"Moneyball" Screening

Last night I attended yet another free movie screening. I was glad I was able to catch Moneyball this time around, since I was sick & missed the last screening I had a ticket for, a few weeks back. This screening was packed and it was one where they collected our cellphones before entering the theater. You can tell when a movie is expected to be a blockbuster hit b/c they are really strict at the screenings with having electronic checks, bag checks and security wands. Before seeing the movie, all I knew was that Brad Pitt was in this movie and it had something to do with Baseball and statistics.

If you enjoy watching movies about sport teams (hockey, baseball, football, etc.) or if you enjoy sports, you'll enjoy this movie. Brad Pitt did an excellent job playing the Oakland A's GM, Billy Beane. Jonah Hill played a more serious role (as opposed to his usual comedic roles) and did a good job playing Peter Brand, an Economic Yale graduate who created a code to analyse players and help built a winning team . The movie took place in the early 2000s and even though I watched Baseball in those years as a Padres fan, I honestly do not remember anything about the Oakland A's [Moneyball is based off a true story].

Yes, they showed b-roll footage of the real games and trades. It was an interesting story, how one of the (if not the) worst team in baseball loses 3 players (Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi and another guy by the name of Jason Isringhausen) to richer teams, and has to replace those players on a low budget. The story highlights the workings of rich/poor baseball teams, how teams are built, and how Beane used computer-generated analysis to trade/gain players in hopes of building a winning team on a poor team's budget. [Numerous teams have gone on to using this method for drafting players and building teams.] The scouts were not fans of this method, the Oakland A's coach wasn't a fan and played who he wanted, totally disregarding the GM's wishes. Forcing Beane to trade even more players in order to get the computer-selected guys to play. The A's start winning, but like most sports movies (and sports in real life), there is heartache.

A few ties to Boston. Youkilis is mentioned in the film as a guy to watch. Of course, we all know Johnny Damon ends up in Boston. In the end, Beane flies to Boston and John Henry offers him the GM spot, which had he not turned down, he would have been the highest paid GM in baseball history. He stuck with the Oakland A's. Boston, using the same computer-analysis to draft players, goes on and wins the World Series 2 years later.

Overall, a great movie. Running time of just over 2 hours, but the storyline moved nicely. I'm a sports fan and learned quite a bit about baseball and the trading process. I don't think Brad Pitt gets enough credit; he did a great job in this movie (and I'm not really a Pitt fan). Hits theaters this Friday.

Chargers vs. Patriots 9/18/11

Today was a special day. It was the Patriots home opener against the San Diego Chargers. I paid over $200 [single ticket sale, not from a private seller] for my 3rd row seat on the 5 yard line, home side. I've been to quite a few Pats games in San Diego, drove to AZ once, and of course here in New England. I can't believe it's been over 10 years since my dad flipped football channels and I caught a glimpse of the young Tom Brady [TB] throwing a pass after Drew Bledsoe's injury. In that moment, I was hooked! Growing up, we watch the Buffalo Bills [thanks to my dad's love for his home team, we were never a Chargers fan family] and I remember doing some research that season to make sure I watched all the NE games they showed on the West Coast. Never did I think I'd end up in New England all b/c of a QB. I remember Ty Law, Mike Vrabel, Adam Vinatieri, Richard Seymour, Willie McGinest, Tedy Bruschi and even Charlie Weis... those were the years! Man, did I become a fan of the team. I remember how I'd feel sick when Brady would throw an interception, and lets not talk about their less than perfect season [18-1 in 2007] when I felt like I'd been socked in the stomach and hurt for a few days after.

I've been to 2 AFC championship playoff games, both times it was the Chargers vs. Patriots. Once, in San Diego [man, I remember walking out of the stadium after the Pats win with my own personal body guards- Charger fans were not too happy with me, minus the one guy who congratulated me]. And once in Foxboro in 2007 when I bought a plane ticket a week before, flew to Boston for the first time ever and met a friend's ex-boyfriend who went to the game with me (I met the guy the morning of the game!). It was then, on a cold, flurry filled day that I fell in love with Boston and became part of the celebration for the Pat's 17-0 record.

