Not only am I acclimating to my new heated environment, I’m getting used to Vegas life. I’ve basically lived outside of a small town for most of my life only visiting the “city” outside of it, Kokomo. It would mostly be considered a town compared to where I live now, but it is where most of my knowledge of city life comes from. I visited the capital of Indiana several times over the years, so I knew the basics about city living from that. I just never lived there. The closet thing I’ve come to living in a somewhat large city was in Muncie where I went to college for four years. Those who lived there know while it is somewhat large and populated, it is mostly due to the university population that migrates into the city during the fall and spring semesters. Also visiting the fair city of Las Vegas on several occasions has given me a good idea of what to expect. There is more than the Las Vegas Strip.

Amazingly, my time in Kokomo and Muncie has prepared me inexplicably when it comes to dealing with crazies and rednecks. There are a multitude of people living here in the dessert, but alas, there are plenty of crazies. First example: Driving. My brother and sister-in-law have told me about the driving situation here in Vegas, and I’ve even witnessed it as a passenger during visits. Kokomo’s traffic was left to be desired, mostly due to the fact that my car somehow had an amazing ability to become invisible until the last moment, encouraging most of motorized population to attempt to hit my vehicle. As you can see, I became a little bitter towards the licensed and not so licensed drivers of Kokomo. Muncie was actually worse. For a town that always seemed to have the traffic lights go out at least once a week somewhere along Mcgalliard or Tilottson, two of the busiest streets in Muncie, no one remembers that no light means 4-way. I feared for my life on a daily basis. I actually had a situation where a woman pulled up behind me as she was racing to get her frosty, the only thing that seemed logical at the time for her to be racing for. I was not moving fast enough nor did she seem to really care. This was definitely not one of the situations I was prepared for. If you have ever wondered about my strange driving behavior while in Kokomo, Muncie was probably the reason.

Las Vegas is pretty much the same except there are about 4x as many people and everyone is extremely impatient, emphasis on extremely. They always assume that little tiny area that you are keeping in front of you, so that you don’t suddenly end up in the ass of the car ahead of you, was left just for them. Most of the time, the drivers here just assume you see them and will stop, because who needs to get into an accident. My sister-in-law just told me the other day that I should never be the first one to go at a green light. There is another factor that adds to the mess that is Las Vegas traffic. There is a big dynamic in the traveling population. The visiting California drivers are always in a hurry and are extremely aggressive. This is most likely due to being used to driving in L.A. Another large part of our traffic is from the retirement community. In my experience, older people tend to drive slower than the majority of drivers. You put these two parts together on I-95, and you now have a description of the traffic flow: slow down, speed up. This makes it very dangerous. I recommend avoiding driving through Las Vegas if you’re not actually planning on stopping. There is no sense in putting yourself through that if not.

I was also informed to keep my eye out for cops, the ones that aren’t marked. They take undercover very seriously here. I knew that they had a variety of unmarked vehicles to travel in from expensive sports cars to minivans, but I hadn’t actually seen one yet, until today. I was venturing out on an errand and decided to stop for a shake when I saw that two unmarked cop vehicles had blocked in a car that had been parked. What I assumed to be a kid leaning over the Grand Prix cop car with his cargo shorts, popped collar polo, and backwards baseball cap tipped to the side, I soon realized was actually the cop. They apparently take their jobs seriously here and do intend to blend even, when that means dressing up like a tool. I know that I probably shouldn’t have, but I started cracking up. I was just glad I did this as I was turning away from the officer.

I’m still looking for jobs and waiting on a call back from one of the interviews I had. I am starting to be concerned about money. Not that I’m going to be broke tomorrow, just figuring in my comfy cushion. My sister-in-law suggested that I offer babysitting services, and I’m starting to seriously consider it. I’d just feel better if I got a job.

Until next time….

This was back before I went natural... Pardon language on this.. I was angry.

Genre: Drama/Comedy

Directed: Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz

Screenplay: Peter Hedges, Chris Weitz, and Paul Weitz

Starring: Hugh Grant, Toni Collette, Nicholas Hoult, and Rachel Weisz

Since this film is based on the novel by Nick Hornby, I would like to explain my feelings concerning film adaptations of novels. I personally like to watch the film version first before I read the novel if I can help it. I am not usually disappointed with either version in this order. Some people prefer the opposite way, but when I read the novel first, I end up becoming highly more critical of the film. I try to keep this my policy, but I am human. If I get involved with a series I really like, I tend not to have the patience to wait. Lol!

