Wolfman vs. Date Night

I am coming at you this week with 2 movie reviews! A big  THANKS to Megan, my sis in-law for the great idea! Imitation is the highest form of flattery☺

So this Friday for our weekly date night Nick and I decided to stay in and rent some movies. So off to Blockbusters we went to pick out some stuff. I immediately picked out Date Night, a comedy starring Steve Carrell and Tina Fey. I had actually wanted to see it when it came out in theaters and we never made it. Then I missed it again when it was shown at the Reel to Reel on a 2nd run. Oh, just in case you didn’t know the Reel to Reel theater in Johnson City is now doing 2nd run movies for $3.00. Now The Reel to Reel is not normally my favorite theater but for a $3.00 movie I can make it work!

Back to the story- After I selected my movie Nick decided he wanted to get another one and we looked around for a bit and he just keep going back to Wolfman, a drama/horror/thriller about a man that turns into a wolf. Hence the title! Needless to say I was a little apprehensive about the movie. I am not so blood friendly and the copy of the movie they had on Blu-ray was the Unrated Director Cut which was sure to be extra gory. BUT I told him to go ahead and get it since he really wanted to see it, I figured I could always just doze off if it got bad.

On a side note the Blockbuster guy convinced us to do the 2 movies, 2 packs of popcorn, 2 candies, and 2 drinks for $16.00. I actually thought it was a good deal but man we ate SO MUCH junk. Eating good is SO HARD, but that is another blog for another day!

Back at home with our junk food and movies, we decided to watch Date Night first. I LOVED IT! It was hilarious! Steve Carrell and Tina Fey were great together! A definite MUST SEE! Prepare for my cheesy tag line- “Date Night” will complete your Date Night. Yeah, I know I should leave the advertising to the professionals. One note, there is a little ‘language” in this movie but nothing like say Hot Tub Time Machine, which was so foul that I felt like I needed to watch Cars or something “G” rated after it was over.

Then came Wolfman . . .when we put the Blu-ray in it gave us the option of watching the “Theatrical Version” instead of the uncut one, thank goodness. I really thought we would be safer watching the ‘Theatrical Version.” Boy was I EVER WRONG! I had actually joked with Nick at Blockbuster that the 1st time I saw someone’s intestines the movie was coming out of the Blu-ray player, and sure enough we got to see some! SO GROSS!!! But like so many other bad things it was like a train wreck . . .I am repulsed yet I can’t look away! So we watched all the way to the bloody horrible end. A definite DO NOT SEE!

In conclusion, Date Night is the clear an undisputed winner of this face off and my dear husband is banned from picking out movies for at least the next 90 days!

As for me I am off to watch Date Night again before we have to take it back!

Hope these reviews help you some what and if you choose to rent Wolfman you have been warned!

Are we ever gonna see The Hobbit?

The question of the last 3 years  and I am still not sure if we have a satisfactory answer.

For those of you that did not know Lord of the Rings Trilogy is by far mine and Nick’s favorite movies. Our unofficial  1st date was actually to see Return of the King on opening day. We have listened to the soundtracks, we have the regular DVD’s and the extended additions, and I have read the books. Yes, it was a good three months out of my life to read them but it was so worth it. My favorite of the the Trilogy is Two Towers, I refer to it as my Sick Movie. When ever I am icky sick I just like to lay on the couch and watch movies and Two Towers is always my go to movie.  It  will heal whatever ails you! In 2008 Nick and I both got the flu, he went down first so I went into take care of sick hubby mode. I put him on the couch with the sick blanket (yes we have one of those as well), put a cold wash rag on his head, and then I put in the Two Towers. Forget getting him a Tylenol for the fever, we had to get the movie in! I am certain this is what made him have the strength to get up and go to work the next day.

Here is my favorite scene from the Two Towers

When Aragorn asks Théoden to “Ride out with me” I just wanna go with him, but in my sickened state I am usually only able to give a celebratory fist pump.

