Thoughts of Summer

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Now that summer is here, my thoughts drift to calm days, warm sandy beaches, pink sunsets, the scent of Coppertone, soft breezes, and piña coladas. No, wait. Scratch that. Who am I kidding?

Actually my mind knows no seasons. In my head, it’s always business as usual, which means strange, random stuff racing through my head and summer’s no exception.  Here’s what’s on my mind this week:

Actor Kyle Chandler as Coach Eric Taylor

I love Kyle Chandler.  Actually, to me, he’s Coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights, the TV series, now in its final season.  The coach is perfection personified, even better than Robert Young in Father Knows Best. FNL could be called Coach Knows Best because he always does. Others on the show think they know better and push the coach to use their son more on the field, or talk to colleges about football scholarships when the coach says it’s not time. And, guess what? The coach is always right.   Not only is he damn good looking, he’s an amazing husband to Connie Britton’s Tami Taylor, and a great father to Julie, his sometimes bratty daughter (played by Aimee Teegarden). And as a football coach, he’s strong and stalwart, with a stiff jaw and lots of poetic angst in his eyes.  Oh, I just adore Coach Taylor.

Which brings me to Super 8, the new film now in theaters by JJ Abrams and Steven Spielberg.  I just saw this movie and all I can say is:

Finally, a movie that takes the best of many of my favorite movies—E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Stand By Me—sprinkles in a little bit of the enigmatic TV series, Lost—and throws in a football coach to boot. So what, if we’ve seen it all before? Super 8 has it all!  Action, drama, touch of humor and Kyle Chandler who is a cutie, if you ask me. He somehow manages to look and act exactly like the coach he plays on Friday Night Lights, but dressed this time as a cop.  Except, gone are the sweats. He even gets to wear a beret at one point, which makes him look très French. Voila! Fun movie, so go see it and tell Kyle I said, hi.

I do not want to appear rude or ungrateful to those who must deal with this, but I have to say it anyway:  I do not wish to be buried alive like that woman in Columbia. Must have been an oversight at the hospital, if you ask me. Which is why I’m going to always carry a mirror in my pocket so that, in a pinch, anyone can hold it up to my mouth to check to see if it fogs up by my breathing.  Also, if it’s not too much trouble, can someone please tell my kids that I’m going to need a landline installed in my coffin?  It’ll come in handy in case I awaken.

Speaking of landlines, I think my phone company has it in for me.  I can tell because ever since I decided to cancel my landline—and then quickly reversed said decision—the phone company has decided to make my life hell.  It’s like they want to teach me a lesson, show me who is boss. The only problem is, the real lesson they’re teaching me is, I should have followed my first hunch and canceled the service!!

She Writes members celebrate its 2nd anniversary in grand style!

I’m thrilled to be part of She Writes.  This week was She Writes’ 2nd anniversary and here in San Diego, several of us She Writes members celebrated in grand fashion. Find out more by clicking here.  We’re planning to do it again soon.  If you ask me, it can’t be soon enough.

Why is it, I have two grocery stores nearby that are part of big chains, yet neither of them carries all my favorite food items? So if I want a certain brand of hummus in a zesty lemon flavor, I have to go to one, but, if I also want a particular brand of lemon yogurt (Yes, I’m obsessed with all things lemon!), then I have to drive to the other side of town and go to the other store.  Why can’t they both carry the same items? It’s so annoying. Clearly, they don’t realize that time is money.

My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Henry, doesn’t handle well being sick.  He plays Anna Karenina and acts like he has consumption or something.  Flinging himself on the couch, he covers his eyes with his paw.  “The end is near!” he seems to be saying.  I call his name as I pour his dry food into his bowl. He gets this far away look in his eyes and I could swear I see his lower lip quiver. “My will is gone,” he seems to be saying. Henry knows, this really gets to me, but not when I’m in a hurry.  “Goodbye, Hank,” I shout as I head out the door.  “Catch you on the rebound,” I add, knowing that he doesn’t like it when I appear cavalier about his health.

Oh yes, summer’s off to a great start, thanks to my thoughts which just won’t go away.

Oh and I almost forgot–TODAY IS MY 100th POST! Yay! What a milestone!

41 thoughts on “Thoughts of Summer”

  1. How odd is it. I don’t even use a landline anymore. Primarily because of the annoying telemarketer calls, but also because I don’t need it anymore.

    Most of my calls go through my cell phone, and I have to pay less at the same time. I’m thinking of cutting my cable TV connection as well, only I couldn’t live without National Geographic some place, so I’m forced to put up with it.

    Oh, summer. Wish it was here now, in this freezing LA weather.