So back to today. Yes, I went solo. The seat was probably the best seat I've had thus far (though, I have to admit, the field goal seats at the Cardinals old stadium were pretty decent too!). It is kind of like a vow renewal; I renewing my love to the New England Patriots as they take on the San Diego Chargers. The day before they had the ceremony for the newly inducted Hall of Famers, this was pretty cool b/c Drew Bledsoe was inducted and was present at this game. The guy who got injured a decade ago, allowing TB to steal my heart, was present [and standing in front of me on the field].

The game was awesome! The weather was gorgeous. I was disappointed that there wasn't a flyover, but like the past Charger/Pats match-up, the Pats came up on top [I had no doubt!]. I did however, trip after the half coming back to my seat with nachos and a drink, over the kid's feet sitting next to me, falling down on my knees, spilling my nachos all over the place. Those were the most expensive nachos I've ever had... $7 for a total of 6 chips (everything else was on the ground). Fortunately, no one was sitting in the 2 seats next to me, otherwise I probably would have had a head injury. I wanted to cry, but held it in and watched the remaining 3rd quarter and 4th. I didn't want to climb up all those stairs to have the EMTs look my knee. The fact that I could move them was a good sign, I really didn't want to have surgery for a fracture knee. I was a trooper! Final score: 35 Patriots, 21 Chargers. It was a long ass train ride home, got home at 9:30 (not too bad considering I had it in my head that I wouldn't be home until closer to midnight for some reason) and couldn't wait to ice my knees and take some Advil.

And so, this girl who went to a football game solo, ignored her injury all in the name of Patriot's football. Now, if that doesn't say "Fan", I don't know what does! I'm so glad I moved to Boston and look forward to the next game!

A Night of New Experiences

Date night with Meg! Only recently have I begun to go out again after work. It's fun to spend a little extra time picking out my outfit and doing my makeup/hair. Tonight, I went into Brighton and checked out Meg's new apartment (which I must say, I'm jealous of!). Then, off to Boston Boxing for boxing matches. This is the first time I've ever been to a boxing ring. Now, it may not be Lowell or Mikey Ward boxing [The Fighter reference], but you have the scent of male sweat, old gym equipment and dirty carpet smell that I imagine every boxing ring would have. Boxing is not my thing, I'm really sensitive and bruise really easily, no way would I be able to do this, but it was fun to watch. There were two girls that fought too and it was interesting watching all the different matches. There were so many guys there; of course I eyed quite a few (many of whom reminded me of the guys back home in San Diego). No one really my type, but I did enjoy the guy to girl ratio.

Instead of going to a concert after the matches like we had planned, we ended up going to Allston for some cheap eats and beer. I honestly can't remember which Asian restaurant we went to, but I had a vegetable noodle soup, which was tasty, huge and cheap.

We hopped across the street to Big City, hoping to play a round of pool, but there was too long of a wait so we had a beer before making it back to my neck of the woods. But before I go on... let me tell you about this new experience in Allston...all I can say is wow! I felt SO old in Big City and it felt like it was Halloween night with all these young college kids walking around the neighborhoods (like trick-or-treaters do on Halloween). There were groups of them...everywhere...even blocking the road. I'm so glad I don't live in Allston. Apparently [according to bouncer at Big City] 11pm is the hour when all the kids come out after pre-partying. I never had this college experience, and to be honest, I don't think I'm the type who would if I did live in a big college town like Boston. Ugh, remind me not to go out on a Friday night in that area again.

Back into Washington Square for another drink, this time at The Publik House... a place I have yet to drink in, and I've lived in the neighborhood over 2 years. Meg knew the bartenders and it was so much better hanging out there than at Big City. The atmosphere was more to our liking. We still want to do pool, but not on a Friday night when all the college kids arr out. So much for me going to bed before 10. I've been real good this week going to bed early, but at least tomorrow I get to sleep in. Now I just hope I don't get a hangover!

Footloose

I was just shy of 2 years old when the original Footloose starring Kevin Bacon came out. My first Broadway show in NYC was Footloose. I've never seen the movie and I own the musical's soundtrack. So, when I went to the movie screening of the new Footloose last night, I ended up learning a couple of things.

