9.23.2009

Gettin' Some Action

Get your mind outta the gutter! I'm talking about movies, people.

I haven't done a movie review in awhile, so here we go. Movies on the menu (did I just say menu? I must be hungry): Inglorious Basterds and District 9.

  • Inglorious Basterds: Now...I don't usually like Quentin Tarantino. His movies tend to go wayyyy over the top, and edge on side of ridiculous. Not so for Inglorious Basterds. I was surprised to find out that I absolutely loved it. The colors, the concept, the fact that it was not historically accurate at all, and Brad Pitt's hilarious quips made me adore this movie. Go into this movie with an open mind and let the story sink into your bones. It had me enthralled and it had me highly entertained. My Rating: ★★★ ½ (out of 4 stars)

  • District 9: In two words--highly original. This movie was refreshing. In a sea of remakes and unoriginal plots and--oh yeah--more remakes, this movie was a complete gem. I couldn't even guess what was gonna happen in the plot. And seriously, where can I get a cool alien gun that obliterates enemies on contact? But the plot was not all action. Nope, the storyline is what made this movie a standout. The movie felt like 30 minutes, as opposed to a cool 2 hours. Peter Jackson, you've done it again. My Rating: ★★★ ½
Yeah, they got the same rating because I loved them equally. Now, if you have not seen them, go forth and watch!!

9.20.2009

MJ and I go way back.

I went dancing for a little last night (after eating an ice cream sundae at Ghiradelli's)...now that's a good night!

I noticed that it is now popular to play Michael Jackson in the clubs.

How funny, when I used to have to beg DJs to play MJ just a few short months ago. You hear that kiddies?!? I didn't need his death to capture my attention and go, "Wow, that Michael has some great dance songs..."

I KNEW IT ALL ALONG, fools.

The life of a trend setter is hard *brushes dirt off of shoulder*

9.19.2009

I Won't Stop Believing

Have you heard the Glee version of "Don't Stop Believin'?" Simply brilliant. On top of this, have you seen the show Glee? I recently watched it online. Can you say, new obsession?!?

Anyway, back to the song...



When I heard this song the other day, it was a bit inspiring to me. Which is funny, because, I've heard this song a million times before, but it never affected me much. When I think of it, I think of drunk girls holding out a strong fist in the air, belligerently belting out the chorus, then tripping up over the rest of the song.

But for the first time, I really listened to the lyrics, and they really struck me. Probably because I've been in a bit of a rut.

God sends the right messages to you at the right times, including cheesy lines like DON'T STOP BELIEVIN' (be careful to note, you are uncool if you spell it "believing").

Despite the silly lyrics, it's a great message to the downhearted. When you feel stuck, there's always a way out.

I realize how privileged I am, and how my "being stuck" is nothing compared to what many in the world go through. But that doesn't mean that I'm incapable of feeling sad, or feeling like life has lost its fervor.

That passion that is missing in life can always be won back. So, on that note, I e-mailed numerous English schools in Turkey inquiring about teaching positions. I am beyond-the-moon over this idea. It stirs something inside me...an extra excitement that has been hiding for a few months.

Nothing is promised, and I am just in preliminary research over this whole plan. But I really want to do it. I think I can find a way.


Working hard to get my fill,
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice,
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

Dont stop believin'
Hold on to the feelin'...

I'll hold onto that feeling.

9.15.2009

Rain Down on Me, Please.

Wishing it would just rain right now.

The sky keeps taunting me with the promise of rain, before a gray cloud saunters away and the sun is revealed, yet again. Another sunny day in San Diego.

Blah.

It's definitely time for a change in my life. Time to make that change happen soon.

9.13.2009

Good Vibrations

Ahhhh, today was a great day.

A trip to the Coronado with my roommate proved to be the perfect place to ease my soul. Not to mention church today, which completely energized me from the inside out.

I don't think I've been completely honest on this blog lately, but I've been feeling lackluster recently. Stuck in the middle, in limbo, if you will. Obviously, this has caused me to think of numerous avenues in life (including the Turkey avenue I discussed in the last post).

Spiritually, it's been the same.

There is a misconception amongst Christians that once you've learned about the complete grace and love of God that all your troubles melt away, and that you are not supposed to be sad.

Not so! We're human. Being human means going through major ups and down.

And this part of my life has not been a major down, but it's been...in the middle. A fantastically boring place to be.

That's why--YES--I'm leaning toward the direction of going to Turkey. And remembering to have fun while I'm still in San Diego, as well (thanks Ashley). I'll let you know along the way if this plan actually becomes finalized. I know this is something I can do!!

Going back to spirituality, today was one of the first days in months that I felt really in tune with God. Like little sparks of energy were bouncing around in my body. It's an overwhelming, glorious, peaceful, hectic, cathartic, insane and sane feeling wrapped into one. ha. Does that even make sense?

You see, it's possible to fall away from God. Easy, in fact. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the institution of things. And then easily get disgusted by the institution of things. Christianity was not made to be an institution, but a relationship with the one and only Maker.

Today, I felt like I got in touch with that Maker after a few months of not calling and not checking up.

And it feels goooooooood. Thanks, Jame Brown.

Anyway, not to babble on. All I wanted to let you know is, I'm feeling more alive. Today was a good, good day. And it truly excites me to talk about this Turkey idea.

Ah, the possibilities are endless...

9.12.2009

A Big Change

There's been A LOT of new thoughts running around in my head lately...time to put it here on this blog, and maybe get some insight.

I've been thinking about moving to Turkey for a year, and possibly teaching English to children (or adults) there (in Istanbul).

I feel...bored and uninspired by America lately. Should I say lately? Maybe this has been for a long time. I know that changing countries is not necessarily "the answer" to that, but I can't deny that I've always had the urge to move overseas, and I've never been able to shake that urge.

