28 and 3/4 year Recap

It is hard to believe that my birthday is in just three months. That means Christmas is in less than three months. I have learned a lot about goal setting this year. Less long term goals and more short term and mid length. I also have done a lot of other things that weren't on this list that I never imagined I was going to do. Here is my 3/4 year recap in all of it's glory.

Complete

One month no spending

Learn to make sausage w/ casing

Eat rabbit

Get a passport
Use my passport to leave the country

Make some sort of fermented beverage

Hike in the desert
Email my grandma 4 times

Going

Write more, specifically in this blog (81/100)

Complete 200 Jazzercise classes (141/200)

• I've struggled with motivation with this one specifically with August and September. Some of my Jazzercise buds recently moved and it is hard to want to go by myself. I need to do 20 classes each month which is totally doable.

Knit something other than a neck warmer

• This one has been a long work in process. I know I will get it done I just need to knit a little bit each day

Teach Girlfriend 3 new tricks

• Jake and I have taught her how to shake, switch, and lay down this year. I also taught her night-night which signals to get in her kennel. I would like to teach her one more before the end of the year.

Read 12 books (7/12)

• This is a bit of an uphill battle but I know that if I put my mind to it, I can read 5 books in three months especially since it is rainy.

Watch all Disney animated movies (There are 53 counting Frozen.) (38/53)

Go to the opera/ballet/symphony

• I just got cash from my friend Jenny to attend the Oregon Symphony playing Disney songs the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Mail cards to my mom, dad, brother, grandma and grandpa for their birthdays and Mother's/Father's day

Stalled

Get another tattoo

• I know what I want to get. It is drawn and ready. I just need to scrape up the funds and I am hoping after my raise goes through that this is something I can do to celebrate.

Hit my goal weight

• I have yo-yo'ed so much this year and I still need to shave 10 pounds to get there. It comes down to discipline and commitment and in this moment, I am not sure how much of either I have.

Camp with Jake more

• We say we are going to go and then we don't. With so much going on, sometimes just planning one more thing seems like too much.

Run a race

• Very similar to the opera, this is about money and wanting to spend it on other things. This is my third financial priority on this list. I did find a group on for a race on 10/19 but I need to see if it is still available when I get paid.

Write a children's story

• This is going to be my October focus but I have put it off all year so who knows if it will really happen.

Put money in a savings account aside from my Christmas fund, possibly using the week in the year method

• This is as simple as going down to the credit union and opening a savings account. Then, I just need to set up direct deposit and I will feel like I can check it off but it always seems paralyzing to do.

Stopped

Sell one thing on Etsy

• I have a dream of just collecting some beautiful things and reselling them and not making much of a profit just kind of curating a collection and then finding a new home. This has always been my idea but it requires capital that I just don't have.

Go surfing

• It is Fall and I chickened out on this one when I was home. I needed to buy a Groupon and I never did. I won't mark it as dead because miracles do come true but I am not sure this is one of them.

Do ten diamond push-ups successfully with perfect posture

• This was too lofty of a goal. I am not going to mark it as dead because I could surprise myself but I am not sure I have the dedication or stamina to do that. 

Learn the foxtrot with my friend Kate

• Kate had a baby and the studio we were going to go to is closed. The amount of coordination this requires is maybe not worth it.

Play in a soccer game

• This biggest challenge here was finding an audience to play with. I didn't really want to join a rec team as I didn't really enjoy the last two rec teams I was on. I just kind of wanted to find a game in a field and play for like 15 minutes and be done. That isn't a great goal to have on this list.

Not Going to Happen

Save $300 in a Christmas fund

• This has become a non-necessity because I am not going home for Christmas and Jake and I are planning to have a smaller spend this year. It would have been nice at the beginning of the year but it didn't happen and now it doesn't make sense.

Get my oil changed 4 times

• I have only changed my oil once this year and I probably don't need to change it each month the rest of the year so mathematically this doesn't make sense.

