Monday, October 29, 2007

Memories from Richmond

10 things from my weekend in Richmond:

1. Jen makes 20-whatever look fun. Why am I so freaked out by birthdays? Clearly for no reason, as she rocked hers out.


2. Life in a convertible is better than life in any other car. Unless of course your convertible has no top and its raining. Then I imagine life in a convertible is like life aquatic. Thankfully, we did not experience that this weekend. I even ended up with a little sun burn.

3. I have a new found...tolerance...for zombies. I hate zombie movies. I am bothered by people who like Zombie movies. But I thought I would open my mind to new experiences and went on a Zombie walk. It was hilarious. SO hilarious. And then we walked by a guy who's comment, while watching a couple hundred Zombies walk by was "boy am I glad I just finished reading the Zombie Survival Guide - otherwise this would make me really nervous." Seriously. ZOMBIES AREN'T REAL. Dosh.

4. I like bacon. A lot. Especially when other people make it for me and get the thick sliced kind. It was almost like it was my birthday it was so good. YUM.

5. We attempted to scare the crap out of Jen by banging on windows, ringing door bells, and generally being hooligans. Steve was a little worried the neighbors across the street might by NRA folks with loaded shotguns pointed out the windows on their 'neighborhood watch' of Scarsborough Dr. Thankfully their neighborhood watch is very very ineffective and our scare tactics went off without a hitch, until Jen caught sight of Steve frolicking around the side of her house. Next time we'll be in better stealth mode. With wigs and everything.

6. Jen and I discovered the best hang over cure: soft leather couches + blankets + the best movie ever. Worked like a charm... well, at least for me.

7. Sometimes your friends know you so well, you are overwhelmed with how similar presents are from them. Case in Point: Jen's shirt from Steve - 'Morally Corrupt' Jen's gift from Kate - 'The Book of Vices: Very Naughty Things and How to Do Them'

8. I got bit/stung/attacked by a spider while taking this photo with Jen. And almost died from a bug bite. Again. But I survived to see another day. I guess having my arm cut off would be a better end to this story. Maybe next time...


9. My camera almost didn't make it through the weekend. Less than 12 hours into the time in Richmond, the camera went AWOL. I think it knew pictures like this were about to be captured and it was afraid of breaking under the pressure.
10. And last, but certainly not least, Jen and I met Wally Shawn. AMAZING. Although I wouldn't categorize him as 'charming' or 'polite' or 'touched and amazed that two hot (if not slightly hung over - we couldn't have even bought brandy) women knew who he was and would fawn over him all day even if he was out for brunch in sweat pants' -- it was still a brush with fame I won't soon forget. Inconceivable!

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Hello, my name is Jess's Friend


I am one Proud friend today.

I have an *amazing* friend from good 'ole PHS named Jess. We've been friends since 7th grade, competed in MathCOUNTS together, went through 4 years of High School debate together, band, calculus, and the ever exciting world of PVW's Science III class, or more accurately, the Adventures of Moo and Oink. Although deemed a bad influence on me (and my liver) early on, Jess has been in my life for a long time and is now forever stuck with me in hers.

Today I ventured down to may favorite theatre in town to see Ang Lee's new movie, "Lust, Caution." Although I went to the wrong theatre and ended up watching the end twice, I can say without a hesitation it is an amazing movie. It might make you blush at some parts, but is worth seeing. I don't think I've seen better acting in a loooooong time...if not ever.

And then the best part of the movie started -- the credits. I watched the names, checking to see if there are any famous Luecks out there I need to network with. Then the post production credits started. There she was, scrolling along in an award winning movie -- Jessica Parks. Live and in living color, my friend from Northern Michigan is officially in the movie credits. While other theatre goers were drying their tears and attempting to digest the ending they just witnessed, I, in the back of the theatre was screaming and clapping, bursting with pride for my friend, the future Oscar winning sound designer/engineer/mixer/etc.

Congratulations, Jess -- you are a STAR.