    Ashley

    • I wish it were summer, too. As for the landline, I still have mine, useless as it is. Sigh. As for cable, let me know if you do get rid of yours and how it goes without it. I may follow. Thanks for stopping by!

  2. I’ve loved Kyle Chandler ever since I first saw him on Homefront, and then Early Edition back in the 90s! I only watched Friday Night Lights a couple of times…couldn’t get into it.

    I haven’t seen Super 8…really not my kind of movie I guess…

    Wendy

    • Couldn’t get into Friday Night Lights? I am practically in mourning, knowing that it’s come to an end and there’ll be no more new episodes. I wish you’d given it another chance. It was truly one of the best dramas on TV if not THE best. Kyle Chandler was major reason, but the entire cast was fabulous. 😉

  3. Does anyone remember him in waaaay back when he was in that show….I think it was 30- Something? I think that was the show…..please someone tell me if I’m wrong and steer me in the right direction.

  4. Congrats on the 100th post Monica! I hit the mark last month and was surprised- they grow up so fast, don’t they?!

    Have to ask- because I too love all things lemon- who makes a lemony hummus? I read that 2 minutes ago and am already obsessed.

  5. Congrats on your 100th post!

    Thanks for adding a new fear (being burried alive) to my long list and also for giving me two great distractions from my worries, FNL and Super 8. Can’t wait to watch!

    • You’re welcome–and enjoy. FNL is well worth watching. It’s quality drama, every nuance, every line in the script. An excellent ensemble cast, headed by my favorite coach, Coach Taylor, but every cast member brings such depth and richness to the series palette. Well worth watching. So, you’re welcome! 🙂

  6. I live on an island where its summer all the time. I have to make up seasons in my head when the time comes around. My brain is still on the Tennessee program 🙂

    Stopping by from LB Tea Party 🙂

    • Must be nice living on an island. I live in Southern California and though it’s mostly warm throughout the year, we have our seasons, as subtle as they are. Thanks for stopping by!

  7. Here from the tea party! I’m glad I came across your blog. I’m going to BlogHer too!

    I saw Super 8. I did not know anything about it before I saw it. My husband dragged me to it and I was less than pleased because I heard it was like Transformers (haha!).

    Anyway it ended up being a great movie. A cross between Goonies and ET! Loved it.

    Glad to have “met” you 🙂

    • I’m so glad your hubbie made you see it. It really is a crowd-pleasing movie, ideal as a summer escape. I haven’t seen Goonies, so I didn’t make that connection.

      So, you’re going to BlogHer? How wonderful! Are you a member of She Writes? If so, know that we’re going to plan a She Writes meetup there and would love to include you. If you’re not, you can come anyway and find out what a great resource She Writes is for women writers. 🙂

  8. I love summer. My mind is constantly focused on beach days during the summer. I can’t get enough of it.

    You randomness was hilarious. Your dog sounds like a hoot. My MIL had several King Charlies Cavilers. They are very cute, funny dogs by nature.

    I’ve never watched FNL, but Super 8 looks fantastic! Is it appropriate for a 10 year old?

    • FNL is available on Netflix instant playing. So you can watch them all. Some episodes of FNL are also available online.

      Super 8 is really a kids movie. The focus is a group of kid who are making a movie about zombies, and inadvertently capture on tape something bizarre. If I remember correctly there may be some cursing. But other than that it’s fun, exciting and the kids end up saving the day! Really, think ET and Stand By Me and add Close Encounters. Let me know what you think.

  9. It’s winter here so thoughts of summer are far far away.
    We don’t get all your TV shows here and often the DVDs don’t work on my machine so I guess I’ll have to wait for FNL to arrive. I do agree that Kyle Chandler is hot (that coming from a 70+ grandmother).
    And did you know the phrase for whom the bell tolls came because they used to bury people with a string around their little finger that was attached to a bell. If the person wasn’t actually dead then they could ring the bell. Hopefully, there was always somebody on hand to dig them up.
    Don’t know where I got this bit of information but as my kids say, a fund of useless information.
    Enjoy summer while we freeze.

    • Fascinating info about For Whom the Bells Tolls. Ok, it’s time to bring that tradition back!

      Happy Winter! May Jack Frost come to your home and stay for a long spell! 🙂 BTW, you can watch Friday Night Lights online!