Disney Movie Reflection: Sleeping Beauty

Jake gets back from a 9 day vacation tomorrow evening. It has also officially switched to Fall here with rain and breezes and all of the pumpkin products on the shelves. Jake and I haven't seen each other much since August and I am pretty glad to have him here for snuggles tomorrow. I decided to mark my last night of solitude with a little Dancing with the Stars, a pumpkin cider, popcorn and Sleeping Beauty.

I think Sleeping Beauty is the most beautiful classic Disney movie. I have been saving it for a special evening because I like it so much. As a kid, I always thought Sleeping Beauty was the prettiest Disney movie. There is something about the vibrant colors and the detailed background that captivates me every time. The scenes where they are in the castle and they show the town folk marching in are always so beautiful in their intricate detail.

I also love the villian, Maleficent. She is pure evil and my favorite Disney movie narrowly beating out Captain Hook. I love how they animate her to look so beautiful yet so creepy at the same time. She looks entirely inhuman and yet not as grotesque as some of the other villains. Her dedication to vengeance and creative approach to torture are impressive.

Additionally, my favorite Disney prince was always Phillip. He finds his lady and he isn't going to be tied down to some betrothal, He also has the best outfit of all princes and he can sing.

And then their is Aurora, the princess with the least screen time. She is beautiful but doesn't even really drive her own movie. It is the fairies that really push the plot and they may be the unsung Disney heroes that deserve more recognition. They are funny and clever and caring and flawed.

This movie has all sorts of flaws. It isn't modern and it tells girls they need a man to save them. It is hard to find anything socially redeeming in this movie. It is just beautiful and there is something for just wanting to be rescued. Maybe I played my cards right here in strategically watching this while I miss my boyfriend and after visiting Aurora's fake castle in Disneyland but when Phillip races up the tower to Aurora and swoops up and kisses her and she awakes with a simple smile I think everyone can identify with just wanting to be saved a little bit. The idea that a kiss can make everything better is trite and cliche and totally brainwashingly romantic.

Disney Movie Reflection: Aladdin

I spent the first four days of my epic vacation home with my parents in sunny El Cajon, CA, a large suburb of San Diego. When I was planning this trip, my mom asked my what I wanted to do and I made a list of three things: go to the beach everyday, grill meat every night, and watch Aladdin.

Disney movies always came out about two months before my birthday so I feel like I should relate them more to my childhood birthdays. Aladdin is the main one that sticks with me. Most of the details are fuzzy but I know we saw it at the AMC theater in Santee and that my mom took her car to the local mechanic before the movie and we were going to pick up the car after. I remember liking the movie. I also remember having to pee so bad that I ended up peeing all over myself in the bathroom and my mom getting a little upset with me. 

Aladdin taught me that you just had to be a little more clever than everyone else to win. That if you could just act a little faster and be a little smarter you could get by no matter the situation. That stuck with me as my path to adulthood. Make the right friends and be just a little bit slicker than you enemies.

Aladdin is also the only Disney movie I distinctly remember having a marketing hold on me. I had this play set that was about a foot tall and looked like the palace and when you opened it several hinged door pieces swung out to reveal the Cave of Wonders and the market place and the palace as well as several different characters. I also had this cup that had glitter and laps floating in water superimposed on all of the characters with a silicone straw that slid out of a secret compartment from the Disney store. My brother had an Aladdin play set that was a bag of coins and a dagger on a hilt and a lamp that when you opened the top revealed a glowing genie eye. Finally, I remember my mom and dad taking my brother and I to Target after church one day because sheets were on sale and I picked out Aladdin sheets while Andrew got 101 Dalmatians sheets.

