Movies, Solo

Do you ever go to see movies by yourself? I do. When Brett and I were living separately, if I wanted to see a movie, I went alone. And even now that he is here, he does not want to see all of the movies I want to see (or, often, he is patient enough to wait until a movie comes out on digital format and I am not).

Over Christmas break, I went to see two movies by myself. First, I saw Wild. I read Cheryl Strayed's biography of the same name a few years ago, and although I enjoyed it, I was ambivalent about seeing the movie. For me, enjoyment of the book rested in the significance of small moments and Cheryl's internal conflicts, and I was not sure how that would translate into a movie. However, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, so I went to see it.

I really enjoyed it. The movie was able to translate the subtle emotions of the book into film. I was only disappointed that one of my favorite encounters in the book--Cheryl meets a father and son hiking--did not make it to the film.

Second, a very different kind of movie--Big Hero 6. Again, I had not planned on seeing this movie, but the reviews were excellent and I had a free afternoon. 

It was so cute, but also had a surprising amount of emotional depth (I may have cried, although that is not a great barometer, as I can be brought to tears by commercials). 

(Almost) Midnight Train to Champaign

Last week, I took the train to and from Champaign to visit Brett. Although it was great to be in Champaign (we went to one of my favorites for lunch, Golden Harbor--yummmm), it was a busy weekend. I cleaned out the apartment as best I could before the big move, and Brett had to study for finals.

I took the late train home, and although I was not initially looking forward to the trip back, I had a nice surprise waiting for me at the station--a friend from law school, Krystelle, was taking the same train back! It was great to catch up.

Accidentally Christmas-coordinated.

This week, I did not go back to Champaign. Brett had one final remaining, and it was the one he needed to study for the most. The next time I am in Champaign, it will be to move Brett. I cannot wait!

Best Buy

Did you take advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday? I picked up a few items, and I am particularly happy with this perfume.

Nordstrom featured a sample of Jo Malone's Blackberry and Bay cologne in their holiday promotional, and I was hooked after one whiff.

Turkey Day Recap

Happy belated Thanksgiving!

We had a great holiday back in WashMo. Highlights include:

-Not one, but two, delicious Thanksgiving dinners. My dad had to work Thursday evening, so we had a wonderful lunch with my parents, then we headed over the Brett's parent's home for Round 2.

Meal #1 at my parents house.

To prepare for the turkey/ham/mashed potato/pie onslaught, we had our own Turkey Trot in the morning (Brett ran, I walked). Although it was a little cold, I think this is a nice tradition to start.

-Visiting with friends, old and new. We had lunch and watched the Mizzou game with our old friend Nick and his girlfriend. Nick's family has two pugs, so there was only one way I wanted to watch the game--covered in pugs.

#puglife

-Seeing some family. We stopped by my cousin's adorable new home, where I got in some baby cuddles and got to catch up a bit with my extended family.

-Dinner in St. Louis with my parents at a very nice restaurant. Yum.

-Riding around town on my dad's Can-Am Spyder with Brett. We drove on some of the windy, scenic roads in town. We also stopped at the high school parking lot so I could drive around a bit. I learned to drive a car in that parking lot, so it was only appropriate.

My mom's helmet, my dad's bomber jacket, my face, and my husband.
We were parked when we took this picture, don't worry.

-Taking in the Garden Glow. Last night, Brett and I went with my parents to the Garden Glow at the St. Louis Botanical Gardens (the Gardens are covered in Christmas lights and holiday decorations). We had a great time. 

I hope you and yours had an equally wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

The Shai-Hulud of Earworms

I join the rest of the internet in commanding you to watch this video, which Glen Weldon of Pop Culture Happy Hour called the Shai-Hulud of earworms.

Then you must read this Buzzfeed article. Then you must read Dune (which really goes without saying). At that point, we will have enough shared cultural references to have a conversation.

Sylvan Esso

Since hearing a recommendation on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, I have been listening to Sylvan Esso's self-titled album on Spotify on repeat. PCHH particularly praised the single Coffee, but the track that I have most enjoyed is Wolf. 

Black Tie Optional

Brett was in Chicago this weekend, and we had the nicest time.

First of all, I simply enjoyed being in Chicago for a weekend. I have been visiting Brett in Champaign most weekends or have been out of town for one reason or another, and it felt great to wake up in my own bed on Saturday morning. I drank a Chai tea latte, got caught up with Parenthood, and cuddled with the cats.

