Pride and Prejudice, Undead

Last year, I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time. How I managed to wait that long to read it, I don't know. I do know however, that it was not an accident that it took me so long. That it was a conscious decision. A choice. Somehow, even getting a degree in literature hadn't forced me to read that book up until I was 30 and was peer pressured into reading it.

Before I read it, I saw an amazing movie based on the book called Bride and Prejudice. This was the Bollywood version of the book, and since I saw the movie before I read the book, I pictured the charactors as Indian when I read it. I think it made the book even better.

After reading the book, my friend Juan Miguel* insisted I watch the BBC movie based on the book. Never one to turn down a Colin Firth movie, I agreed. Compared to the Bollywood version, it was a bit dry but still enjoyable. It was a little hard to wrap my mind around a new Elizabeth since I had been picturing her like this:

not like this:







But now there's a new Elizabeth Bennet on the block, and this one is undead. Have you heard about this? Someone re-wrote Pride and Prejudice but changed it so it's about zombies. Here's a link to an article about it. If you click on the link to hear the interview, you get to hear an excerpt from the book (be warned, it's kind of nasty).

I know that some of you who read my blog are major P & P fans. What do you think? Or if you don't like/don't want to read the original P & P, will you read the zombie version?

*Name has been changed to protect identity.

On the road again

Although the temperatures haven't been consistently over 50 degrees yet, I decided earlier this week that it was time to get the bike out again. Some of you may remember my adventures in biking from last summer. (Insert flashback montage here.) It was quite a trip. Unfortunately, Pinky (my old bike) had her last ride at the end of the summer. I was on a bike ride with Sarah when Pinky's handlebars came off in my hands. Whew. What a ride.

Luckily, when my generous friend Christi moved away this winter, she gave me her bike. It's been great this week to get back out there. The only problem is that due to the fact that my helmet has been hanging out in the garage all winter, I'm afraid it might be full of spiders and I haven't been wearing it. This is risky for two reasons: 1) potential head injuries, and 2) greater risk of being recognized while huffing and puffing up hills around town. "Hey, I think I saw you out on your bike yesterday! You looked really winded and your face was purple!"

Speaking of hills, I've been realizing once again that what seems like a tiny insignificant incline while driving is actually the height of a mountain when riding your bike. I took the same route tonight that I took earlier this week, but this time I did it backwards, hoping to avoid the steep climbs I faced the first time. What I forgot was that hills rise on both sides, not just one. I feel like I might be a little late in learning that lesson, but better late than never, right?

<--this feels like

this -->

Be prepared to hear about many more biking adventures to come...

Wednesday Thoughts

I'm so tired today. So tired in fact, that I have no thoughts. Except this one. I'm sick of hearing about the so called "Octomom." The only good thing about the Octomom is the name Octomom. When I hear it, I try not to picture Nadya-whats-her name. Instead, I picture a creature that's a combination of these two things:


I don't think a creature like that is fit to be a mom, but from what I gather, it might be a better mother than the real Octomom. And let's face it, with all those kids, tentacles could really come in handy.

Monday movie quiz

It's Monday and I thought some of you might be feeling the same way as me: not ready to see the weekend end. I need a laugh. So I thought I'd share some of my favorite quotes from my favorite funny movies and test your knowledge! Some of the quotes have links to the movies they're from. Let me know how many you got right! And did I forget any of your favorites?

"If you're going to spew, spew into this."

"Oh. Uh, will you hold my wallet for me while I take the test, please? There's a thousand dollars in there... or maybe there isn't. Know what I mean?"

"Hey, psycho - we're not going to discuss this, ok, it's over. Please get out of my Van Halen t-shirt before you jinx the band and they break up."

"I feel like such a heifer. I had two bowls of Special K, 3 pieces of turkey bacon, a handful of popcorn, 5 peanut butter M&M's and like 3 pieces of licorice."

Ronald Camp: [Ace emerges soaking wet] I'm so Sorry Mr. Ace, I'll have the plumbing checked immediately.
Ace: Well I hope so, had I been drinking out of the toilet, I might have been killed.

"We caught ya, Reub. You think you've been playing us for saps but you were wrong."

"Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"

"Bobby, deh ever catch dat gorilla that busted outa da zoo and punched you in da eye?"

"I'm stupid. You're smart. I was wrong. You were right. You're the best. I'm the worst. You're very good-looking. I'm not attractive. "

"And YOU must be the Monopoly guy!"

