If There's One Thing You Do This Weekend

It has to be to go see the movie "Slumdog Millionaire." While the NY Times movie reviewer Manohla Dargis quite aptly characterized the movie as "one of the most upbeat stories about living in hell imaginable," I am here to tell you that it is poignant, dramatic, sad, uplifting, and unforgettable. You must see it.

The movie, directed by Danny Boyle ("Trainspotting" and "Shallow Grave" -- which I didn't see -- and "Millions" which I did see and thought was great, another movie with children at its center), tells the story of a young man (Jamal) from Mumbai, India who is a contestant on India's version of the game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." The movie flashes back to the extremely harrowing episodes during Jamal's life that have coincidentally provided him with the answers to the increasingly difficult questions on the game show. It all sounds rather cooky, I know, but trust me, it works beautifully and almost seamlessly as the film goes back and forth between young Jamal's life and his present-day spin in the contestant's chair.

Boyle makes the most of the expert talents he has hired in photographers and editors to portray the beauty and simultaneous utter depravity of India in all its crowded and conflicting glory. This movie probably will not make you want to visit India any time soon, but it will give you a much better world view of life outside of America.

The movie starts out with a scene that is incredibly difficult to watch, as we get caught up in Jamal's life, and that of his brother and girl friend. We can't tear our eyes from the screen, no matter how bad things get. And, they do get bad. I've read a couple of reviews that commented on the scenes depicting the terrible abuse of children. These scenes are not gratuitous nor do they leave you feeling hopeless about the orphan's dilemma. In fact, these scenes left me with a confirmed belief in the resiliency of children, and the wonder at how one's one character may be honed by circumstance but is in truth already so much a part of you from the time you are born.

You will laugh, you will cry, you will find yourself sitting with your mouth wide open, wondering at how such a thing as depicted on screen could actually exist. It will make you hold hands with your husband (or wife) and hug your children when you get home. And, it will make you wonder why there can't be more movies like this one.

A Sale Too Good To Miss

Neiman Marcus is having a 40% off its sale prices sale. Pretty good if you know a designer you like and are sure how things fit. You'll be able to see what I bought over the next couple of weeks. I didn't go crazy, but I did get a couple of things I don't exactly need. More like an early 1/2 birthday gift to myself (I can hear men everywhere groaning over this ... oh well). Just click on the title of this posting and you should be taken right to the sale section. If not, you can find it yourself in the "Sales and Values" tab on www.neimanmarcus.com. Good luck!

AWESOME!!!

Inauguration Day at
7 Woodland Way

8:00 a.m. Turn on TV, make sure we didn't miss anything too important. Flip through all the available stations to find friendly format.

9:00 a.m. Make breakfast in bed for Julia and me. Breakfast menu: Oatmeal with brown sugar topping, Mixed berry smoothies, Hard-boiled eggs, Coffee and Orange Juice. Wonder what Michelle will be wearing, and what they are having for breakfast. Wonder if Obama girls will kids go to church? Looks like No. Love the yellow dress suit. They look fabulous.

10:00 a.m. Wake Julia up (she had been at a sleepover two nights before, staying up until 2 a.m.). Try to get her excited about inauguration. Realize Julia is more excited about breakfast in bed than inauguration. Keep catching small glimpses of Obamas, until the motorcade heads from church to the White House. Think it is Fabulous Idea for Michelle to bring gift to Laura Bush. What is IT??? Worry about Laura Bush and her choice of outfit; makes her look rather old and pasty. Am continuously marveled by George Bush's graciousness. Am amazed by flag-waving millions on the Mall by the Washington Monument. Learned about difference in color of the Monument itself (different colors to mark Civil War), and keep wondering who are people on side of steps that keep getting hugs from senators, etc.

11:00 a.m. Shut off cell phone. Keep flipping through channels to find anchor people who aren't completely annoying. Marvel at MO's look; still fabulous. MO needs to give Jill Biden some advice on fashion. JB's clothes looked great on her, but silly compared to MO's. Cannot believe poise of Malia and Sasha. They look calm, cool and collected. They had to be jumping out of their skins as they passed the military officials lining the walls of the Capitol Building. Realize that Craig Robinson's scarf is really for Oregon State, that it is just a happy coincidence that Or.State and Princeton have the same colors (TV anchor people completely blow it on this fact). Hear that the girls will have a scavenger house and sleepover tonight. Julia wants Bill or I to run for President. Not so much a huge fan before, but LOVE Aretha Franklin today. Iffy (is that a word?) on the hat, though.

