor I had been. Our timing for our trip was perfect because they were having their Flower and Garden Festival. In other words, we got to see all of our favorite Disney characters sculpted out of ivy, moss, and flowers, which was really neat. In Epcot, we walked around the World Showcase tasting and sampling food and, of course, alcoholic beverages from a variety of different countries. It was a day filled with cultural experiences and tons of laughter, which I'm sure the alcohol had nothing to do with. It is unreal how Disney has recreated the charm of other countries in such exquisite detail as they have done so in Epcot.

Even though our feet were so very worn out after all the walking, we had a big night planned. Tickets to the Cirque de Soleil show La Nouba was on the itenerary. We grabbed an easy, casual dinner at the Wolfgang Puck Cafe in Downtown Disney and parked it at the House of Blues for some music and drinks before the show. Here, we also watched people scatter for shelter from the thunderstorm that passed through. We didn't make fun of anyone at all. I promise. There are no words to describe La Nouba. All I can say is that you must see if for yourself to appreciate it. From here on, I will take full advantage of any chance I get to see any Cirque de Soleil show. Cannot wait for the next one!

Our last day in Orlando was filled with revisiting old memories of our childhood. We spent the day in the Magic Kingdom, which I now believe is still magic no matter your age. We rode It's a Small World, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain, all the while giggling like we were seven. New to the list was Buzz Lightgear's Space Adventure, which was the highlight of the day! It was so fun to take out space enemies with my own light gun, just like Buzz's. We watched the parade, where we got to see all of our Disney favorites, including all the princesses, Mickey, and Minnie. To finish out the afternoon, we parked ourselves on a bench in front of Cinderella's Castle with a Mickey Mouse ice cream to people watch. Absolutely hysterical.

Friday. No fun Friday. While we were ready to get back home, we were sad and nostalgic driving through the resort one last time. Mom and I do have a complete list and plan for when we return with sweet Abigail for her first Disney trip. All in all, it was a great, fun-filled, and stress-free trip- easily one of my top 3 favorite spring breaks!