Time for some TV/Movie reviews

Now that I've watched the finales to my favorite shows, I wanted to share my thoughts on a few of them as well as a couple movie reviews.

I must start with the movies. I was so extremely disappointed with Spiderman 3. I am sick of the love story with Mary Jane, who honestly has to be one of the worst love interests in movie history. The girl has no character qualities to attach to. She's BORING! And since when did Peter Parker become goth boy? His transformation half way through the movie was one of the most ridiculous things I've seen in awhile. At one point I asked, "When did Jared Leto get cast as Peter?" However, after I saw Pirates 3 I began to like Spiderman 3 more. Pirates 3 is by far one of the worst movies I've seen in a few years. This franchise started off with so much potential, but after the second one I knew we were in trouble. This slop of a third movie was so unbearable at times that I actually elected to take a nap so as not to waste my life watching it. Yes, I disliked this movie THAT much. Funny thing is the 4 other people I went with all said the same thing. The story is unnecessary complicated, the characters are unlikeable, and the special effects are so-so. What more can I say? Don't waste $10 on this one. I would wait until it's on cable to watch it. It's not even worth a DVD rental.

Lost: Hated it! I'm getting so sick of all these mysteries and unanswered questions. This show is evil. Why must they continue to leave us hanging? What's the deal with John Locke and Walt, who by the way now looks to be about 15 years old even though supposedly only a few months have passed on the island? I think the story line with Jack was just pure mean to tease us that way. I was glad to finally see someone kick the crap out of Ben. Why does this guy have such power over everyone? I'll have to see what life is like with baby to decide if I want to continue watching this show.

Grey's Anatomy: Definitely a letdown, especially after previous finales. Is it bad that I'm glad Christina and Burke didn't get married? Why do I dislike Callie and George together? The only character I was really excited about was Alex, go figure.

My Name is Earl: I love Jason Lee! This show has really surprised me in that each week there is a storyline with a moral lesson. Who would have thought when this show first started? Just when you thought Earl's life was getting on track, he goes and has to be all chivalrous to save Joy. What a surprise twist at the end.

CSI: I swear this show has gotten amazingly good these past two seasons. This final episode totally creeped me out with the minituare killer being found. I hate "to be continued" finales, but this one had be on the edge of my seat the whole episode. What is Sara Sidle's destiny? Guess we have to wait through the summer to find out.

Heroes: My favorite show!!! Period!!! While this show lefts us with a lot of questions kind of like Lost, I actually care to find out what is going to happen to these characters. I was a bit bummed that the ending fight between Peter and Sylar wasn't longer, but overall I thought this episode was so exciting that I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for Aug 28, so I can buy the DVD and watch all of Season 1 again, which is perfect timing because I won't be able to do much with baby due soon after. I hope there is a DVD player in my hospital room so I can watch Heroes while I'm waiting for the agonizing pain to start. Maybe that will take my mind off things.

The good things outweigh the bad

Last Tuesday was one of the best days of my life. Wednesday turned out to be one of the worst days of my life. I won't go into all the details, but during class on Wed I had an altercation of sorts with a student. It got so bad I had to call campus security to come and deal with him. He started threatening my life and called me every foul name in the book. I ended up cancelling class because I pretty much feared for my life and the lives of the other students. Later that day I spoke with this student's probation officer and was told the student has never acted out in such a way and I should not fear him taking any extreme actions against me. I decided not to press charges against him simply because I did not want to ignite any more problems with him, even though I'd love to see his piece of shit ass get throw in jail. The situation is better, but it's far from being 100%. I had a security officer escort me to class today just to be on the safe side and was instructed to keep the doors locked so the student could not enter. He is being suspended from the college and is to not have any contact with me whatsoever. This gives me yet one more reason to be grateful to leave teaching. $125 a week is not enough to continue dealing with the deliquent students of today. Now onto happier news.

