See this movie

It's exciting and relevant and very well-written (the last plot twist took me completely by surprise, yet in retrospect it makes sense). I forget what a good actor Rusell Crowe is. His celebrity persona annoys me, but it shouldn't get in the way of performances like this one. Rachel McAdams is very good, too. Some of the best lines are Helen Mirren's and Jason Bateman's. Ben Affleck is the weak link, though. He's not bad, he just seems over his head.

If you happen to see Mark Harmon ...

Please tell him that I'm a little in love with him.

Thank you.

Cause for celebration

I completed my goal of 13 workouts this month ... with five days left to go! Today was an especially brutal exercise. My personal trainer, Monette, spent the first of four one-on-one hours with me. Ow! Ow! OW!

I learned how to do the exercises and use the equipment correctly, and how to make my work outs more productive. Also, when we were done, Monette and I had a nice little talk about what my goals are and how I felt about the routine we did today. I told her we are never doing that run up and down the stairs thing because I didn't feel safe, and she promised we'd come up with options I was more comfortable with.

Between this and my obsessive devotion to maintaining my food diary/Daily Plate at Livestrong.com, this should be the first of many small victories to come. I must keep reminding myself that many small victories combine to result in major success in terms of my health and fitness.

Saturday 9 -- A Little Less Conversation

1. If you could have just one more conversation with a person from your past, who would it be? I said something unnecessarily cruel to a former lover while we were breaking up. I was weary in mind and spirit and just wanted the drama of that night to end, so I said something that left scorched earth. I am sooooooo sorry. I wish I could tell him that I really did love him, that I believe he's a good man, that I hope he's happy ... and I am sorry.

2. Do your friends tend to be male or female? Both. No, they're not hermaphrodites. I mean my circle of friends includes a pretty even mix of men and women.

3. What is in your car’s trunk? I don't have car.

4. What was the last CD that you purchased? Live Down the Road by Marcia Ball.

5. What is your favorite movie and why? The Way We Were. Because Streisand is so ferociously her own girl. The movie shows the price she pays for her individualism, and the rewards for maintaining her integrity. Oh yeah, and Redford in Navy whites.

6. If you could wake up with a new talent tomorrow, what would it be? I'd sing like Streisand.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why? Tuesday. I'm pretty productive at work because I've shaken off the weekend, and then I get home and watch Idol.

8. What are you wearing when you feel you’re at your best? Jeans and a t-shirt. Because that's what I'm almost always wearing.

9. When was the last time cried? I don't remember.

Saturday 9: A Little Less Conversation