Okay, I think I have proven myself a pretty thorough Lord of the Rings fan, so now back to The Hobbit or shall we say the lack of The Hobbit. In case you did not know The Hobbit is kind of a prequel to Lord of The Rings. For the last 3 years there has been wild rumors, speculations, and even some conformation that Peter Jackson was producing The Hobbit. Now when I first heard this news I was totally pumped! I remembered seeing the creepy cartoon Hobbit growing up that actually frightened me and so I thought there should be a replacement.  Who would be better to do it than Peter Jackson?!

Just incase you too have blocked out The Hobbit cartoon here is a little reminder:

 

The making of The Hobbit movie has been plagued by many issues, with the latest being the director, Guillermo Del Toro, leaving the project. Now the studio is in negotiations with Peter Jackson to direct both installments of the project. My question is, WHY was he not doing it to begin with? Wasn’t he the obvious choice. Nothing personal to this Guillermo Del Toro, I am sure he is great, but come on, Peter Jackson is the JRR Tolkien man! So lets get through these negotiations and get on with it now we need The Hobbit! Lets not have this be like one of those nasty “Verizon’s getting the IPhone” rumors, which I no longer believe by the way and it never happens. I wanna believe that we will one day soon see The Hobbit. You can do it Peter Jackson!

Until then I am off to watch Two Towers again . . .

Christmas in Review

Now I realize that I did not  make the 12 blogs of Christmas deadline prior to Christmas Day, but I do intend to finish the task with a few post Christmas blogs. Christmas spirit is good all year long right? So hang in there everybody you are going to get your 12 blogs of Christmas!

Blog 11- A Review of our Christmas Activities

Our Christmas activities begin with a wonderful Christmas Eve evening at the Oaks Homestead. Nick and I gathered with Julie, Jerry,  Nicole, and John for a wonderful meal, great gifts, and some Wii games! Here are a few picture highlights:

 

Okay, this is actually a b-day gift from Chris, Megan, and the boys but it was really cool!

John and Nicole just love presents!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wii Time! I think Nick played the most, my sweet video game player. Julie had got some cool new games- Deal or No Deal and Space Camp.

Julie & Jerry along with there furry babies

 

Nicole and I

 

Moving right along we have the big Christmas Morning at our house. I just wanted to say I love Christmas Morning and no matter how old I get I think I will always enjoy it! There is something exciting about the anticipation of opening gifts and waiting to see what is in my stocking. I just LOVE IT and ALWAYS WILL!!! A Christmas tradition that should never end.

The wonderful stuff that Nick Santa put in my stocking.

Lost Season 5 on DVD, gotta get my 2nd viewing in before the final season which begins  February 2nd. I’m excited and sad all at the same time!

 

New Vera!!! They always come in pretty boxes.

 

 

 

Nick got a new CAMERA!!!!

The aftermath- Christmas mess!!! Another wonderful part of Christmas morning.

After Christmas Morning fun we headed over to my parents house for Christmas Day lunch and then a movie. We had a FABULOUS lunch with steaks, ham, and turkey and all the fixings. Here are a few highlights:

A happy Dad with his DVD burner.

Nick finally got a tea pot for his Earl Gray. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above pictures are of the beautiful afghan that my sister made for me. One day she posted a status on Facebook saying she wanted to make an afghan and did anybody want one? I responded a big YES! From there I got a FABULOUS Christmas gift. It looks wonderful in my living room. I know the afghan would have been awesome without this but I was just so impressed with the little personalized labels that my sister has to put on the stuff she makes. The whole thing was just AWESOME!

The now annual Callahan family Christmas photo.

