Tribute to the late LDS President Hinckley

This is a sweet moment with CNN's Glenn Beck.

I know, this is mean... But funny!

One of the blogs I read mentioned that one thing that would make the blogger wish he were dead would be a Super-bowl commercial featuring Jessica Simpson... I couldn't agree more, but I will take it one step further.
I wish she would disappear. Make sure you understand me: I don't wish she were dead. I just wish she would, oh, I don't know, move to an experimental space-station on the moon where no communication with earth is possible, as the token primate, of course.You know, or she could just disappear like the family in "Home Alone," not actually lost, but just stuck forever in a black hole of traveling misadventure about which we would never have to read on the cover of a smutty celebrity newspaper whilst waiting to check-out at Tom Thumb with our baguette, hummus, brie, and of course, Blue Bell 'cookies and creme' ice-cream.
Sure, then the earth would be in trouble finding people to play roles like "Daisy Duke," finding a blonde bimbo with as little class for whom lines like "I think something bounced up into my undercarriage" would be as effortless... Unless, why, of course! Paris Hilton! (But that girl is a whole separate blog... Remember when I called Simpson, Hilton, Miss South Carolina, and Steve-O the "Royal Court of Dumb" in "The Dumbification of America?" Yeah, I stand by that.)
(For the record: I only watched like 10 minutes of "The Dukes of Hazzard" before I walked out. They just happen to be showing commercials on t.v. for a showing of it, and the only quote from the movie in said commercials is what I quoted above.)

He will be missed

President Gordon B. Hinkley
1910-2008
President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

"We must live as true followers of the Christ, with charity toward all, returning good for evil, teaching by example the ways of the Lord, and accomplishing the vast service He has outlined for us."
(General Conference, April 4, 2004)

He was an amazing example of "the ways of the Lord." I am sure he is in Heaven with his lovely wife, and so I am glad, even though I am sad.

Depressed

Today I saw "The Savages," which was sad and good and down-right depressing; followed by "No Country for Old Men," which I know is beloved by America and the Academy and my dear friend, but, I hated it! I don't know why... Maybe it was my already depressed state of mind. It was gory (so much so that its brutality made me nervous and actually nauseated), sad, and the ending was, well, what was it?! I hated the main character (you know, the guy with the less-than-flattering bob [once again supporting my theory that bad guys always have bad hair, and could use a good deep-conditioner]). Anyway, I think that the reason it received so many Oscar nods was strictly because it was by the Coen brothers. Feel free to argue with me on this one, or to enlighten me.
I have been watching "Sex and the City" all night to try to recover from my film choices today. My soul is bruised.
Next time, I will try a frivolous movie that will leave me feeling peppy and upbeat, maybe with a nice good-looking leading man as eye-candy, which is unlike me. I usually hate frivolous movies.

J'adore...

This is an amazing product!!! This price is just right (around $20), it is fairly easy to find (they have it at most Targets), and it makes my face feel like the proverbial baby's bottom. Seriously, try it! L'Oreal Refinish Micro-dermabrasion Kit. I am in love with it. Id' marry it if I could... you know, legally.

Sadabo Special: delicious sushi and fun photos from my birthday dinner. Also 'The Bucket List' and my bucket list

So... this post is long overdue. I was having some problems uploading pics, but it's all better now. My birthday dinner was really fun! I had some awesome sushi (esp. the "Sadabo Roll.. amazing!) with some of my favorite people:

Me and my cute boyfriend, Alex

Me and Pauly

KerDal and me

Leslie, Me, Gerry

Me, Olicia, Marilyn

My fabulous sister

The cool kids: Shelley, Rachael, Nick, Kerry

So, after dinner, Leslie, Gerry, Alex, and I saw "The Bucket List," which is pretty cute. Here are some things on my "bucket list:"

• travel the world: Italy, London, NYC, Paris, Tokyo, Africa, Australia, Norway, Ireland, Hong Kong (a little birdie told me I can get Gucci, Prada, et al there for a good deal)
• publish at least one novel
• be on Oprah for above
• publish article in "Vogue"
• sky-dive
• get my masters or law degree
• read everything by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Edith Wharton
  

What is on your "bucket list?"

