Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strain)

I've been thinking about writing for a week now. Haven't had the time and when I've had the time I haven't had the will. Now I have the time and the will but not a thought in my head that makes any kind of sense. So much to say but no way to say it. I'm trudging on, keeping my chin up and being nice to everyone even when they aren't so nice to me. It has been hard, but not as hard as I thought and this is only the beginning. The rib is out and the recovery is on but there's still a cancer-ridden brain to contend with. One thing at a time. I'm doing my best.

Anyone see the Academy awards? Did you see Charlize Theron's dress? That freaking bow? Jason said it looked like a pillow she had sewn onto her shoulder so she could take a nap during the ceremony. I swear, she looked like she stepped out of a really bad prom photo from 1983. How about the ebonic acceptance speech from that band who sang "It's hard out here for a pimp" or whatever it is called. I swear, no class. Passed up Dolly Parton for some illiterate gangsters. What is the world coming to?

I've snaked a meme from someone I've never met and she doesn't even know I read her blog...Perhaps I could be called a stalker?

Red: Seen
Bold: Want to see
Italic: Just because it was best picture doesn't mean I should have a desire to see it
Green: Never heard of it

Academy Awards, Best Picture
2006: Crash (2004) - loved it
2005: Million Dollar Baby (2004)
2004: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003) - loved it (Own it)
2003: Chicago (2002)
2002: Beautiful Mind, A (2001) - loved it (Own it)
2001: Gladiator (2000) - loved it
2000: American Beauty (1999) - loved it
1999: Shakespeare in Love (1998) - good for at least a viewing or two
1998: Titanic (1997) - hated it, I thought it was totally cheesy
1997: English Patient, The (1996) - Saw it a long time ago, I remember liking it.
1996: Braveheart (1995) - Really liked it, I think I'd like to see it again.
1995: Forrest Gump (1994) - One of the best comedies I've ever seen...Oh it wasn't a comedy? Could have fooled me!
1994: Schindler's List (1993) - Decent for a one time viewing...There are plenty more realistically portrayed (Amazingly) holocaust movies...I think Spielberg is a bit overrated...Very formulated.
1993: Unforgiven (1992) - Wow, I totally forgot about this movie - it has Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood, right? Good movie from what I remember, I need to see it again.
1992: Silence of the Lambs, The (1991) - Excellent movie...I don't remember it winning best picture, wow - I didn't know they did that for horror.
1991: Dances with Wolves (1990) - I really liked this movie I can't get Jason to watch it though - he can't stand Kevin Costner.
1990: Driving Miss Daisy (1989) - Ha, ha...I saw this movie a long time ago and then Jason and I rented it and laughed our asses off through the whole thing.
1989: Rain Man (1988) - Another one I liked as a teenager but then saw again as an adult and realized it is totally cheesy.
1988: Last Emperor, The (1987)
1987: Platoon (1986)
1986: Out of Africa (1985)
1985: Amadeus (1984) - Loved it
1984: Terms of Endearment (1983)
1983: Gandhi (1982) - loved it
1982: Chariots of Fire (1981)
1981: Ordinary People (1980)
1980: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
1979: Deer Hunter, The (1978)
1978: Annie Hall (1977)
1977: Rocky (1976)
1976: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) - Excellent book too.
1975: Godfather: Part II, The (1974)
1974: Sting, The (1973)
1973: Godfather, The (1972)
1972: French Connection, The (1971)
1971: Patton (1970)
1970: Midnight Cowboy (1969) - This movie is AWFUL.
1969: Oliver! (1968)
1968: In the Heat of the Night (1967) - Even though Haskell Wexler shot this I don't want to see it.
1967: Man for All Seasons, A (1966)
1966: Sound of Music, The (1965)
1965: My Fair Lady (1964)
1964: Tom Jones (1963)
1963: Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
1962: West Side Story (1961)
1961: Apartment, The (1960)
1960: Ben-Hur (1959)
1959: Gigi (1958)
1958: Bridge on the River Kwai, The (1957)
1957: Around the World in Eighty Days (1956)
1956: Marty (1955)
1955: On the Waterfront (1954)
1954: From Here to Eternity (1953)
1953: Greatest Show on Earth, The (1952)
1952: American in Paris, An (1951)
1951: All About Eve (1950) - Excellent movie
1950: All the King's Men (1949)
1949: Hamlet (1948)
1948: Gentleman's Agreement (1947)
1947: Best Years of Our Lives, The (1946)
1946: Lost Weekend, The (1945) - This one is actually in my Netflix cue.
1945: Going My Way (1944)
1944: Casablanca (1942) - Loved it
1943: Mrs. Miniver (1942)
1942: How Green Was My Valley (1941)
1941: Rebecca (1940)
1940: Gone with the Wind (1939) - One of my all time favs, I should buy this one
1939: You Can't Take It with You (1938)
1938: Life of Emile Zola, The (1937)
1937: Great Ziegfeld, The (1936)
1936: Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)
1935: It Happened One Night (1934)
1934: Cavalcade (1933)
1932: Grand Hotel (1932) - This one is in my cue too.
1931: Cimarron (1931)
1930: All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
1930: Broadway Melody, The (1929)
1929: Wings (1927)

