Rob and I were watching the Veronica Mars season 3 DVDs last night (I got them for Christmas — thanks Robyn!) that we almost missed the countdown to the New Year! Heh. We’re geeks, I know.

Anyway, yup, I’m back in the Bay. I got back on Sunday night and have been lounging in front of the TV ever since. It was a great vacation and I can’t believe it’s over.

I’ll blog about the past few weeks when I can dig myself out of my current bout of laziness.

I’m super behind on current TV (Grey’s, Ugly Betty, Private Practice, etc) but instead of catching up, I decided to open my OC season 4 DVDs and watch the series finale instead. Plus, I figure with the writers strike, I’ll have time in the next few months to get up to speed.

Gawd, I miss this show. I don’t think I ever blogged about the finale so here goes…

I really adored the entire episode. I was touched by the callbacks to the first season… from the score to the flashbacks of pivotal moments from the pilot (Ryan meeting Seth, Ryan gazing at Marissa as Sandy drives him back to Chino). But what I loved the best was seeing where the characters ended up.

The Coopers (Julie and Kaitlin, that is) are made of awesome. I didn’t particularly like Kaitlin when she first came back to Newport but in the last season, she showed vulnerability and heart and that was reflected in her relationship with Julie. They turned into such a great mother-daughter team. And when Julie got her college degree with Kaitlin in the audience cheering her on… well, that was icing on the cake.

Seth and Summer getting married was totally expected but I still loved seeing it happen. Their best moment of the finale by far, though, was their goodbye scene. When Summer sat down on the bus, looked at Seth through the window, and put her hand on the glass… Guh. I fell in love with them all over again.

Ryan and Taylor’s ending was left open-ended (damn you, Josh Schwartz!) but I think their scenes left pretty good hints of what’s to come. Or at least that’s what *I* like to believe. I mean, come on — did you SEE Taylor rip Ryan’s shirt off as soon as they had a moment alone together? They ooze sexual tension.

I do wish that there would have been some room in the finale for one last Sandy/Ryan scene… and I wish they would have filmed the Berkeley scenes on location. The UCLA and Caltech campuses are gorgeous but they just don’t look anything like Cal.

But back to my other favorite moments…
– Summer giving Julie the locket with Marissa’s photo. I always tear up during this scene and I’ve seen the finale at least 4 or 5 times now.
– The Valley meta… “Real life Jake and real life April broke up!” I know it can be overdone but I like that the show can poke some fun at itself.
– Ryan taking Flapjacks out of his hoodie pocket. Awww. Though I admit his pocket was not exactly the best place to hold the little guy.
– And THE BEST scene of the episode, was definitely this exchange between Ryan and Seth…
Ryan: “I’m a lot better off than when you found me.”
Seth: “Me, too.”

*sniff*

I also started re-reading the Harry Potter series. Finally! I quickly finished Sorceror’s Stone so now I’m on Chamber of Secrets. I don’t think I’ll get through them all this week so after book 2, I might jump straight to Half-Blood Prince. Ack, I can’t believe Deathly Hallows is almost here. I don’t want the series to end. *tear*

So today I went to see Order of the Phoenix again with some friends. I liked the movie the first time around but I liked it A LOT better the second. Some spoilery thoughts (in list form like Sarah because it’s easiest)…

Things I Didn’t Care For
1. Sirius’s death. I just… it’s not how I pictured it. I thought the curse was instant.
2. Details that were different from the previous movies. For example, both the Dementors and Sirius communicating through the fire were executed differently in Movie 3. I like consistency. :/
3. Cho selling out the DA. I know it’s easier for the storyline not to introduce another character and it makes it clear that a romantic relationship between her and Harry didn’t work out. But I have a soft spot for Cho.
4. Not enough Occlumency!
5. I missed Quidditch and Ron and Hermione being prefects.

Things I Loved
1. Dumbledore’s Army. SQUEE. Exactly how I imagined.
2. The casting of Professor Umbridge, Luna Lovegood, and Bellatrix Lestrange was spot on. They were all pretty darn perfect.
3. Daniel Radcliffe. He really just keeps getting better and better. ILUFFHIMSO.
4. The kids in the Department of Mysteries holding out their wands ready for battle. It seriously gave me chills.
5. The Dumbledore/Voldemort fight was SO AWESOME.
If anyone else has written a blog about the movie, let me know in the comments! I love to read everyone’s thoughts. But for now, I’ve got to get back to my reading…

I also watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and March of the Penguins. Maybe it’s just me but I don’t understand the hype for either movie. Charlie had its moments (some funny and some… not so funny) but mostly I thought it was strange. And I didn’t like Willy Wonka’s flashbacks to his childhood. At all. And then, March of the Penguins. I was kinda bored. And I just don’t understand why the penguins don’t evolve so their breeding ground is closer to the water. :/

Anyway, we just got Just Like Heaven from Netflix. I’m looking forward to a fun and fluffy romantic comedy. Plus, Reese!