Brett had an event downtown in the morning for class, and when it finished, I met him and his good friend Bob for lunch at Siena Tavern. The caramelized brussels sprouts pizza was outrageously tasty (on another note, did you know that the vegetable is spelled brussels sprout and not brussel sprout? I just learned, thanks internet!).

Saturday evening, Brett and I attended a black tie benefit because we are ever-so-fancy (actually, my boss is the president of an organization, and she was kind enough to invite us to their annual scholarship ball). It was fun to play dress up for a night and attend an elegant event. Of course, in classic fashion, we did not take any good pictures--you will just have to take my word for it that Brett looked exceptionally dapper.

The apartment seems particularly quiet now that Brett and the cats have gone back to Champaign. This weekend made me look forward--even more so--to the weekend when they move up permanently.

Serial

I am an avid podcast listener. One of these days, I will write a blog post about all of my favorite podcasts, but, for now, I am going to write about my new favorite podcast: Serial.

Serial is the new podcast from many of the same people behind This American Life. Instead of telling many stories within one episode, as This American Life does, Serial is the same story told over 12 episodes. The story is a dark one: in 1999, a high school student from Baltimore named Hae Min Lee was murdered. Her classmate and ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, was arrested, charged, and found guilty of her murder. He is currently serving a life sentence.

Serial is not the Innocence Project. The host of the podcast, Sarah Koenig, seems to sway between finding the evidence against Adnan strong and disbelieving that someone she finds personally charming could be a murderer. This is the tension that makes the show so interesting for me, but I also think it is what will ultimately make listening to Serial a frustrating experience. The podcast is still being produced--I doubt the producers are going to catch Adnan in a lie that proves he is guilty or will find evidence, 15 years after the fact, that proves his innocence.

It is almost impossible to listen to this podcast without coming up with your own theory about what happened. I have one, and I have been bothering Brett, who does not listen to the podcast, about it for weeks. Have you been listening? Do you have a theory? Or, likely more accurately, am I completely missing the point of the podcast by coming up with a theory of what actually happened?

Transparent

I recently blazed my way through the first season of Amazon's television show Transparent. I knew the premise of the show before I started watching: Transparent is about a family consisting of divorced parents and three adult children, and, in the first episode, the patriarch of the family attempts to tell his children that he is a transgender woman.

Despite knowing the premise, Transparent took me completely by surprise. I thought the show was a comedy. The casting of Jeffrey Tambor (of George Bluth, Sr. fame) as Mort/Maura, and the promotional pictures for the show gave me that impression.

Look at these smiling faces--would you have thought this was a comedy as well?

While the show has humorous points, it is not a comedy. The tone is similar to HBO's Girls--awkward and realistic. The members of this family are sometimes cruel and almost always selfish. 

But, despite the show not being what I thought it would be, I thought it was very good. Uncomfortable to watch at times, but very good. I liked how the characters are full, if flawed, people. 

Broad City

I don't have cable in the pied-à-terre, so I have been watching a lot of Amazon Prime the past few months. Amazon Prime continually recommended that I watch Comedy Central's Broad City, but I resisted because stoner humor does not typically appeal to me. Because Broad City airs right after Workaholics, I thought that it would essentially be that show but with, you know, broads. 

I don't remember what inspired me to watch the first episode, but I quickly watched the entire first season and insisted that Brett watch it, too, so that he could understand all of the references I desperately wanted to make. This show is funny. I most enjoy the friendship between the two main characters, Ilana and Abbi. Their relationship never falls into trope--there are no love triangles, no shopping montages. Instead, Ilana and Abbi support one another and have fun together. This show passes the Bechdel test with flying colors. Also, I think I should just troll Jason Mantzoukas' IMDB page for ideas for shows to watch, because he is in many of my favorite things (The League, Broad City, Transparent). 

To whet your appetite: 

Sun Damage

I went to the dermatologist recently. The doctor took an image of my face with this fancy camera, and then we discussed my skin issues. I learned that I am in the 97th percentile for "texture" (apparently, a good thing) and the 13th percentile for redness (apparently, a bad thing). I also got to see a picture of the UV damage to my face.

Holy moly.

I wear SPF every day, and, still, there was pronounced sun damage to my face, particularly on the contours where the sun hits most directly (damn these high cheekbones!). So, I am reevaluating my regimen.

