Wasteland Movie Review

Last night I went to see a documentary called "Wasteland" at the Tivoli Cinemas.  Nominated for an Oscar, this film was as much about the power and resilience of the human spirit as it was about raising awareness for recycling.  Unfortunately, the subtitles weren't placed very strategically throughout parts of the movie, so reading was a little difficult.  Overall, I highly recommend that you see it!

Synopsis (from wastelandmovie.com)

Filmed over nearly three years, WASTE LAND follows renowned artist Vik Muniz as he journeys from his home base in Brooklyn to his native Brazil and the world's largest garbage dump, Jardim Gramacho, located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. There he photographs an eclectic band of “catadores”—self-designated pickers of recyclable materials. Muniz’s initial objective was to “paint” the catadores with garbage. However, his collaboration with these inspiring characters as they recreate photographic images of themselves out of garbage reveals both the dignity and despair of the catadores as they begin to re-imagine their lives. Director Lucy Walker (DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND, BLINDSIGHT and COUNTDOWN TO ZERO) and co-directors João Jardim and Karen Harley have great access to the entire process and, in the end, offer stirring evidence of the transformative power of art and the alchemy of the human spirit.

Speak Now Or...

(Photo Getty Images)

So today for lunch, I went to Chipotle as I am want to do on a Thursday.  I was patiently waiting in line (the place is always busy!) when a skirt cut in front of me to join her friend who had gotten there before said Cutter did.  This peeves me to no end!  Personally, I think it is rude, unthoughtful and selfish to cut in line.  It says to me that, "hey, I see you standing there waiting your turn...but I'm going to put myself ahead of you because my friend managed to make it here before my slow self could".  I stood there, stomach grumbling, heart pounding wondering if I should say something or not.  I did not.  It seems to me that people rarely learn anything when confronted.  They become defensive, cause a scene and end up looking like a fool.  I would rather put my ego aside and eat my antibiotic free chicken salad bowl in peace.

What do you think?  Should you speak up when someone wrongs you unintentionally or not?

Feels Like The First Time

I don't know why I talked myself in and out of writing my first post for so long.  Feels like trying to work up the courage to call a boy.  Gah...It's really not unlike anything you do for the 1st time. A little awkward and vulnerable...insert memory of 1st kiss, 1st perm, 1st driving lesson, etc.

Okay, now what? Well, I wasn't sure so of course...I Googled it.

TJ Philpott of Blogger Talk says you can really do anything you like. This was too open ended for me so I read on. On the other hand, he says...if you really want to be serious and build a list of subscribers...you should be more direct in your approach. "The point here is if you have a definite direction or purpose for your new blog you should treat your first post much like an introduction to a new friend."

TJ's 4 key elements to include in your first blog post.

1) Introduce Yourself

Hello. My name is Mindy.  Curtsey, bow.  I'm a daughter, a sister, a girlfriend, a neighbor and a friend...Oh, and I'm a project manager at a custom sportswear company. I don't have an art degree but I prefer to work in creative environments.

I have a 3 legged dog who has a growing rawhide addiction. I adopted Scout from the Humane Society when I moved to Kansas City after college. She's my go to, my sidekick. If I had a scooter with a sidecar...she'd be in it. 


Photo from Getty Images

2) What is Your Reason for Blogging

I have the memory of a gold fish.  I blame my wreckless abandon to the Dt. Coke addiction of my youth.  I would like to write about my journey into and through womanhood.  I'm currently in my late twenties (a Skirt never shares her age).   I want to document my questions, thoughts, experiences, inspirations and interests along this journey.

3) What you Will be Blogging About

Boys and shoes!  Gag.  Inspirational Women, Fitness & Health, Friendship, Home & Garden, Insecurities, Victories, Failures, Women in the News, etc.

4) Encourage Comments

I need your help. I know virtually nothing about blogging....for goodness sakes, I googled "1st blog post". I'm an eager student...so if you have tips, tricks, etc...please don't hesitate to send them my way. I've changed my comment settings to allow all comments. Please be pleasant and truthful. I will behave myself as well.