Shawn and I drove to Bakersfield on Friday for our friend Greg's wedding this weekend. Friday was the rehearsal and dinner. Typical boy, Greg forgot to tell Shawn and I that the rehearsal time had changed, so we were a bit late. Greg looked a bit nervous to me as did his fiance Tracy. I totally started crying when Greg's sister-in-law mentioned how sad she was that Greg's mother was not here to share in this special moment. I know it was partially because of my hormones, but the thought of his mother's mothers passing made me so sad that I couldn't stop the tears from welling up. I know she was there with them in spirit though. It was good to see his dad in such good spirits too, so it made me know everything was alright.

That night I experienced one of the most painful leg cramps ever. It woke me up out of a dead sleep. I couldn't move it hurt so bad. I didn't want to wake Shawn up, so I finally made my way out of the room and started crying. Oh the joys of pregnancy is all I kept thinking. My calf is still sore 3 days later.

The wedding wasn't until Saturday evening, so that morning Shawn and I met my cousin Kim and her fiancee Danny for breakfast. We had a great time talking and hanging out. I was excited to hear all about her RN exam and the wedding planning. I'm just so darn proud of her. Kim has grown into such an amazing woman and I love her to pieces.

Shawn and I stayed the weekend with our friends Jeff and Bree. Since Shawn had to be to Greg's early for pictures and stuff, Bree and I had enough time to go get manis/pedis. I had a great time hanging out and chatting with Bree. I think that's the most time we've spent together, and I'm so glad we did. Getting to know Bree confirmed my thoughts that she's one of the nicest people I've ever met. I wish she and Jeff lived closer so Shawn and I could see them more often.

While I was getting my nails done, I felt something I hadn't felt before. As I was slightly hunched over, I felt a jolt in my tummy. I swore it was the baby kicking. My first real kick. The next day would confirm my suspicions.

The wedding went off without a hitch and the newlyweds looked so happy. I am so thrilled for Greg. He's one of our best friends and I wish him the most happiness with his new bride. The reception was a lot of fun. There was a slew of us there: Thane and Kristi, Erin, Thien, Jason and Toby, Sierra and Elizabeth, John and Vachelle, and Mike and Nina made it for the second half of the reception. We had a ton of fun. Check out the pictures when you get a chance. Nina and Kristi got a little drunky-poo, so there are lots of funny pictures to blackmail them with later. Ha ha.

We hung around Bakersfield most of Sunday morning and headed back in the afternoon. In the car on the drive home, I started feeling stronger and stronger kicks coming from baby. I tried to describe them to Shawn but I don't think he fully grasped what was going on. So Sunday evening, we were sitting next to each other on the couch watching TV. I reached over and grabbed his hand and Shawn felt his first baby kick. He was totally shocked. I can't believe I'm already feeling baby girl kick. I didn't think it would start this early. That just means I have about 18 more weeks of this, which after last night is way too long.

I was violently woken up around 3am this morning when baby girl decided to use mommy as a punching/kicking bag. I couldn't believe it! The kid woke me up with a kick. I definitely know she's going to be a soccer player now. I got up and went to the bathroom hoping she'd stop kicking about. I laid back in bed only to toss and turn to kicks and punches for the next 30 minutes. Poor Shawn woke up and tried rubbing my arm to help me get back to sleep. Baby wasn't having any of that though. She wanted to practice her penalty kicks in my belly. I finally got back to sleep, but all day today I've been feeling her moving and shaking, kicking and punching. Like I said, the next 18 weeks are going to be doozies. Let's hope I just get used to them that I don't even notice the kicks after awhile. Otherwise I'm going to be one tired mommy in the delivery room.

On the road again

Shawn and I are heading out for Bakersfield today. This weekend is our close friend Greg's wedding. We're so excited for him. It'll be nice for us to get away for a couple of days as well as visit some friends and family in Bakersfield that we've been hoping to see too. I'll write all about the wedding next week. Take care everyone.

