Monday, October 29, 2007

"Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Last night the roomie and I had people over for dinner and to watch Casablanca (courtesy of the awesome Nashville Public Library). It was my first viewing of the classic, and I really enjoyed it. Casablanca is one of the few classics I've seen, and it has inspired me to watch more. In the last few years very few movies have captured my attention, but besides almost falling asleep in the beginning (I'm sure the two pillow and blanket I curled up with in the floor didn't help) this one entertained me for its duration.

So what should I watch next? Any suggestions? Other than Gone With The Wind, I'm not sure I've seen any of the old movies that people rave about.

My weekend was otherwise full of cotton candy (Friday and Saturday while working), candy (at the Chili Cook-Off at church since I don't eat chili), family style dining at Maggiano's compliments of Sam and his family (it felt like an early Thanksgiving dinner), a hair cut and partial, the purchase of teacher shoes that I feel torn about keeping (but cute shoes aren't very practical for this job), and work.

Speaking of work, Saturday was a celebration of the playground and other improvements a local church has made to the place I work over the last five weeks. It's been inspiring to see these church members come after work and on Saturdays to lay sod, paint walls, construct a playground, and do so many other tasks to make our facility look beautiful. You can read more about it here. The church celebrates its five year anniversary this year and instead of doing a purely internal celebration, it decided to focus its efforts and celebration on making PTM a better place for the children we serve. Saturday was the culmination of all of the hard work, and people from the Preston Taylor community and this church joined together to celebrate. It's really cool to see how so many different people have worked together to transform a dangerous night club into a facility used for a thriving afterschool program.

p.s. I'm thankful for Kroger brand apple cider, which supplies 100% of my vitamin C needs.

13 comments:

Accidentally Me said...

I love Casablanca! I know it is cheesy by today's movie standards, but it always gets me. And it has some really funny moments, too.

The problem is that there are no other movies like it! It is all downhill from there with old movies:-)

Anonymous said...

Your weekend sounds great - I love Casablanca and I think you should renst some Cary Grant Movies like Arsenic And Old Lace - it's a funny classic...

anne said...

I'm loving apple cider too - we have been heating it up in a mug and adding some cinnamon and spices. Mmmmmm.

Aaron said...

Might I suggest you NOT watch the Grand Hotel. Sarah rented several classics and I passed out during that one, it was so boring.

Douglas said...

I'm not sure what makes a movie a "classic"....is it a certain time period? I'd think watching the oscar winner for best picture through the years would net you some good ones.

Teacher Shoes/Clothes: DON'T DO IT!

It's great these folks are all involved in a worthy cause.

ella said...

When I had all my wisdom teeth pulled out years ago, I watched lots of classic films. Here are some I recommend:

1. The Giant
2. Butterfield 8
3. Breakfast at Tiffany's
4. How to Marry a Millionaire

And what the heck are teacher shoes? I hope they are nothing like crocs!

Pam said...

One of my favs: An Affair to Remember

Since it's nearly the Christmas holiday season, I also recommend White Christmas if you haven't seen it.

Anonymous said...

Ahh my first year of university, I watched that movie all the time. Because it gave me hope that it was possible to have two men love you with everything at the exact same time. It also gave me hope that slinky dresses and pin curls would come back in style. Sadly, I'm still waiting.

Let's see, I would second Ella and Butterfield 8. Oh, and it's a bit "newer" but Cool Hand Luke is pretty fantastic in my opinion.

Ally said...

AM: Say it isn't so. I was hoping there were lots more like it.

PE: Thanks. I've never heard of those movies but at least I know who Cary Grant is.

e.b.: I hadn't thought about adding to it...that's a good idea.

Aaron: Duly noted.

Billy: No teacher clothes, I promise. Jeans (not teacher jeans), tee shirts, and sweaters are pretty much my uniform.

Ella: I would never wear anything as bad as crocs. Gross. Anyway by teacher shoes I mean shoes that I wouldn't normally buy...in this case, it's a pair of Merrell's; they aren't that bad; it's just nothing I ever would have considered if I wasn't working with children and on a playground, etc. Thanks for the movie suggestions; that is a good start!

Pam: I've heard of that movie, and it sounds like one that should make the list.

Brandy: I've never heard of Butterfield 8, but since it's received two votes, it's a must.

Kimberly said...

Hey Allison,
I'm so excited to hear about how things are going in Nashville. You seem to be doing great. I saw Joseph P. yesterday as a cow at a Halloween party and he said ya'll are on the same dodgeball team. Don't you love random connections like that!?!?! (BTW, I was Kimmy Gibler from Full House..look at my facebook pics!)
Glad you are doing well!

Anonymous said...

my comment didn't show :( ! now i cant' really remember what exactly i said...shucks.

cdp said...

Yay for family dinners! And cotton candy - I love this time of year and all the "fair" food.

The afterschool program sounds awesome. I know you're thrilled to be part of such a wonderful community.

Oh, and definitely watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington!

xoxo

Clearlykels said...

Such a good movie!!!

Well, I just started to read your post and decided to put in The King & I.

For my birthday I got a set that has the sound of music, the king and I and Oklahoma. For tonight, I choose the shortest.

So many good movies to choose from.