Thursday, September 1, 2011

It is that time of year again! Birth Month!!!


       Birth Month is a term I learned from my best friend, Ashley. It is when you celebrate your birthday all month instead of just the one day (or even just a weekend) So. In honor of my birthmonth celebration I am posing my annual wishlist. Yes. I realize there are a lot of things I have on my list. Yes I realize I will not get them all. Yes I am still going to post it all!
       This year it is super simple! You can order anything and everything online if you wish (you can also buy stuff in stores if you prefer though) I have 3 wishlists. 1 on Amazon, 1 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and 1 at Target. You can access them by going to their individual websites and searching wishlists/gift registries with my name, or directly from these links.

AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/Mattie-Gordon/wishlist/YMEQFS8DJ3S7/ref=cm_wl_search_1

BED, BATH, AND BEYOND:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/regGiftRegistry.asp?wrn=%2D1891376389&

TARGET:
http://www.target.com/ot/list/nFG4OSShDfpxMfMn85n7_Q


Please note I would gladly also accept iTunes gift cards and cold, hard caSh!


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Fall Five

I'm not exactly sure why, but I've been putting off writing this blog post. But now I'm home alone and i've been sick for 2 days so I've watched everything I care to watch on Netflix and now I'm starting a Vampire Diaries Season 1 marathon to prepare for my Season 2 DVD's that SHOULD be arriving sometime in the next week. :) 

Why am I dreading sharing my list of things I'm excited for in the next few months? I'm not sure.  Maybe because for the first time since I started making this list a few years ago I don't have a single book release on the list. Maybe it is because I don't really have much of anything exciting going on in the next few months. But here I will share with you what I have.


1. Typical joys of fall....sales on new school supplies and clothes, the excitement that fills the air just before kickoff of the new high school, college, or pro football season, and the return of good television.

2. BREADBAKING CLASS with my Aunt Jeanie! September 14 I am going to this breadbaking class at Francis Tuttle and I am so excited because if you know me, you know there is no food I love as much as I love bread. I could eat it all day everyday if people would let me...I will actually get up in the middle of the night and have a slice of bread for a midnight snack....I did it last night. Lol!

3. My birthday is September 16. The birthday itself isn't necessarily on the list, but a few months ago my dad got me an early present: 2 tickets to the Taylor Swift concert in Tulsa on September 21. Ashley and I are going to be heading up Wednesday (9/21) and checking into our hotel before heading to the concert.

4. This one only needs 1 word: ABDUCTION. (however for those of you who don't know what that means I will provide a video response at http://www.abductionthefilm.com/ )

5. And finally, Breaking Dawn part 1. It is interesting. As Harry Potter neared its end I was sad the series was ending, but with the Twilight series I am ready for them to be done. Maybe because they weren't part of my life very long. I'm excited for the November 18th part 1 release...and look for part 2 on NEXT YEAR'S Fall Five list because it doesn't premier until November 16, 2012!


And there you have it. The top 5 things going on with me this Fall! Now, that wasn't quite as bad as I was expecting.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Dream a Little Dream of Me.

Today I was in Estes Park, Colorado going through the gift shops looking for things to take home to my friends. I came across something very interesting called a Dreambox. Of course, they were ridiculously overpriced so I didn't buy any...but it made an impression so I took one of the papers describing the dreambox. It says:

Legend of the Dreambox
The Legend of the Dreambox (often attributed to Lemuria) suggests writing down your fondest dream, greatest desire, strongest wish on a small piece of paper, putting that paper in a Dreambox and placing it beside your bed. Every evening as you retire and every morning as you rise, hold your Dreambox and think of your dream, believing with all your heart that it is so. Legend has it, if done faithfully...your dream will come true.
At first I thought it was pretty stupid. there is no magic to putting paper in a little wooden box and holding it, but I quickly realized that isn't the point. The point is to realize what you want the most and to make a point to think about it. Think about it often and your dreams can work their way into your life.
I told you I didn't buy the dreambox. But that isn't to say I won't make my own when I get home.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Love/Hate Colorado Rockies

LOVE/HATE
Colorado Rockies Edition

LOVE

1. Babies wearing baseball hats and/or uniforms.

2. Club level seats and all the perks that come with. (i.e. waiters, better food, covered seating)

3. Friendly neighbors in seats next to you.

4. Ballpark Nachos.

5. Singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th Inning Stretch.

6. People watching.

7. T-shirts.

8. Purple straws for all the cups at the park.

9. The name Troy Tulowitzki.

10. The perfect weather.

11. Shuttle drivers running 2 red lights and a stop sign on the way home.

12. It’s baseball….come on. You should know me better than that.


HATE

1. Drunk people. Their stupidity. Their over the top emotions. Their ability to think everything is funny. (Note: Their dancing is pretty funny though)

2. Annoying fans of the other team as your neighbors.

3. Having my phone die in the middle of the game and not being able to keep up with the Boston Game.

4. Long lines.

5. People who find it necessary to use the “f word” four times in one sentence. You sound like an idiot. No. You are an idiot.