My first attraction to this film was the fact that it was British made and starred Hugh Grant, and this is also the very reason I purchased it. I tend to gravitate toward the British shows, because I enjoy the dry humor so much. Hugh Grant never disappoints in this area. What I originally thought was going to be funny narrative of Hugh Grant’s character during bachelorhood, turned out having an endearing story filled with just as charming, if not eccentric, characters as well.

The story follows Will and Marcus as they both go through the trials of growing up. Will is a self-proclaimed bachelor living off the royalties of his deceased one-hit wonder father and happy to do so. He spends his days watching game shows, spending money, and plotting his next female conquest. His newest plan finds him impersonating a single parent, believing that he can find plenty of women looking for fun and not attachment. It is through one of these exploits that he finds himself suddenly involved in Marcus’s life and not by choice either.

Marcus’s dramatic and eccentric mother’s usual antics are enough to embarrass him as he tries to survive school and the trials of being a normal teenager, but her latest self-absorbed stunt threatens to rip his world apart completely. Fearing for his mother’s sanity and the remnants of his happiness, Marcus comes up with a plan to find his mother a boyfriend. Since he hasn’t really met an adult male besides his own father and Will, he places his hopes on Will and forces him with a little blackmail to date his mother.

What actually develops between Marcus and Will is a relationship that pushes the other to accept themselves as they are and move on with life. In Will’s case, this means becoming the matured man, willing to let others in, whom he should have become at least ten years earlier. For Marcus, he finally becomes one with his awkwardness and learns how to have fun. At the beginning, Marcus is the mature adult, putting his mother’s happiness before his own, and Will’s the child, not being able to see beyond his own indulgence. This story is their journey of finding their rightful roles in life and creating a bond with the other that was unlikely in the beginning, but turned out to be exactly what each of them needed.

Being that the novel is fantastic, the only way that they could have hoped to recreate the charm into film is with the cast that they chose. This is a story driven film, and in order to achieve this in film the actors chosen become the tools in which to propel it forward. Bad acting can easily put a story driven film through cardiac arrest before it has even seen the silver screen leading it straight to the dreaded video store path.

Hugh Grant was perfect for the role as Will. His acting is usually limited to comedy, but it is an area in which he shines. Normally, his serious moments are always overlapped by immediate comedic relief. But Hugh Grant can do drama and has the resume to prove it, which gave him the perfect chops to present Will’s character perfectly.

Nicholas Hoult handled the mantle of his first major film part quite well, delivering an engaging and believable performance. I have seen him gradually take on more and more film roles since About A Boy, and he has gotten stronger. It is clear from this film that he would have such a career ahead of him.

The last actor to pull you into this film is none other than the famed chameleon actor, Toni Collette, which she proves undoubtedly on her recent television series, The United States of Tara, as a women with a multiple personality disorder. Toni Collette has played many varied characters that spread across a spectrum that at times you do not realize the actor you are watching is her right away. This is just raw talent that few actors have. This film is no different. She once again throws herself into the character of Fiona, Marcus’s mother. Her characters neurotic tendencies allowed Toni Collette to portray a woman that allowed you to sympathize, empathize, laugh with, and laugh at without one awkward turn.

Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot to add about Rachel Weisz. She was not terrible in this film, just that her character did not offer her much to work with beyond delivering the lines. Her character was important, but only as a device for Will’s character.

Over all, this is a wonderful movie that not only will make you laugh, but make you feel good. I would also like to make a tiny notice to the soundtrack that was written and performed by Badly Drawn Boy. It adds its own character, and I highly recommend to those who find this type of music appealing. Just be warned that it is score as well as music.

I give this film 4 Buttery Kernels.

Coming Soon: Accepted

Just to keep this site moving, I am going to start reviewing my film collection. My collection is getting close to 500, and it is still growing. Yes, I do realize that I have a problem. Lol! Also, I should mention that I do have some anal-retentive issues when it comes to my movies. I keep them if alphabetical order. This will be very apparent, as I go through my reviews. Don’t be afraid to laugh about that. It is okay to make fun of me. For the reviews of the films in my personal collection, I thought that I will also add why I own them. This is an important reason to me, because not all movies should be purchased. There are even some movies that will take 2 hours of your life that you will never get back. Keeping with this spirit, I will also let you know where a new film measures up in this way. I'll let you know whether you should stay away, go see immediately, buy, or just rent.

I will be leaving this site open for anyone to leave a comment if they like, regardless if they are affiliated with Blogger. I will rate my films through Buttery Kernels. Yes, it is rather cheesy, but since I wanted to be different from the regular Stars rating system, this is was the only representation I could find that was not currently being used. It will be used like the standard system: 1 to 5 Buttery Kernels, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. I hoping that you will have as much as I and thanks for visiting Blondie’s Flick Find.

