it's not life that matters but the journey...

Just a few tidbits before I pass out from exhaustion:

thanks to those of you who gave me your birthdays. but I certainly didn't hear from everyone, yet as I have more than 10 people on my f'list. so fess up:)

Second, thanks so much for the movie suggestions. Now I have a nice long list of movies to add to my netflix queue. and I seriously need some good movie recommendations because I just watched a movie last night - which I finished tonight - that left me feeling kind of raw. It's called The King and stars the gorgeous Gael Garcia Bernal and William Hurt.



In "The King," Gael plays Elvis, a man who has just gotten out of the Navy and who goes to find the father (William Hurt) who abandoned him as a baby. His father is now a preacher at a very fundamental church, and has a new family: a wife (played by Laura Harring who was Rita in Lynch's "Mulholland Drive") and two teenage kids, Mallory (Pell James) and Paul (played by Paul Dano, the boy from "Little Miss Sunshine," who is quite a good actor). Elvis' father first wants nothing to do with him because he wants to leave this part of his life behind him. But Elvis is determined to get back into his father's life again, and since I can't give any more details (because it would ruin the movie should you wish to watch it), I can't tell you what he does to get a place in his father's house. I thought that the movie was a bit disjointed and slow, but it was a very thought-provoking story, and a film that will stay with you long after it's over (for good or bad). The cinematography was quite beautiful (in Texas), and the performances by all of the actors were quite intense and memorable. Gael Garcia Bernal is not only amazing to look at, but his acting is incredible; he was so detached and yet so deep at the same time, you just wanted to know what was going on inside. and that was my main complaint - there was not enough back story to these characters, not enough reason for me to care about them or understand them. It left me wanting more, throughout the whole film. And though the acting is very good, I don't recommend this movie. It's very dark and it left me feeling a bit confused and depressed. To be honest, I watched an hour last night and almost didn't want to watch the last 45 minutes. But I did, and at one point I was actually kind of intrigued by the main character and his utter lack of morals and guidance. Besides being dark and disturbing, I found the film very sad. And if any of you have seen it, please let me know so I can ask you some questions about it.



so back to my life.

I worked almost 10 hours today. seriously! I got to work at 8 and left at 5:40. My head was pounding almost all day. It was just too busy and I had too many weird projects to do. My job is a love/hate thing. I like the things I do, but not the fact that I have so much to do and so little time. anyway tomorrow's payday and we get off early for the holiday. and I deserve a bit of time off.

and good news: MY CAR PASSED EMISSIONS!!!! I'm ecstatic! and it cost me less than $200 - which is amazing. The guy is now my new mechanic. So after picking up my car in the city, I didn't get home tonight until after 7 p.m. I left my house this morning at 7:30. that makes it the longest day in a long long time.

that's about it for now. I think I'm going to add Smallville Season 3 to my queue, along with some of your recommendations (mix and match), and then go to bed.