I also know that going on a vacation in Turkey is not the same as living and working in Turkey. It's a very real possibility that I could move to Turkey having an immense love for it and leave with a bad taste.

However, I think I will regret it if I never try living somewhere else. I've been in San Diego far too long (basically MY WHOLE LIFE). It works for some people to stay in one place all their lives, but I'm not so sure that works for me.

Things I will obviously miss if I move: my FAMILY, my friends, certain aspects of the American culture that I love.

And there's a lot to prepare for: Learning the Turkish language as much as possible, saving up a butt-load of money, preparing to say good-bye to loved ones.

But there's a lot to look forward to: an ADVENTURE! Experiencing a breath of fresh air through another culture, seeing my Turkish family more often (and possibly living with them), living in a country that is a part of me and my background (HOW COOL IS THAT?!), having a story to tell the kids when I get older. hehe.

Sorry that this post is so disorganized...these are the million thoughts that are bouncing in my head over this idea. I may be over thinking all of this, and maybe I should just go without all the analyzing. But I know that there is a part of me that just might stay overseas once I go, and never come back.

And that scares me just a little. Because such a big change can be a bit scary. Maybe more than a bit.

All I know is, my recent European trip was supposed to cure the wanderlust in me for about a year (it usually does the trick). But a couple days after I got back, I wanted to travel again...I wanted to be somewhere else.

Seriously, I have a problem *nervous laughter*

Also, I recently told my parents about this little possible plan of mine, and they took it better than I thought they would, replying with, "Well, we don't want you to move that far away from us...but that's not a bad idea."

I think they know I've always had that dream to live in a different country. It's my mom's fault! She moved from Turkey to America...she started it!!

Well, if you've read this far through my jumbled thoughts, BRAVO! Tell me what you think, and tell me any advice you might have.

P.S. If I did move to Turkey, it would be next year...Fall 2010 or around that time.

9.08.2009

Pure Magic

Ireland, that is. It's simply magical. It makes you believe that there are fairies and leprechauns frolicking about. I don't know what it is about Ireland, but I do know it ended up being the hidden gem on my trip. I didn't know how much I was gonna love it until I discovered it, sparkling in all its glory.

Cue the photos!!



Can you tell how freakin' windy it was outside?


Colleen and me reenacting the scene from Titanic. haha, oh God.


Ireland in all its glory :)


Yes, the colors really are that vivid!


The little knick-knacks that covered the walls in O'Conner's Pub.


Irish Bartender that worked at the pub, but was actually born in San Diego. "It's a small world after all..."


I thought about God a lot here. How can one not? He was all around this place. Not necessarily in churches...just in the landscape. It was total peace.


Kilmore Abbey.


Isn't it beautiful here?


Inside a Cathedral in Galway. The Irish really embrace this whole 'green is everywhere' idea.


Swans!


Picture of Galway Bay. Rather stormy out, but still a charming photo.


Happiness is...taking a rest in an Irish field.

Cliffs of Moher...they were ballin'!!


The Cliffs, again...


...and again. Because I LOVED being there :)

So a wrap-up of Ireland: It's super peaceful and SUPER laid-back. The people are hilarious. And genuinely friendly. A couple quotes from some Irish people:

Dirty Raunchy Irish Bus Driver: "Even though there's snow on the roof (pointing to hair), there's still a fire in the grill." and "Are you girls going to have some fun tonight? You know, a couple of one night stands? You know, you sow your wild oats at night, then pray for a crop failure in the morning."




hahaha. I didn't even know what to say in this situation. All I could do was laugh.

Also, an exchange between Colleen and a Tourist Office worker:

Colleen: Do you guys have a mailbox to send post cards in here?

Irish Worker (could have just said no): Oh yes...you know, you just go outside and hand your letter to the pigeons and they'll carry it across the ocean for you.

Hehe. Cheeky buggers. I love the Irish.

My advice to you: GO TO IRELAND!

9.03.2009

Tea Time!!

London! The city I've been to at least two times before, but has never gotten old.

This is the city where I got to finally meet a bloggy friend, Jackie. It was great/kinda surreal to meet a blog friend, especially Jax, who is hilarious, upbeat and always down for a good time. She was the best host by far (she bought me CHOCOLATE...that scores major points) and an excellent tour guide. And she has an adorable English accent to boot. Dannnng girl. You got it going on!

Well, enough with the chatter, here are some pictures of our adventure in London:


I like to hold midget-sized matching couples in my hand.


Does this need a caption? Yep, this is the real Abbey Road. I'm Paul.


Sitting on the "tube," doing a girly pose.


London=Gotham City.


Well Hello Big Ben! (and the Parliament Building).


Notting Hill was too cute.


Random shot of the city.


What did I tell you? We definitely had tea time!


Lovely English summer day.


Dancing at an American-inspired club.


Two Blog friends meeting!! And a story to boot (as told by Jackie):

Another adventure on the tube and then there we were, walking on the cobblestones up to Chez Gerard, one of my favourite bars for Long Island Iced Teas. We sat sipping our drinks and chatting for a long while and then, my favourite moment of the night, Ashley insisted on buying me another drink and the conversation with the bartender went as follows:

Me: Could I have the cocktail menu please?...Ooh, I'll have a Strawberry Daiquiri, please!


Ashley: And I'm buying her drink!...But we're not lesbians. But I am paying.


(Bartender cracks up and turns around to get ingredients for my drink)


Me: Great Ashley, now I look like a prostitute!


(Bartender comes back)


Ashley: She's not a prostitute, by the way.


(Bartender bursts into hysterics)


Ashley: ...But we did meet on the internet.


The Bartender :)


Good motto to go by :)

London, I really do love you...