Attic Feet

There was a movie on my radar for a few months, and it finally became avail through Amazon so I settled in this weekend to watch.

Summer of '84

The setting is Anywhere, USA in 1984. I was 13 that year, so can totally relate to the music and the "ride your bike all day/night in the safety of your small hometown" feel.

For those of you who know me well, you'll understand how excited I was to finally get to see this. I love horror movies, am very into 80's flicks, and appreciate when filmmakers attempt to get the look and feel of another era.

I'm bummed to report that after watching this movie, had I a sad, old can to kick down a forlorn dirt road that would've been the appropriate feeling.

From the get-go I felt that the directors were trying to match what seems to be the recent surge of  80's teen-posse-horror-movie genre feel - much like what we've seen with Stranger Things and They Follow - and it was on point. The spooky/urgent accompanying synth music and lack of color and light in most shots helped to filter a somber, dusky mood. So far, so good. 

But then it was misstep after misstep, and the boys playing the main characters needed better dialogue and bonding time. 

Overall, the movie felt like a overachiever...I always felt like it was trying too hard, especially with some of the secondary actor performances. That put me off right away.

I'm not going to get into detail, but there was one scene for which I wasn't prepared, didn't see coming and it really bothered me. Honestly, removing this scene wouldn't make or break the movie - the story line didn't rely on it, IMO. It was a throwaway for shock value, and took away from what came next, which was the real crux of the movie. 

So, I might caution against paying full price or even the going rate of $3.99 for a 3-day Amazon rental. RedBox it if you can't wait, or if you can Netflix it. 

I give it a D. 

If you're looking for a nostalgic-feeling boy posse horror flick, check out Super Dark Times. A truly fine film.

If you want a true 80's gem, rent "Motel Hell" instead and enjoy a truly unique horror flick.

Game On

I am hella competitive.

Playing a game, attempting to win a bet, or even sharing a goal with a friend, I go balls to the wall.

To the point where I become obnoxious and am labeled a sore loser.

It’s my only flaw, but a big one.

My good friend and I are both on the “eat healthy/Fitbit challenge” kick, and she shared her progress with me tonight - or what I like to call the “passive/aggressive woe is me I had to spend money on a smaller size pant” move. A nonchalant bomb drop in the middle of what should have been an innocuous aside about fashion.

When you tell me you’ve dropped a size, you’ve essentially hit the launch button.

I’m obvs happy for her and proud of her.

I’m also gonzo jealous and I’ve kicked up my game.

It’s on. You won’t see it coming until you’re in it’s wake.

That’s how I roll.

So excited.

Randomness That Brings On The Good

These things make me happy:

1. Men in pajamas. Flannel or cotton. Sexy, safe and sleepy. 

2. This video. Because the lead singer, and the hair. Oh, the hair. Perfect mullet. 

3. Wearing Birks with wool socks.

4. The smell of the furnace on the first cold day of the year. No visual would do this happy justice. 

5. This movie. It's beautiful - visually, thematically, aurally. Smashing good.

6. This place. Fairies live there, and the trees hug back.

7. Tartan skirts, black turtleneck and black tights. 

8. This old band. Always and forever. 

9. This new band. And apparently mullets are back down under. 

10. Buttered sourdough toast with various jam & jelly options. 

....and we're back. Next caller...

It's been years since I've blogged. I've missed it.

In an effort to shake some major funk from my brain and heart that I've contracted during another sucky even-numbered year, I've decided to give it a go.

So. A bit of a level set...current state and all. Clear the slate to get y'all up to speed, and then we can get into the fun posts!

Even numbered years are cursed for me. I don't say this lightly. I'm not superstitious, but I heed the signs:

2012

• Grandmother dies.
• My cyberstalker goes completely mental and I seek legal action. 
• A good bit of my hair falls out from the stress.
• I single-handedly destroy what could have been a very solid, sweet and lasting romance with a dear, sweet fella and longtime friend because of my ineptitude and lack of self worth.

2014

• In an effort to save my sanity, I go completely no-contact with a close relative which ends up alienating me from all local relatives because North Dakota families are all-in for holidays and get-togethers. And because I can't see one, I'm unable to see the rest. 
• Ants invade my upstairs bathroom. 
• Another good bit of hair falls out from stress.
• I develop anemia because I am a fertile woman. (trust me, you don't need deets on this one)
• My dear, sweet fella and longtime friend from 2012 goes to sleep one night and doesn't wake up. The loss is unexpected and dark and presses on my heart.

2016

• I break up with a longtime friend. 
• I'm traveling so much for work I'm kenneling my sweet Ollie almost every other week.
• I develop severe anemia to the point I end up with walking pneumonia which lasts for two months.

2018

• My sweet Ollie dies in March. This loss is expected but breaks me.
• I am thrown into what I finally self-diagnose (and get professionally diagnosed) as depression from the loss. 
• My severe anemia is causing me to doze off in very odd places (in the shower and while driving).
• I struggle to breathe, to smile, to continue to live.

I drifted through the rest of March, April, May and June. I barely left the house save for work. In July I got a wake-up call that I needed to make some kind of change to jump-start my will to exist. I spit-shined my resume and got a brand-new job. I started doing yoga and am going all in. I'm still not getting out for fun as much as I'd like, but I'm getting there. Fall is my season and I am really trying to rally for the spooky events coming up. 

The other factor that is helping put me on the path is framily. In addition to my brother and friend Charles, I have a very solid support system who stepped up and stood by me. To me they will always be my sisters, while not by blood by love and light. 

I have goals now. I am finding the urgency to pursue and meet them. I'm excited to get back to being me.

Steady on.