Following lunch and visits with the grandparents we brought back one of my favorite traditions- Christmas Day Movie. Nick and I went with my parents to see Sherlock Holmes. Let me just say that if you are looking to make the Christmas Day movie a part of your Christmas tradition, get to the theater early. We attempted to make the 7:00pm showing of Sherlock Holmes at Tinsletown in Bristol. We arrived at 6:50 and the show sold out right in front of us. However, Nick’s Droid came to the rescue and we were able to confirm that the Abingdon Cinemall still had tickets for the 8:00pm. Sherlock Holmes itself was FABULOUS! Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law were great! If you get the opportunity to see it you MUST!

***Disclaimer- This blog does not include all gifts received and it is nothing personal to anyone if your gift is not on here. We loved EVERYTHING, but in order to not have the longest blog ever we could not talk about them all.

All in all it was another wonderful Christmas celebration. We are very thankful for all the gifts that we received and the time we got to spend with our families.

Here’s to hoping that all of you and yours had a very Merry Christmas!!

Joy to the World the Lord is come . . . .

The 12 Blogs of Christmas

Merry Christmas and Welcome to the 12 Blogs of Christmas!! This is the beautiful beginning of a wonderful insane  challenge that I am placing upon myself. Yes my friends I am going to attempt to write 12 blogs about Christmas themed things! So without further ado here is BLOG 1 of Christmas .  . .

I think it would only be appropriate to kick of the 12 blogs of Christmas the same way I kick off the Christmas season. Thus I have one phrase for you . . .

HIP HIP HOORAY IT’S CHRISTMAS VACATION!

 

That’s right I kick of the Christmas season with the annual official viewing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with my family. This is my all time favorite Christmas movie and my Christmas Season is just not right without getting to see it at least once. This year I had the annual viewing with my parents on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and then AMC did the 5 nights of Christmas Vacation so I got to see a little bit of the movie every night this week.

I think it is a true testament to how good a movie is when you can actually recite it and I could give a pretty accurate recitation of Christmas Vacation. Not to mention that it has so many quotable lines:

“I don’t want to spend the Holidays dead”

“It’s the holidays and we’re all in misery.”

“If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am now.”

I could go on there are just to many to list!!!

If you have never seen this movie it is a MUST SEE! You will either relate or it will make you feel better about your Christmas gatherings. Either way you will get a good laugh!

 

Until next time . . . Merry Christmas and PLAY BALL!

Family/ Hair/ Spooky Food & Fun

Okay so I have 3 different unrelated things to write about:

1. Saying See Ya Later to Family

2. New Hair Do

3. Spooky Food & Fun

So without further ado away we go . . .. .

 

Saying “See ya Later” to family 

I hate to say good bye especially when you plan on seeing someone again and since we do plan on seeing Chris, Megan, and the boys again I think See Ya Later is more appropriate. Chris and Megan are currently stationed in Italy (I know it stinks to be them) with the Air Force and recently came back to Tennessee for a month for Nicole & John’s wedding and to visit with family and friends. We loved getting to spend time with all of them and would like to especially thank Chris & Megan for indulging us in a sushi night at Edo’s. We had a lot of fun! It was also fun to be an Auntie “in person” for a while. Topher and Cannon had grown up so much since we saw them last and they were just so much fun to be with.

    I totally stole this pic from you Megan

We love you all very much and it was sad to see you go BUT we are still planning on visiting!

New Hair DO

Well, I have been stuck in a style rut for at least 7 years. Ohh it even hurts me to type that. I have had the same hair style for that long. I have always had long curly hair, easy and maintenance free. But there does reach a time when you need something different and well that time came for me on Friday. I had promised everyone shorter and straighter hair and I do realized I failed in one of those area. My hair dresser is a bit conservative and I think she was afraid that if she cut it all it once I might freak out. So I will be going back to get a little more length off, however the straighter hair did happen and I LOVE IT! When I looked in the mirror I almost don’t recognize myself. The only bad part is the time it takes- me, the hair dryer and the straightener are going to be spending a lot of time together and I hope the three of us will become much quicker at making this happen. The price we pay for beauty! I liked my curly hair but for 7 years I was pretty much a one trick pony so it is good to have another option!