1. Ren came from Boston (I don't remember this from the musical, but then again I was a NY girl living in CA, never thinking I'd end up in Boston as an adult so I probably missed that detail).

2. The story takes place in Bomont, GA (not Beaumont, TX where my brother-in-law grew up, which was disappointing but to be honest, I can think of a lot of small southern towns where this story could have taken place, so whatever).

I haven't been a big fan of all these movie remakes, but I've never seen the original, so maybe I should rent the Kevin Bacon one to compare. I enjoyed the movie and walked out of the theater last night feeling happy. I love the music, you wanted to just sing right along to the tracks. They did a great job updating the story to fit into today's world (with iPods, rap music, etc.). There were some great one liners that the audience just loved, especially all the lines having to do with Boston, more specifically, the Boston attitude. Hilarious b/c we're in Boston.

Now, I don't have legit southern roots [at least none that I'm aware of], but seeing as I've spent a few months down there in various towns, the whole southern thing I could related to. Like, I know people who would drive on the dirt road to prom in a cotton gin on a four wheeler (instead of a car). I was picturing people I've met in the south and comparing them to the characters in the movie. It made me wish I had my own cowboy boots and a cute cowboy hat to wear and oh, how I felt like line dancing afterwards! And don't get me started on the southern drawl! Throughout the movie, I was consciously thinking "damn, I'm going to go meet up with a guy after the movie and my southern drawl is going to slip out"...and sure enough, while watching the Pats game I said something and he said "oh, there's that southern accent you told me about". I can't help it!

I like movies. With all the stresses in the world, it's nice to see a movie that leaves you feeling cheerful. I enjoyed this movie, it would be a fun one to own and watch every now and then. No, it wasn't cheesy like High School Musical, but I did feel somewhat old watching this movie about high schoolers, since I've been out of high school for 11 years. There wasn't as much music or dancing as I had hoped, but I'm blaming that on my expectation of the movie being like the musical I saw on Broadway. I really wish I had put the soundtrack of the musical on my iTunes b/c I can't get the songs "Footloose" and "Lets here it for the Boy" out of my head.

Dropkick Murphys

Anyone who has ever been to Boston knows who the Dropkick Murphys are. Their music is played at every pro-Boston sporting event and I believe they even own a bar on Boylston Street. This American punk rock band from Quincy, MA [pronounced Quinzy] is known for their song "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" [and if you don't live in Boston, but have seen The Departed, then you've heard the song at least]. That is the only song I know, but managed to get on set of a small, intimate [we are talking no more than 45 people] acoustic mini-concert today at the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) at lunch. A short distance from work, I took an extended lunch to hear a band whose music I don't typically listen to. Why? Well, it was free and it's the Boston thing to do! I mean, come on, I'm not going to buy a ticket to hear them perform at Fenway, especially since I only know one song (and probably would recognize another since I've been to so many Sox games). I got to shake hands with one of the singers who I thought was cute, but man... they are much older than I thought they were! Afterwards, we had a complimentary cocktail party in the Courtyard of the MFA. Yes, in Boston, one does drink during the workday (yes, sometimes on-site during events, others, while out to lunch). I had a Rusty Nail (Dewar's Scotch with Drambuie Liqueur) and another Nail drink with Dewar's Scotch, Drambuie, tea and lemon which was really tasty and not too much alcohol tasting. Of course, I drank on an empty stomach (ok, I had yogurt and watermelon before the concert) but this was the first time drinking alcohol since getting sick and boy let me tell you. It's fun being tipsy while working in the office on a Friday afternoon with nothing to do! Anyway, I'm now a fan of the band!

On another note, somewhat related...I was never a "punk", but if I wasn't so old, I might have tried that phase, or at least dating a guy that was somewhat punkish, b/c those boys are kinda hot!