Looks like it's a girl

I had an ultrasound today, and it looks like I'm having a girl! The doctor was pretty certain about it, so no hope of a Shawn Jr. I was rooting for a boy, but of course I'm happy either way. The best news was that the baby looks totally healthy, heart is pumping strong, limbs all look good. The doctor took measurements of the baby's head, body, and limbs, which all put her at 21 weeks, which is exactly where she should be. It was totally amazing getting to see so much of our little girl today. Before I went into the doctor's office, I could feel the baby moving around, so I knew we were going to get good pictures. As we were looking at the ultrasound, the baby was moving her arms and legs and lips. The doctor said it looks like we've got a healthy, happy baby girl. That was all I needed to hear. Shawn posted the ultrasound pictures online, so you can view them by visiting www.shawnandmarisa.com. Then go to our photo gallery. We have the 3-D ultrasound on Thursday, so we'll post more pictures later in the week.

Gilmore Girls Series Finale Tonight

As many of you know, I've been a GG fan for quite some time, well up until the last season because the show just got too hokey for me last year, so I haven't watched much this season. But GG will always be a special show to me. Thank goodness for TV on DVD. Tonight is the final GG episode, which I, of course, won't miss. I've got to see how they plan to end the show, plus the fact that Christiane Amanpour will be guest appearing on tonight's episode and I love her! Here is a list of 7 reasons why many people will miss GG, particularly when it was in its prime. Good-bye to Lorelei, Rory, and the rest of the eccentrics from Stars Hollow!
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/tv/mmx-0705150232may15,0,2498960.story?coll=mmx-television_heds

Warner Bros. Goes Green

Check out this website from Warner Bros. and their efforts to help the environment. If nothing else, click on Eco-Tour to see all the steps WB is taking to go green. It makes me realize we can all do a little bit each day and change our habits to help out.
http://wbenvironmental.warnerbros.com/

Need a laugh?

Last night I caught a Comedy Central special for this comic I've never heard of: Demetri Martin. He was pretty darn funny, so I looked up his website and wanted to share it with others www.demetrimartin.com. He kind of reminds me of Mitch Hedberg because his humor is simple and hilarious. And it's clean for those kids out there who read my blog, so you don't mom and dad's approval first.

Deadliest Catch Marathon

If you've never watched the Discovery show Deadliest Catch, this Saturday they will be running a marathon. I strongly recommend checking it out. Crab fishermen have to endure some of the roughest working conditions and face a 100% chance of injury. With insane odds against them, these men are incredible to watch in action. I know I could never do what they do, but I sure do enjoy the red gold they catch. (They call Alaskan King Crabs red gold in case you didn't know.) Be aware though that you just may crave some crab legs while watching the show.

What's killing off the bees?

On a recent episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, I heard about a new problem our farmers are facing, which is a dying off of honeybees, a major pollinator for many crops. I came across this article on Discovery.com that I thought I'd share. Funny that I haven't heard any stories on the news about this one. No, instead I hear all about Paris Hilton going to jail. Gotta love the media.
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/05/03/bees_ani.html?category=animals&guid=20070503103030

The things that make me cry lately

I've always heard that pregnant women are more emotional and sensitive because of the raging hormones. I am generally not one to find myself blubbering at the drop of a hat, but lately the funniest things send me into a sobbing mode. I usually have my weekly cry or at least teary-eyed night when I watch Grey's Anatomy, although lately the show hasn't made me as emotional. The shows that do get me though have been Miami Ink, like when a man got a tattoo for his son who died, and Deadliest Catch because a man went overboard and had to be immediately rescued before his body went into shock from the freezing water. Yes, it does sound funny that these two shows could bring me to tears, but I'm telling you it was so scary when the crew rushed to save the man's life and how extremely grateful he was to be saved. I even get choked up thinking about it. I think these are definite signs that I'm having a boy. Why else would I be so emotional watching tattooing and crab fishing?

