How I Discovered My Love of Movies

I get asked, quite often actually, how I got into the TV/Video scene.

My job in TV happened purely by chance but my interest in movies came about in high school.

I was a senior with a full-course load and my senioritis kicked in pretty early so I decided on an elective that would entail watching movies all class.

This is what I envisioned the class would be like. 

Eventually I learned that the class was more than just watching movies but it was still better than an actual academic elective...so I stayed. The fact that my teacher was kind of a hottie had nothing only a little to do with that decision.

Sort of relevant. 

The class was fun and interesting. We'd watch a movie, then discuss, and write a paper on it. The movies were chosen for their editing, sound design, directing, technicality, etc.

Some of the movies we watched were 2001: A Space Odyessy

Hello Dave. 

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,

The Last of the Mohicans, among others.

I'd usually sleep during the movie, borrowing the DVD from my teacher to watch at home. But when it came time for discussion days - I'd listen with rapt attention.

It may seem weird, especially because of this whole Netflix, Hulu, and a thousand channels generation but when I was younger I didn't watch a lot of TV. We didn't even have cable. I watched Disney movies because those were family-friendly and came with morals. But I didn't get to watch...whatever I wanted. My mom was a super stickler about the MPAA ratings.

Seriously.

So there were a lot of movies I had never seen. A lot of movies I didn't even know existed. I had never really thought about all the time, effort, preparation, talent, and creativity that goes into telling a moving story.

I'd sit in class and listen as my hot teacher would talk about symbolism and the psychology of film.


For example the position of the camera conveys more to the audience than just the subject within it.

A low camera angle can make the subject larger-than-life and menacing.

A high camera angle on the other hand, can make subjects appear vulnerable and out of their depth. 

These new-to-me notions were intriguing and afterward I watched movies through a completely different lens. 

(Pun very much intended.)  

So I got very into film but even so I went off to college declaring English as my major.

In college I took some film classes but I had already seen most of the syllabus so I'd watch movies on my own, in my dorm room, borrowed from the library I worked at, based on the recommendations of my boss. I would skip class and marathon movies, while reading the $32 textbook for fun...on my own.

This book is now $35.90 and is several editions old. 

When I came back home I was still an English major. But I still loved watching and dissecting movies. I decided that I wanted to change my major and pursue some sort of movie/TV/video education. I went to school with the intention of getting a degree in Digital Video and Cinema Production but then I got a TV job and couldn't do both.

Even though I work in TV (and how I got here is a story in itself) I don't tire of watching movies or good TV. There is always one that sticks with you and amazes you; one that is super inventive and different than the one before; one that raises the bar for other movies that come after it and I absolutely credit, and thank, my love for them to my high school teacher.

Literary Junkies - My First Time

So it seems that there is this thing called Literary Junkies who answer a few questions each month about what they're reading! I think this is pretty amazing. So I decided to join them. Not only will it help me find more books to read but it will keep me going on my 25 Books This Year Challenge. Right now I've read 7.

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it!
Right now I'm reading Devoted by Hilary Duff. I read her first book Elixir last week and even though the book isn't the best of YA, I can't just stop. It's not totally horrible though. I was actually surprised that the book was as good as it is - I was kind of skeptical about her writing abilities. 

Anyway, the book is about Clea who finds a guy in all of the pictures she's in. Freaked out she tries to figure out who he is and what, if anything, he wants from her. 


2. What was your favorite series to read when you were a kid?
When I was younger I absolutely loved reading science books. I wanted to read every science book in our tiny school library. Things like National Geographic, Eyewitness books. Anything science-y. It wasn't until about 7th or 8th grade I really got into fiction books. 

3. The world is ending: What 3 books do you save from your collection in hopes to contribute to whatever new society forms?
Oh man! This is a tough one. 

I'm going to count the entire Harry Potter series as one book because...I can. I'd go with that choice to show how children's book can be literature, to show the new society what good values are, and because it's awesome. 

For the second book I'd choose Brave New World as a cautionary tale. 

And The Things They Carried, so that they can understand the ramifications of war. 


