Becky's Greatest Hits Vol. II

If you can understand a really thick Irish accent and can appreciate a pretty good late 80's/early 90's soundtrack, this just might be the easy, fun international sitcom you're looking for.  On the surface, this series seems really cute, but underneath it is looking at some pretty serious issues facing Northern Ireland at the time.....mainly what is known as The Troubles .  Now don't get me wrong, the group has become quite world-weary of where the current bomb may have been placed.  But this overarching feeling that "life must go on" is something all of us can relate to in these Post 9/11 times.  And also, getting banned from "the chipper" is just funny and oh so Irish.  For fook's sake, Beckai, what are you on aboot?  Just watch it, okay?

Also, I think I've really learned how to rock a hi-viz safety vest.  JS.

 ~Hating on music that isn't to your taste.  Let peeps go see the Hootie & the Blowfish reunion tour!  Some of us really loved the 90's! ~Terrestrial pop radio.  I know I said we should let people like what they like, but most of this is really bad.  ~Anything having to do with the Kardashians and/or Jenners.  Jesus H., when will it end? ~Anything having to do with celebrity overconsumption in general.  Having money and fame doesn't equal having sense, style or interest. ~Being famous for absolutely nothing.  Are they talented performers?  Great thinkers?  Innovative planners?  None of the above, usually. ~The glorification of "busy".  Most of these are choices.  If you're tired, it's usually on you.  And running around doesn't necessarily mean you're better, happier or more successful.  Just busy.  Learn to say no and/or work on your lifestyle. Admitting your limitations can be a beautiful thing. ~Complaining about cho

Since I'm probably the biggest and one of the few Wilco fans I know, I shocked even myself when I was on the fence about reading this memoir. As a kid, I could tell you the names of all the guys in every band I loved and probably even where they were from and their birthdays. But as an adult, I've often tried to distance myself from knowing too much about the artists whose work I really enjoy.  And I have been let down a time or two learning things about folks who I thought were pretty awesome.  I guess I shouldn't be so judgmental, but hey......you either like somebody or you don't. All I can say is after finishing this book in less than 2 days right at the busy Christmas season, I would have kicked myself if I missed out on it and then learned later what I missed out on.  Make sense?  Not really? Good. Then I'm writing this like a Jeff Tweedy book. First off, I have to put this out there.....Jeff writes like a real person.  He writes like he is talking to

So I tried again to read the first novel of the amazingly popular Outlander series and failed.  Again.  But I did get far enough this time to want to know what happened, so I went to the Wikipedia page and learned just enough to be dangerous.  And it is a fascinating story of history, time travel, political intrigue and romance.  And you would think with all the Ken Follett reading I've done that I would love it.  But for some reason I just don't.  This was even a PBS top pick ....it was like #3 or something....what the hell is wrong with me?  And there's even a series.  But I haven't looked at that yet.  And probably won't.  And it has brawny Scottish men in kilts.  Again, what exactly is my problem??? I think this may go back to my weird proclivities and the basic inability to like anything that is really popular.  Let's make a list of things in recent years that I tried and couldn't stay with: Game of Thrones (books & series)

So, I did something this year that is either a pretty huge right of passage, a dramatic mistake or no big deal at all......depending on who you listen to.  I got a tattoo.  And I'm not even gonna lie.  It hurt.  It really hurt.  Look at this picture. Do you see how hard I am trying not to cry, throw up or pass out?  Can you see that here? My husband, who has so many tattoos btw that we could not even count, accompanied me on this big first. He took this picture and then skidaddled out the door because he could not bear the look on my face.  But I'm proud to say that I made it through without any bodily fluids flying and felt like I kinda learned a little something about myself.  And about pain.  Yeah, there was pain. When my husband and I talk about it now, it's like we're in this little club with some other cool people.  Now grant it, LOTS of peeps have tattoos now, so the club is not really small.  But it is still kind of exclusive. Almost everyone I know ha

Digging the new Jeff Tweedy record, Warm.  Review coming soon. 

Sooooo.  This might be pretty much the sweetest and most-endearing film I've seen in some time and has all the ingredients of something I just might love: Dolly Parton sing-alongs, Jennifer Aniston with a Southern accent, true teenage girl friendship, and what's that thing you just hardly ever see in cinema anymore?  Oh, yeah.  INNOCENCE. Full of body positivity, the complications of mother/daughter relationships and the insecurity that you never quite outgrow, this movie had me in tears more than once.  And it also reminded me of some of the girl-power movies that I've loved from the past 20 years: Drop Dead Gorgeous, Sugar & Spice, Whip It, Little Miss Sunshine, Legally Blond and Juno. And while I don't think I need to warn you about this, I will anyway.  Keep your boyfriends and husbands away while you're watching this gem.  It's not for them, and they won't get it.  And yes, they will ruin it for you.  How do I know that?  Please.  All w

My fam has been looking forward to Holidays at the Garden since we first went last year.  Worth the time and the money for a lovely walk through the gardens.  Check out the beautiful DSBG in Gaston County!

First off, this is one of the best movies I've seen in a while. And second, it may even be the best of Spike Lee's many joints. I'm not sure I can even describe how clever this film is.  It takes a subject, that sounds incredibly unbelievable, and manages to play it with a lot of heart and, amazingly, humor.  Paying homage to Blaxploitation cinema of the 1970's and a low-key but on-point soundtrack (Brandy, You're a Fine Girl!) this film really takes hold of the moment that was 1971.  Then it smacks you in the face big-time by pulling you straight into present-time with current political figures, watershed moments and even catchphrases.  I don't want to spoil the end, but I'm telling you, stay seated until it's over.  You will be moved. This film made me think of two of Spike Lee's previous films in particular: Malcolm X and Do the Right Thing.  There's a journey in all of these movies, and at times it almost seems light-hea

Continuing my long love affair of Barbara Kingsolver  is almost too easy for me.  Especially when my husband bought this book for me as a surprise!  (What a dude!  Seriously.  Forget flowers & candy.  Get you a man that buys you books!) This novel is weighted with heavy subject matter of our time: suicide, income insecurity, housing instability, climate change, elder parent care.......basically, think of a modern-day stressor and you'll find it here.  But Kingsolver, as always, ties it together in a nifty package that manages to give you some hope at the end. And some girl power.....just tell me how to not love that Tig! I loved the way this book challenged my long-held beliefs as a Gen Xer and made me consider that the younger generation may be onto something with their lesser consumption.  Well, I hope so anyway.  If kids today have some better ideas, I'm all ears because I think we could all agree that we're on the wrong path. I can't lie......this book

Get tested, get care, reach out for help and for education. It's not over.  It never was.