Kel. 28. Lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Graduated from UC Berkeley 2001. Has a small obsession with TV. Enjoys chick lit and teen movies. Major shopaholic. Blogging since January 17, 2002.
OMG. My domain is actually working (not sure what's wrong exactly -- my host is looking into it). But it's too bad that I actually have nothing interesting to blog about...
Well, okay, I take that back.
I saw the movie Crash last Friday and I can't figure out if I liked it or not. The acting was top-notch but the storyline felt a little too heavy-handed. Maybe because the racism in the movie didn't surprise me. I'd still recommend it, though, particularly for the great performances of Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Ryan Philippe, and surprisingly, Ludacris.
Was there anybody out there who watched Reunion besides me? :P Just in case there are more of us, I found some answers to the show's mysteries in Kristin's chat last week...
From anna: What were Fox prez Peter Liguori's exact words about how Reunion would end?
He said: "Reunion was particularly cumbersome in terms of trying to provide an ending for the audience. How [creator] Jon [Harmon Feldman] was laying out the show to gap those additional 14, 15, 16 years was an incredibly complex path. There were a number of options, and he didn't make a definitive decision on which option he was going to go with as to who the killer was, and there was just no way to accelerate that time. We put these shows on with every good intention to end them, but eventually, the audience votes. We discussed a number of options, and the best guess at that particular time was that it was going to be Sam's daughter that was actually the killer."
From val: What do you know about the killer?
Okay, since Liguori already spilled, and I also asked David Janollari if the WB was interested in picking up Reunion, and he said no, I think it's time to just give up the info. Here's what I've been told by someone who is very much in the know, who works on the show: The original plan was for the killer to be Sam's daughter; however, the 11th-hour change was that the killer would be (drumroll, please) Craig's father. I'm told he felt Craig's political career would take off with her out of the picture. Nothing had been shot, so it could have been changed. But as far as I know (from a producer and an actor on the show), Craig's father probably would have been the culprit. I'm also told that when the murderer was Amy, it was supposed to have been an accident.
From Jason: Please tell me you know why Craig was in a wheelchair!
It's actually tied into the reason Jenna was so bitter toward him. Apparently, an upcoming (flashback) storyline was that Craig was hitting on Jenna in a car, and she was rebuffing him, and they got into a car accident. Initially, he really wasn't supposed to be able to walk but had a surprising recovery. However, Craig's father believed he'd do better with the sympathy vote and told him to stay in the wheelchair. And he won the congressional race.
From queenjacyln: If Craig's father killed Sam, why would the five friends cover it up?
Good question. And I have no answer. I'm a bit disappointed it wasn't one of the five friends. Aren't you? I sorta believed that to be the premise of the whole show... but what do I know?
Reunion wasn't exactly a great show but I wish FOX had let it finish the season off. It was meant to be a one-season show anyway. It would have been nice to have some resolution. Ah well. :( It's what I've come to expect from FOX anyhow.
It's going to be so strange next season. I'm going to miss the WB image campaigns! I LOVED those. Seeing all the pretty people from all the different shows in one commercial. *sigh* I'll always have a soft spot for the WB... it brought me Buffy and Dawson's Creek, the two shows that started my obsession with TV. Good times, good times.
I just have one request for The Powers That Be. Please please please don't cancel Everwood. Take Related (pretty much a no-brainer since it's not doing that well ratings-wise on the WB) or even One Tree Hill instead. :(
EEEK. Maz and Sarah, you guys are totally right. I completely forgot Veronica Mars in my mid-season TV wrap-up below... oversight, really. I'm still watching but not with as much enthusiasm as I was over the summer when I got hooked. I don't recognize the characters this season... I loved Veronica and Duncan last season (yes, both separately and together, as twisted as their relationship is) and now, they're... ehh. I thought Logan and Weevil had so much potential and now Logan is an overexaggerated version of himself and Weevil barely has any screentime so who knows what he's doing. It's just disappointing. I had a lot of time on my hands this past weekend so I had an s1 marathon. Gawd, I devoured each disc. It was so engaging. I hope this season turns around. I *want* to love the show again!