4. What is your favorite genre to read? Why?
I absolutely love Young Adult fiction. I should probably be past it by now but I love the fact that there is no sugar coating in YA. Also, unlike adult fiction wherein sex and lust can get in the way of the actual plot, YA books don't tend to focus heavily on that. There may be sex in it, but it's not what the plot revolves around. Then, when things like Hunger Games or Harry Potter happen it's that much more astounding that these no-longer-children-not-yet-adults are able to handle more than they bargained for. 


5. If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
"Who, Me?"

6. What is next on your “to-read” list? Tell us about it!
After I finish Devoted I will read the last in the three-part series called True. 

So that's what I've been reading lately. I wish I could say it was something more substantial like War and Peace but...nah.

Bates Motel Season 1

Bates Motel
Created by: Anthony Cipriano
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Max Thieriot
Season One is on Netflix.
Season Two airs Mondays on A&E.

*This post contains season one spoilers.*

I started watching Bates Motel about a week ago on a whim. I looove old school movies and especially love Alfred Hitchcock.

If my ankle tattoo is any indication.

Even though I had heard of the show I wasn't interested in it, because 1) it was on cable and I don't have cable and 2) I wasn't sure that they would do it right.

Well, last week I was at home, bored, looking for something to watch and I finally decided to start it. I finished all ten episodes in about a week and even though I couldn't stop watching it - I'm not sure I like it.

I even took to Facebook, about halfway through to see if it was worth my time. The responses were pretty much split down the middle.

So, basically if you're interested you're going to have to watch it for yourself and see if it's something you'd enjoy.


But here are some of my thoughts on the show.


Vera Farmiga, as Norma Bates, is pretty amazing. She can go from caring mother, to crazy, jealous woman in a second and it's incredible. She is believable. The audience can tell that she is mentally unstable but when she acts, it is so natural. She does not know she is crazy, she is simply being herself; which makes the scenes between her and Norman that much more uncomfortably rewarding.

When I first started watching, I was a bit disappointed in Norman Bates, played by Freddie Highmore. I thought that they should have gotten a better actor; but as the season goes on, his acting ability really seems to come out. The more you learn about him, the better you understand how great an actor he is - because of his reserve. To be that dull, that stoic, is actually a testament to his acting ability. It would be so easy for an actor or overact in this role and he downplays it so well.

I love the vintage aesthetic that is added to Norma, Norman, and the house. As one of my Facebook friends mentioned they didn't like the fact that the show couldn't pick a decade. Norma's clothes are very reminiscent of 1930s - 1960s with high-waisted skirts, floral patterns, cardigan sweaters, and a touch of evening glamour. As a lover of vintage fashion, I love the modern-ish take on the classic silhouettes.

The house contains a 1950s refrigerator and the decor to match.  It definitely hints back to the time of the original movie but I can see how some people might get tired of the old-style clashing with the newness of the show.

The one major thing I cannot stand are the major plot developments used within the show. In only ten episodes they have dealt with rival gangs, an illegal sex operation, and a meadow full of weed.

It seems as if the writers are afraid that the relationship between Norman and Norma alone won't keep the ADD audiences of today satisfied. These crazy plot devices drive the story faster and further along, not at all like the original movie.

Alfred Hitchcock's suspense greatness came from his subtly, his nuance, the gradual reveal of the situation at hand. These plots, to me, don't make Norman an anti-hero, don't make him relatable. I do not wonder why he turns into what he does. In this situation, with his mother, his brother, these crazy people in the town...the only thing I do ask is how could he NOT have turned into what he is?

And I don't like that.

I wish the writers would have given the audience a chance to get involved in the relationship with Norman and Norma before starting in on the crazy plots. Because I would have much rather waited a while, see their relationship develop, stunt, grow, and deflate in a natural way. Norman is a teenage boy! I think a normal life - one filled with girls at school, female teachers, and his mother's suitors would have been enough of a drama, without the added drug and illegal sex.

Sometimes, the things that people do, don't stem from situations that are completely insane and out of control; they come from situations you never knew were wrong - like a mother who is just a little too loving.