It is weird how a movie can stick with you like this. I have so many vivid memories surrounding Aladdin memorabilia and we almost watched the worn out VHS when I was home. Probably my most vivid memory of Aladdin was made without the movie even being on. I don't remember the circumstances or when it happened. I think I was an adult but I am not sure if I was just an old teenager or just home from a break from college. I know it was a late evening when my mom should have been to sleep and we were being silly and somehow we ended up singing "A Whole New World" in the style of Ethel Merman and this just escalated to the fact that every time I hear this song I can't help but smile and think of my mom and I singing all the words together.

My mom and I watched this movie late on a Sunday night before I was supposed to leave for the next leg of my trip. We were both tired and barely able to keep our eyes open but I was so happy to be there watching the movie with my mom. When "A Whole New World" came on, we sang a duet that should have woken my dad. We watched the movie after Robin William's passing and we both acknowledged his genius but it was on my second watch through that I really started to see why I loved the Genie so much. He reminds me of my mom in the strangest way. He is kind and caring but funny. His brain just like my mom's makes the funniest connections. They entertain as a way to love.

Disney Movie Reflection: Cinderella

I have a confession. I watched Cinderella as I packed for my trip to Florida back in February. I wanted to watch a Disney movie that was going to gear me up for when I went to the park but I was so nervous that I barely paid attention. I thought about just crossing it off but the movie is so important to the cannon that I knew I needed to give it another shot. I'm glad I did.

Disney invested a lot of money into making Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland at the same time. They were the first movies to be created after the war time compilation movies and they would either make or break his studio. Walt decided to lead with Cinderella as it was strong story that hearkened back to Snow White. It was a commercial success and lead to the future success of the studio.

Cinderella is Walt's second princess. She is a has better head on her shoulder than Snow White and can fend for herself better than Aurora. She has a certain level of wit and charm that transcends her beauty. There is also a little bit of a Pinterest queen inside her.

I will be honest that Cinderella is one of the classics that I never connect with. I know I saw it and it was always a pleasant watch but I never really got into it. I always loved Disneyland so I never connect with Cinderella's castle like the rest of my Walt Disney World colleagues. If I was going to choose a favorite princess, it was always going to be someone strange like Belle or Pocahontas or Tiana. Cinderella was too Stepford wife for me. She was too perfect and polished while being just human enough to hate. She reminded me of those girls who loved high school and then loved college even more. The first time I watched it this year I dismissed if for the same reasons.

Then for some reason, it kind of clicked last night. Maybe because Jake is gone and I would love to have him wedge my foot into a weird glass shoe. Maybe it was because the house was a mess and the last thing I wanted to do was clean and I just wanted helpful mice friends but Cinderella is just a lesson of perseverance. I mean that lady can find a silver lining for anything. If you cast aside of the silly romantic fairy tale nonsense what you really take away is that you can get through anything if you truly have hope which is an often missed message in this movie but probably more important than love manifesting in a single evening.

Britney's Video Catalog Volume Twelve: Britney Jean

It is finally here. Britney takes the stage in less than 7 hours. I am writing this from my phone and in between lounging at the pool so I apologize for being brief but the videos for "Britney Jean" are surprisingly good especially since "Perfume" is not my favorite song. Who knew?

"Work Bitch"
Starts out really sexy. Very Vegas vibe with the dessert an the make up table. Britney just whipped a girl. Ouch. So many bulbous butts. I really love this dance pad in the desert. Brandon feels like everytime she is about to really start dancing (a la "Toxic" era) they cut away. Let the dance moves free. I love these neon "Bitch" signs. So subtly Vegas. This has moved into very S&M territory and Britney has risen to dom status. Another whipping! Now we are dancing on front of Planet Hollywood which isn't so subtly Vegas but it works. I hate the girl with the Beats Pill in her mouth as a ball gag. He eyes read abuse and not desire and that makes me feel weird. The sharks circling Britney is awesome but Brandon says it has been done effort which is sad. Why is she bringing a mannequin to the dessert? I love the choreographed arm pump move. Apparently Britney is riding an upside down pyramid pulled by leather bound ladies and blowing up several mannequins in the desert. Was she just wearing bell bottoms circa her "Sometimes" video?

