When you don't work for the majority of a month, and the reason for this lack of work is sickness so you weren't having fun while not working, it feels really great to get back to it. And as I've been back for a grand total of two shifts (whoa, Nelly!) it's time for a collection of random observations and notes and bits of information from the airport and more.
The number one flight attendant told me I am what they are looking for in an in-flight Crewmember. That is not the first time I've been told or asked if I was in-flight. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.
No matter what, people just don't listen. On average there are about five people who arrive late despite telling people when they check in what gate it is and what time to be there. And we do airport paging. And we page people specifically. And we make loud announcements in the gate area. A word to people flying: the information we tell you at check in should not be ignored. Also, please read signs. And papers we give you.
It's amazing how places and people you know pop up at the most random times. While attending a thank you banquet for PDX airport last night a story was told about people I know. The coordinator of this event was sharing stories and emails from customers to the Port and one of them was from someone I went to college with. How can I be sure, you might ask. Well, I cannot officially confirm it without asking to see the email, but the people and places and things in the story sure make it a likely coincidence. It's a sweet story, too; let me share. A 1LT in the Air Force asked PDX to send a 3' by 2' piece of the airport carpet because his fiancee always feels like she's home when she steps off an airplane and sees it. The two of them were down in San Antonio and she was missing home. Yes, the Port sent a piece of carpet to him. And why I think I know this couple is because on the facebook (a useful tool for seeing the lives of those you don't see every day) a while back there was a picture of her sitting on the little piece of blue-green carpet. I'm pretty sure it was them.
Also, Mike Irwin, TSA security director at PDX and man whose voice you hear over the speaker system in the airport, is apparently a UP alum. I might have done a little dance at the table when his introduction mentioned this with a "Go Pilots" at the end.
Fred Meyer card holders: if you have one you should use it at participating Shell gas stations. Definitely saved 10 cents today on my gas (BONUS!), which reduced the $3.19 price tag to be a little closer to the Arco down the road's price but with better quality gas. I liked hearing my gas was going to be cheaper. Might mean a bit more shopping at Fred Meyer while gas is so expensive.
I appreciate Oregon's efforts to keep people employed by having someone there to pump gas for people. A little inconvenient at times, but overall I don't mind it and it gives people a job. Maybe more states should do it.
Pets really do have such personalities, don't they? I was driving home from the Bluff and saw this dog playing with his leash, wrapping his foot in the leash to pretend he had an injured foot, trying to pull the lead from his owner's hand so he could go have fun. He was a funny guy (or girl); I bet that pup is a handful at home. Annabel and Buffy have funny little personalities. I wonder if pets - animals in general - think the same of us. I wonder if they think we're crazy. Maybe I'm crazy for thinking all this out loud.
I don't know who to cheer for at the Super Bowl, so I'm going to cheer for whoever wins. Misty liked this idea, too. I think she will be taking my idea and running with it.
Congestion sucks. Ears popping to relieve the congestion is the most amazing thing in the world!
I wonder if the will be airing the Royal Wedding that's coming up in April on American network channels. How does that work when they are ahead of us by eight hours?
It annoys me when I have all but one piece of the puzzle to complete my taxes. I would really like my money back from the government but because I don't have that last stinkin' piece I can't. Stupid stocks.
I think I'm going to have to concede and get a fancier phone. I love my phone and I hoped it would last forever because it's perfect for me. I think the technological age we are in is going to force me away from using my phone. Darn.
A lot of people I know are getting married this year. I'm pretty sure I didn't get the memo.
I need to work more on traveling to see the world's biggest stuff. My "Look what I found!" blog has been inactive way too long. I can visit places, but I need to make sure I have a rat sitter.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
January comes to an end
The last day of the first month in a brand new year. Bittersweet. For those who have been wondering, yes, it is Justin Timberlake's birthday. He be 30. That little bit of information makes me feel old. Why? If anything, I would think he would feel more old than I should. But I feel old because he is a reminder of my youth, listening to *NSYNC tapes in the minivan on the way to school. Those days are gone. That is a horrible way to start out this entry! Perking up, or trying to...
