The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is coming to the big screen this November, and of course, I have to read the books before the movie comes out. I’m really excited about the movie, when I saw the preview I felt a little pang in my heart. I think this movie is going to wash out the bad taste that the annoying Lucy left in my mouth from the PBS version. Not that I’m not appreciative, I just found her really annoying. She didn’t annoy me in the books, and the movie looks like it’s not going to disappoint.

I have such fond memories of the book. I was probably in second grade when I started reading them, and my father had bought me the whole boxed set to read. Loved the books so much, and it’s because of the Narnia books that I fell in love with reading. These books made me believe that worlds outside of our own existed, worlds where centaurs, talking animals, and magic were not impossibilities. My world was as big as my imagination. ‘The Last Battle’ was the first book that ever made me cry.

That boxed set has been passed around to God knows how many people, and finally after more than a decade, the book came back into Fatima’s possession. After she breezed through the first 3 books she passed them on to me and I began the first, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

My memory is horrible. I can watch a movie multiple times and it will always feel like the first time. The same thing goes for books. So to read this book after more than 2 decades was just like touching on a memory that is on the edge of my consciousness.

It was strange to reconnect with these characters again, the 4 children - Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, the evil, cold Witch, the incredible and noble Aslan. Its like seeing friends that you grew up with who you haven’t seen since you were a child.

I never realized when I first read the book the whole parallel with the story of Christ, yet it’s so obvious now. C.S. Lewis was a pretty crafty storyteller - the book isn’t long, only a couple hundred pages in large print. But within that short span you grow to love these characters. Aslan the Lion only speaks a few sentences and appears in the middle of the book, but you find yourself loving him as much as the children in the book do.

I’m devouring these books right now like a drug. I’m feeling like a kid again, and all the troubles and worries of the past few weeks have been slowly been melting away as I lose myself, once again, in my childhood land of magic.

Tags: Reviews by Yano
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As you all know, I’m obsessed with celebrity news, because my life is boring and I have nothing better to do than keep track of what’s going on in their lives.

Kelly Clarkson Pregnant?

I swear I heard it on the radio this morning, but it was hard for me to find any information on it. Actually, I found none. Which leads me to believe that maybe it was just a cocaine induced dream. But hey, if you do find out later on that she’s knocked up, you heard it here first!

Bennifer is Official!

Looks like Jennifer Garner is the woman who finally tamed Ben Affleck. Reports say that they got married last weekend in the Caribbean. If you haven’t heard, she’s a couple months pregnant, so this probably has something to do with the quick nuptials. Did I spell that right? All I know is that I spelled it wrong for my cousin’s wedding program and, well, you know, it’s kind of embarrassing.

Angelina Jolie Pregnant?

Seems like every woman on the earth is pregnant except for me. I need to catch up.

With that said, the New York Post gossip column says that Angelina Jolie is also pregnant. I don’t know about that one, because she seems like she’d rather just adopt a dozen kids rather than stop her career to be pregnant for 9 months. Then again, she’s dating Brad Pitt, so why not have his children and create a race of super hot, amazingly beautiful sexually ambiguous children? Something tells me that even being bloated at nine months with hobbit’s feet Angie will still be incredibly stunning. Bitch.

Tom Cruise Must Be Stopped!

Seems like there’s some sort of online petition to boycott ‘War of the Worlds’. It’s addressed to Steven Spielberg and has a listing of grievances against Cruise.

We, the undersigned, wish to inform you that we are compelled to boycott your movie “War of the Worlds”. Our decision is based solely on the abhorrent behavior of Mr. Tom Cruise. We will not be spending our good money to support the ridiculous and potentially dangerous antics of this raving narcissist. Mr. Cruise’s actions and comments have been offensive and insulting when not downright laughable.

Sure, I think that Tommy’s fallen off the deep ends and may need a little time off, but that really won’t stop me from seeing his movie. I still think he’s a great actor and that Spielberg will still put out a quality movie. If you look at Tom’s resume of movies, it would be hard to argue that he hasn’t made good choices for movie roles.

Hmm…that’s all I have for you right now! I’m sure more will pop up soon!

Tags: Cool Link by Yano
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Went to the special eye doctor again today, it’s been about 3 months since I’ve seen him. And it’s almost been a year since my emergency eye surgery, can you believe it?

