The Blockbuster Week

Saw several movies this past week, the first was I Am Legend. It had mostly the same structure as the original novel and movie. It's a love it or hate it movie; meaning, people will either love it, or hate it. Go see it for yourself; but, be warned - it took me a few hours to unnerve myself. This movie was real intense.

Movies adapted from novels are never as good as the book, at least I have never seen one. Atonement was no exception. Although I thought Atonement was a good movie on its own, it simply did not do Ian McEwan's writing justice. Some even found the movie to be long and slow. If you believe you would feel the same way, I suggest you see it anyway and watch it with an artistic eye. Appreciate the art of film making and immerse yourself in great cinematography, good direction, and incredible acting.

Speaking of great acting, Charlie Wilson's War had a brilliant cast. What can I say...good plot, great characters, Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Julia Roberts. This movie speaks for itself.

A complete opposite of Charlie Wilson's War was The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep. I wanted to see a cutesy flick and instead, wound up annoyed. All the cute parts were in the trailer - that was it! I would've liked to see more development between the characters, it felt cut off and unresolved. Mixing the cutesy story of a water horse against a backdrop of the World War was not a good idea either. The war concept overpowered what was supposed to be a family movie.

To end my week, the clear and obvious choice was to see Sweeney Todd. I have not seen it on Broadway and was really unfamiliar with the story. I loved it! Dark, yet pasty. Gory, yet delectable. Predictable, yet engaging. Dim, yet beautiful. Each frame was like a well-composed photograph. This was a nice end to my Blockbuster week.

I saw everything from horror, romance, political, "family", to musical. I think I covered the bases this week. Until the next set of blockbusters...

Present-filled Moment

Who honored me with Christmas presents? What did they give me? Most of the gifts can be accounted for at this very moment...

Right now, I am admiring the newest addition to my art collection (from T. Buds), while listening to Alvin, Simon, and Theodore sing Here Comes Santa Clause (from A. Ben), and uploading pictures to my jump drive (from A. Ben). I am being kept warm by a portable heater (from T. Buds) and a University of Utah sweater (from Klasina). Planning my outfit for tomorrow, I am desperately trying to fit in my alfalfa weave bag (from T. Buds); but, realize my other bag (from Yoshika) would be a more suitable pairing with my headband (from Linda).

During this late hour, as I contemplate where to place my 2008 Utah Life Calendar (From T. Kroesche), I suddenly crave a Peppermint White Mocha. Is it worth it to brave the strong Santa Ana winds and use my Starbucks gift cards (from Char and R. Buck)? That means I'd have to change out of my pajamas! Hmm, lazy vs addiction - this is the rarest of occasions - being thankful to be lazy; laziness actually being the better characteristic.

New plan: get ready for bed and unwind - by means of my Ipod Nano (from T. Buds).

Thank you family and friends. I cannot wait for another year with you all!

Love,
ME

Holiday Treat

Straight No Chaser performing 12 Days.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Seriously! GO. Be Merry :)

And have a great new year too!

Think You Have A Drinking Problem?

I heard the first step to overcoming addiction is to admit it. Well, here I am, my name is Cressida, and I am a coffee and caffeine addict.

It all started with a massive school project that demanded late nights; hence, the need for caffeine. Then Starbucks started their seasonal Peppermint Mocha and that drew me in further. Finals week came and I could not, and would not break free. It's been months of Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha goodness, and on occasion a diet soda; what can I say, I am only human.

Determined to clean my desk and pull out all remnants of the school semester, I took a good look at what crowded my area the most. It was not books or notes, nor index cards or highlighters, it was the Grande cups and soda cans. Yes, now I see my problem. For years, I have tried very hard not to get addicted to coffee - drinking it only when necessary. However, this time, I was exposed to the drug for a much longer period, and now having trouble wanting to shake it off.

I still refuse to become one of those people who need a cup of coffee in the morning in order to function; therefore, I will break this habit! That is, after Starbucks pulls their peppermint line off their menu.

Finding Serenity in the Midst of Finals

With my last final exam three hours away, I decided to stay on campus to eat lunch before a last run through my marketing notes. As I headed towards the student union, I was pained with the thought of having to push through a hungry crowd, stand in long lines, and stalk students leaving their tables so that I would not have to use my quick-numbing lap to eat off of. Just thinking of all this trouble, especially the inevitable charlie horse, made me regret staying on campus.

As the automatic doors slid open, the cafeteria was unusually bare. I guess being that it's finals week, the students are more dispersed. I decided to eat outside, given the sunny, mid-December, California weather. There is a patio area, hidden by trees, that is my favorite place on this campus. It is a rectangular cavity in front of the union building. The only way in is by a set of stairs to the left of the building entrance. As you descend, it feels as if you are entering a different world. The air is completely void of school and its pressures. Granted you are surrounded by students; but, there seems to be a silent agreement not to bring your school cares with you. Everyone is so calm, it makes the entire area like a little piece of heaven amongst all hell.

One towering wall is covered with hanging plants; on the other side is a gradual slope of earth full of ground plants and trees. The sun peeks through; but, the trees shade me. A single, late-blooming flower on the wall welcomes me to my seat. The gentle speakers whisper classical music. I sit back, look around, and relax; appreciative of the rare moments that come at the most opportune time.

Bring it On!

It's the eve of finals week and I am going to kick ass! Let's go baby!

Freshman 10; more like Finals 10

There's a saying that freshmen gain an average of 10 pounds during their first semester in college - The Freshman 10, or in my case, The Finals 10.

My schedule has been really off this past month. I have been eating dinner late, sleeping at dawn, and drinking a TON of coffee! I can definitely understand where my extra weight is coming from.

Stop the madness! Let's get these finals over and done with before I gain back all the weight I've lost.

ELFED!

My uncle, Java, and I have been Elfed!

F@&%

Excuse the profanity; but, DAMMIT! It's 5 AM and I have spent hours writing this "group" project getting it to 9 pages. I just reread the instructions and it includes two words that is the source of my rage: DOUBLE-SPACED. ARGH! It's my own fault really; but, I refuse to blame myself. If the rest of the group helped me out with this, one was bound to have noticed the fine print! Now I have to cut out and edit this paper!

I'll never get to sleep :(