Anyway, we recently got Netflix again so I’ve been catching movies I’ve wanted to see for some time…

Serenity
Now I know what the hype is all about. Really, really enjoyed the movie. I only watched a few episodes of Firefly when it was on the air and I have to admit that I was not impressed (being on the Friday night schedule also did not help matters). :/ I think I have the DVDs around here somewhere so I’m going to give it another chance.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Cute, cute movie. And it totally made me cry! For some reason, though, I didn’t like Bridget at all. But in the book, I really loved her story. Maybe it was the actress? Or maybe the story about needing to feel loved just didn’t translate well on screen? Not sure. I do know that the movie totally made me want to visit Greece! One day. When I have lots of money.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Brad Pitt is HOT. (Seriously, he looks SO GOOD for his age). Angelina Jolie is HOT. I watched this movie purely to see pretty people wielding guns. It did not disappoint.

Up next is Crash…

Totally random — the artwork for the Dawson’s Creek season 6 DVDs is atrocious. I mean, really.

I don’t need a new laptop but if I did, I would totally get this SONY Vaio in raspberry red. Who says computers can’t be fashion statements?

And because I’m totally bored right now… a girly meme I stole from Nicola…

01. Do you have on a lot of make-up?
Not really… I have my “work make-up” on still, which basically consists of a neutral eyeshadow, blush, lipgloss, powder and mascara.
02. How much do you put on?
Just enough so it looks like I have a bit of color but not so much that I look like a clown.
03. How long does it take you to get ready?
To get showered, dressed, and made up… it takes me about an hour.
04. Do you put on a lot of lipgloss?
Yes, I looooove lipgloss.
05. Does your lipgloss smell good?
My CO Bigelow peppermint lipgloss smells good. I got it as a stocking stuffer from someone at work and it is heavenly. It also has amazing shine, which is a big plus. Otherwise, I use MAC and Chanel lipglosses and while they have gorgeous colors, they don’t really smell yummy.
06. Do you carry a purse?
Of course. I trade off between a Kate Spade messenger bag and a HYPE small doctor bag as my every day ones.
07. What color is it?
Both of them are black. Boring, I know, but it goes with everything!
09. Do you have a Coach bag?
Yes, I have 4. I’m turning out to be a bit of a bag whore.
10. Do you have a Louis Vuitton bag?
No. And I don’t plan on investing in one. I’m not crazy about them at all.
11. How many purses/handbags do you have?
I have about 10 that I rotate based on my outfit. I’m a dork.
12. Do you like to wear nail polish?
Not really on my hands because it chips so easily. But I love nail polish on my toes. It makes me feel preeeetttyyy.
13. How often do you get your nails done?
I’ve only been to a salon/spa three times to get my nails done. I wish I had the budget to go more often. It’s fun to pamper myself!
14. Do you like manicures?
Yes, see above.
15. What about pedicures?
Pedicures are even better than manicures in my book.
16. Do you have a usual nail salon you go to?
No. I only went to Tru Spa twice because I had gift cards but other than that, I don’t frequent a specific salon.
17. Where do you get your hair cut?
Diva International.
18. Do you dye your hair?
No. I’ve never had it done. My hair is pretty much jet black and I like it. I have toyed with the idea of highlights… but I don’t think I’d actually do it.
19. Do you straighten your hair?
No, my hair is naturally straight anyway.
20. Do you have many pairs of shoes?
I’m actually not a shoe person so I just have the basics (black pumps, brown pumps, sneakers, flip flops, strappy gold heels for going out, etc).
21. What are your favorite shoes?
My red-striped Adidas tennis shoes. They’re the most comfortable shoes EVER.
23. Do you wear heels everywhere?
Only to work every day because our dress code calls for it.
24. Can you walk in heels and not fall over?
Of course. But I really wish heels were more comfortable. It’s hard work walking in them for 8+ hours a day!
25. Where do you buy your clothes?
Mostly Nordstrom, Banana Republic and GAP.
26. Do you go shopping every week?
Pretty much, yes. There’s an outdoor mall right near my apartment that has a movie theatre and restaurants so Rob and I are there a lot anyway. Does online shopping count too? Because then I go (window) shopping EVERY DAY. Heh.
27. What’s your favorite store?
Right now it would be a tie between Nordstrom (clothes, makeup, shoes!) and Target (everything else!).
28. How much do you usually spend?
It depends on what I’m buying…
29. Have you ever been in Dior?
Once when I was in Thailand 2 winters ago. Not really a fan of anything Dior except their accessories/jewelry.
30. Do you follow fashion trends?
Sometimes… ? Occasionally I’ll pick up on a trend (like the long necklaces and the metallics from this past winter) that I’ll try to incorporate into my outfits but otherwise I find it really hard to reconcile high fashion trends with my lifestyle.
31. Do you have a pair of huge sunglasses?
Huge sunglasses make me look like a fly. Not attractive.
35. How many pairs of earrings do you have?
TONS. I’m an earring whore.
36. Do you wear hoop earrings?
Surprisingly no. I’m more partial to studs or long, chandelier earrings.
37. Do you have a lot of skirts?
Yes, I loooove skirts. I’m such a girl. I prefer skirts to shorts because they help me hide my big hips!
39. Do you get your eyebrows done?
No… but I should since I have no idea how to groom them myself.
40. Can you apply mascara without opening your mouth?
HEH! I never thought about that… I guess, no.
41. Do you wear a lot of eyeliner?
No, because I have the hardest time putting it on! Pencils are so hard for me to use. MAC recently came out with Fluidlines (kind of like a liquid liner that requires a brush to apply) and these have been a lot easier to use. I still don’t have the steadiest hand, though.
44. Do you do pilates or yoga?
I’ve tried and enjoyed both. Now, if only I could keep going to classes regularly…
45. Do you have a lot of magazines?
Yes. *ashamed* It used to be ridiculous but I’ve cut waaaay back on my subscriptions. I still have a HUGE pile under my desk that I need to purge.