I have not seen much of January. This is what I have done with my time this month:
Started out strong with a couple of adventures. Came back from the Disneyland birthday adventure on the first day of the year (that was something new and different). Went to work for a couple of weeks and then went on a rather impromptu trip to Reno with my mom and brother. Left lots of money in Reno, but had fun and the rest of the trip was relatively cheap. Sounds like a good start to a month, right?
Somewhere between Reno and the next time I was scheduled to work I got sick. And not your average cold because it's that time of the year kind of sick; I got a cold + strep throat from I don't know where. Strep throat: it's miserable. The first time I went to the doctor he didn't even bother to get a swab because he could see it was strep. I then got some antibiotics that weren't working (did you know Azithromycin is only effective on about 40% of the population?) and had to go back to see my regular NP who took one look in my throat and immediately averted her eyes. It was that bad. And painful. And I couldn't breathe through my nose because the congestion level was (and still is!) so high that nothing, I mean NOTHING was working its way through the sinuses. This illness meant I would continue to not be able to go into work for about two weeks.
When I am sick I enjoy laying about. Let's be honest; I enjoy laying about any day of the week when I'm well. This is the first time I've actually laid in bed during an illness. What did I do while in bed? Watched a lot of TV. Lots of movies. The movie I always watch when I'm sick is The Full Monty. I recommend it next time you're under the weather. Started a book that I'll actually finish called The Piano Teacher{. Almost finished a scarf. Did some laundry. Took some naps. Took lots of medicines. And had extended romp time for the ratties because what else was I going to do.
Which brings me to the end of January (today). I have spent quite a bit of the month on airplanes, as well as in bed where there is literally a Kristen-shaped dent in the mattress. Oh! I spent a day in the City (which anyone who's anyone knows means San Francisco). On New Year's Day I was one of the first people inside Disneyland, and literally Megan and I were the first ones to ride Buzz Lightyear's Blaster Game that day. And I did assist in the moving of a dear friend Megan and boyfriend to some new digs. But other than those highlights, I'd say January was the longest month this year so far.
As soon as these ears open up there are big plans for the rest of the year. A new place to visit every month! Well, maybe not new, but definitely an adventure each month to do something and go somewhere. Portland can be quite dreary.
P.S.: If you haven't yet watched IFC's Portlandia, you should get on that. Especially if you've ever lived in Portland or know people from Portland. Adult Hide and Seek League, need I say more. Plus, they get our beloved mayor, Sam Adams, to cameo! And there is a shout out to JetBlue, which always warms my heart.
I have not seen much of January. This is what I have done with my time this month:
Started out strong with a couple of adventures. Came back from the Disneyland birthday adventure on the first day of the year (that was something new and different). Went to work for a couple of weeks and then went on a rather impromptu trip to Reno with my mom and brother. Left lots of money in Reno, but had fun and the rest of the trip was relatively cheap. Sounds like a good start to a month, right?
Somewhere between Reno and the next time I was scheduled to work I got sick. And not your average cold because it's that time of the year kind of sick; I got a cold + strep throat from I don't know where. Strep throat: it's miserable. The first time I went to the doctor he didn't even bother to get a swab because he could see it was strep. I then got some antibiotics that weren't working (did you know Azithromycin is only effective on about 40% of the population?) and had to go back to see my regular NP who took one look in my throat and immediately averted her eyes. It was that bad. And painful. And I couldn't breathe through my nose because the congestion level was (and still is!) so high that nothing, I mean NOTHING was working its way through the sinuses. This illness meant I would continue to not be able to go into work for about two weeks.
When I am sick I enjoy laying about. Let's be honest; I enjoy laying about any day of the week when I'm well. This is the first time I've actually laid in bed during an illness. What did I do while in bed? Watched a lot of TV. Lots of movies. The movie I always watch when I'm sick is The Full Monty. I recommend it next time you're under the weather. Started a book that I'll actually finish called The Piano Teacher{. Almost finished a scarf. Did some laundry. Took some naps. Took lots of medicines. And had extended romp time for the ratties because what else was I going to do.