Spooky Food & Fun

This section has been reserved for all the good food and fun I had this week.

First off on date night Nick and I got blizzards from Dairy Queen. Well, for some reason I was in the mood for something different than my usual Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. So I tried something new- the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard and it so paid off. It was FABULOUS! It tasted just like pumpkin pie and they even put whip cream and a little nutmeg on top. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! Trust me on this one you need to try this!

Also on date night I convinced Nick that we should rent The Proposal and it was also FABULOUS! Nick even enjoyed it! I don’t want to give to much of the plot away for those who have not seen it, but that scene in the woods with Betty White and Sandra Bullock chanting was just TOO MUCH! So funny! I think I will definitely be asking for this one for Christmas!

So I know some of you are wondering where the spooky food comes in so here it is . . .on Halloween Day we went over to John & Nicole’s place to watch the game. Go Vols- they beat SC and wore awesome black jerseys. Anyway, since it was Halloween we had festive food for the occasion.

Papa Murphy’s did a Jack O’ Lantern pizza for $5.99. So CUTE and yummy!  By the way if you live in the JC area and have not tried Papa Murphy’s,I HIGHLY recommend them. They have take-n-bake pizza and it is SO GOOD. Our personal favorite it “The Perfect”, half Hawaiian & Half Pepperoni. Okay, back to the spooky food . . .

Nicole made AWESOME tombstone brownies with little ghosst and everything. Not only did they look festive but they tasted FABULOUS!

 

Yay- for another wonderful, festive, and FABULOUS week!

Julie/Julia . . .Finding Joy through food.

So this is kind of weird I am writing a blog about a book and a movie that were born from a blog project.  WHICH is totally awesome that one simple blog can inspire a best selling book and an awesome movie. Awww, lets all take a moment and step back and admire the all consuming power of the internet.

Okay moment over and now back to our regular scheduled programming. A few months back my Mom and I were watching TV at her house and we saw a trailer for the Julie & Julia movie. The trailer showed Meryl Streep as Julia Child and then Amy Adams as this other person who had a blog. My Mom said she wanted to see it and I was intrigued. I had of course heard of Julia Child . . .who hasn’t! (if you have not don’t fell bad just click on her name her to read more)!!! but who was this Julie that did the blogging stuff. So naturally I Googled it and found out there was a book that the movie was based off of . . .WHOO HOO! So a trip to Barnes and Nobles was made and I was soon the proud owner of Julie and Julia: A Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell. The book was actually a true story, the author Julie Powell embarked on a mission to cook here way through Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child (and some others) and write a blog about the experience. Julie begins her journey as an unhappy cubicle dweller in a government office in New York City. Through the blog Julie finds not only a connection with Julia Child but also a joy for cooking a renewed joy and purpose for her life  that she could not have found in her cubicle. I really enjoyed the book it had a lot of really hilarious moments particularly with the cooking of the lobster. I also admit that this part is a little gross but not nearly as gross as the calves feet.  I also got quite a few chuckles over the conversations that Julie had with her mother regarding her blog.  The book also featured several letters that Paul Child  and Julia Child had written which I believe were excerpts from My Life in France, a book that Julia child wrote about her time in France (but don’t quote me on that).  Despite the fact that there is a movie out there I encourage you to read the book the language and the descriptions are wonderful and you truly get immersed in Julie’s journey.

My Mom and I finally went to see the movie this past Saturday and I have to say the movie was not exactly like the book BUT I was okay with it.  The movie gave me one thing that I did not completely get from the book, a better understanding of Julia Child and her accomplishments. On a side note Meryl Streep played Julia Child brilliantly and I really admire her for enduring all those amazingly high heals to pull off Julia’s 6’2” stature. Julia Child worked for 8 years to get the Mastering the Art of French Cooking Published! What patience and persistence! By the way I do not feel I am ruining anything about the book or movie by telling you this it is common knowledge and can be found by a bit of Googling.

