I'm a big slacker

I haven't posted anything in a few days, so I figured I better get off my big butt and write today. Actually, the good news will explain my slacking. I am teaching a class at OCC this semester. To make a long story short, I got hired last Wed and class started this Mon, so I only had a couple of days to prep. I took over a class for an instructor that went out on medical leave. The only problem is the books had already been ordered, so I have to use them. Unfortunately, I did not get a copy of the books until about 30 min. ago, which means I need to scramble these next couple of days to read ahead in the books and plot out reading assignments for the next couple of weeks. Good news is the students seem to be a good group this semester. They actually answered questions and seem to have a pulse. Let's hope they stay this way and don't end up like my class from hell last Spring.

I forgot to post my review of Pan's Labyrinth, which a group of us saw last Fri. I highly recommend this one. It's awesome!! I know Jason didn't seem too impressed with it when he saw it awhile back, but I think his reaction was influenced by the 10pm showing. This movie is visually stunning with some of the best sets I've seen in a long time. The main character Ofelia is adorable. Without giving anything away, I have to tell you by the end of the movie I was crying. Shawn asked if I needed a kleenex I was crying so much. He then turned to Greg and asked if he needed a kleenex too. Greg said yes to wipe all the blood off his face. Yes, this film has a lot of blood and violence to it, and there were a couple intense scenes that I had to turn away from, but don't let that discourage you from seeing it. Yes, it's subtitled, but it doesn't take away from the film. Or maybe it's just that I've seen quite a few foreign language films, so I'm used to reading subtitles. Overall, I am thrilled that this film earned so many Oscar nominations.

In case you don't know what a big geek I am, it is always my goal to see as many of the Oscar nominated films before the awards show. I am so excited that I have seen a good majority of them this year, which will probably be my last time doing this if I have a baby this year. I saw Dreamgirls on Tues, which was one I really didn't want to see for the longest time, but I'm glad my brother talked me into seeing it. One question I have though is why in the heck would Jennifer Hudson be nominated for Supporting Actress when she is the whole movie. She totally overshadows Beyonce, so I understand why Beyonce, the diva she is, is upset that Jennifer's getting all the accolades, but you know what that girl can sing! I was also excited to see Eddie Murphy doing something good for a change. This weekend I hope to see The Last King of Scotland since Forrest Whitaker is the front runner for Best Actor. I'm also hoping to rent An Inconvenient Truth and Jesus Camp, both up for best documentary. I know Shawn wanted to see both, so hopefully I can get him to watch these at home with me. I also want to see Letters from Iwo Jima, and hopefully Half Nelson, United 93 and Volver.

Lastly, has anybody been watching Heroes? If not, you are missing out on the best show on TV period. I love this damn show. I hate that I have to wait a week to get a new ep. I'm anxious to find out who Claire's dad is now that we've seen her mom. What's going to happen with Peter Petrelli? Is he going to explode? The characters are so awesome, but there are two in particular I love more than the others. Hiro and Ando are my favorites. I wish there were more TV characters with such heart and charisma. Plus, they have the best facial expressions. I can't wait to buy Season 1 on DVD, so I can loan it out for people to get hooked before Season 2. (Hint to Elizabeth. Wink Wink.)