Latest book recommendation

For our Arbonne team, we've decided to start a book group of sorts in that each month we will read a book and discuss it on a conference call or at our team meeting. This month we chose Jack Canfield's The Success Principles: How to get from where you are to where you want to be. I suggested this one after we heard Canfield speak at NTC. When I purchased it, I was happy that it was already available in paperback, so it wasn't too expensive, but I did not know it was 400 pages, so we've decided to read the first 200 pages this month and the last 200 next month. So be warned, it is a hefty read for those of you who don't like to read, but honestly, it is worth every word. I am hooked from Chapter 1. For those of you who have ever been unhappy with the outcomes of your life, whether it be your job, relationships, or your healthy, this book is for you. Now let's be honest, we are all unhappy with some aspect of our lives, and this book will help you achieve what you really want, whether it be to stop smoking, losing weight, getting a better job, or making more money. Canfield presents the principles we need to adapt in order to change our lives and find the results we've been hoping for, but it's all in our hands because as the first principle states, we need to take 100% responsibility for our lives. Please pick up this book today and run home to start reading. You won't regret it!

Next week is a busy one

I can't wait for May 15th! That is when we have our next ultrasound scheduled so we can finally find out if we're expecting a boy or a girl. I'm rooting for a boy. I like the idea of an older brother to protect his little sister because, of course, I'm already counting on having a girl the second time around. Besides, I want a little jock that Shawn can take fishing and hiking and teach to play soccer and baseball. Not that Shawn can't do all those things with a girl, but I think we have a better chance with our little boy being the sporty one, especially if he takes after his dad. Also, I'm just pinked out after Avery and Kylie, and we need to bring some balance to the family.

The other good news is I just heard back from Medison America for my 3-D ultrasound, which is now scheduled for May 17th. Yep, that's two big appointments in one week. Both Kristi and Lisa had these ultrasounds done, and the best part is they are free because Medison America is a training facility for 3-D ultrasounds. I am so excited for next week to come.

Time of year for graduations

I'm excited to share two big graduation announcements. One, my cousin Kim is receiving her nursing degree and just this weekend found out she passed her RN exam. We are also so proud of her. It's no easy feat becoming a nurse, but she did it!!! The other big graduation announcement is our very close friend Mike Kobliska is finishing up USC Dental School. Finally!! This is a huge accomplishment and Shawn and I are so excited for him. Way to go to both our graduates!!

Important Dates for TV Addictions

Shawn and I have been wondering if Sci-Fi's The 4400 is coming back. Great news: it starts June 17. Semi-sweet news is that there are only two episodes of Gilmore Girls left. While once a fabulous show, GG went down the tube a year ago, so I'm glad they are ending it before they totally kill a great show even more. In case anybody missed the first season of the best show on TV--Heroes--mark your calendars for August 28: Season 1 is coming to DVD. Honestly, this is fast becoming a top 5 favorite show of all time for me, so it's worth checking out on DVD if you didn't watch it this season.

New photos

Check out http://shawnandmarisa.phanfare.com/ for new photos from Easter and NTC.

Catch up

I have so much to write about and not a lot of time, so I'll get in as much as I can. First off, and most important of course, I had an doctor appointment today. Shawn couldn't take off work, so I invited my mom. I figured she would enjoy going with me, and this way she could meet the doctor too. It was a short, sweet visit. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat again, which mom thought was pretty cool. I was surprised to hear that I've only gained 5 pounds total since I feel like I'm bulging at the waistline, but still no pregnant belly yet. My old pants are definitely too tight for me to wear, so I'm loving the pants Lisa gave me and a couple pairs of jean capris that are from my plus size days. I'm so glad I didn't throw out my big clothes after I lost weight. I always planned to use them for maternity clothes, and I'm so grateful now that I planned ahead like that. During the appointment today, I also had the blood taken for the AFP test. I decided I wanted to go ahead and have it done. I know it's common to have a false positive reading, but I'd rather know if something is wrong with baby before hand so I can prepare for it. Shawn said whatever I wanted to do, he was happy with. Also, I called to make the appointment for the anatomical ultrasound, which is now scheduled for May 15th. Only two more weeks to find out what we're having. Hooray!!! Then everyone can start shopping, cuz I know Erin, my mom, and I are waiting to buy anything until I found out what I'm having. Erin was so cute the other day when she said for me to hurry up and find out already so she can start shopping. Ahhh...she's such a cute auntie. I'm bummed because I've been so busy with stuff lately, that I haven't had time to read any of my pregnancy books and magazines. I'm looking forward to my dumb class being over. 4 more weeks. Then I will have more free time for baby stuff. By then I should be able to start clearing out the guest room and decorating the nursery. I so can't wait for that!

