There's been quite a few (thank you, Netflix and redbox!), but I think the most enjoyable, most edifying, and most impressive movie that I watched this year was FIREPROOF. Honestly, I went into this with kind of low expectations (I'm ashamed to admit) and the idea that it would a cheesy moralistic Christian movie, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was really a wonderful movie that was encouraging and motivating.
This one is fairly easy, since I've only seen a handful in the theaters this year, but the prize easily goes to UP. Of course, I am a huge Disney and Pixar fan - so it's probably no surprise to you - but this movie also had a great message about marriage and love and it had dogs with voice machines. Who can forget the doberman with the squeaky voice or the lovable golden retriever - "Master???" Also, my mom and Steve were inspired to include the balloon theme from UP in their wedding decor to signify the adventures they are going to embark on together. Pretty cool.
BEST ENTERTAINMENT:
I was thinking this category might go to a concert or play or even a hockey game (definitely not a Chiefs game or even a Royals game), but I think I am going to have to reward it to Ron Ruth. He was the DJ at our wedding 4 years ago, he was the DJ at Mom's wedding in October, and then he was the DJ and the Crown Christmas party. I use the word DJ so you understand, but really he is an "Entertainment Director" and that does suit what he does much better. Truly, he makes you want to party.
BEST BOOK (FICTION):
I had to go to my goodreads profile to review what I've read this year for this category, and I realized it was going to be impossible to nominate just one. So, I'm cheating a little and doing 2 (well, sort of 4, but they are series books, so that doesn't count, right?!?). Anyway, both of these are parts of trilogies and I have read the first 2 books in each so far. The first is Hunger Games & Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Excellent YA literature reminiscent of one of my childhood favorites, The Giver. The second is a series being published posthumously by Swedish author Stieg Larsson, The Girl with athe Dragon Tattoo & The Girl Who Played With Fire. The 3rd will be The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest out this spring. They are wonderful intellectual mysteries, but really you read them for the colorful & rich characters.
BEST BOOK (NON-FICTION):
Hands down, Mark Batterson's "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day," if the title doesn't intrigue you, perhaps my review of it will...
BEST MEAL:
On one of our last evenings in St. Louis, Eli and I went to our favorite place on the Hill, Cunetto's House of Pasta and ordered our favorite dish (pasta d'alba) and although we've had it many times before, it was especially good that night - making us promise we would be back.
BEST TRIP:
Our first camping trip (besides at the ranch) together was to Branson, MO this spring. We arrived late at night in the middle of a downpour that didn't stop all day. We set up tent in the rain and woke up to a leaky tent. We went to Wal-Mart, bought rain-gear and still managed to enjoy Silver Dollar City, and then (best of all!) checked into a jacuzzi suite hotel room. It was wonderful...
BEST NEW GADGET:
The Amazon Kindle.
BEST VIDEO GAME:
Who would have thought I would have ever included a category like this?!?!? Well, since I've been at Mom's house for the last couple months (along with my brother, Nick), I have to add it... and it goes to Little Big Planet. It's so much fun and even I can play it!
and, last but not least...
BEST MEMORY:
I'll never forget the half-marathon I ran this spring. Not because it was my first or my best, but because despite the fact that it was freezing and raining, my wonderful husband drove me downtown for it and waited a VERY LONG time for me to finish and met me at the finish line with an umbrella and hug. I really think knowing he was there at the end made me run a little bit faster than I would have managed otherwise. So THANK YOU, ELI! The site of you soaked and smiling at the finish line is burnt in my mind forever. Here's to many more "best memories" in 2010!
Our first camping trip (besides at the ranch) together was to Branson, MO this spring. We arrived late at night in the middle of a downpour that didn't stop all day. We set up tent in the rain and woke up to a leaky tent. We went to Wal-Mart, bought rain-gear and still managed to enjoy Silver Dollar City, and then (best of all!) checked into a jacuzzi suite hotel room. It was wonderful...
BEST NEW GADGET:
The Amazon Kindle.
BEST VIDEO GAME:
Who would have thought I would have ever included a category like this?!?!? Well, since I've been at Mom's house for the last couple months (along with my brother, Nick), I have to add it... and it goes to Little Big Planet. It's so much fun and even I can play it!
and, last but not least...
BEST MEMORY:
I'll never forget the half-marathon I ran this spring. Not because it was my first or my best, but because despite the fact that it was freezing and raining, my wonderful husband drove me downtown for it and waited a VERY LONG time for me to finish and met me at the finish line with an umbrella and hug. I really think knowing he was there at the end made me run a little bit faster than I would have managed otherwise. So THANK YOU, ELI! The site of you soaked and smiling at the finish line is burnt in my mind forever. Here's to many more "best memories" in 2010!
No comments:
Post a Comment