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October 15, 2007
It's Like I Just Suddenly Switched to Vodka
This weekend was one where I had big plans, big dreams for what I would do, including getting a haircut, a mani-pedi, cleaning off my patio, going to the Rose Bowl flea market and practicing my birthday dinner for The Boy.
Of course, I managed only to accomplish one of the aforementioned tasks, the haircut, and that's only because I had an appointment and couldn't exactly not show.
I don't know what my problem is, but all I wanted to do was nap. Maybe it's the change in seasons, maybe it's adjusting to a new work schedule and more alone time than I know what to do with, who knows.
Luckily, though, my sister, aware of my state of misanthropy, emailed me Sunday night to tell me she was watching "Elf," suggesting I should do the same.
Oh. My. Goodness. Not now, arctic puffin!
After that film, I was in an amazing mood, finding the recipes for my practice dinner, knitting a Christmas present scarf. I am truly embarrassed at how much better watching Will Ferrell prance around in tights for 93 minutes made me feel.
But you know, who cares? So I am on a one Christmas-related film a night plan for the next week or so until I get myself over the hump. Luckily for me, there are a ton of not-actually-Christmas movies that are Christmas-y for me, e.g., When Harry Met Sally, Serendipity, and the movie for tonight:
Oddly enough, it's written by Phoebe and Harry Ephron, I believe the parents of Nora, who wrote When Harry Met Sally. Anyway, it's a hilarious old romantic comedy in which (gasp!) a computer (gasp!) is installed in the reference department of one of the big three TV networks. It is AWESOME, in that it is still funny today, and also, hello! the computer is bigger than my apartment and makes total R2D2 noises. Ah, The Future as imagined from 1957 -- in technicolor, wee!
Anyway, one of my favorite lines from the film is when Spencer Tracy, playing the "efficiency expert" (which is I guess what IT guys were called in those days but for me only recalls reading Cheaper by the Dozen, like, 900 times as a child), is measuring the reference department for where his big, hulking "electronic brain" is going to go. And the ladies of the reference department don't know why he's there quite yet, with the greenest speculating that he's there to redecorate.
One says, "Does he look like an interior decorator to you?"
Another replies, "No. He looks like a man who just suddenly switched to vodka."
Wee! I love you, you broad-sweeping 1950s humor. Especially when you involve a romantic Christmas scene in which someone's shoes end up getting burned in the oven.
You make me so happy. It's almost like I just suddenly switched to vodka. Or one of the four main elf food groups, syrup.
Posted by jen at October 15, 2007 10:20 PM
Comments
francisco! now that's a fun name to say!
just looking at the disc of the movie "elf" makes me laugh. i'm glad that cheered you up though. i even said to bekki last night that i don't think it is humanly possible to watch "elf" and not smile once.
Posted by: Penny at October 15, 2007 11:39 PM
Elf and Desk Set are seriously two of my favorite movies. I have been feeling lethargic and my new motto is I Hate Everyone, so I think I am going to try a little of the Christmas Movie Cure!
Posted by: -R- at October 16, 2007 07:40 AM
I love Desk Set! I always crack up watching Spencer Tracy eat his sandwich, because he's so natural about it. Which is a weird thing to remember about a movie, but that's what always sticks with me.
Posted by: SpaceCase at October 16, 2007 08:27 AM
I have LOVED Desk Set since I was a kid. I haven't seen it in years. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: Dagny at October 16, 2007 08:54 AM
Oh, Cheaper By the Dozen. Love That Book!
Posted by: Susan at October 16, 2007 07:26 PM
sounds awesome - i just added it to my netflix list! :)
i am with you on the extreme need for nappage and nothing else... :)
Posted by: carolyn at October 17, 2007 07:17 AM
That is my Favorite Line from Elf. Well, that and "syrup in COFFEE?!".
Anyway. I love that movie. Love it love it love it. Glad it helped you feel better!
Posted by: wenders at October 17, 2007 09:51 AM
I adore Desk Set. I'm so glad you brought it up because I never can remember the name of it. :) Not I can NetFlix it.
Posted by: SusannahS at October 17, 2007 10:54 PM
I love both those movies.
I was at the grocery, buying maple syrup (it comes in these flat squarish bottles - really, a lot like the "syrup" bottle from Elf) and the lady checking me out got all big-eyed. "We sell LIQUOR now?" she asked, all excited (not excited-upset, but excited like "I can go get some when my shift ends!") and I was all, "um, it's maple syrup." She laughed and I asked if she'd seen "Elf."
Well, she roared with laughter then. I guess I made her day a little better, which made me feel good.
Posted by: fillyjonk at October 19, 2007 11:51 AM
Sounds like I need a good Christmas style marathon around these parts. I have been good and unmotivated for quite some time.
Posted by: Christine at October 21, 2007 05:09 PM
Desk Set it the BOMB. Any librarian worth anything has got to agree.
Richard: Tough question?
Bunny: No...tough roast beef.
Posted by: Librarian Girl at October 22, 2007 02:56 PM
IS the bomb. Not it. Typos are my best friend. Or should I say freind?
Posted by: Librarian Girl at October 22, 2007 02:57 PM
How cool to read your blog today! Last night I myself watches White Christmas. It's been a little secret of mine...when I'm REALLY down I break out the Christmas movies!
And love Desk Set and Serendipity!
Posted by: Amy N TX at October 24, 2007 11:39 AM
Both great movies!
Sorry to hear of the breakup, going through that sucks no matter the reason or season.
Posted by: Bliss at October 26, 2007 10:46 AM