Both the book and the movie were an answer to the question “What am I good at?” Both Julie and Julia had at one time been in government work but were not satisfied and found purpose through cooking.  Both have now made a life’s work out of cooking and to me this is truly AWESOME! To find  the one single thing in life that you love to do and  make it your purpose  . . . to me that is just priceless! One of my favorite lines from the movie is between Paul and Julia Child. Paul ask Julia “What is it you like to do?” Julia laughs and says “Eat!” She took a love for eating to a whole new level, and for that I applaud her.

Another one of my favorite lines made famous by Julia Child on her cooking showing and one we can all relate to is – “DON'T BE AFRAID!” (really you have to hear Julia say this to get the full effect). I think this may be a bit of advice that is applicable  in every thing from boning a duck to realizing life goals.

So go forth and DON’T BE AFRAID! God is always in control and besides what is the work thing that can happen? You hack up a duck the wrong way. At least you tried and you will do better the next time. 

Just for the record this is something I need to remember on a daily basis I am constantly “afraid” and losing self confidence,

 

In conclusion, see the MOVIE and read the BOOK. They are FABULOUS!

 

BON APPETIT!

July 4, 2009- Long Weekend Events

 

Friday Night Double Date Night

Normally on Friday night Nick and I have date night but this Friday we got to have Friday Night Double Date night. We went with John and Nicole to seen Transformers Revenge of the Fallen at the Abingdon Cinemall and then dinner at Macado’s in downtown Bristol.

Transformers- Revenge of the Fallen

I love seeing movies at the Abingdon Cinemall because normally the movies with more special effects you can see in digital in there theater with the “Lucas” sound system.  Most recently we had seen the new Star Trek there in digital and it was AWESOME! A direct quote from Nick about the picture clarity “It’s so clear I might cry.” Well, this Friday, July 3rd Nick, Nicole, John and I trekked out to the Cinemall in hopes of seeing Transformers ROTF in digital and were disappointed to find that they were not showing it in this format.  Needless to say this is only where the disappointment begins. I honestly had a few doubts about this movie going in especially after reading some of the reviews, but I keep some hope alive. However, the reviews were true the movie was short on plot but did have plenty of action! The one thing that bugged me the most was the ill-placed sexual innuendo that had nothing to do with the anything at all. It is hard for me to give this movie a solid “Bad” because my husband loves Transformers in general. We actually own the old animated movie. So I will just say I did not like the movie but liked the idea behind it.

Disclaimer- This is my opinion alone and I am sure there are people out there that loved this movie and I mean no offense.

Macado’s

After the disappointing movie we decided to check out Macado’s, a new restaurant in down town Bristol. Several of my co- worker’s had eaten at Macado’s in other cities and had sang its praises. So when John suggested we eat there I was really excited to try it out. Macado’s was FABULOUS! I got a chicken and Mac n’ cheese bake and it was awesome! Nick got a Ruben and said that he still has dreams about. So if you have not been to Macado’s I definitely recommend giving it a try.

All in all Friday Night Double Date Night was a success and as always we had a great time hanging out with John and Nicole.

 

Fireworks in Telford

For those of you who attended big city fireworks you missed a really great show right in the heart of Telford on July 4th. Nick and I gathered along with several others at his friend John David’s house and had our own fireworks show. No one was injured (to badly), nothing was burnt down, and we got to see some cool fireworks without fighting the crowds. I did not actually participate in any of the lighting of the fireworks but I did attempt to take pictures of the antics. And this attempt reminded me yet again that I am ready for a digital camera up grade. My shutter speed was just way to slow really capture the action. I got my digital in 2005 and it still works for the most part but the technology has come so far since then and I just really feel it is time for a new one. I need facial recognition!!!  Despite my camera issues we had a great time with great friends and below are a few of my feeble attempts at pictures.

 

A special thanks to anyone who has fought or is currently fighting to defend our freedoms! Happy Independence Day!!