As Good As It Gets

Between me and Chris's Netflix viewing habits, the program has decided we like movies where "opposites attract". And by that they mean movies starring Jack Nicholson and human females. 

So last week I watched "As Good As It Gets" which you are forgetting is AMAZING. It's legit. It won 2 Oscars (Best Actor for Jack Nicholson, Best Actress for Helen Hunt) and was nominated in 5 other categories. So keep your precious judgements to yourself! 

I've been thinking a lot about love recently and one quote from Jack Nicholson's character, Melvin Udall, made my heart melt.

"I might be the only person on the face of the earth that knows you're the greatest woman on earth. I might be the only one who appreciates how amazing you are in every single thing that you do, and how you are with Spencer, "Spence," and in every single thought that you have, and how you say what you mean, and how you almost always mean something that's all about being straight and good. I think most people miss that about you, and I watch them, wondering how they can watch you bring their food, and clear their tables and never get that they just met the greatest woman alive. And the fact that I get it makes me feel good, about me."

I don't want kids or marriage (at this point). I'm not focused on an end-result. But one thing I'm absolutely positive of is that I want to be special to someone. I want one person who sees me as this gem, even if everyone else is missing it.

I like myself - I really do. And I believe I have the qualities that would make someone fall head-over-heals in love with me. That's not to say I'm the best person in the world. I haven't worn anything but workout clothes in a week. But I don't want the love of the entire world. I just want it from one person who isn't afraid to go all in and really really love me. And who is ready to be cherished hard in return. 

The stupid thing is, I don't think I really knew that's what I wanted before. Not in the logical, action-oriented part of my brain, anyway. And now that's I'm clued into that, it's easier to start making choices that benefit me and prevent me from saying "ummm... yeah that could work for me!" when it doesn't.

I'm encouraged. I know I get what I want; I'm just not sure of the timeline quite yet. 

The Soundtrack of Our Lives – Pt. 2

This post is the second installment of the “Soundtrack of Our Lives” project. For more info, read the original post here. 

(A musical gift from Susie)

Mike’s thoughts on this hot piece: “The music nerd in me loves the voicings used on the guitar for this song.  Aside from that it's a really pretty song that is very dynamic for a song that maintains such a mellow vibe throughout.”

Movie Title: "He is Tim and She is Alexandra"

Screenwriter: M. Malarkey

Genre: Indie Dramedy

Some context: After dating for six-and-a-half years Tim and Alexandra finally come to the realization that their relationship has reached a complete standstill. The two have a number of tear-filled conversations about what to do.

Montage: After a 'trying-to-fix-this' date at the carnival (where they first met nearly seven years earlier), Tim decides he's ready to move on.  The exact discussion isn't shown, just Tim looking upset sitting in his car as Alexandra walks to her front door. They know it's probably the last time they will see each other. Tim drives home trying to fight his decision but sticks with it.  Alexandra texts him endlessly from her bed, goes for a walk, looks at the carnival from across the lagoon. She falls asleep on a bench.  When she awakes in the morning she thinks she sees Tim coming toward her but it's a stranger in similar clothes.

Ending Line: "Oh, I thought you were someone else.  Someone I don't know anymore."

 

(A musical gift from Mike)

Susie’s thoughts on this hot piece: “The bounce of the keyboard/piano/tambourine reminds me of every Rom-Com’s end credits I’ve ever loved. It’s warm and the lilt seems to say “and they all lived happily ever after.” And, it’s in French, so you feel a little cooler listening to it.” 

Movie Title: Do Gooders

Screenwriter: S. Gutowski

Genre: Comedy

Some context: It’s Dec 22^nd. Best friends Drake and Bex have both been dumped. They’re stuck in Chicago with no holiday plans. They get drunk and order in Chinese. Bex reads a fortune cookie that says, “The only cure for blues is a charitable lifestyle”. They vow to put 100% of their next three days into helping others have a better Christmas. Drake has just printed out a wish list for some kids at the local orphanage.

Montage: Dressed in red and green sweaters and Santa hats, the pair boards the El. They begin to hand out candy canes to strangers on the train; the passenger's surprised smiles are infectious. Inside the store, they consult the kids’ wish list and fill their cart with LEGOS, a scooter, cute stuffed animals, etc.

They wrap the presents; the stack of gifts grows higher and higher. They pile everything into Drake’s SUV and hit the road. They knock on the door of the first house: the mother opens the door and whispers “shhh!” Drake and Bex smile, leave the presents on the doorstep, and then hide behind their car to watch the mom call the kids out to see what Santa left. The kids are ecstatic. Drake and Bex stifle a laugh. They stop at another house. This time the family welcomes them in like old friends. The parents are teary, thankful they have presents to give their kids. Drake and Bex play with the kids and their new gifts before they hit the road again.

Ending line: "It's like when the Grinch's heart grew and then he picked up the entire sled to save all the presents. I feel like I could throw this car over a fence. Or box a kangaroo."