Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

I'll start out by saying I did not plan to watch this movie (this week or ever). No, Tuesday was supposed to be all about Fantastic Mr. Fox and fun so when I got to the theater and found out it was sold out, I was let down. I wasn't prepped for what I did see.

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (good grief!) tells the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones, a 16-year-old Harlem girl growing up under the darkest of circumstances: her absent father raped her repeatedly causing a second pregnancy; her mother belittles and physically abuses her and blames Precious for her failed relationship; and somehow she managed to reach the ninth grade...without knowing how to read or write. And even though the situation seems absolutely hopeless, Precious holds onto her dreams of fame, fortune and love that help her push through every time her reality grows ever more bleak.

I'm not going to lie. This movie was tough. And for some reason, (though I think it's because we only caught glimpses of the sexual abuse) I hated Mo'Nique's character much more than the father's. How do you stand by and watch your little girl suffer? Better yet, how do you play a role in it and keep on living? There were moments when the hatred she shows Precious becomes too much to bear - I had to cover my face a couple times.

Still, I left the theater wishing I had felt the film more, that I had become a bit more entwined in the characters' lives. It also scared me a bit that I left thinking, "It was good, but...eh." Yes it portrayed a horrible situation, a story found in those neglected places we turn our heads away from and pretend don't exist. Maybe those sick stories in the news have desensitized me to this. Or maybe I just wish everyone still living in the dark also had a chance to push through, too.

Precious: 3/5 Toasties



Image: sidereel.com

Letterpressed Nordic Ski Sweater Tags

How cute is this Nordic Ski Sweater tag from Linda & Harriett?

Makes me wish I had a letterpress machine...

Images: lindaandharriett.com

Dear NYS Department of Labor

Why did you feel the need to schedule me for a mandatory workshop at 8:30 in the freakin' AM? I never had to be out and about this early when I actually had a job! I'm unemployed. Did you not think I'd had the ENTIRE rest of the day for this?!

Question for you, geniuses: What do you lose - along with a steady paycheck - when you're let go from work? Health insurance. And now, thanks to you, here are the lovely things I have to look forward to due to lack of sleep:*

1. Higher risk of catching a cold. In fact, I started sniffling on my way home and I don't think it was just because of the Arctic winds we've got going here.

2. Alzheimer's? Sure why not. My memory has already been going down the crapper for the past 10 years.

3. Why hello diabetes, heart problems, depression and obesity! And that stuff you guys were yapping on about? Totally did not process it.

4. I could die. Oh, awesome. Merry Christmas to you, too.

Seriously, it's like adding insult to an injury I can't afford. Work on it.

*These are obviously possible effects from prolonged sleep deprivation. In no way does this mean that I will not blame the NYS DOL for their insensitivity.

Tuesday Giveaway: Bobo Wrapping Scarf

Looking for an eco-friendly twist on wrapping for the holidays? Then grab inspiration from the Korean tradition of wrapping with fabric (known as bojagi) and tuck your gift inside a beautiful scarf. Not only will the recipient get an extra reusable present, it'll make an eye-catching statement as well. Plus, with a scarf, you can forgo a gift bag for those hard-to-wrap items. (Wine bottles anyone?) No scissors, tape or patience necessary.

Bobo Wrapping Scarves come in a lovely selection of prints and if you haven't a clue about the art of scarf wrapping, they have how-to videos for several projects. (Don't worry, they're easy. I received a how-to for a mini hobo bag and was done in less than a minute!)

This week two of you will win these goodies from Bobo. One will score a copy of The Wrapping Scarf Revolution along with an Amethyst Velvet Dot scarf. The other will receive a Zebra Print Medium scarf. Just leave a comment below and two random winners will be chosen on Friday! (Followers and e-mail subscribers gain extra entries.)

Images: theleisureboutique.com, bobowrap.com and bobowrap.com

Happy Weekend!

I went to my first blog meet-up last night with a group of 20 Something Bloggers at Fat Cat. Of course I get there, the place is packed and I have no clue what anybody looks like! Thankfully, Andrew found me and we spent the night chatting it up. I wish I'd met the others who apparently were there somewhere, but I had a fun time regardless :)

My friend JK and I have a new hangout spot: Tonic. So far the two times I've been there have been pretty interesting/hilarious. Plus, ladies drink free Wednesdays 8-9PM.

I've been busy with a story due Monday (among other things) so I've been super behind on my holiday to-dos and blog stuff, but I'll get reorganized on Tuesday, promise. In the meantime...

The milk teefs are up to their cute little antics again.