I give it 2 out of 5 popcorn.

Pinterest Sunday Social

I'm pretty addicted to Pinterest. I think it's amazing. It's basically a virtual bookmarking system and I don't know why guys haven't gravitated to it as much but whatever. 

You can view my full profile here!

1. What is your favorite outfit pin?

Pinterest has actually made it super easy to see what kind of style I have...er want. I'm trying to buy more things that I am truly in love with and will wear more often than not. Trying to pick just one is hard because most of what I pin are separates but here is one I really love.

In true Pinterest fashion, the link doesn't work but that dress is beautiful!

2. What is your favorite food pin?

I've made a few things I've discovered on Pinterest but I've probably tweaked them in some way. 

These were the best when I made them. 

And for dessert the best is:

From PBS

3. What is your favorite wedding pin?

I love books and I can't get behind spending so much on flowers that will wilt at the end of the day, so this paper flower bouquet is not only gorgeous - it's functional. 

From Eat, Drink, and Be Married

4. What is your favorite DIY/craft pin?

So...I have a ton of these pins and I've probably only ever done two...if that. I love to pin them and then they get lost in the shuffle. 

You can buy this off of Etsy.

I ended up doing my own version of this. I used Batman for me and I made John a Superman one. 

5. What is your favorite quote/verse/lyric pin?

And one for funsies. 

6. Share one more random pin you love.

You're welcome. 

10 Things I Like About Myself

It's a sad by-product of our society, but women in general are taught to tone down their self-worth. Men are praised for their accomplishments, assets, and good work whereas women are told to quit being a show-off.

Some attributes that seem impressive in males are actually given negative connotations when women posses them.

This Pantene ad is great at explaining it.

I totally understand that it's a shampoo ad, but can we forget that fact for a minute and actually think about what it's saying?

For example self-confidence in men is seen as narcissism in women. These double standards exist in today's world which is why I am totally behind Christy's Avoiding Atrophy link up about not only loving yourself but learning to say it.

Look at all the other people who've Linked-Up!

So here are ten things I like/love about myself.
(They are not numbered because I don't think I like one thing more than any other.)

• I am a quick learner. Luckily I've never had a hard time learning something. Not only do I love this but I'm completely grateful because I know that for some people learning new things can be hard.
• I have a lot of empathy/get attached to people, places, and things easily. Seriously. I get attached to the weirdest situations, people, and things. Old guy on the highway that I accidentally cussed out in my head? I pass him up and want to get out of my car and take him wherever he needs to go. Dog with two noses? Cutest thing ever.

You can check out Snuffle's story here. 

• My love of reading. I know that some people have a really hard time just sitting down with a book. I love it. I need to read. I love the quiet and the time to myself. I'm on Goodreads! 
• I don't need to be a leader. I think many times people assume they need to lead to be good at something. I don't have that problem and even though people say I could lead, I have no problem being second and taking orders. 
• My sense of adventure. From the places I've been to the places I want to go. I want to experience new things as often as possible. If it looks cool, tasty, or interesting - I want it.
• My hair. I used to hate - no scratch that - loath, my hair but it's probably what I get complimented on the most. It's thick, curly, and a bit unruly but it's the best thing to never have to worry about having to fix it everyday. I don't even mind the (increasing number of) gray hairs. 

Horrible face, great hair. 

• I am a good worker. Partly because of my ability to learn quickly and also because both my parents instilled in me a good, solid work ethic. I get what needs to get done, quickly and correctly. 
• I have a nice smile/good teeth. When I was younger I wanted a retainer but luckily I've never needed them, braces or even so much as a cap. I've never had a cavity and the wisdom teeth I do have don't bother me. 

• My sense of humor. Some people can see it as harsh and dry but I think I'm hilarious. Sometimes unintentionally.
• I can admit my misteaks mistakes. 

I admit that I did get stuck at 6 or 7 and had to actually over-think the last 3. But I like the list I've come up with and I know that I will definitely try to not only take compliments from other people better but also give them to myself.