Wednesday Thoughts

I've had this monster (aka bug from the movie "A Bug's Life") on my desk for so long now that I've started to forget just how crazy looking it is. I received it as a gift from either Justin or Kathy (they found it on the free table), and over time it has acquired a lei, a paper clip necklace, and a doll captive (which has GOB's face from Arrested Development).

I just now learned his name (Hopper) and after looking him up online, I realize that he used to live a totally different life. He looks pretty tough. I never saw "A Bug's Life" but I suspect he was the bad guy, based on looks alone. Maybe sitting on my desk adorned in ridiculousness is his punishment for bad deeds.

Anyway, Kathy and I are thinking about selling him on craigslist. What do you think a reasonable price is?

He's not really an action figure because he's stuck to a stand, so keep that in mind when it comes to pricing. And I think he used to be able to talk, but needs batteries. I'm thinking either $150 or a reasonable trade. But what would be a reasonable trade?

Top of the morning to you!

There's only one holiday that carries the threat of physical harm if you fail to acknowledge it. And today is that day. Look down. Are you wearing green? I hope for your sake that you are. I'd hate to see you get pinched.

When I was a kid, a pinch was the worst thing I could imagine. I still remember walking out the door in the morning to meet the school bus and hearing my mom yell to me, "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" Up to that point, I hadn't realized it was St. Patrick's Day. I knew that meant two things: the milk in the cafeteria would be green, and I'd better be wearing green or I'd end up with a couple of bruises. My backup plan was always that I could lie and say my underwear was green, but that was risky. There was always the chance that someone might need to verify.

Some people try to escape the pinches by saying "my eyes have some green in them." Or, "I'm Scottish." That doesn't work when it comes to the pinching police. You could be from Peru, but if you're not wearing green....watch it.

I guess that I shouldn't be too surprised that a holiday that seems to be centered around getting drunk also involves the threat of physical harm.

This is just a holiday I don't understand. I enjoy it, but I don't understand it. Is there a deeper meaning to it? Is it religious? Is it patriotic? All I know about it, and I suspect all most people know about it, are these things:

1. You must wear green, or there will be violence.

2. It's the only day of the year Leprechauns feel safe coming out.

3. If there's a rainbow, you have a good chance of finding a pot of gold at the end of it.

4. It gives permission to a lot of people to get really drunk on a week day, starting at 9:00AM.

5. If you're Irish, you can demand that people kiss you.

6. Something about 4-leaf clovers and shamrocks...not sure what those are all about.

If you're Irish, or you did a report on Ireland in fourth grade, maybe you could enlighten me.

Mac vs. PC

Is there a more incendiary topic than that of Mac verses PCs? I'm not sure there is. It seems to bring out emotions in people that are usually reserved for loved ones and/or diaries.

Try saying in a crowded room, "I hate Macs." and see what happens. You will undoubtedly hear gasps and maybe even choking. "I looooove my Mac!" "I can't live without my Mac!" "My Mac once saved my life!"

Some of you Mac people are getting mad right now, aren't you? I can feel it. "Is she mocking Mac users? Does she not know about all the features!?"

Well calm down, I'm not mocking you (just teasing in a loving way). I'm just trying to make a point that this is a very sensitive subject. And that if you love it so much, maybe you should marry it. I'm just saying.

I've been thinking about buying a lap top recently, and so have several of my friends at work which is why this has been a discussion. Justin and Ann are Mac owners and Kathy and I got to teasing them a bit. The tension in the room was palpable.

In teasing about Mac users, I'm not saying I'm definitely going to get a PC (although I just might). I'm just saying that Mac users amuse me with their passion and love of Macs. I don't see this passion as much in PC users. I recently got stuck between two Mac owners at a dinner party and once they found out about each others Macs, it was over. "Did you see this feature?" "Oh, I love that one! What about this one?" "We should get our Macs together for a party!" "Do you just love it as much as I do?"And on and on.

Don't be mad at me, my Mac loving friends. I have nothing against Macs! I have used them, and I think they're good computers. I just enjoy the passion I see in Mac users. Do you have one?

Mary Poppins - Friday the 13th Style

Since it's Friday, I thought I'd post a funny video. But since it's Friday the 13th, here's a funny one with a twist. I should warn you - this is a little spooky. (For real.)

Wednesday Thoughts

Today it's back to an old fashioned Wednesday thoughts. I have a few things to get off my chest. Namely...

Why do I often think I feel my phone vibrating in my coat pocket when it's not vibrating? And don't tell me it's a bat in my bra because I already checked. But really, what's up with the phantom vibrating?

