Friday Five

1. For my (few) regular readers, I'm not done with my Best of the Decade series, I'm just struggling with the TV and music lists. Challenges, challenges. To be continued.
   
   
2. Super excited about the premier of LOST next week. Bummed that I work every Tuesday night and can't watch the episodes live. What is going to happen? Totally love these posters for LOST. Check out more here.
   
3. Recently released movies you should add to your Netflix queue immediately: the Hurt Locker, the Cove (propaganda with disturbing footage, but worth knowing about), and (500) Days of Summer. Yay!
   
   
4. Glad the work week is over. I worked Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights in addition to regular working hours. And I'm not done yet. I'm working 11-4 tomorrow.
   
   
5. Recent happy thoughts:
   -"What the Fraggle Rock is going on here?" - Scrubs
   -"stealing" wi-fi from the parking lot
   -people sitting on the floor reading in a bookstore
   -watching tape-delayed sports instead of looking up the scores
   -Conan: "Let's have fun on television!" followed by jumping and dancing
   -playing tennis and cooking with Janie on Sunday
   

Friday Five

1. Quote of the Week: "Traveling changes you but slowly, minutely. It's not one big mind altering event but a polishing of the edges of your personality. So of course I'm different. I can already see many of the changes. But many of these were incremental changes I never even noticed - and still haven't." - Matt Kepnes
   
   
2. Commentary of the Week: My friend Janie's take on the heroine of the movie Happy-Go-Lucky. In case you forgot (or don't know) Janie started the Happy List tradition that I still carry on. This movie has been on my to-watch list since I heard about it, and I'm glad I watched it before I read Janie's thoughts. I totally agree with her, too!
   
   
3. Movie Trailer of the Week: So far John Krasinski hasn't had a great movie career, but this movie has potential. Plus it co-stars Maya Rudolph. And Maggie Gyllenhaal! And Allison Janney! And Catharine O'Hara! It's also written by Dave Eggers and his wife, so it should be funny.
   
   
   
   'Away We Go' Theatrical Trailer @ Yahoo! Video
   
   
4. Life Event of the Week: I turned 30! I had a group of friends over for lunch on Saturday, and it was a blast. I enjoyed having people from different stages of my life present: family, high school friends, college friends, "real-world" friends, and a few tag-a-longs. And keeping with tradition, I had cookie cake. Not just one, but two! I will never outgrow cookie cake.
   
   
5. Happy things of the week:
   
   • exercising for two weeks without foot issues (including some running!)
   • listening to Rick Steves' podcasts while exercising on the treadmill
   • patches of bluebonnets throughout the city, not just on the side of the highway
   • playing Taboo
   • Stephen Colbert told the the South Carolina governor he was extremely boring
   • "Beautiful World," duet by Dierks Bentley and Patty Griffin
   • taking a walk along the lake on a sunny afternoon
     

Friday Five: Better Late Than Never

Wow! I'm horrible at blogging these days. I didn't realize how much blog writing I did at work until I got a new job with actual work to keep me busy. I don't know how many people still check my blog for updates, but I'm making a spring resolution to blog once a week. Starting today

1. Overall, I was pleased with the Oscars. Loved Hugh Jackman as host, especially his opening song-and-dance number. Last time I blogged, I recommended you see Slumdog Millionare, so I'm glad it won Best Picture. I wish Kate Winslet had won for Revolutionary Road instead of the Reader, but she is incredible in everything she does, so I'm glad she finally won an Oscar.
   
   
2. I've given up caffeine for Lent. I did this last year, and liked the results. This year, my goal is to stay off caffeine after Lent. I might have to make an exception when I am required to stay up all night two Fridays in a row for Relay For Life events. Justified exception. I've been drinking caffeine-free Dr. Diet Pepper and Fresca as I slowly eliminate all carbonated beverages from my diet.
   
   
3. Quote of the Day: "Others take notice of your radiance; share your happiness."
   
   
4. Terrell Owens is no longer a Dallas Cowboy. I'm a fan of this decision. He was the biggest voice in the locker room and more often than not, a divisive presence. I don't have statistics in front of me, but it seemed like Romo threw more interceptions in Owens' direction than any other receiver. This doesn't fix the problems the offense had last season, but at least the quarterback and offensive coordinator's number one priority doesn't have to be Owen's happiness.
   
   
5. Here are a few things that have made me happy lately:
   
   • on-demand channels
   • buying a bridesmaid dress for $25
   • getting back in touch with a friend
   • Nadal beat Federer to win the Australian Open
   • watching the Super Bowl with friends
   • sleeping with the windows open
   • Love Potion #31 ice cream at Baskin Robbins (Rachel, I think this is our favorite flavor from college!)
   • Starbucks Sour Jellybeans (and seasonal candy in general)
   • artichokes
   • being silly with Rachel
   • ringing in the new year with old friends