James Lipton, the pimp

I saw this on t.v. months ago, and I still try to impersonate it, with little or no success. It is James Lipton (the host of "Inside the Actors' Studio") reading K-Fed lyrics. It is pretty funny.
http://www.devilducky.com/media/41218/
*warning for all you mos out there: he says FCC approved swear words

Oh, GEC...

...Sigh...

"Defunct Spy Satellite Falling From Orbit"

Apparently, a satellite is going to hit the earth in February or March. They don't know where it's going to land, and it contains "hazardous materials."

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/defunct-spy-satellite-falling-from-orbit/20080126173609990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

That'll ruin your hairday.

WTF? Punished for being awesome: The chronicle of becoming the 'closing cashier'

I don't even wanna talk about it...

Although I will say this. I am perturbed that with all the extra sleep I could be getting since I don't have to go in until so late, I'm actually more tired, I think.
I am not getting any extra sleep. Therefore, I do not look more lovely and refreshed than before. Therefore, I do not get extra attention and special favors at work. Therefore, I am not slowly (or quickly) getting scheduled sweet shifts again, making my life easier and my rest better. Therefore, I keep getting crappy, closing shifts. Therefore, I do not get better sleep. Therefore, I do not look more lovely and refreshed, earning me special attention and extra favors, and oh, man, I just, I just really gotta get some sleep. And a job with better hours.
But you see how the vicious cycle sets in, don't you? Closing shifts are ruining my looks. Soon, I will look like Sharon Stone:Except with less blue eyeshadow...

Cellular Tellular

In my book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Defective People," I plan on devoting a chapter to cell phone etiquette.

SCENE
DAY, INT.
lady who I am helping who has said maybe one word to me, as she is very busy and very important chatting up what I can only assume is an equally obnoxious friend on her cell phone, to equally obnoxious friend (oh, no, she hadn't spoken to me yet, and we were halfway through the transaction, don't even think she may start now):
"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm just doing this transaction at ----, multi-tasking, you know. " Obnoxious, tettering laugh.

No, lady. Don't call it "multi-tasking." Call it "being rude," because that is what it is. I'm multi-tasking, taking care of your transaction and maintaining my cool and reminding myself on the inside that, no, perhaps holding up my hand as a fake phone to my ear and saying, "lady, if I get on my phone too, can we communicate better?" is probably not my best move, though it is tempting...
Which reminds me of a fabulous product I found online the other day. "Urban A-hole Notification Cards." Check it out:



http://www.glarkware.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=5&idproduct=2096

Awesome, right? Hope that doesn't offend your delicate sensibilities. Anywho, you can check boxes for things like:

• leaving kids in car
• leaving dog in car
  
• smoking in non-smoking areas
• not tipping / not tipping enough
• cutting in line
• talking loudly on cell phone
• littering
• wearing too much perfume or cologne
• not washing hands after using washroom
• not giving up seat on public transportation when someone obviously needs it more than you

I think these cards are genius. I wish they said "jerk-face" instead of "a-hole" and I would totally pass them out all over the place!

Healthy girl

I realized I might be a hypochondriac when I added WebMD to my bookmarks.

And the nominees are...

Best picture “Atonement,” “Juno,” “Michael Clayton,” “No Country for Old Men,” “There Will Be Blood.”

Best actress Cate Blanchett, “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”; Julie Christie, “Away From Her”; Marion Cotillard, “La Vie en Rose”; Laura Linney, “The Savages”; Ellen Page, “Juno.”

Best actor George Clooney, “Michael Clayton”; Daniel Day-Lewis, “There Will Be Blood”; Johnny Depp, “Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street”; Tommy Lee Jones, “In the Valley of Elah”; Viggo Mortensen, “Eastern Promises.”

Best supporting actress Cate Blanchett, “I’m Not There”; Ruby Dee, “American Gangster”; Saoirse Ronan, “Atonement”; Amy Ryan, “Gone Baby Gone”; Tilda Swinton, “Michael Clayton.”