And another thing - I heard on the radio that the White Stripes were getting back together for a special performance. Back together? Are they not together anymore? Why didn't anyone tell me? Is it just a rumor?

Ok, what's up with LOST being a rerun tonight? I thought the whole point of starting the season in January was so that we can go nonstop till May! And while I'm on the subject, where are Rose and Bernard!? I thought they were flashing through time at the same pace as the others!?

This next thing has been weighing on me. Is it betrayal for me to say that lately I've been liking 30 Rock more than The Office? I'm sorry. I know some people are going to be outraged by that. And please don't doubt my love for the Office, but lately...what with the Generalissimo and Harry and the Henderson's episodes, I've been laughing a lot more at 30 Rock. I'm so confused. Obviously this is a difficult time for me. (I really hope you know me well enough by now to know I'm kidding. Well, half kidding.)

Lastly, we have a work outting today and Justin, Ann, Kathy, and I have been debating about which is a better mode of transportation: the conference bike, or an insanely long bike. Which would you rather ride? Maybe we should just all ride Segways.

Hide the real you?

In the past month or so, I've had the pleasure of watching two of my favorite movies: Summer Magic (an old Disney movie), and The Sound of Music. I love musicals, and both of these films have some great songs. Another thing they have in common is that they each contain one song that could be considered either sexist or hilarious, depending on how you look at it.

Personally, I think they're hilarious. But after having gone a long time between viewings, I have to admit being a little shocked upon hearing them again recently! I like to think they're tongue-in-cheek, but that hasn't been confirmed. That's just what I tell myself so I don't take them too seriously.

Which song do you think is worse (or better, as the case may be)? Here are the lyrics. If you'd like to see a clip, click on the name of the song. Do you find either (or both) offensive? More importantly, do you think they'd actually help a single woman find a beau? I'm not asking for myself. A friend wants to know.

"Femininity" from Summer Magic
You must walk feminine
Talk feminine
Smile and beguile feminine
Utilize your femininity
That's what every girl should know, if she wants to catch a beau

Dance feminine
Glance feminine
Act shy and sigh feminine
Compliment his masculinity
That's what every girl should know, if she wants to catch a beau

Let him do the talking
Men adore good listeners
Laugh, but not too loudly
If he should choose to tell a joke
Be radiant, but delicate
Memorize the rules of etiquette
Be demure, sweet and pure
Hide the real you

You must look feminine
Dress feminine
You're at your best feminine
Emphasize your femininity
That's what every girl should know
Femininity, femininity
That's the way to catch a beau

"16 Going on 17" from The Sound of Music
(Rolf)
You wait little girl
On an empty stage
For fate to turn the light on

Your life little girl
is an empty page
that men will want to write on

(Leisl)
To write on

(Rolf)
You are 16 going on 17
Baby its time to think
Better beware
Be canny and careful
Baby you're on the brink

You are 16 going on 17
Fellows will fall in line
Eager young lads
And grueways and cads
Will offer you fruit and wine

Totally unprepared are you
To face a world of men
Timid and shy and scared are you
Of things beyond your ken

You need someone
Older and wiser
Telling you what to do
I am 17 going on 18
I'll take care of you

(Leisl)
I am 16 going on 17
I know that i'm naive
Fellows I meet may tell me I'm sweet
And willingly I believe

I am 16 going on 17 innocent as a rose
Bachelor dandies
Drinkers of brandies
What do I know of those

Totally unprepared am I
To face a world of men
Timid and shy and scared am I
Of things beyond my ken

I need someone
Older and wiser
Telling me what to do
You are 17 going on 18
I'll depend on you

The BSC

Recently I was reminscing with some friends about one of the best book series ever: The Baby-sitters Club. From the first moment in third grade when I ordered the first book in the series, "Kristy's Big Idea," I was hooked. A few years and many books into the series later, I started noticing that they were a bit formulaic but I didn't hold it against them. How could I? After all I'd been through with them (Stacy's diabetes, Mary Ann's break ups with Logan, Mallory's mono, and Claudia's grandma dying to name a few)! If you read the books as a kid, you'll understand.

But I digress. This week Katherine and I had a baby-sitting adventure of our own. Our "charges," as the BSC would call them, were our neices and nephew: Paige, Ethan, and Samantha. I know I'm biased, but these kids are so cute! Here's the evidence:

This is Samantha. She is such a little cutie. Look at that hair! It's too cute. She's not quite ready to walk on her own, but is almost there. Meanwhile, she's just this adorable little cutie, crawling around and smiling. Did I mention her hair is really fuzzy? I love it.