Which brings me to the end of January (today). I have spent quite a bit of the month on airplanes, as well as in bed where there is literally a Kristen-shaped dent in the mattress. Oh! I spent a day in the City (which anyone who's anyone knows means San Francisco). On New Year's Day I was one of the first people inside Disneyland, and literally Megan and I were the first ones to ride Buzz Lightyear's Blaster Game that day. And I did assist in the moving of a dear friend Megan and boyfriend to some new digs. But other than those highlights, I'd say January was the longest month this year so far.
As soon as these ears open up there are big plans for the rest of the year. A new place to visit every month! Well, maybe not new, but definitely an adventure each month to do something and go somewhere. Portland can be quite dreary.
P.S.: If you haven't yet watched IFC's Portlandia, you should get on that. Especially if you've ever lived in Portland or know people from Portland. Adult Hide and Seek League, need I say more. Plus, they get our beloved mayor, Sam Adams, to cameo! And there is a shout out to JetBlue, which always warms my heart.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The age of Aquarius is over
Apparently someone realized we were using the wrong system for determining astrological... stuff. Instead of 12 signs there were originally 13 in the age of Babylonia. This guy explains it perfectly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLbbhHq_xls"
So, yeah. I don't know what that means for the world. Basically they'll have to reprint everything that has only 12 of the signs of the Zodiac, so yay for the printing and publishing business of the world. And we'll have to ignore everything Cosmo (the lady bible the world over, though I choose not to read it) has ever told us about our horoscope, because those were inaccurate. And our entire existence up to this point has been a lie, so bummer.
The thing that bothers me about this - and boy, I loved being a Capricorn, so I'm bummed about that - is it feels like it was a slow news day and someone thought they would change the way the world operates. Does that make sense? It's like when they said Pluto is no longer a planet and that the Triceratops never existed. But what do you mean those things are not true? They have always been true as long as I have been alive. You can't change 25 years of history and knowledge on a whim! Granted, it apparently was researched, but still, that's a tough sell!
In case you're wondering if you have a new star sign, these are the correct ones (because everything was wrong between the time the Babylonians threw out the new/old O word).
NEW ZODIAC SIGN CHART
Capricorn: January 20 to February 16
So, yeah. I don't know what that means for the world. Basically they'll have to reprint everything that has only 12 of the signs of the Zodiac, so yay for the printing and publishing business of the world. And we'll have to ignore everything Cosmo (the lady bible the world over, though I choose not to read it) has ever told us about our horoscope, because those were inaccurate. And our entire existence up to this point has been a lie, so bummer.
The thing that bothers me about this - and boy, I loved being a Capricorn, so I'm bummed about that - is it feels like it was a slow news day and someone thought they would change the way the world operates. Does that make sense? It's like when they said Pluto is no longer a planet and that the Triceratops never existed. But what do you mean those things are not true? They have always been true as long as I have been alive. You can't change 25 years of history and knowledge on a whim! Granted, it apparently was researched, but still, that's a tough sell!
In case you're wondering if you have a new star sign, these are the correct ones (because everything was wrong between the time the Babylonians threw out the new/old O word).
NEW ZODIAC SIGN CHART
Capricorn: January 20 to February 16
Aquarius: February 16 to March 11
Pisces: March 11 to April 18
Aries: April 18 to May 13
Taurus: May 13 to June 21
Gemini: June 21 to July 20
Cancer: July 20 to August 10
Leo: August 10 to September 16
Virgo: September 16 to October 30
Libra: October 30 to November 23
Scorpio: November 23 to November 29
Ophiuchus: November 29 to December 17
Sagittarius: December 17 to January 20Monday, November 8, 2010
Achoo!
Coming home is totally different now than when I was still in college. Now when I come home it's not so much an event, and it usually takes place in the middle of the week. And as a result, I get to sit around my mom's house and watch lots of TV and fumble about the internet.
I am also allergic to California, so I sneeze a lot. I sneeze in the middle of my sleep, which I never do in Portland. And my sneezes are real big, so big I almost threw myself off the couch earlier.
My grandparents are pretty funny. They are packing up their lives into boxes and crates at the moment because in about a month they are moving out of the home they've had for 50+ years and moving into an assisted living facility type apartment complex. Yesterday my mom and I went over to help bring over some things and sort through others. The two are not related; the funny factor and the moving factor. My grandparents are a couple that have been together since the 1950s and I like to watch them interact. I cannot describe it better than they are pretty funny.
