Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Sundance 2011 #2

If you thought the first 2 days were great, the next 2 got better and better!

After a crazy busy Friday and Saturday, Sunday and Monday had some relaxation time built in.

Sunday, after some exercise to work off the cocktails from the night prior, we hit Main Street for a little shopping. Jewelry was the focus on this trip. After that, we had 2 more movies-

Red State- the big Kevin Smith drama about the church against gays- think serious drama that resulted in protesters from that crazy church in Topeka, Kansas. The news coverage has been fun to read- and to be part of it was legendary! Be sure to check it out.

Cedar Rapids- A crazy funny comedy with Ed Helms, Anne Heche, John C Reilly and others. Never thought a flick about insurance sales could be so funny!

Monday, we were down to just 2 of us with Jen's departure on Sunday. We had another day of relaxation prior to our final 2 movies (boo hoo)-

The Details- Comedy turned drama turned love story with a great ensemble cast including Tobey Macguire, Elizabeth Banks, Ray Liotta, Kerry Washington, and Laura Linney. Wow. Strange plot, but fun to watch. Here think raccoons and worms. Seriously.

Perfect Sense- This one was a thinker- what happens when you start to lose your senses? First scent, then taste, next hearing, and ending with sight. You go crazy? The film with Ewan McGregor would say so. Weird...

That brought us to a half Tuesday to gather everything, eat a last "Sundance meal" and head to the airport. Last year I cried being sad it ended; this year I was simply so happy with a wonderful Sundance 2011 experience to reminisce about.

Boy, am I lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy this every year. What an experience! Sundance is incredible. I simply love it. The majority of Sundance 2011 is over. * Sigh * Pics will be posted. Hold your horses friends. They WILL come.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sundance 2011 #1

Well, the good news is we are having a fantastic time at Sundance 2011 (10th Anniversary for me!); bad news is my laptop/Internet are really, really slow posting pics, so the photos will have to wait and it's just commentary for now.

Here is a recap of the first 2.5 days...

Thursday-
After Amy and Jen arrived and we secured our Movie Tix and Sundance Swag, we settled in for some pre-dinner wine at Casa Darien. Next up, dinner at the wonderful Purple Sage on Main Street- this place is a staple for me. So yummy. The over indulgence of the night included, but not limited to, blue cheese fondue, martinis, wedge salads, pork tenderloin, salmon, butterscotch pudding... That about tops off that night. Bellies were very full and satisfied.

Friday
The movie day of all movie days! 4, yes I said 4, films in 1 day. There were:
"Rebirth"- Documentary about survivors from 9/11
"Martha Marcy May Marlene"- A young woman's life after escaping from a cult
"The Ledge"- A jumper being talked off the ledge by an unhappy police officer
"Win Win"- A struggling attorney becoming a guardian for an old man with a grandson who becomes part of their family

We saw actors such as Hugh Dancy, Liv Tyler, Terence Howard, Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, etc. Some great films to kick off Sundance 2011.

Saturday
Spa and concert day!!
Started with massages and pedicures at the spa (all of us did the deep tissue thing and we sure looked it afterward.... rough, but loose!)
Next up was the movie "Terri" with John C Reilly- won't say to much more about that- not one of the best we have seen here. Moving on.
Bring on the evening!!!- Cocktails, sushi, and private "Third Eye Blind" concert
I decided to splurge and get a little private VIP area for the girls so we could actually sit and enjoy the music (ok, it was really for some better people watching opportunities!)
Yep, that wrapped up a super, super Saturday

A few great days that brought tons of excitement and fun! Park City is bustling with Sundance energy as always! Next, up a relaxing Sunday with more films and pics WILL come later.
Actors ready.. and.. scene.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

How Is the New Year?

It's been 2 weeks. Have YOU kept up your resolutions? Not me.. as I mentioned prior- I don't do them. BUT the New Year has been going pretty darn well so far.

* Work is great and busy
* Keeping up on the exercise
* Enjoying some delicious sushi in different states
* Have gotten 2 massages already
* Traveled to 4 different states

Not a bad start. I have been so crazy- taking today in California to get caught up at home... ya know those fun days.. sleep in, haircut, pay the bills, DVR TV shows missed, cleaning, reading tons of snail mail... I love these days.

One thought to ponder.. as I mentioned 4 states, I was in Las Vegas for about 24 hours this past week for work with a few free hours for fun. I am amazed. Do people REALLY look in the mirror before they leave their hotel room and set foot on the strip? Seriously. I saw many more ass cheeks and crotches that I ever hope to see in one lifetime. Ladies, just because it is short and tight does NOT mean it's cute- no matter how good your body is. And girls with not-so-great bodies, I just simply have nothing else to say. So Las Vegas... I loved the sushi, MGM Grand hotel, free cocktails, coming out $3 ahead while gambling, and some good work completed, but I can do without the fashion trauma of Vegas. My eyes still hurt 2 days later.

Did I mention I came out $3 ahead? Happy New Year again, 2 weeks in.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011 is here! Looking forward to another wonderful year. 2010 was one of the best thus far (in my life anyway) and I am looking for 2011 to be even better. The expectations are high!

I have never been one for New Year's Resolutions. My thoughts are this: If you live your best healthy, happy, honest life all year long, there should be no need for resolutions. However, I understand everyone has goals. Goals are great. And little "slip ups" here and there are ok too. :)

I have goals- such as places I want to travel in the world, things I want to provide my parents due to all they have provided for me, etc. but here's my ideas of living your best life everyday:

* Exercise several times per week
* Eat as healthy as possible (this is where the slip up's come in- little indulgences are fine- did I mention I like my wine and cupcakes???)
* Work hard to be successful at your career (you determine what this means to you)
* Treat people, especially your family and friends, with respect and honesty
* Have fun! Try new things!
* Love a pet
* Keep up on annual health check-ups- ALL of them
* Have a hobby or 2 and keep up with them
* Keep a financial budget and stick to it
* Take at least one vacation per year- no matter what- to keep sane (I try to take at least 3...)
* Conduct little surprises for people now and then (isn't that fun!?)
* And last but not least, make sure you have lots of love in your life- lots of love

Those are the general rules I live by. Simple. Ok, easier said than done, but how life should be lived in my book. A good life. Things were good in 2010 and looking for 2011 to be great. Keep focused on what matters. Enjoy 2011!

I wish everyone in blog-land a happy, healthy, fun and prosperous New Year!