FAMILY REVIEW OF THOR

Saturday night my family went to see Thor. Before I continue, I can hear you judgmental moms out there saying, “Isn’t that movie rated PG-13? And didn’t I just read that her kids recently turned 10? BAD mom!” Yes, all of that is true (except the bad mom part). Believe me, I checked it out beforehand. The only cuss words used were “damn” and “hell” (and only 3 times total, according to my children, who count these things), there was only one kiss, and while there was violence and fighting, there was very little blood and guts showing. So really, it was way less than most video games!

Anyway, I wasn’t thrilled about seeing this movie, but I figured anything that wasn’t a cartoon would be a nice change of pace for us, so I went along. Well, wasn’t I pleasantly surprised! We all loved, loved, loved this movie, albeit for different reasons.

The kids loved it because, well, they’re kids and there was lots of fighting. I don’t think they really got all the family in-fighting and brotherly tension, but that’s okay. I almost prefer it that way!

My husband loved it because he used to read all those comic books when he was a kid. And he loved it because he’s still a big kid and there was lots of fighting.

I loved it because of Thor himself. Really. Have you seen him? Without a shirt? Oh man! Take a look…

You’re welcome!

Karen

SO WHAT ARE YOU REALLY THANKFUL FOR?

I know this time of year we’re supposed to reflect upon all the things that we are thankful for, like our health, our families, etc, etc, etc. Not that I’m not thankful for these things, but I want to dig a little deeper and confess what I’m REALLY thankful for.

Here goes:

1. Saturday Morning Cartoons. I know, you’re thinking that those have been around forever. Well, not in my world, they haven’t. We weren’t allowed to watch cartoons in the mornings like everybody else in the world. Really! So to me, snuggling with my kids in bed on a Saturday morning, watching cartoons, is a real treat!
   
2. On-Line Banking. I admit it – I’m REALLY bad at paying bills. So the fact that I can wait until the very last minute and send it off via the internet and know that it will get there on time is a HUGE relief!
   
3. Drive Thru Pharmacies. I’ll admit this one, too – I’m really lazy! If I can accomplish an errand without actually leaving my car, I’m all for it.
   
4. Social Media. WOW, what a great place to meet new friends, find old friends, and market my book. I am amazed at how many really good friends I have on sites like Twitter whom I have never met, and probably never will, but we’d probably do almost anything for each other. And I’m thrilled at finding some friends from years and years ago on Facebook. They were never forgotten, but I certainly never thought they’d be in my life again. So, so glad they are (you know who you are, especially my Central School buds!).
   
5. Washable Markers and Paints. Need I say more?
   
6. Roomba (Robotic Vacuum). I HATE to vacuum, but now I can do it every day without lifting a finger. How awesome is that? DH programmed it, and it runs every morning at 9:00 am. Every so often it escapes where it’s supposed to be and picks up something it shouldn’t, but to occasionally look for it under a couch is a small price to pay!
   
7. Digital Cameras. Kids (and husbands) can take as many pictures as they want!
   
8. Mindless Books. When I read, I don’t want to learn anything. I just want to be taken away into a mystery or a steamy romance or a comedy. (Yes, I’m a book slut!) The most I want to think about is Whodunit or Whosgonnadoit? And there are PLENTY of books that fit the bill on this one!
   
9. Craig’s List. As long as you can avoid the scammers, it’s a great place to buy and sell. Especially those non-returnable impulse buys!
   
10. But, of course, all kidding aside, I’m thankful for my awesome family (yes, that includes my sisters and my girlfriends who are like sisters to me!), our good fortune and our good health. I never, ever lose sight of how truly lucky we are.
    

Karen