And… DONE. That killed some time.

Oh well, at least there are other things to be happy about, like…

The new Harry Potter trailers!!! They are here and here. The Yule Ball and Triwizard Tournament scenes just make me incredibly happy. And I can’t help but fall in love with Viktor/Hermione. I adore the way he kisses her hand and twirls her around at the Yule Ball. SOCUTE. And seeing Harry all stutter-y and nervous as he’s talking to Cho Chang… SQUEE. I am SO. EXCITED.

The audio section of the official RENT site has been updated with clips of the entire soundtrack. YAY. I’ve been anxious to hear some of Rosario Dawson’s solos and I’m pleasantly surprised. Listening to the clips makes me want to pre-order the soundtrack. November’s going to be a great month for movies.

In TV news, I watched the series premiere of Everybody Hates Chris. There was a preview DVD in last week’s issue of Entertainment Weekly so I thought I would check it out. It is freaking HILARIOUS. The father is already my favorite character (he has the BEST lines) and the kid that plays Chris is a total natural. I hope the show does well — I would love to have a sitcom on my TV schedule again. Anyway, it premieres this coming Thursday so check it out!

I spent most of my Saturday watching my Popular season 1 DVDs. I think I watched maybe 2 episodes when the show was originally airing and I didn’t really care for it. But I got the DVDs as part of a free promotion almost a year ago so I thought it was time to finally take them out of the packaging. I popped the first disc into the DVD player and ended up watching 9 episodes… straight. It is *much* better than I remember. It’s funny, though, while I like the show, I don’t really love any of the characters. Well, maybe Harrison — he’s awesome. The girls are just so difficult to empathize with. Especially Sam (Carly Pope). I want to be on her side but then she does something so petty, I just want to smack her. She drives me crazy. Nicole (Tammy Lynn Michaels) and Mary Cherry (Leslie Grossman) are so awesomely bad, though. I can’t stand them but I can’t help but laugh at their antics. I read that the second season was a huge disappointment compared to season 1 (something about network involvement — stupid WB!). It’s such a great, campy show… it’s too bad.

Anyway, I’m excited for the Emmys tonight. I want to see Kristen Bell perform! Aww.

Forgot to mention that I added a few new wallpapers to Sour-Lemon.org last weekend. I finished those wallpapers *months* ago and recently found them on my hard drive. I really wish I had the motivation to make fanart. I haven’t made anything in ages. I miss it.

The O.C.
The O.C. premiere was shiny. And pretty. And I liked it (plus the music selection was positively amazing for this episode). It looks like the show is returning to the relationships of the core characters, which is just fine with me. I thought last season suffered because there were too many characters that screamed “short term plot device.” The one character I will miss is Trey… admittedly I wasn’t his biggest fan but why’d he have to leave? I was hoping to see more of his relationship with Ryan. There’s not nearly enough “Chino” in Ryan anymore. I already don’t like the Kirstin stalker storyline. Ehhh.