He said the the eye is healing well, much better than it did the first couple months after the surgery. At first he was worried that I would have to go through surgery again, but fortunately my sys has started cooperating and is on its way to recovery. My eyesight is even getting better, though my eyesight is still 80/20 or something like that.

He also checked out my right eye, which is the first time he’s looked at it ever. He noticed some lattice degeneration in the right eye, which basically means that the retina has stretched pretty thin in some parts. This eye exam wasn’t pleasant as the exam on the right eye - it involved a lot of poking around my eye which hurt, as well as the bright light shone right into my eye. He told me the lattice degeneration happens in 10-15% of the general population, and in about 50% of nearsighted people. In most cases, it’s not alarming and someone can live their lives without having anything done to it. However, since I’ve already had a retinal detachment, he’s obligated to do what he can to make sure it doesn’t happen in my other eye.

So it looks like in 6 months I’m going to have more surgery done. This time, it’s going to be simple laser surgery. Which means no anesthesia, no wooziness, no eye drops and no goopy red, beat up eye.

Little by little, my eyes will be normal again!

Tags: Daily by Yano
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So I’m already really bored of this layout, but right now, I’m at a lost for layout ideas.

Any ideas for layouts? Maybe something summer-y and light.

Help me out, people!

Tags: Questions by Yano
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Yesterday I had lunch at the Taste of Chicago with my male escorts, Mike and Sam squared. Taste of Chicago is an annual festival that the city holds downtown where food vendors from all sorts of backgrounds offer samples of their goods. From gator bites to turkey legs to cheesecake to rib sandwiches to pad thai to pizza, it’s all there.

Yesterday was hot hot hot, but that didn’t stop me from eating. I was persuaded not to waste all my tickets on dessert type foods, so I had some toasted ravioli, a churro, and some ice cream. So yeah, my lunch consisted of toasted ravioli and desserts. It was nice to walk around, and I’ve got my eye on a couple things that I’d like to try out should I go again (hmm, I think I might go again tomorrow - anyone?).

Yesterday was one of those ozone action days, and it totally felt like it. On the way back to work I felt like I was going to burst in flames, and I felt really gross and sticky. I was actually happy to get back to work, just for the fact that the office temperature is a steady 20 degrees. Well, that’s what it feels like, anyway.

Yesterday was actually a slow day for the Taste - there’s normally more people than this!

Me and Mike

Sam, Me and Sam (aka Aquaman) - It’s really windy, so you can hardly see my face

I think I need to get a haircut. My hair is all over the place!

————–

Later that day I went to pick up Fata and head over to Nikki’s for a girl party. We had some fondue and other yummy foods and she made her tasty ice cream punch. Of course, I spilled some on my white shirt causing Fatima to remark that she can’t take me anywhere. Yes, I am a savage! She had a woman there showing us some candles that were for sale, and I ended up buying a ton, er, I mean, a couple things. (shh, don’t tell Dave!) It was great to see Nikki again, she’s one of those people who I rarely keep in touch with but when we get back together again it’s as if no time has passed.

Whew! What a busy day!

Tags: Daily by Yano
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My favorite quote of the day:

“Hey, while you were gone I pulled out, like, 3 nose hairs.”

Eww.

Tags: Quickies by Yano
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Saw ‘Batman Begins’ on Saturday.

Loved it.

The original Superman with Christopher Reeves is still my favorite comic book movie, but this one is definitely in the top 5.

What I loved so much about this movie is that it didn’t feel like a comic book movie. As much as I loved Tim Burton’s vision, this version wasn’t out there or campy. Christopher Nolan (who directed Memento, one of my favorites) made Batman human, someone real, someone believable. He takes the little known past of Bruce Wayne and gives him a purpose, gives us a reason to believe that yes, a guy gliding around in a cape can be very real.

There were pretty solid performances all around, from Christian Bale’s tormented hero, to Michael Caine’s patient, loving butler, to Liam Neeson’s stern mentor. Katie Holmes was ok, as well. Not great, just ok. Bale, of course, stood out, giving Bruce many layers.

This incarnation of Batman is much darker than the others, and definitely something is a little more adult. The plot itself is so-so, the main highlight to me is Bruce’s internal struggle, how he comes to terms with his fears, anger, and need for revenge. To tell the truth, I enjoyed the movie more when he wasn’t in the batsuit than when he was. My one annoyance with the movie was the way Baled talked when he had the batsuit on. It was annoying.