"Perfume"
More desert scenery but this time is broke down Route 66 motels and some hot guy who looks a lot like her former manager/former boyfriend. It is a pretty video and Britney looks healthy. The whole song is a gratuitous ad for her perfume but man does it make a lot of appearances. Who still buys it? Apparently, her BF got a text from a lady and Britney found it. Oh no. Again she is driving when upset. So much sexual tension between the man and the other woman. Beers on the roof. Cars in the junk yard. Steamy pools. Saying fuck you to the world. Britney looks sexier than almost any other video in a lacy full coverage bra and her boyfriend's flannel with her boy shorts. I have watched this twice though and am confused about the resolution. Maybe I will ask tonight.

I am going to take a break from blogging until I return but you can look forward to my full concert recap and breakdown of my favorite and least favorite videos when I return. I will tell Britney you say "hi".

Britney's Video Catalog Volume Eleven: Music from and Inspired by the Smurfs 2 (with bonus commentary on her appearances in will.i.am's "Scream & Shout" videos)

We are just two days away from partying with Britney and today we hit Britney's kid friendly hit from the not so hit movie the Smurfs 2. Additionally, I was originally going to include Britney's appearances on will.i.am's "Scream & Shout" videos but after watching them I do not feel they fit into the official cannon so I included them here as just bonus material (they are really good videos though).

Music from and Inspired by the Smurfs 2

"Ooh La La"
This song instantly makes me think of Jazzercise and doing tricep work with Jake. Britney would be a movie talker. It is pretty adorable that she features her kids in the video. I really like that the set just folded down like a pop up book but the constant surprised face Britney is making is annoying. Her red dress is awesome but she still manages to constantly caress her face. It makes sense that Britney would be friends with Smurfette. I think that Neil Patrick Harris is being chases by Gargamel. Maybe that is a part of the movie. I will never know. Why did that man just become a duck? Britney is clearly limited by having to not touch her body in a sensual manner. SURPRISE FACE! She also has dropped it low three times which seems weirdly placed. Her kids are pretty cute though. Most of this video is just Smurf footage and now she is trying to get her boys to dance with her which isn't working. Cute but forgettable.

BONUS!
willpower (From will.i.am's 2013 album)

"Scream & Shout"
 Britney looks like a bad ass in this video. She looks amazing and her outfit is the perfect mix of sexy and classy. Like she looks like an actual diva. If you haven't seen this video it has a million product placements in it but it is awesome. Britney's heart shaped little outfit thing is great. Most of Britney's contribution to this video is just standing on display which probably is extremely problematic when we think about feminism but I don't know if that has ever been Britney's strong suit.  Britney really does take a note from RuPaul's Drag Race here with the use of display arms and just constant posing. This isn't about will.i.am but man is he a bad ass in this video. When Britney is balancing the flaming gold disco ball I instantly wish that was an actual super power of hers.

37. "Scream & Shout (Remix)"
So this is the remix of "Scream and Shout" and has a crazy infusion of big name rappers and just Britney. Again Britney uses the drag influence with the long fake pony tail which she holds and moves her head with. More posing but this time in a shredded Adidas track jacket that reveals just kind of a leather bondage suit. Britney is featured a lot less in this video but she some great "make it rain" claps and has a pretty crazy gold saber tooth tiger claw necklace. Her major contribution is her pony tail. There is a good two minutes where B does not make an appearance and Diddy screams fuck at us like 40 times. When she does return, she is hold herself up by her pony again. More ads including lots of views of Britney's gold Adidas. I do like that Britney can hold her own with all of these strong, powerful dudes and she just kind of commands her own. Her pony tail deserves a guest star credit.