Anyway, we recently got Netflix again so I've been catching movies I've wanted to see for some time...
Serenity
Now I know what the hype is all about. Really, really enjoyed the movie. I only watched a few episodes of Firefly when it was on the air and I have to admit that I was not impressed (being on the Friday night schedule also did not help matters). :/ I think I have the DVDs around here somewhere so I'm going to give it another chance.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Cute, cute movie. And it totally made me cry! For some reason, though, I didn't like Bridget at all. But in the book, I really loved her story. Maybe it was the actress? Or maybe the story about needing to feel loved just didn't translate well on screen? Not sure. I do know that the movie totally made me want to visit Greece! One day. When I have lots of money.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Brad Pitt is HOT. (Seriously, he looks SO GOOD for his age). Angelina Jolie is HOT. I watched this movie purely to see pretty people wielding guns. It did not disappoint.
Up next is Crash...
Totally random -- the artwork for the Dawson's Creek season 6 DVDs is atrocious. I mean, really.
Time for my mid-season TV wrap-up (possible spoilers)... :)
Sunday
09:00: Desperate Housewives
What happened?!? I'm pretty much snoozing right through this season. The only housewife I'm remotely interested in is Bree.
10:00: Grey's Anatomy
Snappy dialogue, great music, and those crazy interns... SO MUCH LOVE for this show. Seriously, it just keeps getting better and better each week. And they did a Christmas-themed episode! What's not to like here?
Monday
08:30: Kitchen Confidential
I'm glad I got to see the Michael Vartan episode before FOX pulled the plug on the show. That was freaking hilarious. *sniff* RIP KC. I hope Bradley Cooper finds another show soon. He's too gorgeous not to be on TV!
09:00: Prison Break
I didn't think this show would last on my schedule but it's really grown on me. The eye candy (Wentworth Miller!) doesn't hurt either. I'm finding the conspiracy against Lincoln really intriguing (even though I think Lincoln himself is annoying) and the prison break-out really suspenseful. I've even really grown to like the little band of inmates that Michael has put together, especially Sucre. Yay cellmates!
09:00: 24
YES!!! JACK BAUER IS BACK!!! I don't care how implausible or unrealistic this show is... I LOVE IT.
09:00: Related
This is another show that I never ever thought would last more than a few episodes. It's not all that well-written and 1 of the sisters bugs me (Rose -- it's like she's too perfect or something, argh) but I find it really endearing. The sisters' relationship definitely carries the show.
09:00: Las Vegas
My "fluff" show. I watch when I can but don't really care all that much if I miss it. It's all about Josh Duhamel for me, anyway. BUT. I can't believe that Monica (Lara Flynn Boyle) died the way she did. It was very... anticlimactic. She flew off the roof of the Montecito, people. And it didn't even look real. I'm ashamed to admit that I had to stifle a giggle.
Tuesday
08:00: Gilmore Girls
The season didn't start out very strong (read: I was a little bored) but it's turned itself around. I'm not too sure how I feel yet about Luke's daughter storyline. My initial reaction was "WTF! This sucks" but I'm willing to see where it goes and how it affects the wedding. I don't think the wedding will happen as planned, though. (And I hope Lorelai gets a new dress cause the one she bought is AWFUL). Still indifferent about Rory, though. She totally lost me this season with her brattiness.
08:00: America's Next Top Model
Pretty happy with Nicole as the winner. She doesn't really come off as a model in person but she really rocked her photos. And did an amazing job at the last runway show. I would have liked anyone but Lisa or Bre to win anyway. I was secretly rooting for Kim, though. And is anyone still wondering who the heck stole Bre's nutrition bars? I want to know!
09:00: Supernatural
Another unexpected hit. I just love the snappy banter between the Brothers Winchester. SAM&DEANRSOCUTE. The urban horror legends do give me the creeps sometimes (hey! I'm a fraidy cat!) but I think that's part of the fun.