San Antonio Riverwalk Barge Tour

San Antonio is pretty well-known for our Riverwalk. During Christmas it can be really beautiful.

Via

Other times it's kind of sad, as Mark Cuban likes to point out every time he can.

Via

But when it's not being drained for cleaning purposes, the Riverwalk can be a fun place provided you don't mind walking slowly behind tourists, paying for expensive mediocre restaurants, or fear getting too close to the edge and falling in.


Wanting to do something fun on Monday, John and I decided to head down and do a barge ride.

We saw a lot of ducks, streets, and back of heads.

Oops that last one is my head. 

But we did pass by my old-job stomping grounds, where I was an usher for a whole month.

Aztec Theater

Except that when I used to work there it was for an old country band. Now it's trying to be another concert venue, which I can totally get behind. It's pretty gorgeous inside.


And we got this cool picture from the Lila Cockrell/Convention Center.

I had never been on the barge tour before and it was pretty fun. It's something else I get to cross off my bucket list for now.

I bet it looks a lot better to tourists though; I think I'm just a bit jaded on the whole thing.

High School Memory # 1

Doing the Sunday Social about high school got me to thinking about some high school memories I am actually fond of. Though I was a moody bitch then (still am) I know that there were some good times and people there and just because we don't talk now, doesn't mean that they were/are any less important to my past.

So the first memory that comes to mind is my senior economy teacher, Lemmon. He was a nice guy, funny, played around with the students and hardly ever got mad.

An artist rendition. 

Once, coming into his classroom I had my headphones in and my MP3 player on. I took the headphones off, turned the player off but left it on the corner of my desk. I had forgotten about the "No iPod" rule, that said even if you weren't listening to it but it was out he'd take it up. While passing by my desk he saw it, took it and said I would be able to get it after class. I had him the last class of the day so it wasn't that big a deal. But when class ended I completely forgot to pick it up.

So, fast forward to the next day. I'm in my first period, Physics, dozing off as usual when a student worker comes in and hands me a grocery bag with a yellow Post It note with my name on it. I was seriously confused because my mother wasn't one to bring me a forgotten lunch. I opened the bag and found my MP3 player and a brand new set of headphones with a note attached.

My old "defective" headphones weren't defective so much as falling apart. I had used electrical tape to hold them together. One ear-bud didn't even work anymore. He must have seen the state of them and either really had some "lying around" or bought me some new ones. Either way, it was very kind of him and to this day I still have that Post It note.

Sometimes there are some truly horrible teachers. Some don't give a shit about you, but some, some were meant to be teachers and enjoy the gratification teaching kids/teens brings. I realized then that a simple act, even something like this, unasked for, can be a great joy and make you feel special.

I thanked him for them that afternoon and used them until they wore out.

High School Memories Sunday Social

This Sunday Social seems to be all about middle school and high school. It might come as a surprise (not) for you to learn that I was not that into either one. Here are my answer to the 5 questions asked by the Sunday Social crew.

1. What was your biggest middle school fashion mistake?

I went to private school so we wore uniforms. On weekends or whatever I would usually wear just jeans and a t-shirt.

2. Who were your best friends in high school? Pics?

I had a lot of different friends in high school and hardly any of them ended up staying. Lauren and John are probably the only people I talk to now that I talked to in high school.

3. What was a typical weekend like for you in high school?

For the most part, I'd stay in my room and read or write. Occasionally I'd hang around the neighborhood with some kids from school doing absolutely nothing.

4. Did you have any boyfriends/girlfriends? Tell us about that.

I had a few boyfriends in high school. Though I learned a lot about what I didn't want in the next one, getting with some should have never happened. 

5. Did you have any secret codes with your friends? Spill your secrets!

Secret codes? Uhh...no? Maybe like, "Hey there's a sub, we should skip" but that was just spoken in plain English. 

6. If you could relive one day/moment/experience from middle school or high school, what would it be?

Ugh. Ok, this is going to sound super sappy and you'll probably roll your eyes and barf a little bit but I would go back to the first day I met John, only because knowing what I know now I'd try to remember it.