Coming Soon: About A Boy

Since I packed up my stuff and moved from my childhood home of over 20 years, I thought that I would start this blog to allow all the family and friends that I left behind to keep up with my life. As everyone knows, I ran away for opportunity in Las Vegas. Opportunities that still remain fuzzy at the moment, but one opportunity is quite clear, even if he happens to be short and absolutely adorable. Being apart of my nephew's life was probably the biggest draw.

Now I'm here in the middle of July where the temperatures are normally over 100 degrees. Crazy I know, but yay for no more insane blizzards. This is kind of why I decided to entitle the blog "Hot Pursuit." One, I'm in a hot desert climate, and two, it's a shout out to one of my favorite John Cusak 80's films. Nothing says me like an 80's movie. This blog is to keep you informed of all my new discoveries and mishaps as I continue down the path fate dropped me on.

Right now I'm working on employment. That is the main key in obtaining my other goal of an apartment. Not that I'm not enjoying living with my nephew and sister-in-law. We get along very well, so well, I think my brother is in trouble when he returns home. Lol! I do want to finally have a place to call my own. I think it's long over due. In order to accomplish this, I'll need money, so employment is kind of key. I've had a couple of interviews, and I have been picky about where I've been applying. I have a system of tiers that are based on my desperation. You'll know when I'm desperite. Lol! I'm sure that everything will work out the way it's supposed to in the end. Wish me luck!

Just to let all of my friends and family know, I do still miss and love you all. I hope that everything is going well for you. I am going to try to keep in touch with you all. I want to be honest and let you know that keeping in touch is not one of my strong points. If you need me just call or email or even text. I'm still here for you!! Another quick note, I am also starting a film review blog, which is honestly long overdue for me. It is at blondiesflickfind.blogspot.com. I'm still building that one up, but I'll let you know when it's officially up and running.

Until next time.....

I am still in the process of getting this blog up and running smoothly. My intent is to start making film reviews. I have a varied opinion, so please feel free to comment. Just to get the ball rolling, I am going to start by reviewing my film collection and other films that I see along the way. My goal is to keep up with the new releases and share my expectations for the weekends upcoming films. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope that you will enjoy and laugh a little.

I do not know what is going on with my hair this week. It seems like I cannot put enough moisture into it. (Authors note: This is not me above…I wish I had that much hair) How is the weather in everyone's area? Tonight it is all rainy and dreary and I think it is affecting the hubs and I. He is aggravating me to no end. My grandmother's 70^th birthday bash was this past weekend, where I met a surprising guest in my cousin's wife. Why is this surprising you say? She is a naturalista too! We sat and discussed products and things like that.
Anyway, just didn't want anyone thinking that I wasn't alive or kicking. I am here, and I should have a new product review in the next couple of weeks. I just ordered a new product from a different website.

Have a great night!

So the product that I am reviewing is not a hair product. However, I did review a Carol's Daughter hair product over on Beauty and the Bitch . You should check that out as well. Today on my blog, I am reviewing their Almond Cookie Shea Souffle.
First off after getting this product, I took a big whiff… and fell into a sea of soft loving almond-y goodness. Oh wow this stuff smells good! I have really dry skin so I was praying to the Flying Spaghetti Monster (google it..You're welcome) that it worked well.
My prayers were answered.
Instantly my skin felt soft and smooth and luxurious. It is a small jar but a little goes a long way. I slather some on after I've had a bath and I feel all soft and touchable. My husband agrees with me too. If you read my blog over there on Beauty and the Bitch, You will see I wasn't the biggest fan of their leave in conditioner. But their Souffle? Sign me up! It's totally worth the money. I am just jealous of all the people that live near a CD!

Good day my lovelies! I hope all is going well with you in natural world. Things are….well, they are okay over here. I would be lying if every now and again I didn't pull on my hair to see its length and think "If my hair was relaxed, it would be this long.

But then I realize, this is about more than long hair. It is about healthy hair, hair that I can manage and take care of, without having to spend several hours a week in a salon. Yes, I loved the silky feeling of my hair when it was relaxed, but that silky feeling only lasted a week at best. The rest of the time I was walking around like Pippi Longstockings!

For you that do not know me, I have a type 4a Curl. That means my hair is very kinky with a visible curl pattern. I need to take some pictures of my hair, I don't have any really recent ones. Maybe that will be my next entry.

For those interested about the classification of curls, you can check out: http://www.naturallycurly.com/hair-types . It breaks down each type of curl pattern, and also offers you some products specifically for your curl type.

Right now, I am doing very basic things with my hair. I wash it using a suave shampoo and conditioner. I moisturize using olive oil. I pick it out into a sassy fro' and then I dash!

I'm loving the ease..I just wish my hair was a wee bit longer.