Where The Wild Things Are (possible spoilers ahead)

We just returned home from seeing Where The Wild Things Are, and I am feeling quite deflated about the whole thing.

I know, a book with only 339 words leaves a lot of room for interpretation over the space of an hour and a half. I expected it to be a little dark, but also a little more lighthearted... ya know, like a kid's movie about "Wild Things" ought to be.

I didn't expect it to be so dark and deep. I really don't know how they got away with billing this as a children's movie. Just putting "puppets" in a movie does not qualify it as a children's movie (as with Coraline, once again, I'm VERY glad I went to see it before taking the ShortBus).

Honestly, I am disappointed in the interpretation of the book. I realize that Maurice Sendak had a hand in the development of the movie, he completely intended for it to be a commentary about the psychology of early childhood development. The post-toddler/pre-teen dealing with the struggles of the growing desire for independence versus the need to have continued dependence upon one's parents. But did it have to be so textbook? I'm pretty sure I had a professor or two in college who could have taught a whole class based around this movie.

I really would have loved for this to be a movie for younger children. Something geared a little more toward a literal interpretation of the book (at least the literal interpretation as I see it). A little boy, behaving in such a way that he gets sent to bed without his supper, and his room actually becoming another world that he escapes to. He has some fun with the "Wild Things," but as the story progresses he realizes he misses his family, and life being all "fun and games" isn't as great as it sounds in theory... so he goes home to the one place in the world where there is always someone who will "love you best of all." When he "returns" home, his actions are not reinforced with chocolate cake, but his dinner is sitting in his room, a warm meal which reminds him that even though he misbehaves, his family still loves him and will always be there to take care of him.

Sometimes, less is more. This is one of those times when much less could have made it so much more.

Veterans Day

I, for one, like the mid-week day off. In fact, if it ever comes to a vote I would definitely vote for a Wednesday off twice a month. Yes, I brought home paperwork, and yes, I actually plan to do work work and homework tomorrow. But, I'm going to do it at home in my jammies... it's almost like a free day. It isn't a weekend so I don't feel the need to cram in a bunch of fun. I feel the need to relax a bit and get some 'extra' work done.

I actually made myself a to-do list. It is twice as long as it needs to be, but I've given myself permission to pick and choose the couple of things that I WANT to do from it. I don't plan to complete it, but I plan to cross off a couple of things... things that I feel like doing.

But tonight... tonight I'm going to fully enjoy the fact that I have tomorrow off. Curled up on the couch with hot apple cider (spiked with rum), CSB busy in the kitchen (yes, I should be helping), Sinatra on the radio, and nothing better to do than enjoy the evening.

By the way: a hearty thank you to all the vets out there. Not just for the day off, but for the commitment they have made. Many times, those who are under-appreciated are the ones that do the most difficult jobs. One of my all time favorite Futurama quotes comes to mind: "When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all."

Caution: Schmoopy Ahead

You'll have to forgive me...

It must be the weather, the season, the scent of fall in the air. All those cozy fireplaces burning and the dampness in the air.

I have been feeling so schmoopy and romantical lately.

I don't know why this time of year does it to me. For some people it is valentine's day, for others it is an anniversary... for me it seems to be Autumn. It doesn't hurt that I'm in such a great place in my life... a home which is warm and happy, with a man who is kind and caring, a job which is secure, a family who is loving and close, and friends who are open and big-hearted.

Yes, I am definitely lucky... and thankful for all that I have.

Home

I know it has been over seven months, but I just have to say it again. I love our "new" place. It is the first time I have felt "home" for many, many years.

Life is good.

My Promise To You (and you, and you, and you...)

If only it were as easy as Dumbledore makes it look.

Writing this blog allows me to take thoughts out of my head, like so many swirling, screaming banshees, and download them to the computer. Much like Dumbledore's Pensieve, I am able to remove these fine, filament-like strands of thought and put them away for safe keeping. Some I share, some I do not.

As we find ourselves a week into NaBloPoMo, I have noticed some interesting trends in blog posting and what people are writing about. I have started to think about the unwritten rules which ought to be proposed throughout the blogosphere. Most importantly, people should be reminded before they hit the "publish" button that what they write is actually being posted on the World Wide Interwebs... for anyone to read.

In the interest of holding myself accountable for what I write for you, my dear interwebs, let me make you several promises:

1- I will never, ever, use my blog as a place to slander or defame the character of another human being.

2- I will keep myself firmly grounded in reality, and within the parameters of what is acceptable behavior... whether online or in "the real world."

3- I will hold myself to only the highest standards for grace, intelligence, honesty, and integrity.

4- I will never use my blog as a venue to air personal problems I have with other people. Private matters within my family and community of friends will always remain private.

As with any other set of words strung together in an effort at communication, these promises are just words. Only you can assign power to them, only you can decide how you feel about the tone and implications. Actions speak volumes, and although I plan to continue writing and posting, I have faith in that my actions can only affirm my words and thus my character. I can only hope that who I am as a person will lend strength and conviction to my words.