I didn't realize the my family collects Christmas creches (nativity scenes) until we went over to help my granma sort through some cupboards in the rumpus room of their house. I wonder if that means that I will carry on the tradition of finding creches and collecting them.
The only bummer about coming home is when no one is around, like most of the work week. My mom is at work and my brother is at work/school. I don't really have access to go visit people if I want to since there are only two cars in residence. I guess I don't really need to go anywhere. I feel a bit useless since I'm so allergic to dust and the State of California that all I can honestly do is sit around and try not to stir the allergens.
Seriously, I cannot stay in the Bay Area for more than a few days or I might lose my voice completely, sneeze myself into a wall, or blow my nose so much I end up without a nose. I find it sad that I can never really come home because of a silly little thing like allergies. Is it pathetic to not be able to do so? And why did I not find this out until I moved to Portland? There is clearly something really gross in the air in California for my eyes to itch so much I rub them like mad during my sleep.
I'm going to miss the old house my grandparents are moving out of. Things look so different without furniture in there. The dining room looks a lot smaller without the whole family around the table for a holiday feast, though it has been quite a few years since a holiday feast has been hosted in that room. And the house looks so different now that they are landscaping the perimeter to sell. I will miss that house, and the memories associated with it.
Did you know sneezing makes you sleepy?
I am also allergic to California, so I sneeze a lot. I sneeze in the middle of my sleep, which I never do in Portland. And my sneezes are real big, so big I almost threw myself off the couch earlier.
My grandparents are pretty funny. They are packing up their lives into boxes and crates at the moment because in about a month they are moving out of the home they've had for 50+ years and moving into an assisted living facility type apartment complex. Yesterday my mom and I went over to help bring over some things and sort through others. The two are not related; the funny factor and the moving factor. My grandparents are a couple that have been together since the 1950s and I like to watch them interact. I cannot describe it better than they are pretty funny.
I didn't realize the my family collects Christmas creches (nativity scenes) until we went over to help my granma sort through some cupboards in the rumpus room of their house. I wonder if that means that I will carry on the tradition of finding creches and collecting them.
The only bummer about coming home is when no one is around, like most of the work week. My mom is at work and my brother is at work/school. I don't really have access to go visit people if I want to since there are only two cars in residence. I guess I don't really need to go anywhere. I feel a bit useless since I'm so allergic to dust and the State of California that all I can honestly do is sit around and try not to stir the allergens.
Seriously, I cannot stay in the Bay Area for more than a few days or I might lose my voice completely, sneeze myself into a wall, or blow my nose so much I end up without a nose. I find it sad that I can never really come home because of a silly little thing like allergies. Is it pathetic to not be able to do so? And why did I not find this out until I moved to Portland? There is clearly something really gross in the air in California for my eyes to itch so much I rub them like mad during my sleep.
I'm going to miss the old house my grandparents are moving out of. Things look so different without furniture in there. The dining room looks a lot smaller without the whole family around the table for a holiday feast, though it has been quite a few years since a holiday feast has been hosted in that room. And the house looks so different now that they are landscaping the perimeter to sell. I will miss that house, and the memories associated with it.
Did you know sneezing makes you sleepy?
Friday, October 15, 2010
Advice from an airline employee
1. Definitely get to the airport at least one hour prior to your flight time. You'll be happy you did.
2. Book directly from the airline. Shop around on other websites if you wish, but then go to whichever airline you want to fly.
3. Booking from a third party website (i.e., Travelocity, Expedia) only leads to headaches. They lie about guarantee-ing you a window or aisle seat; they make it difficult to change flights or do anything; and they are not always the cheapest airfare.
4. Have a valid form of ID. And have it ready at the ticket counter.
5. Bring your itinerary, just in case.
6. Dress in layers. Airports and airplanes are cool; your destination may be warm; you can never predict if you're going to be too cold or too hot.
7. Every airport is different, so not every airport features the same things (i.e., curbside check-in, post office, bag drops). Do not expect the same service at every airport.
8. Do be nice to the people working at the airport. There is no need to get belligerent when things go awry. Sometimes if you're nice to people working at the airport they are really nice back.