12:00 p.m. Almost there. I'm so happy for Joe Biden I almost can't believe it. He has truly been rewarded for a lifetime commitment to public service. He will provide invaluable insight into Washington politics that BO might still lack. Wonder if he was really offered more than one job. Dr. Jill has a thing or two to learn about interviews. Or, is her honesty refreshing? Probably a little bit of both. Bill arrives home in the nick of time. Tells me BO is president right now, even though he hasn't yet taken the oath.

12:05 p.m. CANNOT BELIEVE Chief Justice John Roberts completely blew it. Come On. Proof that sometimes the smartest people are the biggest goofballs. The two men manage to salvage the oath, barely. Did not cry, but truly can't really believe BO is president. Really can't. Wonder about the speech. Surprised when BO sounds almost angry. So much for making nice with President Bush. Some very harsh words for Bush, not undeserved but is this speech the appropriate time and place? Maybe I am still a traditionalist at heart. In the end, strong but encouraging words for Americans. A very sobering inaugural address. No more Mr. Nice Guy.

12:10 p.m. Remind Julia we saw Itzhak Perlman in Boston last year. Am incredibly proud of the moment. Am extremely proud to be an American. Love the middle of the poem, which ends a little flat. Still, Elizabeth Alexander does a better job than either of the religious men who attempt to rally the millions before them. Wonder why I didn't get flags for us to wave.

1:00 p.m. Think Teddy Kennedy has died. Oh my god, the life is practically drained out of me. When BO takes the podium, I think he is there to tell us Kennedy has passed away. Luckily, no.

2:00 p.m. Have to shower and get to Ethan's swim meet at Salem State. Get there in time to see end of Ethan's swimming. St. John's kills Chelmsford, thankfully.

6:30 p.m. Turn on the news again. Decide that ABC has coverage I can live with. Except for extremely annoying Diane Sawyer, the rest of the crew is excellent. CNN can't seem to get its act together.

8:00 p.m. Watch the Neighborhood Ball on ABC. Become a huge fan of Robin Roberts. She looks amazing, and gets a great interview with BO before he leaves. Realize almost all the entertainment is black, but that's okay. I happen to love Beyonce and Shakira, so it works for me. Bill thinks JayZ has way over-chicked. Not wild about MO's white gown. Beautiful, but I'm not a fan of one-shoulder things. Who cares, though, because I LOVE the idea she chose a white dress, from an Asian-American designer (Jason Wu) who is, like, 26 years-old.

8:15 p.m. For the first time all day, I completely cry when Beyonce sings "At Last" while the First Couple dances. It's a fairy tale image, and I'm a sucker for fairy tales. Vow to see the movie Cadillac Records, or at least buy the soundtrack. Have to look more closely into Etta James and her songs. Wonder why I haven't seen Oprah all day. Haven't missed her, truly.

10:00 p.m. Can't believe the good thinking to come up with the idea for the Commander-In-Chief's Ball. Why hasn't someone come up with that idea before? Think maybe there really will be less lobbyist influence during this presidency, then have a flash of reality and realize that's ridiculous. CNN loses its feed at just the moment Obama and MO are escorted onstage. Watch Fox News for the first time all day. Can't believe they have an anchorman who is Rod Blagohevich's twin. Can't watch. Miss Tim Russert; he would have been awesome today, too.

11:00 p.m. Shut off the TV, exhausted, still in a bit of shock and disbelief. A lot of the day I felt I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, expecting something horrible to happen. The NYSE falling 330 points is not what I mean. Wonder if MO and BO realize how important their success is to this country. Feel incredible pride in having supported them, and standing up to those who doubt his potential for success. Am glad, not for the first time, that Obama beat Hilary Clinton. I still think she'll have her shot at the top spot. Feel amazing good fortune at having known MO at PU, even slightly, and at being at Princeton at the right time to be touched by history in a very small way. Am still shocked Julia asked if Bill or me is going to run for President. Am still shocked that this country has the ability to elect anyone to be President. Anyone, I guess, except Arnold Schwarzenegger (thank God). I Love the Founding Fathers. I hated Paul Giamatti as John Adams. Loved Laura Linney as Abigail. Wish I had known them, but glad I didn't live in the 1700s. Think I will wear my Obama Peace T-shirt the rest of the week. Bill seems to be fine, with the t-shirt and with President Obama. Whoa. President Obama. Sounds like he is from another planet. Told Julia about Kenya earlier today. Wonder if MO will help with Reunions community service event. Still shaking my head as it hits the pillow. Glad I still have my lemongrass yellow sheath dress from almost 10 years ago in the closet; wonder if it still fits.

