Ahhh...Beautiful.

In celebration of Isabelle's upcoming wedding, this past weekend I packed my bags and headed west. Over the pacific and down to the beautiful island of Kauai. From the moment I arrived I was in awe; the air smelled different, the sky was blue, the mountains were green, and there were chickens at the airport.

I realized later that the chickens were actually roosters that crowed from dawn until dusk. Not really a complaint, just a charming addition to the trip...and what a charming trip it was.

The Mermaid Cottage

We decided to throw all plans in the garbage and just discover where the road took us. So each day, we left the Mermaid Cottage (a.k.a. Isabelle's Aunt & Uncle's house) and got blissfully lost on Kauai. It was just so beautiful that I, who am usually attached to my camera, couldn't be distracted by photo ops. I didn't get that many pictures, but here are a few I did manage to capture...

Secret Beach

Shores of Hanalei

Emma, Jessica, & Isabelle - Hanalei Beach

Hanalei Beach - after the massage...hmmmmm

Our beach dog, "Ike." No, we didn't name her.

Dinner at the Princeville Hotel - Isabelle & I

Jess getting cozy with the locals at Tahiti Nui

After breakfast, my last morning in Kauai

Farewell Drinks at the Princeville Hotel

Iz & I, say goodbye

Beautiful.

Aloha & Maholo!

The Globes.

WINNER BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Jennifer Hudson, DREAMGIRLS

competition: Adriana Barraza, BABEL; Cate Blanchett, NOTES ON A SCANDAL; Emily Blunt, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA; Rinko Kinkuchi, BABEL

******

WINNER BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Eddie Murphy, DREAMGIRLS

competition: Ben Affleck, HOLLYWOODLAND; Jack Nicholson, THE DEPARTED; Brad Pitt, BABEL; Mark Wahlberg, THE DEPARTED

******

WINNER BEST PICTURE

(musical or comedy)

DREAMGIRLS

competition: BORAT; THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA; LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE; THANK YOU FOR SMOKING

******

four words...are you kidding me?!?!?!

A Rant.

This past weekend my friend Cristina and I watched Dreamgirls... Crapgirls is more like it. I cannot for the life of me figure out why this movie is receiving any acclaim. Those of you who know me and have watched a movie with me, know that I would sooner stone you than let you talk during a movie, but Cristina and I sat and carried out a full conversation during this agonizing affair. The movie, whose 131-minute run time felt more like 131 days, was totally ridiculous. It was missing story, plot...talent. Before you start harping on me about Jennifer Hudson; yes, the girl can sing...give her a Grammy, and if you want to see a great Eddie Murphy performance, watch Beverly Hills Cop. There is no reason that this movie or anyone in it should be receiving award nominations (except MAYBE for best song, although I wasn't particularly impressed by the music in the film either).

The thing that really gets me is that I had literally talked to dozens of people who saw the movie before I watched it, and not one of them came out and told the truth...this movie sucks. Especially when approaching them later most of them recanted their said love for the movie. I understand not wanting to go against the grain, but at some point you've got to stand up and acknowledge the elephant in the room, and let me tell you, there is a HUGE elephant in the room. I can only say, "Thanks be to Jesus!," that I watched an academy screener and didn't spend any money to see this movie...that might've made me lose it.

I am not too big a person to admit that I am wrong so feel free to explain to me why this is a good movie, but know that in doing so, I will probably lose all respect for you.