9. Always purchase your beverages after proceeding through the security checkpoint. It'd be a bummer to dump that $5.00 latte you just bought because you can't bring liquids through with you.
10. If you are bringing something out of the ordinary or require a service that you're not sure about, you should call the airline. Don't be shy; it's OK. Better to be a well-informed traveler than finding out at the last minute that a bag weighing over 50 pounds cost extra money.
11. A flight may leave at a certain time, but the door to the aircraft will close ten minutes prior to that departure time, at which point it cannot be opened until it lands at its destination. You need to make sure you are there before that door closes.
12. Take personal responsibility. Do not blame the traffic for your late arrival at the airport. Do not blame us that you showed up late. It's not our fault you didn't plan accordingly. It's the cold, hard truth. Hey, the other 100+ people made it in time for the flight.
13. We like to give out wings. It brightens people's day.
14. We may help you with your bag, but we can't do all the work for you.
15. Airports and airlines have their bad days, too. That's what you get when you throw a bunch of different factors into an equation. But we will get you to your destination... somehow... sometime.
2. Book directly from the airline. Shop around on other websites if you wish, but then go to whichever airline you want to fly.
3. Booking from a third party website (i.e., Travelocity, Expedia) only leads to headaches. They lie about guarantee-ing you a window or aisle seat; they make it difficult to change flights or do anything; and they are not always the cheapest airfare.
4. Have a valid form of ID. And have it ready at the ticket counter.
5. Bring your itinerary, just in case.
6. Dress in layers. Airports and airplanes are cool; your destination may be warm; you can never predict if you're going to be too cold or too hot.
7. Every airport is different, so not every airport features the same things (i.e., curbside check-in, post office, bag drops). Do not expect the same service at every airport.
8. Do be nice to the people working at the airport. There is no need to get belligerent when things go awry. Sometimes if you're nice to people working at the airport they are really nice back.
9. Always purchase your beverages after proceeding through the security checkpoint. It'd be a bummer to dump that $5.00 latte you just bought because you can't bring liquids through with you.
10. If you are bringing something out of the ordinary or require a service that you're not sure about, you should call the airline. Don't be shy; it's OK. Better to be a well-informed traveler than finding out at the last minute that a bag weighing over 50 pounds cost extra money.
11. A flight may leave at a certain time, but the door to the aircraft will close ten minutes prior to that departure time, at which point it cannot be opened until it lands at its destination. You need to make sure you are there before that door closes.
12. Take personal responsibility. Do not blame the traffic for your late arrival at the airport. Do not blame us that you showed up late. It's not our fault you didn't plan accordingly. It's the cold, hard truth. Hey, the other 100+ people made it in time for the flight.
13. We like to give out wings. It brightens people's day.
14. We may help you with your bag, but we can't do all the work for you.
15. Airports and airlines have their bad days, too. That's what you get when you throw a bunch of different factors into an equation. But we will get you to your destination... somehow... sometime.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
We celebrate Columbus Day?
I didn't even realize there was a national holiday coming up until I walked by the bank in the airport that advertised being closed on Monday. Why Monday? What's going on that allows for them to close? It's Columbus Day? Uh...
I don't even know what people do to celebrate Columbus Day other than take the day off. Is there some sort of event I should be attending? Do I need to research the origins of Mr. Columbus to know what to do? We don't even know the dude's true nationality - hey, even us Ports have claim to the man.
I understand the general idea about Columbus Day: the "New World" was discovered by accident, but if it wasn't then we wouldn't be here and blah blah blah. Don't get me wrong- love the history behind it all, but my family is relatively new to this country. I'm a first generation on my dad's side, and my mom's family has been here for only about a century (I guess that's a long time). But none of my family has ties to the originating discoverers, unless somehow I'm related to Cristobo or Christopher or whatever you'd like to call him.
And homie found this land by accident! We're celebrating a booboo, folks. I bet we would have bumped into this place a while later. I mean, it's pretty darn big to not run into eventually.
But honestly, what do we DO to celebrate Columbus Day? I think in school we learned about the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, perhaps even coloring in drawings of the ships. We might have made funny hats we thought resembled those worn by Columbus and his crew.