First, I am upping my usual Neutrogena SPF 35 for Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection with SPF 50 in the morning. Second, I am planning on applying Peter Thomas Roth's Instant Mineral Powder with SPF 45 before I leave work to walk home. Because I wear sunscreen every morning, I am thinking that the biggest difference I could make in my routine would be to reapply SPF in the afternoon.

 

Hopefully this will help stave off more damage. I would love to hear any recommendations for sunscreen, etc, if you have them!

The Fault in Our Stars

I first heard about John Green's The Fault in Our Stars a few years ago when my good friend Katie read it. I remember her telling me that she liked it, but that she would not see the movie that was being made of it because she did not want to cry in front of that many people (a sentiment I completely understand).

I was looking for an audiobook to listen to on my way to Ann Arbor for my friends' wedding last weekend, and I saw that The Fault in Our Stars audiobook is almost 8-hours long, which was the total length of my trip. Done and done.

The Fault in Our Stars is about two young people who meet at a cancer support group. Thematically, the book is about how society treats people who are sick, as well as the relationship between reader, book, and author. The book was narrated by Kate Rudd, and she did a spectacular job. She had to narrate the dialogue of men, women, teenagers, and adults. Once I got into the book, I could tell who was supposed to be speaking based on her slight and non-distracting inflections. As for the book--I liked it. I know that commentators have recently criticized the trend of adults reading YA fiction, but I generally fall under the camp of like what you like (a media libertarian?).

One of my favorite passages had to do with the relationship of readers to books. The author wrote:

Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book. And then there are books . . . which you can't tell people about, books so special and rare and yours that advertising your affection feels like betrayal.

YES. And while this book does not qualify under either category for me, I did enjoy listening to it.

I rented the move adaptation when I got home on Sunday, but I did not enjoy the movie as much as the book. In a book, even an audiobook, it is possible to imagine young adults who are witty and end every conversation with a sly reference to the beginning of the conversation. On screen, however, when that quick dialogue is coming out of the mouth of a young adult, you are forced to remember that young people do not speak that way, and it took away some of the enjoyment for me.

Wedding Weekend

Our good friends from college, Audrey and Adam, got hitched over the weekend. It was one of the best weddings I have ever attended.

The wedding was in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and I drove in on Friday afternoon. What a beautiful drive! The fall colors were gorgeous. I couldn't take any pictures because I am a responsible driver (and also because I made the dubious decision to listen to The Fault in Our Stars on audiobook during the trip, and crying and driving is hard enough as it is).

The festivities started with a casual dinner Friday night at a local restaurant. Audrey and Adam had reserved an entire space for the event, and it was intimate and beautiful. And there were salted caramel cupcakes.

The next day, I joined Audrey and a few of her other girlfriends and relatives to get our hair done in the morning. I also got to watch Audrey put mascara on, a rare and magnificent sight. Audrey looked completed gorgeous.

Completely. Gorgeous.

The ceremony will go down as one of my all time favorites because of its sincerity and brevity. Then, the party moved to the reception venue.

Pardon the glare, embrace the adorableness. 

Beautiful centerpieces, which matched Audrey's bouquet.

Brett had a class in Champaign in the morning, so he arrived just in time to be in a few pictures and to enjoy the reception. Audrey and Adam were kind enough to ask me to do a toast. I was nervous, but it went well. 

After the wedding festivities, the close friends of the bride and groom went out for karaoke. Adam was in a rap battle. The winner was everyone who got to watch Adam be in a rap battle. 

Sunday morning, Audrey and Adam hosted guests at their condo for brunch. This may have been my favorite part of the weekend because it was so intimate, so relaxed, and Audrey sent me home with ten leftover wedding favors--divine macarons from a local bakery. It was a perfect wedding weekend. 

Love these two. Beautiful couple.

Daily Beauty Routine

Joanna Goddard's blog Cup of Jo has a recurring segment called Beauty Uniform, where she asks different women (and, most recently, herself) about their daily beauty routine. I always like reading these pieces because I find it interesting to learn how different women came to use the products they use and what they consider beautiful. So, because imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, I will borrow a few of her questions.

Do you wear make up? 

Yes, since early high school. 

What is your daily beauty routine?

I wash my face with Cetaphil. My mom has used it forever, and my mom has amazing skin.

I use a primer, usually Smashbox. The green of this primer negates some of my natural ruddiness (or attempts to).

I wore Bareminerals for years, but I switched to Benefit Big Easy over the summer. It has SPF 35 and goes on really well. I like how I can blend blush into it.

Speaking of blush: it is stereotypical, but I wear Nars--you know which one, don't make me type it.