Trip Down South

This wasn't the first time I traveled feeling sick. After my dad's week long visit, I fell ill the day after he left, unable to keep water down. I recovered, but have had a very sensitive stomach for a week now. I was well enough to travel down to North Carolina for the weekend to see my sister, mom, nieces and nephew. As expected, I had a delayed flight but still managed to get in earlier than the airline expected. I really like southern gents, the flight from BWI to RDU, I sat next to a southerner and he gave me his free drink coupon so I could enjoy an adult beverage on the flight. Of course, my stomach wasn't feeling that great, but I ordered a coffee w/ Bailey's which instantly warmed me up.

My eldest niece, 3, and my nephew, 2, were so excited when they woke up Saturday morning. It sounded like Christmas! Of course, not feeling well, I wasn't quite ready to wake up at 8am after getting to Fort Bragg about 1am. I woke up to the high shrill voices of my niece and nephew screaming "Auntie Lorien's here! Auntie Lorien's here!" So, I took them downstairs and gave them their presents I bought for them when I was in Scotland, tammies (tartan hats). They loved them and wore them most of the morning.

Boy was it hot and steamy there. I did hit up Walmart and Sonic (two things that I must do whenever I go home or to the South). We ate at Cracker Barrel a few times and my stomach ache continued and I started getting a sore throat, which being sick already, sleep deprived even before flying down there, I'm sure I'll be paying for it for another week or two. But I did managed to walk as the kids rode their bikes around the Loop (Ok, I think of St. Louis whenever I say or hear that, but seeing as though their neighborhood last year was a bad neighborhood, so, coincidence? I think not.) We also roasted marshmallows over the next door neighbors fire pit, my nephew had a blast holding the stick over the fire, wasn't too keen on eating the actual marshmallow. We had toads in the area, and the kids were catching a releasing a huge one that was in our yard, along with a smaller one. My nephew wasn't too sure about it, so we just watched and chased it...my brother in law has some work cut out for when he gets back from Afghanistan. My niece slept through all this, missing out. Of course, the next night after it rained, my nephew wanted to go look for frogs, but we only found a small little snake, which he was scared of. I had to cut bath time short b/c he was afraid of a snake being in the tub.

My littlest niece, 3 months old, is so cute and easy compared to the other two. I have a habit of putting the kids to sleep [when my sister wants them awake] and the first time I held the baby, she fell asleep in my arms. She's a happy baby and loves watching what's going on all around here (and yes, she loves certain TV shows...must be all the bright colors!).

I didn't go shopping for cowboy[girl] boots, but enjoyed spending time down south. I love those southern boys, with their accents, trucks and country music. Some of those MPs are pretty hot (not to mention the air force boys), but as my sister said [and I concur], I wouldn't make a good military wife...however, I'd totally be the military wife supporting living outside the US.

Flying while sick is never fun. Before going to the airport, we ate at Cracker Barrel. My niece and nephew noticed the deer head on the wall and they started asking about it. Now, you can't tell a 2 and 3 year old it's dead b/c someone shot it. So, when my niece asked why there was a deer on the wall I told her it was b/c it got stuck in a hole in the wall. Like most toddlers, I got the "why?". I said "because the deer's butt's too big". At which she started laughing and said "it has a big butt so it got stuck". Of course, she manged to say "he has a big butt" right as people were walking past our table. Such timing! We (my sister, mom and I) started cracking up. Oh man! I love sitting down and eating with my family b/c we are all so nutty, we always break out laughing. Of course, all I ate was mashed potatahs [my stomach wouldn't allow for the fried okra] and I drank some tea hoping that would soothe my throat. I get to the airport later than I ever have, an hour before the flight is supposed to take off. I opt-out of the machines and get frisked (despite the TSA guy telling me that they don't take pictures, blah blah blah). My flight is delayed a bit, but we managed to arrive on time into BWI, but with no beverage service on the 45 minute flight due to turbulence (something my stomach could barely handle- and yes, I did check to make sure my seat pocket had a barf bag...just in case!). Of course, I missed flight service on the 55 minute flight from BWI to BOS, but we got in earlier than we were scheduled, so I was able to get home and into bed before 1am...and yes, took some NyQuil.

I'm so happy to be home, now, if only I could start to feel better b/c I hate being sick!