Wednesday
08:00: One Tree Hill
Every week I vow to stop watching (I hate Brooke/Lucas and I wish they would give Peyton a better storyline) but then they give me an episode like How A Resurrection Really Feels and I get sucked right back in. I mean, Nathan/Chris hijinks and Nathan/Haley lovin'? I can't resist. I will be an even happier camper if Brooke/Lucas break up. Pretty please?
08:00: The Apprentice: Martha Stewart
Sadly, I never got around to watching this show. HEHE.
09:00: Lost
I don't like the tail-enders. Well, except for Eko. Everyone else... ehhh. Especially Ana Lucia. She killed Shannon! Yes, I am still BITTER.
10:00: Alias
I've enjoyed the season so far and I really like the new additions of Rachel and Tom (it's kinda too bad the show is ending because I really would have liked to learn more about them). It looks like the show is going to go out with a bang, though, which I'm really happy about. Loved the surprise of Irina in the last episode and I hope to see more familiar faces before the end (Will, Sark, Nadia, Weiss, Vaughn).
Thursday
08:00: Smallville
I'm enjoying this show more than I have in... oh, about 3 seasons. Lex's turn to the dark side and James Marsters's guest spot can really do that to a show. PLUS. They had the BEST Christmas-themed episode this season. Really. Lexmas was amazing. Not just for the ridiculously happy Lex/Lana or the return of the Clark/Lex friendship but for the whole revelation about Lex and why he chose the path he did. *wibble*
08:00: Everybody Hates Chris
I watched the premiere and it was DAMN funny. But unfortunately, I just kept forgetting about it. :/ When the show comes out on DVD, I'm definitely going to pick it up.
09:00: The O.C.
Can Johnny go away?! PLEASE? He BUGS. I've been a huge Marissa apologist for the past few seasons but I think she may have reached the end of my patience. Her displaced loyalty to Johnny gets on my nerves (Poor Ryan). Now Taylor... didn't like her at first but I take it back. She totally rocks. I hope we get to see more of her. I'm pretty wary about Kaitlin's return. I mean, do we really need another snotty teen drama queen? I'd love for them to bring back Teresa instead. I want to know what's going on with her, damn it!
09:00: CSI
My only complaint is that there has been very little follow through with Nick's kidnapping/buried alive storyline. We got little hints when the tape revealed an accomplice in the premiere and then when Kelly visited Nick at the lab but that's it. They just keep stringing us along! I hope it's worth it.
09:00: Everwood
It's been so good this season. *happy sigh* Getting To Know You was so great with Ephram telling Amy he's still in love with her. Awww! However, Reid is still around I'm sure that Amy is someday going to find out that Ephram asked him not to date Amy anymore... EEEK. I wish it would come back sooner than March, though. Stupid WB.
09:00: Reunion
Damn FOX. Why'd they have to cancel the show?! I want to know who killed Sam! And why Craig is in a wheelchair when he can walk! And why Jenna is mad at Craig! They had to cancel it right when the mystery was getting interesting. So frustrating. :( And now I'll probably never get the answers to my questions.
Even though I failed miserably at the Book Challenge last year, I may as well post an update...
October
28. In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner, 521 p
I didn't like it as much as I thought I would... pretty much only because I didn't like Maggie (one of the 2 main characters). At all. (Haven't seen the movie but this is Cameron Diaz's character). I really liked Rose, though (played by Toni Collette), so her journey was what carried me through the book. Good story about sisters finally coming to an understanding about one another.
November
29. Good In Bed by Jennifer Weiner, 375 p
Yes, another Jennifer Weiner book. I like her writing style! Lots of character description and background information. Anyway, this wasn't your typical chick-lit book. It's a "happy" story but there are a lot of bumps in the road, and one that I definitely didn't expect. Recommended.
... And that's it for 2005. Sad, huh? Only 29 books!
I think I'd still like to keep track of the books I read this year but maybe not push myself to read 50. I at least want to read more than 29 books! Hee. With that said, here's what I've read in 2006 so far...