Reunion
The first thing I thought when I saw Will Estes was that American Dreams really isn’t coming back this season. *sob*

Once I was over that, I realized that this is a really bad show. Really interesting concept (I do love a good mystery) but horrible execution. The cheesy dialogue didn’t help. Or the unsympathetic characters. I especially disliked Aaron and Craig. Didn’t care for any of the girls (Amanda Righetti on ANOTHER FOX show — they really seem to love her). Only liked Will because it was Will Estes. You know, the residual American Dreams love and all. I’ll probably watch a few more episodes… until CSI and Everwood start. It’s in a tough time slot so let’s see if it survives. Though I doubt it.

Anyway, after seeing Will Estes, I was feeling nostalgic for American Dreams so I popped in my DVDs this weekend. I watched/listened to the commentaries on the pilot and the finale and I think I adore the cast even more than I did before. They all resemble their characters in some way, they’re all good friends, and they all absolutely love their show. Awww. On the pilot commentary with Brittany Snow (Meg) and Vanessa Lengies (Roxanne), they would quote the dialogue verbatim, even poking fun at themselves that they had watched the pilot numerous times. They were also fawning over the scene where JJ blows a kiss to Beth who is watching his football practice from the sidelines. OMGSOCUTE! I love those two. *sniff* I SO miss this show.

I really need to do a Book Update soon. Too bad I’m not even close to 50 books. Not even at HALF yet. How embarrassing.

I finally picked up the American Dreams season 1 DVDs. I love this show. And I’m still SO mad at NBC for cancelling it. The story wasn’t over for the Pryors and the Walkers yet. *sniff* And to think the end of the show featured Meg running away with Chris. UGH. Ok, I have to stop thinking about it. Oh! I did spot Kristen Bell in episode 116, Act of Contrition. It’s always cool when my fandoms collide.

Thought I would do some memes (I stole them from… somewhere)…

List five songs that you are currently digging.
1. Don’t Lie, Black-Eyed Peas
2. My Style, Black-Eyed Peas – Squee, Justin Timberlake is on this track!
3. Lose Control, Missy Elliott
4. Cool, Gwen Stefani – I adore the video to this song too.
5. Gone Going, Black-Eyed Peas
I’m obviously on a huge BEP kick right now. Monkey Business is a great album.

Interactive Meme — you all absolutely have to comment with the following (pretty please ) –
Name:
Hair Color:
Location:
TV shows you’ll be watching next season:
New TV shows you’ll be trying this season:
First fandom:
Latest fandom:
Favorite song of the day:
Favorite movie of the day:
Favorite food of the day:
Favorite website of the day:
Currently obsessed with:
Favorite Blog-that’s-not-your-own of the day:

And my answers –
Name: Kelly
Hair Color: Black
Location: Northern California
TV shows you’ll be watching next season: Everwood, Smallville, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, Lost, Alias, The OC, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Veronica Mars
New TV shows you’ll be trying this season: Kitchen Confidential, Supernatural (Jensen Ackles!)
First fandom: Dawson’s Creek
Latest fandom: Veronica Mars
Favorite song of the day: Don’t Lie, Black-Eyed Peas
Favorite movie of the day: Garfield. Only because it’s on HBO right now.
Favorite food of the day: Special K with Red Berries
Favorite website of the day: Fanbolt Forums. I’m trolling around for spoilers, hehe.
Currently obsessed with: September fashion magazines. I love Fall fashion.
Favorite Blog-that’s-not-your-own of the day: Meg’s Cabot Blog. She’s freaking hilarious.

Mmmm.

Now for some memes cause I was tagged by Amanda and Alie…

Song Meme
List five songs that you are currently digging. Post these instructions, the artist and the song in your blog along with your five songs. Then tag five other people to see what they’re listening to.
1. Collide by Howie Day
2. Seasons of Love by the Original Broadway Cast of Rent
3. Such Great Heights by The Postal Service
4. Sex, Love and Money by Mos Def
5. Signs by Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Charlie Wilson
Tagging — Alyson, Barry, Carrie, Michelle, Delise

DVD Meme
1. Total number of films I own on DVD/video:
130 DVDs (this includes my TV on DVD sets) and 13 VHS
2. The last film I bought:
Gosh, I buy TV shows on DVD far more often than actual films… I think the last film I bought was probably Ocean’s Twelve
3. The last film I watched:
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
4. Five films that I watch a lot:
Mean Girls (I just LOVE this movie!), Anne of Green Gables, Bend it Like Beckham, Ocean’s Eleven and Love Actually
5. Tag 5 people and have them put this in their journal:
Same five again — Alyson, Barry, Carrie, Michelle, Delise