One thing about the movie got me as giddy as a little schoolgirl - it was filmed in Chicago, and it was exciting to see my beloved city turned into the dark, menacing city of Gotham. Lower Wacker made for some exciting chase scenes, and there were point in the movie where the panned right over the building where I work. Like a geek, I whispered to Dave, ‘There’s my building, that’s so cool!’

Overall, an excellent movie. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the previous movies. It’s definitely the best of them all.

Tags: Reviews by Yano
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Posted below are 8 truths and 2 lies, it’s up to you guys to guess which is which. FYI - I’m a horrible liar.

1) I graduated with a Psychology degree
2) My favorite sport to play is football
3) My Honda CRV is the first car I’ve owned
4) I was born and raised in Chicago
5) I’ve met Kevin Smith (Silent Bob)
6) I know how to bake brownies from scratch
7) My favorite color is purple I’ve been collecting comics since 1993
9) I don’t know how to swim
10) I’m allergic to penicillin

Next week:
10 Books You’d Like to See Made Into a Movie

Answers: 6 is wrong - I have a hard enough time baking brownies from a mix!

8 is wrong, also - I’ve been collecting since 1991. Yeah, I know that’s a pretty shady answer, but there’s a lot of people who know me who read this so I had to make it tough!

Tags: Weeklies by Yano
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I don’t know if it’s the heat, or if its because I’ve been away for so long from home, but I’ve been really unmotivated lately.

I had a pretty busy weekend, though I would have really preferred to just stay at home and veg out in front of the TV. I’m gone so long, when I get home I just want to enjoy my house, hang out with my husband and just do nothing.

Gladly, it looks like I have a nice break from traveling. I’ll be working at the office, or at home, depending on how I feel that day. The Taste of Chicago is going on this week, so I’ll definitely be going there for lunch one of these days (Mel? Mike? Chariya? Sammy Joe? Anyone?)

For some reason I’m having mini back spasms again, it started this morning and I thought I was having a heart attack, but no, it’s just my back. I thought it would go away by the time I got to work, but it hasn’t.

Blah blah….so tired!

Tags: Daily by Yano
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Whenever I fly, I try to get a window seat. I love to see the cities and towns that we pass by, especially when we’re landing.

I also love it when I’m flying back home, and we’re landing in chicago, especially at night time. There’s always a little jump in my heart when I’m coming in after a long trip and I see the lights of Chicago. I’m not talking about the lights of downtown Chicago (when you’re in a plane, the lights are pretty far away), I’m talking about ‘the grid’. That’s what I call it in my head, anyway.

Chicago, like many other cities, has its streets in a grid, making it really easy to get around. When you see it lit from above, you can see how exact the grid is, with a couple diagonal streets like Elston or Milwaukee. Unlike most other cities I’ve flown into, when you get to Chicago this grid is HUGE, the city lights stretch all the way into the horizon, making it into this futuristic land of amber lights, with the side street lights twinkling inbetween the trees.

No matter how tough the trip is, this sight always calms me down, brings me back to reality and gives me a sense of peace. There’s no better feeling than landing back in your hometown after you’ve been away!

———————

Of course, then I came to the harsh reality that I totally forgot where I had parked my car. I’ve been to O’Hare about 8 times in the last 3 months, and no, I don’t write down where I park my car. The O’Hare parking lot has this pretty cool ‘Sport Song’ reminder system, where the parking floors are divided in the Chicago Sports teams, as well as a song related to those teams. For the last 4 times I’ve been there I’ve ended up on the Chicago Blackhawks floor, with some obscure “Here Comes the Hawks” song playing in the lobby. I swear I thought that’s where I parked this time. But no, the car wasn’t there. So then I went to the White Sox floor. Nope. Then the first floor, the Chicago Cubs, and after seeing all the Benz’s, Cadillacs and BMW’s parked down there, realized that I had ended up in the valet area. Finally, it was down to the Chicago Wolves and da Bears. I chose the Bears since it was a lower floor, and lo and behold, there was my car, parked right across from the lobby.

Remember that feeling of peace and happiness that I talked about above? After half an hour of searching for my car (at midnight, mind you), that feeling of euphoria had passed to make way for grumpiness, humid stickiness, and annoyance.

It’s good to be home!

Tags: Daily by Yano
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