Here are a couple pictures of Ethan. In the first one, he looks very innocent, reading a book. In the second one, you see his other side. The side that attacked me when he was supposed to be playing "hide and sneak" (as Paige calls it) with Katherine.

Here's Paige hanging out with Katherine, and in the other picture, posing with her sunglasses and Barbie vanity. She's such a little actress.

We had a lot of fun with these kids! It was a day Kristy, Mary Ann, Stacy, and Claudia prepared me for years ago. Too bad I left my "Kid Kit" at home.

Brian's birthday song

Kara, Amy, and Jessica sang an awesome song for Brian for his birthday. I tried to post it on facebook, but it wouldn't load so here it is! For those involved, here's the link to it on youtube if you want to post it yourself.

Wednesday Thoughts

This Wednesday Thoughts is devoted to questions about dating/guys. I'd love any insights you all have! I figure that with all the hoopla about the Bachelor this week, the timing is right for this.

So, some of my friends and I have been debating this lately. Say you go on a date with a guy and you have a good time. Is it a good idea to text him the next day with something like, "I had a lot of fun last night!"? Or does that seem desperate? Does he already know if he wants to go out with you again, or would that sway him?

Here's another question: a guy friend of mine once told me that guys always know when a girl is interested in them, but if they're not interested in her, they pretend they don't know. Was this friend deluding himself into believing that more girls were interested in him than actually were, or was he right? (See poll on side.)

I've thought about that one a lot and if it's true, then some guys are mean and take advantage of the attention the girl is giving them while pretending they don't know how she feels. But I'll try to give guys the benefit of the doubt here.

Moving on...what do you guys think of girls asking the guy out? Is that a good thing to do? Personally, I don't like doing it. But that may be based more on not having the nerve to do it rather than being against it in principle.

Unfortunately, the etiquette guide I quoted from in my previous post just didn't have all the answers I was looking for, so any insights you guys have would be great!

If you could explain why you voted the way you did, that would be awesome (but not necessary). Feel free to use a fake name if you choose to remain anonymous!

All my single ladies...

I received something in the mail from a friend today that I have to share with you. It's a little booklet called, "Are you in the know?" and was published by the Kotex company in 1951. It's a guide to dating and how to be a proper lady. Here are some of the questions (answer them honestly) followed by their answers/advice. Let me know what you think! Guys, you can weigh in too. We could use a male perspective on this.

How to rate on a first date-

a) Sling a sharp line

b) Be a listening post

c) Learn his interests

Relax- be natural. People love to talk about themselves...and a girl who's a good audience is a good date. Learn his interests. Talk them over...and he'll soon be interested in you. It's all a matter of forgetting about yourself.

Should you break a movie date with Bill -

a) If your dream date calls

b) To meet a blind find (what the!?)

c) For a formal dance

You're booked for a Saturday night at the cinema. And then the real dream comes along. Should you call "good old Bill" and beg off? If you checked no on all three counts above, you're right! Breaking dates is a rule breaker.

If you drop your fork, should you -

a) Pick it up

b) Have your date pick it up

c) Ask for another
When your fork, or other tableware, falls - don't dive under the table to retrieve it. Ask your date to mention it to the waiter; he'll bring you another.

How do you place your order at the restaurant -

a) Give it to the waiter

b) Tell your escort

c) Let your date choose your dinner
If you're with a date, you tell him, rather than the waiter, what you'd like. Don't weaken his wallet by ordering the most expensive dinner - or his pride by choosing the least expensive. To get an idea of what he can afford, you might ask, "What do you think looks good?"

What kind of mannerisms annoy boys?

a) Lint picking

b) Fingernail biting

c) Bead fiddling (what?!)

All three - and more. Fidgeting with your hair, pencil-chewing, and silly giggling all fall into most boys' pet peeve category. Stop fiddling. Relax or you'll make him nervous too.

When the party's over -

a) Leave

b) Stay till the bitter end

c) Make a farewell speech

When it's time to go, go! Simply stand up, say you've enjoyed yourself, thank your hostess and leave. Don't overstay your welcome. You needn't be the last to leave to show you had a good time. (I'm so embarrassed when I think back on all the farewell speeches I've made!! No wonder I'm single!!)

Ladies, I hope you learned as much as I did (I learned that I'm glad I wasn't a single woman in the 50's).