My Letter to Michelle

Dear Michelle,

Thank you so much for your recent email inviting me to attend your husband's inauguration. I mean thank you for your recent email inviting me to submit an essay about why I think I should be chosen by your husband's Transition Team to attend the inauguration.

I must admit that when I first read the email, I was shocked that you remembered me from our Princeton days. After all, why else would you address me so personally as "Dear Catherine," and sign so casually as "Michelle." Then, I remembered correspondence my husband received from John and Sarah. Bill never met them -- though he did go to the same college as John -- and their letter to him was addressed "Dear Bill." So, I'm thinking casual correspondence is de riguer these days when it comes to presidential politics. But, I digress (I must confess it is a bad habit of mine).

Assuming that you don't remember me from Freshman Week, or graduation, or Econ 101, I'm thinking I got the email from you after an earlier unsigned solicitation from the Transition Team went without a response on my part. In the interest of maintaining harmony among P.U. Class of '85 alums -- and in an effort to get you to consider coming back for our 25th reunion next year, because it would be a blast to have you and Barack there with us -- enclosed you will find my essay on Why I Believe I Should Be Chosen to Attend President Barack Obama's Inaugaration.

Unlike so many American families who glided through this past presidential election unscathed by differences in opinion and philosophy, my American family suffered daily as a result of extreme differences in philosophy and opinion, with my husband on one side of the aisle and myself on the other. It will come as a shock to you that our children were perfectly aligned with my husband (and John and Sarah). I persisted, however, and have continued to persist in my relentless support of Barack's ongoing personnel decisions and policy statements. Did you know we have a friend possibly going to jail for not paying taxes? I believe my persistence should be rewarded, and an all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. for January 19-21 seems entirely appropriate.

Furthermore, you and Barack and Bill and I have so much in common it's simply astounding. We all went to good colleges, we are all lawyers, we are all tall (How well exactly do you remember me from Princeton? Hardly at all? Great; I'm tall), and soon we will all be dog owners. Like you and Barack, Bill and I worked (and continue to work) together for years representing those in need. Like Barack, Bill loves his mother-in-law and can't wait to have her move in with us (when we get to the White House). Like me, you guys love Scrabble and dining out at good restaurants. We have an almost ten year-old daughter who goes to a private school, and she loves soccer, scrabble, and sleepovers at the White House, too! It's incredible how alike we all are.

Assuming you received many more sincere essays than mine, and recognizing that you probably can't choose a winner who is a fellow Princeton classmate (and another lawyer at that), I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family well over the coming weeks and months. I am genuinely excited to see how things go for you in Washington. I can't wait to see how you decorate the White House living quarters, to see what you wear for the Inauguration, and to see what dog you choose for the family. I'm anxious to see if Barack is able to quit smoking, and to hear what your favorite D.C. restaurants are (if dining out is even an option).

I'm also looking forward to hearing Barack's specific plans regarding Iraq and the economy. That is, if he has time. Because while everything else is sort of interesting and fun, and so similar in so many ways to my life, Barack's specific plans will hopefully have real impact and meaning for our country. We need real impact, now. Could we please hurry up and get started? Please don't tell me you guys and I have another thing in common .... procrastination.

Meryl Streep and Doubt ..... Amazing! Sister Aloysius was truly tremendous. Our debut of Monthly Movie Night was extremely successful. Of course, little did I know it's also senior citizen night at The Loop.... All who attended had a fabulous time and vowed to return for a return engagement next month. Feel free to join us, even if you don't have a senior citizen card!

New Year's Resolutions, Thank You and Change, and Monthly Movie Night

Happy New Year!

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for the new year. While I don't re-up my gym membership every January, I do have a real tendency to get excited and almost giddy at the beginning of each new year. Like a new box of crayons or a new pair of shoes, a fresh start to Time Spent offers not only exciting possibilities for life and surroundings, but also real chances for spiritual renewal and growth (in every way Except size).