January
01. The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella, 371 p
I read the entire book in about 2 hours. I really liked Samantha (thank goodness, Becky from Kinsella's Shopaholic series has started to get on my nerves) and her situation felt real. But for some reason, I felt really indifferent about Nathaniel (Samantha's love interest). Normally, I love all the romance! But yeah, he just didn't do anything for me. Fun read anyway.
02. Up Country by Nelson DeMille, 576 p
AMAZING book. A co-worker let me borrow this book and I really had no idea what to expect. It kinda reminds me of a detective version of John Grisham's legal novels. Anyway, this particular book is about a retired Army Criminal Investigations officer who is asked to return to Vietnam (he's a veteran) in order to investigate one more (but highly important) case. Really suspenseful and intriguing book. There was maybe a little too much description of Vietnam (the terrain, geography, weather, etc.) but it made sense since we were seeing it all again through Paul's eyes. Highly recommended.
Next up... another Nelson DeMille book. My co-worker's going to surprise me.
I was going to do a mid-season TV commentary but I AM LAZY. SO. You all get another meme. YAY!
The ABC's of Kel A - Accent: None that I know of. In college, I was told I had a Californian accent. Whatever that is. I guess it's supposed to be some sort of drawl?
B - Breakfast Item: French toast! Or Pancakes! Or a Belgian Waffle (with strawberry topping)! Or even bacon and eggs. OH! Almost forgot the sausage mcmuffin with egg from McDonald's. HEAVEN. I looooove breakfast. I can eat breakfast 24/7.
C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom. UGH. It's so painful.
D - Dad's Name: Rey
E - Essential everyday item: After my wallet, ID, clothes, etc... I guess it would have to be my morning coffee/tea. Starbucks loves me.
F - Flavor ice cream: Baskin Robbins's Pistachio Almond. Also their Rocky Road. Or Strawberry.
G - Gold or Silver: Silver. Gold seems a bit *much* for me. Plus, I think silver goes with my wardrobe and skintone better.
H - Hometown: Cerritos, CA
I - Insomnia: No. But I don't get enough sleep on the weeknights.
J - Job Title: Executive Assistant
K - Kids: Nope
L - Living arrangements: 1 bedroom apartment with the boyfriend
M - Mom's birthplace: Aklan, Philippines
N - Number of significant others you've ever had: Counting high school... 3.
O - Overnight hospital stays: When I was born and that's it.
P - Phobia: Insects/bugs. EEEK. They make my skin crawl.
Q - Queer: It's fine by me.
R - Religious Affiliation: Catholic. Not as active as I once was, though.
S - Siblings: Only child!!!
T - Time you wake up: 6:00 a.m. I HATE IT.
U - Unnatural hair colors you've worn: None. I've never dyed or highlighted my hair.
V - Vegetable you refuse to eat: Okra. It's so SLIMY. EWWW.
W - Worst habit: Procrastination.
X - X-rays you've had: Only dental xrays. I've never broken any bones. *knock on wood*
Y - Yummy: Chocolate. Strawberry pie. Gummi bears. I love sweets.
Rob and I spent the past few days watching the 24: Season 4 DVDs that he got for Christmas. We watched all 24 episodes in about 3 days. :P I am so pumped for season 5 now. Yay Jack Bauer!
I don't need a new laptop but if I did, I would totally get this SONY Vaio in raspberry red. Who says computers can't be fashion statements?
And because I'm totally bored right now... a girly meme I stole from Nicola...
01. Do you have on a lot of make-up?
Not really... I have my "work make-up" on still, which basically consists of a neutral eyeshadow, blush, lipgloss, powder and mascara.
02. How much do you put on?
Just enough so it looks like I have a bit of color but not so much that I look like a clown.
03. How long does it take you to get ready?
To get showered, dressed, and made up... it takes me about an hour.
04. Do you put on a lot of lipgloss?
Yes, I looooove lipgloss.
05. Does your lipgloss smell good?
My CO Bigelow peppermint lipgloss smells good. I got it as a stocking stuffer from someone at work and it is heavenly. It also has amazing shine, which is a big plus. Otherwise, I use MAC and Chanel lipglosses and while they have gorgeous colors, they don't really smell yummy.
