Movies I Want to Rant About-August 2011

I'm not going to pretend to be a movie critic, but I do like to watch a lot of movies. I don't go to theaters much seeing as the typical age I see there is also the age I teach, so I am a big fan of redbox and catching movies I haven't seen on TV as they come on.

So here are a few recent movies that I've watched, whether they are new or not. If you have Netflix, maybe you can put some of these on your queue. Anyways, these were some of my favorite movies that I’ve watched recently, and a movie that I can’t wait to see. I’m going to keep it short and not ruin the movies for what they are. Enjoy.

Red Dawn (1984)


Okay so David recorded this one and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but hey, look at this picture! All these great 80s actors really made the movie…and you kind of have to take it for what it is.

So I’m totally into World War 3, post-apocalyptic movies, and this fits right in. The United States is invaded and a small town is taken over by the enemy, but not before a group of teens can run away to the mountains to escape and eventually fight those who have killed their families and fellow Americans.

It was entertaining. (Additionally, there has been a new version of this film made and should be released sometime this year.) This is for people like me that like those end of the world movies or anything to do with the 80s or Cold War.

Temple Grandin (2010)

So my father-in-law got this on Netflix and spent an entire weekend trying to get us to watch it. I did not want to. We finally ended up watching it, and it was AMAZING.

This is a movie based on a real woman who has autism and has spent a majority of her life being underestimated. Because of the way her autistic mind works, she was able to completely revolutionize the cattle industry, of all things. What I love about this movie is that she is portrayed as a real person and the way she used her photographic memory to get through everything in her life.

Definitely a must see, especially for those of you who are into psychology, sciences, indy movies, and those who work with people of special needs. Completely made me rethink autism.

Cold Mountain (2003)


Okay, here was another movie I tried to avoid for a long time, mostly because I am not a big fan of Jude Law or Nicole Kidman. But this movie was great and heart-wrenching. And the supporting roles such as Renee Zellweger and Donald Sutherland were entertaining and lovable.

Cold Mountain is a Civil War movie based on a young couple separated by war. Pretty predictable. But refreshingly, it was more of a perspective of a woman dealing with patience and growth and the small town atmosphere that changes during war. So instead of being a war movie it’s a movie about people and how war tears people apart. It was good, and great to watch with your spouse.

A Movie I’m exited about…
Ides of March (October 7, 2011)
Ryan Gosling and George Clooney.

If that’s not enough for you, think modern-day political thriller with a title that is most famously associated with the assassination of Julius Caesar. Which is a pretty intense phrase to use about the race to the presidency. Lots of big names in this movie for sure, and I think there is already Oscar hype on this one. A fight between idealism and realism, which is something I’ve struggled with politically for years. Just watch the trailer and get excited. Watch Trailer Here

In Time (October 28, 2011)

Justin Timberlake and Leonard from Big Bang Theory in a futuristic sci-fi movie in which time really is money. Looks like it'll be one of those ones you walk away from with lots of thoughts about life.   Watch Trailer Here

Ranch chicken.

Easy easy easy chicken recipe, adding very little cost to your meal but an entirely different taste than you're used to in an economic way!

Ingredients
3-4 chicken breasts
1 package of Ranch dressing seasoning mix
garlic (3-4 cloves)
salt & pepper

1. Put chicken breasts in a gallon ziploc bag.
2. Chop up about 3 cloves of garlic, add to bag.
3. Add ranch seasoning mix, and dash of salt and pepper.
4. Close ziploc and marinade for at least 30 minutes.
5. After heating a griddler to high (gets it crispy!) cook chicken until meat is white and juices run clear.

Enjoy!

First time for everything.

Technically, this won't be my first time to teach. It will, however, be the first time I will be on salary as a full-time employee. Which is, as most of the other teachers out there, both terrifying and exciting to enter into. There are so many rules, objectives, and procedures to be followed.

But you know what? I'm excited.

This is going to be great. I know how important it is to go into a classroom with confidence and optimism. It's hard not to think of all of the "what if's" of education (although, in my defense, that's part of my job too.)

I am teaching a new content for me, which also includes a much younger group of students, developmentally and academically. This in itself is a tough transition for me, but there is major restructuring going on in my content, so I will get to work with my team to redevelop the class. Such a great opportunity. My team leader is great and when I observed her classroom, I loved the way it functioned.

I'm employed at a school that already knows me. I already have a great support team there, and the administration is great. I had no idea if I would have a job or not this year (see first blog).

But God is good,
all the time,
but this time He provided.

I'm reminded today, even as I read a mundane employee handbook and prepare for meeting with my team, of optimism and faith. I consider myself to have these in my life already, but today, in a beautiful way, I feel them shoved in my face once again so as not to forget. Another beautiful chance to glorify not myself but my God, and feel so very thankful for what I've been given.

This is my first year of teaching, and sure it may feel intimidating. But there's no need to stress. This is going to be tough and beautiful, but I know I have the credentials to do this and the support that I need to make this a successful new adventure in my life.

Just remind me if I start to get down. Accountability, my friends, accountability.