This surprised kitty is soo stinkin' adorable!
The results of Slate's "Write Like Sarah Palin" contest = hilarious.
Know what else is funny? Josh singing "Leavin'." Or anything for that matter.

Amazon is giving away a new holiday song download every day til Christmas! (via Sugarlens)

Print your own holiday gift tags.
I want all my presents tied up in pretty striped string. (via How About Orange)

Are you guys all set for the season? I've yet to start, but I keep reading about people who
are ALL DONE!! What planet are they from? Please tell me you're procrastinating, too.

P.S. How magical do The Shops at Columbus Circle look?

The Lost Tribes of New York City

This little video made me smile :)

The Lost Tribes of New York City from Carolyn London on Vimeo.

How Much Experience Should Your Sex Partner Have?

You know how sometimes a question just pops into your head out of nowhere and instead of wondering where the hell it came from, you actually stop and ponder over it?

Yeah? Good, then bear with me on this one:

Would you rather date someone relatively inexperienced in bed or someone who's been around the block and back and can blow your mind between the sheets?

So last night I'm laying there in bed thinking, "Wow, good question, Dorkys. Which would you prefer? And what on Earth have you been reading these days?"

Who knows, but I think there are good and bad qualities to both sides so let's take a look:

Mr. Ain't Got a Clue

Yays: If he's straight up about his lack of sexpertise (womp, womp!), this could actually be endearing. He could be willing to try his best to please you and if you're in the same boat, how cute would it be to learn how to master those moves together minus the pressure and pretense? He probably hasn't had many partners (or partners willing to teach him), so if you have the patience to give this a chance, it could pay off down the line.

Nays: Is there anything worse than a cocky guy who doesn't know how to use the damn thing? Not to mention frustrating. Foresee a stream of bad, awkward sex before it gets any better. And if you're too hung up on protecting his ego (or he simply refuses to listen), there's also going to be a whole lot of counting the cracks on the ceiling and praying it's over soon. Fun times. (No, not really.)


The Man Whore

Yays: He knows exactly what to do. There's no need to guide his hand or present him with a diagram with arrows, x's and "Oh!"s. The sex will always be good - really, really good - and he's having it with you.

Nays: Consider how he came to learn all he knows and ask yourself how much this matters to you. If you can't get past his number, it could become an issue. Also, if he's much more experienced than you are, you might feel a bit insecure. But hey, you'll definitely pick up a thing or two from him. Let's just hope it's not Chlamydia.

Image: blogs.smh.com.au

Need to Call It Quits With Your BFF?

Sometimes you wish you were still close with people from your past and sometimes...well, sometimes you just can't run fast enough from those around you now. Here's when and how to handle the breakup.

Image: flickr.com

My First Advent Calendar and December Goodness

Man, did I become a PRO at folding paper sacks (out of magazine pages, of course). I wonder if there's a market for them...

Anywho, I got my advent calendar up and filled some days with treats (for the furball et moi) and others with little holiday activities to get me into the spirit of Christmas. Not that I need much help there since I've been listening to Christmas music on the radio since Friday. And no, I will not tire of it ever. Here are some of the things I'll be doing this month:

1. Sign up for a New York Cares volunteer project.
2. See the Rockefeller Center tree and department store window displays.
3. Finish up my homemade Christmas ornaments.
4. Buy, put up and decorate my first Christmas tree.**
5. Collect and donate used coats to the New York Cares Coat Drive.
6. Go ice skating for free at Bryant Park.
7. Donate a gift to Toys for Tots.
8. Buy apple cider from the farmer's market.
9. Finally listen to the Nutcracker CD Mr. First gave me last year.
10. Give those Salvation Army Santas the time of day for once.
11. Mail off my handmade Christmas cards.
12. Walk around the neighborhood with Toby at night to see decorated houses.
13. Watch holiday classics for the first time.*
14. Chocolate milk, candles, the couch and It's a Wonderful Life (for the first time).*
15. Bake a crumb cake and give it all away.
16. Post a Christmas carol karaoke on the blog.
17. Call friends and family. Beg them not to send me a mass text for Christmas.
18. Exchange goodies on Noche Buena at midnight!

*I've never watched all those holiday specials. Yes, for shame. What the hell did I do as a kid?
**We always had a tree though (I wasn't that deprived). This will just be the first one I get for myself.

Karaoke: Colbie Caillat "Bubbly"

Lately I've been doing a whole mess of singing around the house. Now I'd totally be down for a karaoke outing BUT my friends are too lame shy to sing along with me. So here's the first karaoke vlog because who couldn't use a laugh today?

(I figured I'd start off slow and easy so as not to scare the crap out of you. Hmm, that little serious face of mine might do it anyway though.)