06. Do you carry a purse?
Of course. I trade off between a Kate Spade messenger bag and a HYPE small doctor bag as my every day ones.
07. What color is it?
Both of them are black. Boring, I know, but it goes with everything!
09. Do you have a Coach bag?
Yes, I have 4. I'm turning out to be a bit of a bag whore. :P
10. Do you have a Louis Vuitton bag?
No. And I don't plan on investing in one. I'm not crazy about them at all.
11. How many purses/handbags do you have?
I have about 10 that I rotate based on my outfit. I'm a dork.
12. Do you like to wear nail polish?
Not really on my hands because it chips so easily. But I love nail polish on my toes. It makes me feel preeeetttyyy.
13. How often do you get your nails done?
I've only been to a salon/spa three times to get my nails done. I wish I had the budget to go more often. It's fun to pamper myself!
14. Do you like manicures?
Yes, see above.
15. What about pedicures?
Pedicures are even better than manicures in my book.
16. Do you have a usual nail salon you go to?
No. I only went to Tru Spa twice because I had gift cards but other than that, I don't frequent a specific salon.
18. Do you dye your hair?
No. I've never had it done. My hair is pretty much jet black and I like it. I have toyed with the idea of highlights... but I don't think I'd actually do it.
19. Do you straighten your hair?
No, my hair is naturally straight anyway.
20. Do you have many pairs of shoes?
I'm actually not a shoe person so I just have the basics (black pumps, brown pumps, sneakers, flip flops, strappy gold heels for going out, etc).
21. What are your favorite shoes?
My red-striped Adidas tennis shoes. They're the most comfortable shoes EVER.
23. Do you wear heels everywhere?
Only to work every day because our dress code calls for it.
24. Can you walk in heels and not fall over?
Of course. But I really wish heels were more comfortable. It's hard work walking in them for 8+ hours a day!
25. Where do you buy your clothes?
Mostly Nordstrom, Banana Republic and GAP.
26. Do you go shopping every week?
Pretty much, yes. There's an outdoor mall right near my apartment that has a movie theatre and restaurants so Rob and I are there a lot anyway. Does online shopping count too? Because then I go (window) shopping EVERY DAY. Heh.
27. What's your favorite store?
Right now it would be a tie between Nordstrom (clothes, makeup, shoes!) and Target (everything else!).
28. How much do you usually spend?
It depends on what I'm buying...
29. Have you ever been in Dior?
Once when I was in Thailand 2 winters ago. Not really a fan of anything Dior except their accessories/jewelry.
30. Do you follow fashion trends?
Sometimes... ? Occasionally I'll pick up on a trend (like the long necklaces and the metallics from this past winter) that I'll try to incorporate into my outfits but otherwise I find it really hard to reconcile high fashion trends with my lifestyle.
31. Do you have a pair of huge sunglasses?
Huge sunglasses make me look like a fly. Not attractive.
35. How many pairs of earrings do you have?
TONS. I'm an earring whore.
36. Do you wear hoop earrings?
Surprisingly no. I'm more partial to studs or long, chandelier earrings.
37. Do you have a lot of skirts?
Yes, I loooove skirts. I'm such a girl. :D I prefer skirts to shorts because they help me hide my big hips!
39. Do you get your eyebrows done?
No... but I should since I have no idea how to groom them myself.
40. Can you apply mascara without opening your mouth?
HEH! I never thought about that... I guess, no.
41. Do you wear a lot of eyeliner?
No, because I have the hardest time putting it on! Pencils are so hard for me to use. MAC recently came out with Fluidlines (kind of like a liquid liner that requires a brush to apply) and these have been a lot easier to use. I still don't have the steadiest hand, though.
44. Do you do pilates or yoga?
I've tried and enjoyed both. Now, if only I could keep going to classes regularly...
45. Do you have a lot of magazines?
Yes. *ashamed* It used to be ridiculous but I've cut waaaay back on my subscriptions. I still have a HUGE pile under my desk that I need to purge.
May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.
