Gran Torino

Karen and I have been catching up on recent movies over the past few weeks. After seeing "Doubt" on Christmas Eve, we've tried to see at least one movie each week. I've always loved seeing movies and it is so nice to have someone to share them with. And since so many Academy-caliber movies come out in December, it can take a while to go through them all. Then, with the Nominations last week, the clock was ticking to see them before February 22nd. We've seen most of the nominated movies but the one I liked most, and Karen did, too, was "Gran Torino." Clint Eastwood in one of his best roles and one of the best movies of 2008. Then, the Oscar Nominations came out and...nothing. How can that be? Sure, "Benjamin Button" is a good movie, but certainly not THAT good! And "Slumdog Millionaire" was inspiring, but I still have trouble seperating the reality from the movie. But, "Gran Torino" not getting a single nomination ranks up there with "Gandhi" winning over "E.T." for Best Picture. I felt that Clint Eastwood would win for Best Actor; as sure of it as I am that Meryl Streep will win for "Doubt." All we really have left to see before the Oscars are the two Kate Winslet movies, "The Reader" and "Revolutionary Road."

Karen and I have gone to a few different movie theatres. My favorites in the Seattle are are definitely the Cinerama theatre and the Lincoln Square Cinemas. Both DO NOT show commercials which is very important to me. Both have great sound systems and screens which are the MOST important to me and the Cinerama has a THX sound system which makes it the best in Seattle. Plus, the popcorn at the Lincoln Square is among the best I've ever had--and it is consistently good! Other theatres we've been to belong to the Landmark theatre chain. Funky theatres all, with a wonderful Seattle history, and they play movies that the main theatre chains won't play plus I love their popcorn! And we both like the Majestic Bay theatre in the Ballard neighborhood, another locally owned theatre that is nice to go to. Plus, it is next door to Cupcake Royale, which Karen has prohibited me from visiting since our wedding.



The Northgate Theatre was my favorite theatre when we first moved to Seattle in 1981. I saw so many movies there! It's too bad that the really huge movie theatres can't exist anymore except in the biggest cities, but at least I have my memories. Some of my favorite: 1500 people screaming during "Raiders of the Lost Ark"; falling out of my seat when laughing during "Ferris Buellors Day Off"; the whole theatre going nuts when Rocky finally gets that powerful right-hook to land on Ivan Drago in "Rocky IV."

Well, here's to the upcoming Oscar Awards! This is the first year in a very long time that I won't have the day off from work to watch them because I'm saving all my accrued vacation for our wedding trip to Singapore in April.

NIA (pronounced nee-ah)

For me, a workout really needs to be so much fun that I forget just how much work it is. In Singapore, my favourite workout was kickboxing. In my most fanatical days, I went for classes 4-5 times a week until I hurt both my knees. Pretending to kick someone in their groin, tummy and chest can really be empowering! And a lot of fun and a celebration of girl-power!

After months without a gym membership here in Seattle, I was really itching and needing a fun workout. When Susanne invited me for a NIA class, I really had never heard of it but was curious. On Wednesday, Susanne and I went to a class. I wasn't really sure what NIA was except from what Susanne told me. It's really fun workout and it involves dance. I searched the web and found out that NIA stands for Neuromuscular Integrative action and is described as a unique blending of the fluidity and focus of Tai Chi and yoga, the grace and spontaneity of modern dance, and the energy and explosiveness of martial arts and that it boosts both physical and emotional well-being. Sounds good and I was looking forward to giving it a try. I was not disappointed. Everybody there was really friendly and I felt more comfortable almost immediately. I was the only first-timer and it showed! That did not bother me at all. It was such a joyful workout and I really felt encouraged to feel free. It did not have the intensity of kickboxing but I could feel my muscles I had forgotten. More importantly, the good feeling lasted long after the workout. I am really looking forward to trying NIA again.