Other fun news to share: I went to Arbonne's national training celebration last week. IT ROCKED!!! This year's was even better than last year's, and I didn't think that was possible. I had so much fun. I roomed with Tammi, a sideline from LA. I had a blast with her. By the end of the week, we agreed that our sides and cheeks hurt from so much laughing. As for the training, all the speakers were so awesome and motivating. Jack Canfield and Steve Farber, our guest speakers, have me so pumped up that I can't wait to start all my new ideas. I love going to these trainings because it reminds me just how much I love Arbonne! Yes, starting your own business is a challenge, but it's the most rewarding and fulfilling challenge I could ask for. I have 100% belief that I'm in the right business and doing the right thing for my family. This company has heart and soul, something I desperately needed in my career. It's enriched my life already so much, and I haven't even started seeing the financial rewards yet. My business is going slow right now, but that's alright. I just haven't found the right people yet who want to commit in order to achieve their dreams, but I know those people are out there. And once I find them, they are going to the top!

Last week, Arbonne introduced all the new products, which I'm super pumped about. We have new vitamins for children and teens, plus a whole line of products for teens. The tinted moisturizers are awesome! I love the fact that Arbonne doesn't want to ignore the teen market, but they also don't want to encourage teens to wear a ton of makeup, so the products they've introduced are simple and very natural looking. The last thing we need to encourage is more hussy-looking, Britney look-a-likes. This weekend I'm hosting two open houses so all my friends, family, and Arbonne contacts can come check out all the new stuff. I'm hoping to have a steady stream of people both days.

One night last week, Kristi, Tammi, and I went to see Menopause at the Las Vegas Hilton. I HIGHLY recommend all the women I know to go see this musical. It's hilarious. And kind of scary because I don't want to start thinking about all the changes we go through during menopause. The songs are awesome because they're parodies of famous songs and brilliantly done. There is a touring company for Menopause, so be sure to check it out if it comes to your neck of the woods. I believe it will be in Laguna Beach soon. Tammi's good friend from high school is in the production, so after the show, we got to grab a bite with her and another woman from the show. We had a great night. Thanks so much Tammi for including me.

My hectic summer schedule is starting. Next weekend, we will be in Bakersfield for Mike Kobliska's graduation party. Mike is Shawn's best friend from high school. He's graduating from USC Dental School. FINALLY! Then the following weekend we'll be back in Bako for Greg Saiki's wedding, another of Shawn's best friends. Shawn is a groomsman, so we will be there for the rehearsal on Fri and the wedding on Sat. We're planning on going to Pasadena to spend some time with Mike and Nina for Memorial weekend. Then the first weekend in June is my cousin Kim's bridal shower. And then the weekend of June 9 and 10 is the American Cancer Society Relay for Life that I've elected to organize. You know because I don't have enough things going on right now. Actually, I'm super excited about getting involved with Relay this year. I am still in need of more team members, so if anybody would like to join us, please call or email me. We are also looking for donations. Our team is currently back in first place for raising the most money, which I am SOOO excited about. You all know how competitive I am, and I don't want to be beat. We can do this!!! These next couple of weeks I'll start contacting people for more fundraising. So again, if you would like to join our team, PLEASE contact me. We would love to have you.

Well, I've got to get to my to do list, so I best end here. I love you all!!!