Best supporting actor Casey Affleck, “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”; Javier Bardem, “No Country for Old Men”; Hal Holbrook, “Into the Wild”; Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Charlie Wilson’s War”; Tom Wilkinson, “Michael Clayton.”

Best director Julian Schnabel, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”; Jason Reitman, “Juno”; Tony Gilroy, “Michael Clayton”; Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, “No Country for Old Men”; Paul Thomas Anderson, “There Will Be Blood.” MY LIST OF FILMS TO STILL SEE: Atonement (even though it's "so romantic I will probably throw up") Michael Clayton (I have always wanted to see this one plus it stars GEC) No Country for Old Men (Reminiscent of "Pulp Fiction" perhaps? Maybe...) There will be Blood (Daniel Day Lewis is a genius) Elizabeth: The Golden Age (I liked the first one) The Savages (dying to see this one) Into the Wild (I heard it was good) Sweeney Todd (Love Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Tim Burton) The Assassination of Jesse James... (Supposedly the best film of 2007) The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Sounds very interesting) NOMINATIONS I ALREADY SUPPORT (AKA FILMS YOU NEED TO SEE IF YOU HAVEN'T): Marion Cotillard, “La Vie en Rose” (She is absolutely brilliant) Best screenplay: "Lars and the Real Girl" (My favorite 2007 film so far) Sad... I haven't seen that many yet to make any decisions about the others. Boo. Oh, and don't get me wrong, I love "Juno," I just don't think it is "Best Picture" material. It didn't change my life. (Films do. All the time...) But, I will totally own the dvd, and I will totally laugh my butt off watching it several times in my life. For sure!

The "quote of the century" according to Meredith

"I don't judge others. I say if you feel good with what you're doing, let your freak flag fly."
-Carrie, SATC

(Is that a good enough "shout out" for ya, Mere? That really is a pretty good quote, I must agree with you. PS: I really like her outfit in this pic, which is a lot of times not the case!)

I'm feeling very culturally well-rounded lately...

I saw "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (the musical) this weekend. I understand what all the Broadway buzz was about. It was totally awesome (like the computers--you have to have lived in Utah to get that one)!

The director did some things that were outstanding, the format was really different from anything I've seen. At first, it was a little difficult to understand what was going on, but once I got it, it was amazing.

One of the things that impressed me the most was that all of the actors not only acted and sang, but played at least one, or several instruments; and incredibly well, mind you. They literally played the score as they played their roles. It was unreal.
Now I really can't wait to see the movie!

The Agronomist

Another fabulous film... "The Agronomist" is a documentary that tells the story of Jean Dominique, the owner of Radio Haiti. He was one who spoke out for freedom and the end of Haitian oppression by military coups, which led to his eventual murder. The crazy, sad, unbelievable thing is that he was murdered in 2000, this is not some old story for history books. It is so recent, the story is so poignant, and the man was so brilliant. His interviews make up a large part of the footage, and are very interesting. And he was really quite charming himself. It was a great film, and I learned a lot about a part of recent events that I was mostly ignorant of before.
You really need to see it. I promise.

You're SOOO good lookin'

For some reason, lately I have been wanting to respond to lots of things like Jerry says in this scene, "you're sooo good lookin'." I don't know why, but it has come to mind several times (and I also thought it might be a funny response to an "I love you," not that I'm getting any of those...)
But, the whole thing about blessing someone after a sneeze reminds me of my mom, whose normal response is "that sneeze didn't deserve a 'bless you.'" Her theory is, just because somebody else sneezes, she shouldn't be OBLIGATED to bless them. I can see her point. Although, one time she sneezed and went out of her way to say, "oh, bless me," just to tick me off. Now THAT was a good moment.

Apparently only married people are "living life"

I totally hate this commercial. It is so annoying. The bride is the only one who is having fun, BEING fun, and "living life;" while all her assumably single, un-fun bridesmaids are "sweating it." Give me an em-effing break.