Most days, I throw on a little eyeliner. My new favorites are Smashbox Always Sharp 3D liners. They sharpen to a point when you twist the lid, so they are always ready to make the thin line I prefer.

Funny how much product can go into creating the illusion of a fairly natural look, amiright? 

Do you have any beauty splurges?

I treat myself to a gel manicure every few months. I consider this a splurge because I have the materials to give myself a gel manicure at home, and I generally have the patience to do it well. 

Do you have a game-changing beauty product?

I have recently started paying more attention to brow maintenance. I use Benefit's Gimme Brow most days now, and I think it has made a big difference in creating a more polished look for me. 

Do you have a signature scent?

I have worn Chloe by Chloe since late college. For a long time, it was the most expensive thing I had ever purchased for myself.

When are times in your life that you've felt beautiful?

Because I used to have a job where I could dress very casually, it is really fun for me, and makes me feel very elegant and beautiful, to put on professional clothes and head out the door in the morning. 

Do you have any regrettable beauty trends you tried?

No. Although I am sure there are times in my life when my beauty routine has been better for my appearance or my skin health, I don't have any regrets. I am sure those pictures of me with supremely bushy eyebrows (of which there are many) will be fun to look at one day. 

Do you have an overall beauty philosophy?

Good makeup should make you feel comfortable and beautiful. And try a bold lip color every once in a while. 

Rocking a bold lip and a handsome date at my good friend's wedding this weekend.

Perks of the Job

I ran an errand during lunch, and I got to watch a few minutes of the Columbus Day Parade on my walk back to the office. I used the el station to cross the street and took this photo--reminds me of my old marching band days!

90 Candles

Yesterday, Brett and I went to his Great-Grandma Lorraine's 90th birthday party. She looks great, and I think she had a wonderful time at the party.

Brett and his Great-Grandmother Lorraine. 

I met more of Brett's family members than I ever had before--cousins even flew in from South Carolina for the party.

Family photo, Brett on the far right.

Brett had a class in Champaign Saturday morning, so we did not arrive until the late afternoon, when the party was winding down, but we still had a good time. We particularly enjoyed seeing our nephew, Parker. He is such a sweet, playful boy.

Brett and Parker. 

I love the expressions on their faces here--Parker looks so hopeful!

Gone Girl

Have you read it? Have you seen it? I recommend doing both, and in that order.

I first read Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl two years ago for a book club club I was part of in Champaign. I don't typically read thrillers, but I loved this book. It was creepy and provocative. Also, Flynn was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lives in Chicago, so, in addition to feeling like I am following her around the country, I enjoy Flynn's depictions of Missouri river towns (even if they are not particularly favorable depictions). I read Flynn's other two books, Sharp Objects and Dark Places, shortly thereafter.

I have been looking forward to seeing David Fincher's adaptation of Gone Girl since I learned that Flynn was adapting the screenplay herself. Brett and I saw the movie last weekend in Champaign. We both thought it was excellent (even if it is an odd choice for a date night movie).

Endings and Beginnings

My sister Julie has been encouraging me to start a blog for a while. She loves writing her blog, and she finds that her blog documents many memories which she would not have been able to recall otherwise. I had desisted, though, because I consider myself (likely erroneously) a private person.

I changed my mind because my grandfather, Thomas Boyer, passed away a few weeks ago, and I returned home to Washington, Missouri, for his funeral service. Being with my family and sharing stories about my grandfather made me want to create a repository for such stories--not just the big moments that are easily remembered, but the smaller incidents that define relationships and time periods.

The service was really wonderful. I was touched by how many of my grandfather's friends came to see my grandmother and mom. My father gave a beautiful eulogy, where he told the group that Grandpa's last words, spoken to my mom, were, "I love you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck."

The funeral included military honors. Grandpa was a Marine--he served in Korea and was one of the Chosin Few. The service inspired me to learn more about the Korean War, and also to donate money to the Honor Flight Network. Grandpa was able to go on an Honor Flight, and he found the experience incredibly worthwhile and moving.

This spectacular picture--I believe a family friend titled it, "A great American and a great mustache"--was taken August 2013 during a family trip to Yellowstone National Park (the bouncing baby is my niece, Clementine). I am so grateful that we had one last big family trip out West before Grandpa passed.

After the service, the family went to an Italian restaurant for lunch. Julie had toasted ravioli, I had mostaccioli, and provel cheese was had by all--a proper send-off to a lifelong St. Louisan.