Should we do more? Should we do less? Should we really give bank employees the day off? Not that I don't like a good celebration, but it's one of those holidays that never really got a great footing in American culture other than having it printed on calendars every year. In fact, I'd be more excited to celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving Day, as it appears to be the same day as Columbus Day. Makes sense; Columbus Day is another reminder that we "found" a place already inhabited by many peoples, to which we are grateful.
No, but seriously, what does a person DO on Columbus Day? Would it be wrong to go look for Halloween costume parts? To take advantage of Columbus Day sales at the mall? Go on with my life as if it were just another day? It's not like there is a moment of silence we hold during Columbus Day... or is there and no one told me? I wouldn't be surprised if no one told me.
And why do only banks and some other select businesses close on Columbus Day? Why isn't there more consistency about how we handle the whole thing? I think I need to go back to fifth grade, - or was it sixth? - and refresh my memory on what the issues of this day are, what I should do to commemorate it, and how to be a better supporter of Columbus Day overall. I mean, I don't think I've ever celebrated Columbus Day other than a special shopping trip to see the sales. In all honestly I forget it exists until I hear someone mention it on TV or the radio or in passing. Should we call it something else? Perhaps Land-ho Day? I see too many jokes arising from that name. Perhaps New Land Day?
Hmm. Just don't know what to do with this information. Maybe I'll practice my Spanish, as that is another possible origin of Colombo. Or maybe he was Italian? French? No one knows! Oh, there are some football games on tomorrow - can't get more celebratory than that!
I don't even know what people do to celebrate Columbus Day other than take the day off. Is there some sort of event I should be attending? Do I need to research the origins of Mr. Columbus to know what to do? We don't even know the dude's true nationality - hey, even us Ports have claim to the man.
I understand the general idea about Columbus Day: the "New World" was discovered by accident, but if it wasn't then we wouldn't be here and blah blah blah. Don't get me wrong- love the history behind it all, but my family is relatively new to this country. I'm a first generation on my dad's side, and my mom's family has been here for only about a century (I guess that's a long time). But none of my family has ties to the originating discoverers, unless somehow I'm related to Cristobo or Christopher or whatever you'd like to call him.
And homie found this land by accident! We're celebrating a booboo, folks. I bet we would have bumped into this place a while later. I mean, it's pretty darn big to not run into eventually.
But honestly, what do we DO to celebrate Columbus Day? I think in school we learned about the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, perhaps even coloring in drawings of the ships. We might have made funny hats we thought resembled those worn by Columbus and his crew.
Should we do more? Should we do less? Should we really give bank employees the day off? Not that I don't like a good celebration, but it's one of those holidays that never really got a great footing in American culture other than having it printed on calendars every year. In fact, I'd be more excited to celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving Day, as it appears to be the same day as Columbus Day. Makes sense; Columbus Day is another reminder that we "found" a place already inhabited by many peoples, to which we are grateful.
No, but seriously, what does a person DO on Columbus Day? Would it be wrong to go look for Halloween costume parts? To take advantage of Columbus Day sales at the mall? Go on with my life as if it were just another day? It's not like there is a moment of silence we hold during Columbus Day... or is there and no one told me? I wouldn't be surprised if no one told me.
And why do only banks and some other select businesses close on Columbus Day? Why isn't there more consistency about how we handle the whole thing? I think I need to go back to fifth grade, - or was it sixth? - and refresh my memory on what the issues of this day are, what I should do to commemorate it, and how to be a better supporter of Columbus Day overall. I mean, I don't think I've ever celebrated Columbus Day other than a special shopping trip to see the sales. In all honestly I forget it exists until I hear someone mention it on TV or the radio or in passing. Should we call it something else? Perhaps Land-ho Day? I see too many jokes arising from that name. Perhaps New Land Day?
Hmm. Just don't know what to do with this information. Maybe I'll practice my Spanish, as that is another possible origin of Colombo. Or maybe he was Italian? French? No one knows! Oh, there are some football games on tomorrow - can't get more celebratory than that!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A movie review: Life As We Know It
Yay! After a couple of misses, Katherine Heigl has a hit on her hands! "Life As We Know It" is definitely a win in my book.