  10. I love Kyle Chandler. I have since that show ‘New Edition’ then when he was on a couple episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. I do want to see ‘Super 8’ maybe this weekend. Oh and congrats on your 100th post. :0)

  11. Mon: Once upon a time I thought I was the ONLY person watching FNL!! But, much to my surprise not, and I have converted several individuals who watched the past seasons on DVD. I truly, truly love that show — so well done, such great family interactions and reactions to real world situations –==- a real respite in a sea of …who knows? Anyway, have watched Kyle Chandler through the years on HomeFront and that great newspaper show, can’t remember the name right now, where he got the paper a day ahead and fixed the wrongs….he is just sooooo hunky. Yikes. Anyway, had to let you know I’m with you on this – only a few episodes left of this wonderful drama. And — I love all things LEMON too! We are sooo in tuned! Yeah Kyle.. Sher

    • FNL is sacred TV watching. Truly must-see TV. I make no secret of my infatuation with Coach Taylor. But one thing few know, is about my secret crush on Tim Riggins. Talk about your bad boy gone even badder! Now here’s a guy I’ll follow to any prison, if you know what I mean!

  12. Monica, thanks to you, I am now cleaning up splurted coffee that landed EVERYWHERE when I read the including a mirror in the casket remark! OMG, I’m laughing my ass off! Woman, you crack me up! Although I’m so sorry to read Henry is still unwell! My poor handsome son in law! 🙂 Get well soon, Henry! (says Roxy)

    • Henry’s on the mend, but unfortunately something he ate, I think, has given him the runs, which he’s unleashed in my house! I have a hotline to my carpet cleaner and he came out stat, to clean up the mess. Oh, Henry. What’s a mother to do??

      And yes, a mirror. They should automatically come with every casket purchase. 🙂

  13. The San Diego crew looks like they had a great time! I live in Los Angeles but had to work. Hey, love Kyle Chandler and congrats on your 100th post. That truly is something to celebrate!

  14. Here’s what’s on my mind after reading your post:

    1. Kyle Chandler is a total hottie. And I’m a total dork for using the words “total hottie.”
    2. Must see Super 8 this weekend. The folks saw it and loved it. I’ve been writing too much recently to see any movies, but this weekend is deadline-free! 🙂
    3. Buried alive = my worst nightmare.
    4. I heart lemon-flavored Propel, and only one store in town carries it. On the other side of town. Ugh.
    5. CONGRATS TO YOU! I’ll have a stiff vodka cranberry (with a lemon twist) in your honor!

    🙂
    3.

    • Love your list. Let me know what you think of the movie, which is great family fun, if you ask me. Vodka cranberry with lemon twist sounds delightful and ultra summery. Pour one for me, too!

  15. Congratulations Monica! What a milestone! Love the recommendation for Super 8! Great to hear what is happening in your world as summer begins to gain momentum.

  16. Congrats on 100! Posts, that is. 😉

    I caught Super 8 while my Little was here. We loved the kids so much we were content with the movie on their behalf, but found the movie unsatisfactory in other regards. Still, did I mention the kids? Loved ’em, and the movie pleased me as a result!

      • I’m of a different school of thought in this matter! I rarely look deeper into movies, so that when I am left bothered by gaping shortcomings, I don’t blame myself for not having tried harder to be taken . . . indeed, I seldom think further on it at all. I shouldn’t have to actively strive to suspend disbelief; it’s a film’s job to absorb the viewer so totally they forget there are any questions left unanswered. Heck, even the first Transformers movie did that for me! 😉

  17. I had no idea who Kyle Chandler was until I read this. Thanks for the recommendation on Super 8 and yes, it was a good time at the She Writes meet-up. And I still think you should cancel your landline. You never use it!

    • I recommend you watch Friday Night Lights on dvd. It has been the BEST thing on commercial TV–gritty, great story lines, excellent cast. Oh, and they play football once in a while but I hardly notice. I’m so glued to the characters and I love how they portray the marriage of Coach Taylor and his wife, Tami. Such a loving, smart couple. I’m sad to see it end.

      Oh, and I’m leaving my provider and switching to my cable company for my phone. I can’t give it up because I’m attached to the phone number! Go figure.

  18. A woman after my own heart – a stream of consciousness entry. This seems to be my curse, but you make it appear as a gift. Loved your random thoughts and now you make me want to see Super 8, which before your post I had no desire to see. Happy 4th of July!

    • I saw Super 8 with my kids and LOVED it. It’s the perfect summer flick, set in the 70’s which makes it so nostalgic, too. The entire cast was perfect, especially the kids. And, of course, my man, Kyle Chandler. A must see!

  19. Isn’t there some car commercial that says human beings have around 300 thoughts a day? Right now I’m thinking about potato salad–yes, it makes sense. That’s what I’m bringing fo a 4th party.

    • Is there? Well, I think 300 is on the conservative side. I have trouble keeping up with all of mine, which must be closer to 1,000. And yes, potato salad sounds perfect for a Fourth of July party.

    • Thank you! I think he’s under appreciated, and I base this on the fact that few indeed have ever watched Friday Night Lights, so they have no idea how dreamy he really is. They’re loss.

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