Here is a survey stolen from the same person entitled The Owners Manual Meme

1. How can I tell if you are angry?
I can't hide my emotions. I never have been able to. I try really hard, but it never really works. I guess you can see it in my eyes.
2 How should I behave around you while you are angry?
Well, if I am angry at you, just try to be understanding (Putting yourself in my shoes instead of automatically getting defensive and acting like you could do no wrong). Mostly though if I'm mad at you it is best to just let me be and stew in my juices for a while...If I tell you to leave me alone do it or I'll bite your head off...I won't just bite your head off though - I'll tell you to leave me alone.

If I'm not mad at you I'm most likely in need of some venting so whatever you do DON'T PLAY THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE. You don't have to agree with me but don't try and "Make me see the light." I am no idiot and if I'm mad for no reason, I'll realize it and make my own amends. Venting means just that - Listen with compassion or tell me you don't care and I'll find someone else or just write about it.
3. How do you want me to behave when you are hurting emotionally? (How is best to comfort you?)
Listening is always a good idea for anyone I think. Again, understanding helps (At least an attempt). Telling me not to complain is probably not the best thing to do and will probably end our friendship so I suppose it is your call.
4. Are there things we should ~not~ discuss?
I can discuss anything. There is no subject too taboo. However, if I don't agree with you - don't push it. Let it go and move on.
5. How should I treat you if you are physically ill?
Again, telling me not to complain or making me feel like a burden is probably not the best way to keep my respect. You know, use your judgment. If I'm dying please take me to the doctor...If I need some water it'd be nice of you to get it! Some company would be good too.
What makes you happy? (that may be in my power to grant, as a friend?)
Don't talk about me behind my back unless it is something you've said to my face. This is a BIG one. If I can't trust you to extend that one courtesy then we will never make it to friendship. Honesty is HUGE with me. I like to laugh too so a good sense of humor works. Also...Consistency is important. If you are really nice to me one day and then give me the silent treatment the next - I'm not going to be very happy about that and it will only make me paranoid and not trust you. So if you are manic-depressive or something like that - let me know so I know what to expect!
7. How would you like for us to recognize your birthday?
Just let me know you're happy I was born.
8. Are there any standing categories of presents that would be inappropriate or unwelcome?
This is an interesting question. Um, well...I suppose drugs would be unwelcome. Also anything made of fur or leather would not be good at all.
9. Are there times of the year that are difficult for you? (please explain if you are comfortable.)
My father's birthday is March 10th, the anniversary of his death is September 23rd. My ex-fiance's birthday is September 11th and that is only hard for me because we were really close and I miss his friendship. I think of him on his birthday and always want to call him - but I can't.
10. Are there important anniversaries that we should recognize in your life?
Jason and I were married September 1st, 2004.
11. Who are the most important people in your life to whom we should defer when making plans on your behalf?
My husband, Jason
My mother, Linda
Chrissy
Rachel
These people know me the best and can answer any necessary questions