Yes, it's predictable, as most rom-coms are these days, but it was much better than I had expected. I like to think casting Heigl opposite Josh Duhamel had something to do with it, as did the oh-so-adorable triplets that played the baby in the film, and a funny group of supporting players.
The premise of the movie: Holly (Heigl) and Messer (Duhamel) are best friends to a married couple, as well as godparents to their infant daughter. The two send clever quips back and forth at family occasions, make jokes at each others' expense, and instigate trouble whenever the other is around. Tragically, their best friends and parents to the baby girl die in a car accident, leaving little Sophie to be raised by Holly and Messer. Insert all the comedy you can imagine from two people that appear to despise each other forced to live together and raise a child together.
I think what makes this movie good is the chemistry between Heigl and Duhamel. I don't know why it took so long to find a suitable acting partner for Miss Katie, but the casting directors on this one nailed it. Unlike the communication major that I am I wasn't paying attention to who did the casting. I bet I could IMDb it if I put a little effort in to my review. It is also a reflection of the grief and stress and frustration of the situation for these two adults. They are challenged to take care of a baby and live together in a matter of minutes, and the movie follows them on their path to building a relationship and learning how to be a family and how they continue with their lives after the tragedy of losing their best friends.
The supporting cast was also pretty entertaining. You see them on TV and in other movies and think, wow this person is funny, but you don't ever know his or her name. For example, the woman that played Loralei's best friend on Gilmore Girls, she was in it. And a few other familiar faces, but even know I'm having a hard time placing them in the other TV show or movie I remember seeing them in. The neighbors who comment on the steamy sexiness of Messer and the sadness that is Holly who bakes but has no ring on it. The neurotic social worker that comes to visit at the most inconvenient times. The taxi driver/baby sitter (enough said).
Listen, the movie is not Oscar quality; I don't know of one rom-com in the last year or two that would qualify in that category. It is entertaining. It is funny - I snorted a couple of times and the man next to me gave me a strange look. And there were tears because it's very sad when a child is left without both parents. But if you are looking for a movie to enjoy on these cold days of autumn I recommend "Life As We Know It."
Yes, it's predictable, as most rom-coms are these days, but it was much better than I had expected. I like to think casting Heigl opposite Josh Duhamel had something to do with it, as did the oh-so-adorable triplets that played the baby in the film, and a funny group of supporting players.
The premise of the movie: Holly (Heigl) and Messer (Duhamel) are best friends to a married couple, as well as godparents to their infant daughter. The two send clever quips back and forth at family occasions, make jokes at each others' expense, and instigate trouble whenever the other is around. Tragically, their best friends and parents to the baby girl die in a car accident, leaving little Sophie to be raised by Holly and Messer. Insert all the comedy you can imagine from two people that appear to despise each other forced to live together and raise a child together.
I think what makes this movie good is the chemistry between Heigl and Duhamel. I don't know why it took so long to find a suitable acting partner for Miss Katie, but the casting directors on this one nailed it. Unlike the communication major that I am I wasn't paying attention to who did the casting. I bet I could IMDb it if I put a little effort in to my review. It is also a reflection of the grief and stress and frustration of the situation for these two adults. They are challenged to take care of a baby and live together in a matter of minutes, and the movie follows them on their path to building a relationship and learning how to be a family and how they continue with their lives after the tragedy of losing their best friends.
The supporting cast was also pretty entertaining. You see them on TV and in other movies and think, wow this person is funny, but you don't ever know his or her name. For example, the woman that played Loralei's best friend on Gilmore Girls, she was in it. And a few other familiar faces, but even know I'm having a hard time placing them in the other TV show or movie I remember seeing them in. The neighbors who comment on the steamy sexiness of Messer and the sadness that is Holly who bakes but has no ring on it. The neurotic social worker that comes to visit at the most inconvenient times. The taxi driver/baby sitter (enough said).
Listen, the movie is not Oscar quality; I don't know of one rom-com in the last year or two that would qualify in that category. It is entertaining. It is funny - I snorted a couple of times and the man next to me gave me a strange look. And there were tears because it's very sad when a child is left without both parents. But if you are looking for a movie to enjoy on these cold days of autumn I recommend "Life As We Know It."
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