I Gave Her My Heart, and She Gave Me a Pen...

This post isn't about me, I'm not suffering through some horrible breakup where I put myself on the line, and was cruelly rejected. No, this post is purely and simply about the movie with the title quote, and how I'm realizing how overrated it is.

Yes, I'm referring to Say Anything, the movie that gave millions of dorky guys hope that we could score the hot valedictorian (of which there aren't enough of in real life), and give millions more women hope that someday, a guy will be willing to stand outside in the rain, blaring Peter Gabriel from a boombox to declare his devotion.

Yes the movie is written and directed by Cameron Crowe, who is extremely talented, and yes its an iconic '80s classic, but there are two key scenes that drive me crazy, and I didn't realize it until today.

The first is the love scene: The first time Lloyd and Diane get nekkid, they do it in the back of Lloyd's car at the beach, with In Your Eyes on the radio.

Diane Court: Are you shaking?

Lloyd Dobler: No.

Diane Court: You're shaking.

Lloyd Dobler: I don't think so.

Diane Court: You're cold.

Lloyd Dobler: I don't think I am.

Diane Court: Then why are you shaking?

Lloyd Dobler: I don't know. I think I'm happy.

Okay, so yes its romantic, yes its sweet. But it is so awkwardly shot and spoken that there is no passion between them, no likelihood that she's really given into herself for him. Obviously the dialogue doesn't show this, but let's face it, you've all seen the movie, you know the scene. Where's the love people?

Scene 2: Just after this, Diane goes home to confront her father, and ends up telling him about having sex with Lloyd.

Diane Court: ...then I bagged him anyway... but it always feels good to tell you the truth, b/c if I can't tell you, then it didn't really happen.

I'm sorry, WHAT??? Ladies, you gotta help me out here. I know some of you must be very close to your fathers, but have you ever rushed home from sex to let your father know that you did it, that you're in love, and that if you couldn't tell him about it, it just isn't real? Is that believable in the slightest?

Anyway, so yes, then the movie picks back up again, the funny comes back, aside from her father's imprisonment, they eventually get back together, Gabriel sings his stuff, they fly to England, all is well in the world.

It's strange, I was sure this was one of my top 25 movies of all-time, when people ask for quintessential '80s flicks, this is one of the first ones on my list. But watching it this morning, I'm bored. Diane is neurotic, her dad is a pill, and Lloyd (while being sweet, and the dream of every woman aged 22-35) is actually kind of a whiny layabout who most ladies probably wouldn't put up with his lack of direction if they really had it in their significant other.

So why do we idolize this movie so much? Alright, fire away, call me a heretic, tell me I'm a loveless bastard... let me know how wrong I am...

Spin Cycle

I haven't posted much lately, nor I have I felt much like posting. I don't really know that there's been anything particularly blogworthy. My brain has been sort of tumbling around without really focusing on any one thing for very long, and similarly, my emotions have sort of run the full range as well.

Went to Bethany/Dewey this past weekend to try and relax/cut loose. Aside from our SUV being hit by a deer (yes, the deer created the impact, not us), and the joy of watching the sh*tshow that is the Starboard on a Saturday night, there's not really too much to report. I can't quite put away as much alcohol as I used to, and I have a little less appreciation for hooched out girls in tops two sizes too small. Note: If you are a hot girl, trust me, we'll notice. Don't wear something that squeezes you so much you're spilling over your low-rise waistband.

Week is already dragging as well. The work situation is gradually wearing on me, it looks like I was right about last week's interview not going well as well as I had hoped, and I'm getting tired of hearing about my friends getting great new high-paying jobs. My favorite roommate has moved out after 3 years together, and apparently 2/3 of the cookwear belonged to him because our kitchen is seriously empty...

On the other hand, I'm going on a fun shopping excursion tomorrow that might net some sharp new threads; I managed to survive my first softball game since the knee injury without making anything worse (metal braces are amazing), and I may have a cookout or two to go to this holiday weekend.

Maybe I can keep the colors from running too badly...

Missed Opportunities

I just came back from a job interview. It's a job I'm perfectly qualified for, with just the right mix of writing and other responsibilities. Amazingly enough, the person who interviewed me happens to know me in a non-work capacity, and can ask a variety of people for character references (including her husband).

And yet, I think I blew it...

I can't point to any one moment in particular, we talked for nearly an hour about a variety of things, but the minute I got back to my car, I smacked the steering wheel and said, "Damn!"

I never got into a good rhythm, I don't think I sold good examples of my work, and I didn't tell nearly enough stories tooting my own horn.

People say you're always hardest on yourself, and maybe its true. Maybe I am overreacting, but I don't generally leave a situation feeling like that, which is what scares me.

I guess I can't do anything at this point but send my thank you letter, cross my fingers, and hope for the best.

I hate first impressions...

Would You Be Wanting to Live With a Pirate, Matey?

So we're holding an open house this weekend to replace my longest-term roommate within the house, and for some reason tonight the thought popped into my head about how it would be a really good idea to play a practical joke on one (or all) the people coming to check out the house.

What if I was to dress up in full Halloween attire (think Captain Jack Sparrow - tricorn hat, boots, saber, etc...) and talk in nothing but pirate sayings the whole time the potential roommate was visiting, and my current roommate acted like she didn't notice/there was nothing strange about it, and just kept interviewing and showing the room?

I think this would make a great hidden video sketch...

Any other thoughts on ways we could prank possible new roommates?

Monday Morning Dawson's Creek Observation

Only Joey Potter would wear a cardigan sweater while partying at MTV Spring "Fling", (guess they couldn't really steal the copyright?)... How lame is she? She's the constant grandma.

Although this episode does offer a preview of One Tree Hill, with both Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton making guest appearances.

Also, does anyone remember ever being annoyed by this show, that after these heartwrenching tragic break-ups, literally the next week, the characters had moved on to their new crush/romance/hook-ups? I don't remember noticing it before... but they never take a break! It's beyond rebounding, its like if they're not dipping their genitals in someone for longer than a week, they may fall off!


In weekend news, I missed most of the Cinco de Mayo/Gold Cup type festivities after twisting my knee playing softball Saturday morning. Verdict is still out on whether or not I tore anything, since I've yet to visit a doctor. Swelling has gone down, and I can put most of my weight on it, but its still sore, especially on the sides. Fingers crossed.