Britney's Video Catalog Volume Ten: Femme Fatale

I am visiting my friend Jesse and we watched the four videos from Britney's "Femme Fatale". Jesse has a great eye for details that I would have missed. Britney really surprised us with the video for "Criminal" which is a terrible song but kind of a great video. I mocked all of the rest but in comparison this is some of her better work.

 "Hold It Against Me"
Why does this video begin with a weird alien language and a comet coming to hit Earth? What does this have to do with anything? Jesse says the comet reminds her of War of the Worlds and the alien invasion. I guess it infects the world with color? Apparently we start with Britney's perfume and men getting dressed? I appreciate the American apparel briefs. Jesse thinks her necklace is from Forever 21.Her bullet belt is kind of bad. We also have ads forever Make Up Forever and Plenty of Fish. The floating dress in the sea of videos is a weird steam punk concept. Her arm gloves are kind of a single ladies rip off. Now we have Texas hair. Jesse thinks her Louisiana side is coming out. She looks healthier but the eyeless dancers are pretty bad. Add Sony to the list of product placement. Now she is, as Jesse put it, jizzing color out of her fingers everywhere. All over her white dress while the video cuts to her fight herself in couture. And then all of the sudden she is done fighting and jizzing and we end with major boobage in a corset. What ever became of the comet?

"Till the World Ends"
Oh apparently the comets are back in this video. This is the second video to have a title card and director card. What the hell? Apparently Britney is so underground that she is literally underground. Good think they brought the steam punk goggles. Jesse said "That jacket is dangerous" and we like it. This is basically a post-apocalyptic orgy with Britney in a bad wig but this song is a great dance song. So many jokes can be made about her ripped hose (hoes?). These dudes she is dancing with are at least 10/15 years her junior. Does that make her a cougar? She has plenty of time to dance and grind but not enough time to wash her wig. The red lace body suit with the high thong is dangerous in that she looks terrible and you shouldn't wear fish net when preparing for a Thunderdome existence. Apparently, the comets cleared and the world is okay now. Great. Let's light off the fire sprinklers. Jesse summarizes the video best with this: "No one with a mohawk is going to be partying with Britney even if it is the end of the world."

"I Wanna Go"
Another title and director card? Is that really necessary? Apparently this video is going to be funny. Jesse instantly pointed out that the guy she thinks is cool is Guillermo Diaz who I didn't know but apparently is Cameron Diaz's brother and is on Scandal. He is kind of cute. She really just looks like a poor man's Avril in this video causing mischief. Product placement for VW! She apparently can get out of anything just using her boobs or just having intercourse with a cop. Such a feminist. Is this more a promotional video for the ailing Hot Topic than a music video? I do like the mock billboard for Crossroads 2. Apparently, she has magic powers and a magic mike (PUN) that she can use to fight what appears to be a terminator that is trying to harm her. This video has taken a turn quickly. Apparently, Guillermo is rescuing her from the terminators. Where did he get that milk from? Why is he dumping it on his face? Why does she find milk sexy? Why did this get so weird so fast? Why do I love seashells also?

"Criminal"
So we have another video at a fancy party? Great. She looks beautiful but who is this douche bag? Are we doing another tortured lover video? Apparently, when you use a Britney perfume it gives you strength to stand up for yourself. Jesse thinks this is escalating into an after school special quickly. All of the sudden she is being rescued by her former manager and as of recent ex boyfriend (Jesse caught that it was him)? He has a great apartment. Damn this sex scene is more subdued than usual. Kinds of reminds me of a lovely romantic movie sex scene. AND HE BRINGS HER COFFEE. Keep him. Apparently he has a tattoo on his chest that says RIP Goose that Jesse also caught. So Britney and Manager Man are a modern Bonnie and Clyde and I like it. Second sex scene in the shower with mega boobage. Oh know. Britney got busted in Britain and they are just making out and dodging those videos. Love is a super power apparently. Her hair and her dancing are on point. I am glad they made it out because with love making like that it would be a shame for them to die.