This year is no different. What follows are my New Year's Resolutions for 2009:

1. Lose 10 pounds. Ridiculous that I'm at the weight I swore in college that I would NEVER be at. Also, I've noticed that my gluteus maximus seems intent on a crash course with my ankles. Sad that I'm not even joking on this one. However, my niece, Meghan, is getting married in June, and weddings have worked well as incentive for me in the past, so I am very optimistic about this resolution.

2. Keep my brain busier. More reading, more writing, more legal analysis, more crosswords; all in an effort to push the overwhelming threat of dementia further out of my mind. Less TV (including news and commentary shows) may also help me achieve this goal.

3. Be healthier, about myself, my family and the environment. No idea how exactly to do this. If I make healthier consumption a resolution, though, at least it will simmer below the surface of my decisions. The thought of finding out my carbon footprint scares the heck out of me, but may be a good first step to making a difference. Doesn't mean I'll give up my Lexus SUV (heck, gas prices are so low now), but at least my intentions are good ones, right?

So far, I only have 3. Few enough that I have a chance of accomplishing them.

Thank You! and Change ....

To all my faithful readers, thank you so much for your kind words and support over the past several months. It's been fun connecting with people, and laughing at myself and the whirlwind of life around our family. I hope to keep up the blog, and make it better, over the coming months. I'd love to hear suggestions, and hope those of you who send me emails with your comments, will feel able to post them instead.

Along those lines, one of my semi-New Year's Resolutions is to not go crazy when it's completely obvious that my kids and close family members have not read the blog. I understand everyone's busy and this type of personal exposure doesn't appeal to everyone. It's my nature, though, to have expectations, especially of close friends and family, and, well, even though my skin has somewhat thickened as I've aged, I will never be as lighthearted and go-with-the-flow as I would like. I'm the first to admit that I don't read every emotional truism or political joke sent to my email box, and we've already discussed at least one of my children who still doesn't understand why I write the blog. Suffice to say, he's not alone.

A specific change to Chasing Shade, however, will be that I won't be emailing updates any longer (after this one). There are a couple of reasons for this. First, I have many friends who tell me they get the email updates on their iPhones or Blackberry, and have a difficult time reading there. Second, I feel like I've imposed long enough. If you would like to read Chasing Shade, it is easy to be notified automatically of updates. Third, one longtime friend recently told me that it is "really a bit presumptuous" for me to think that people would actually go to my website to read Chasing Shade without my sending emails requesting them to do so (she had told me directly that she hadn't read the blog, that if I expected her to do so I should send her an email, and when I told her that I had been sending her emails regarding the blog and updates, she professed to still not reading, so I'm thinking presumption on my part isn't really the issue....).

My cousin David should know he has a special place in my heart for being the first follower of Chasing Shade. And, Lil Sis should also know her feedback and support have been amazing, part of what keeps me writing (to the complete consternation of others, I'm sure) and is truly appreciated. I think blogging and commenting are somewhat a generational thing, as young people are a bit more comfortable signing up for open links online, and with the internet generally. In any case, you can sign up as a follower for updates (just click on the Follower indicator on this page and add your email), or you can just check in sporadically, when you have some free time.

Monthly Movie Night

I've decided to start a Monthly Movie Night. Akin to a book club, but not nearly as established or formal, I welcome any and all to join me (and sometimes Bill) on the second Tuesday of the month for whichever movie cannot be missed. I don't think I'm alone in not being able to find any time to see the movies currently showing. This past vacation, Julia and I made it a priority to see several kids movies (Bedtime Stories, The Tale of Despereaux, and even Marley & Me), but I still haven't seen any of the great grown-up movies currently showing, like "Doubt," "Slumdog Millionaire," "The Reader," etc., etc. Establishing a fixed time to see a good movie -- like a monthly bridge game or book club meeting -- seems like a good idea.

As soon as movie times become available, I'll post the movie and time on Chasing Shade, under "Movie of the Month." I'm thinking that "Doubt" with Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman will be the debut CS Movie of the Month. Stay tuned for location (probably The Loop) and time (closest to 7:30, as any later and I'm falling asleep). This way, anyone who wants to see a new movie has a very specific window of opportunity to do so. We'll see how it goes.