Starting out in the Evening

I really liked this film! Of course, you've got to be willing to journey down to the Inwood Theater in Dallas, a romantic old movie-house that features indies and classics. Luckily, I was. It is the theater where I saw "Lost in Translation" by myself on a Wednesday evening a few years back. I have a soft spot for the Inwood in my heart.
So, anyway, in "Starting out in the Evening," (a beautiful name for a film, I think), Lauren Ambrose plays a grad student who is writing her thesis on Leonard Schiller, an author played extremely well by Frank Langella. His character is debonair and optimistic and thoughtful. His daughter's strange life adds an interesting side-story. Lauren Ambrose is a bit crazy, actually, with strange mannerisms; eyes that are open just a tiny bit too much throughout the film; and a small crazy smile, 'like a clown smile,' I remarked during the show. She was just a little too eager, or star-struck, or something. The main offering I appreciated by her was her fabulous hair and a make-up look I have at times considered: no eye-makeup (with very fair lashes) and red lips.
Anyway, at least rent it.

My favorite lipgloss, a recommendation

I LOVE Vincent Longo! It's a little pricy, or about average, depending on how you look at it. But, $22 a tube is well worth it when you measure the color, texture, and shine against other lipglosses! I wear one color mainly, but have several on my to-try list. Vincent, will you marry me?

ESPN... ick!

What's worse than watching sports? Watching two guys talk about sports in a radio studio. That's what "ESPN Sports Live Radio Prime-time" is. Seriously. Huh?
Which makes a nice segue way to

"Becoming sporty: one girl's journey from stilettos to San Antonio Spurs"
Okay, people, I think I may have mis-lead some of you into thinking I am actually sporty now, or something. What it really is is that I have been watching a lot of football lately, and have managed to remain coherent and conscious throughout the games.
I do, however, actually like basketball quite a bit. This, combined with the football viewing, leads me to believe that I have turned over some kind of new leaf.
Before, the not-so-sporty Maigen would have drudged through the football with a copy of "The Great Gatsby" close at her side. (She actually attended an NBA game once and read "Pride and Prejudice" the whole time.) She would have laughed if you told her she would actually like basketball, and would even have favorite teams (the Mavs, the Spurs), favorite players (Tim Duncan, Shaq, Dwayne Wade, Jason Terry, Josh Howard, DJ, Dirk on a good day which is rare) and teams/players she hated (LA Lakers, of course; the Jazz; Steve Nash; Dirk on a bad day).
Not so with new-leaf Maigen. I have learned a little about sports, and I don't hate them. I'm not gonna lie, this also pleases the fellas (which is not a reason to like sports, but happens to be a nice by-product).
The one thing that the not-so-sporty and new-leaf Maigens have in common is the realization that at least 1/2 of the reason to watch sports is still, after all, the good-looking athletes. I think we can all agree on that!

Umm, grody. (Good word, Ker!)

What we've all been waiting for lo this very long while!
Now you can buy your very own pair of metallic jazz shoes for the low, clearance price of $44.99 on V.S.com!
(They'd have to pay me 10 times that much to be caught dead wearin' em.)

Sorry, y'all...

I've been lazy about blogging lately. I have been sick/busy/tired/not funny/turning 30 for the past week.
What is to come in the near future (a "sneak preview," if you will...):

• A dissertation on "WTF? Punished for being awesome: The chronicle of becoming the 'closing cashier'"
• "Sabado Special: delicious sushi and fun photos from my birthday dinner. Also 'The Bucket List' and my bucket list."
• "ESPN... ick!"
• "My favorite lipgloss, a recommendation"
• "Becoming sporty: one girl's journey from stilettos to San Antonio Spurs"

I don't have time to flesh these out right now, gotta go be the "closing cashier," but, believe me, they will be good!

Too Excited To Sleep

I love this little boy! This commercial gives me hope that I don't hate kids, after all. I haven't seen this commercial for a while, but I saw it again today while lying in bed with a flu from the Dominican Republic. Thank goodness for sick days.

Times Article

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/magazine/06mormonism-t.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=d1d8cfa51cd894f6&ex=1357275600&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

This is a pretty good article about Mitt Romney, the Church, and American perceptions. It is interesting, balanced, and well-researched. I learned a few things, and I like the Times for publishing a piece that does not smear Mormonism.

My favorite product

If I were a model, and I got a gig not only being in a photo on the box of a digital camera, but being the center girl in a three-girl photo, I would be pretty stoked. I would, however, sue the Pandigital people if they used this photos of me:

Umm... is it just me, or is her armpit the actual focal point of this photo?

I wish my picture was better... I mean, it's all arm-fat and stubbly armpit. Poor girl. She's pretty. Her armpit's not.

Everytime I see this product at returns it puts a big smile on my face.

Dental office in my area

I think they should re-name it "Medieval Dentistry."
"... The dentist will see you now in the tower for your root canal..."

the holidays in pictures

• Walter got a bath for Christmas Eve
• My little cousin, Cayden. Doesn't he look like the cartoon turtle from Disney's "Robin Hood?"
  
  
  
  
  

• Krissy's sweet Christmas letter. It's pics of her with a mannequin ("Bob"). Her letter talked about her awesome new boyfriend who "never talks back." Hilarious. My fave is the pic of her and "Bob" standing on the swingset, (you so need to click on that pic to enlarge it for the full effect!) so Mormon-wedding-announcement!
• The real Bob with my Christmas present trick. He hates the movie "About Schmidt," (he calls it "About S**t") so I put "Dirty Dancing" in my "About Schmidt" case and re-packaged it. It was funny.
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Me on Christmas
• Georgia in downtown Frisco on Christmas Eve
  
  

• Walter and Jojo on New Year's Eve, hoping to get lucky.
• Christmas day at Melinda and Bill's. My southern belle Grandma, me, Pops, Mere, Jared, and Georgia.
  
  

• Me, Georgia, and Mere at the "Lost Letters to Santa" New Year's Eve gig.
• LLTS rocks!
  
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• Me at Jeff and Michelle's New Year's party
• Jared rocking out to the metal band that played after LLTS
  

My birthday is nigh...

And I have recently begun referring to it as "D-day." I am off work that day, but alas, I do not have a pile of money horded under my mattress for a shoe-shopping-spree, as I had hoped. Instead, I will probably spend the day in my dark bedroom, curled up in the fetal position.
Just kidding. I actually don't really care at all, I just don't savor the idea of people asking my age, and my having to answer with an age that is closer to 40 than to 15, not that 15 is good. I think the phrase, "why, don't you know it's impolite to ask a lady her age?" (spoken with a southern accent, of course) might manifest itself on a quite regular basis in my near future.
At least I don't look 30. I really look 24, or younger. And I really must thank my dear mother for such resilient, super-age-defying genes. If I can continue to look young (through whatever means necessary, botox, plastic surgery, bring it on), I'm cool with getting older. In fact, old is totally in right now. Look at Demi Moore.

Once

I love this movie!!! Love, love, love! It is quite melancholy and the music is pretty, but don't watch it if you are not a music fanatic. You will be bored. The ending is sweet and superb. I want to be Irish. (Although I must admit I had to watch it with sub-titles... Should I be embarrassed about that?)

My future house...

As several of my friends buy houses, post pictures on "the internets," and become, like, real grown-ups, I would just like to share my exciting news:

The HGTV 2008 Dream House. Know it? Yeah, I'm gonna win it.

I better.

I LOVE to HATE Paris Hilton!

Or really anyone who invites the regular use of the classic and timeless poem "I see London, I see France, I see someone's underpants..."

"la Vie en Rose"

(Ask me to say it for you sometime with my fabulous french accent...)

The movie was pretty awesome, sad and desperate and pathetic. I have to say, as annoying a character as she sometimes played, the star was an incredible actress.

I highly recommend this film, if for no other reason than you get to stare at him:

The pic is too small, but he is Jean-Pierre Martins (I say that one really well...), the stuff of fantasies if you like to dream in tall, dark, french dreamboats. Which I do.