6. Losing.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

I think in song lyrics.

Just a little insight: I like quoting song lyrics a lot. So I thought for my post today I would just copy and paste the lyrics to one of my favorite songs of the moment. It is called "Say You Like Me" by We The Kings. Look it up!
            -Mattie

She's the girl that no one ever knows.
And I say hi, but she's too shy to say hello.
She's just waiting for that one to take her hand
And shake her up.
I bet I could.

I wish my heart was always on her mind.
'Cause she's on mine like all day, all the time.
Forget me not, forget me now.
I’ve come too far to turn around.
I’m here tonight.

'Cause I'm never going down,
I'm never giving up.
I'm never gonna leave,
So put your hands up.
If you like me,
Then say you like me.
I'm never going down,
I'm never giving up.
I'm never gonna leave,
So put your hands up.
If you like me,
Then say you like me.

Whoa, oh, oh, oh.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh.

She's the girl that no one ever knows.
Works a double just to buy her clothes.
Nicotine and faded dreams,
Baby, just believe
There's no one else like me.

'Cause I'm never going down,
I'm never giving up.
I'm never gonna leave,
So put your hands up.
If you like me,
Then say you like me.
I'm never going down,
I'm never giving up.
I'm never gonna leave,
So put your hands up.
If you like me,
Then say you like me.

Whoa, oh, oh, oh.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh.

It's time to fall into my arms.
'Cause I've been waiting for too long.
You're an angel,
Grab your halo,
And lets fly tonight.

'Cause I'm never going down,
I'm never giving up.
I'm never gonna leave,
So put your hands up.
If you like me,
Then say you like me.

'Cause I'm never going down,
I'm never giving up.
I'm never gonna leave,
So put your hands up.
If you like me,
Then say you like me.
I'm never going down,
I'm never giving up.
I'm never gonna leave,
So put your hands up.
If you like me,
Then say you like me.

Whoa, oh, oh, oh.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh.

Just say you like me.

Friday, July 15, 2011

My Harry Potter

Today I close a chapter of my life: one that started 10 Years ago, in 2001. I didn’t like to read when I was little. I didn’t do it very often, and I wasn’t very good at it. But I had cousins who loved reading. They often told me of books they thought I would enjoy but I never wanted to take the time to sit down and read one. One day, they told me about a book called Harry Potter. They made it sound wonderful. So I went to the bookstore to buy it. When I got there, I saw a massive 300+ paged book and thought “No way am I going to read that! I couldn’t finish that in a year!”

Not long after that, the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone came out to theaters. I didn’t see it right away, but eventually I rented it from blockbuster and watched it at home with my family. I loved the movie but I was still nervous about reading such a long book…and Sorcerer’s Stone was the shortest book in the series. Eventually I talked myself into reading the first one as I walked through Sams with my dad one day and saw a hardback box set of the first four books right after Goblet of Fire was released.

Once I got started reading, I couldn’t stop. As I continued, the books got better and better. I quickly learned that when a book is fun to read, it doesn’t take very long to finish. I had finished the first four books before I even considered a Chamber of Secrets movie. But alas, the day came when the television started blazing with images of Harry’s second journey to Hogwarts. I was beside myself with joy when my dad took me to see the movie at Windsor Theater. I don’t necessarily remember walking into the theater, but I remember walking out and telling my dad everything that happened differently in the movie than it did in the book. I’m sure he was very interested…

After Chamber of secrets there was a bit of a lull in the Harry Potter community. I had read all the books, and seen all the movies and now kept my eye out for the third movie, Prisoner of Azkaban. It wasn’t long, though, before I heard talks of a fifth book. That year (2004) was a good year for fans of the series. In June I traveled to Minnesota to visit my uncle’s family who had just moved there. I flew with my mom and my other cousin. We planned it for the weekend that Prisoner of Azkaban hit theaters. We didn’t go to a midnight showing, but we did get tickets to a 10:00 pm showing opening day. I was so excited to be seeing the movies with my cousins that I could barely sleep! We sat in line for a couple of hours to get good seats. We were first in line for that showing and I was so proud of us! That was the movie I refer to as “the one we flew to Minnesota to see and my mom slept through it.”

Two short months later, the fifth book, Order of the Phoenix came out. I went to a midnight release party at Barnes and Noble. There were so many people there and I didn’t know I was supposed to preorder a book. Luckily I got there early enough to claim one of the wristbands for a book even though I didn’t preorder. There were all kinds of fun games to play and good food to eat at the party. I never knew people got all dressed up and sat at the bookstore for hours just for a book, but I liked it! That was probably my biggest selling point for the series. It was always fun and exciting, but after that first midnight release party, I didn’t want to miss anything else. I wanted to be at every midnight release party for every book and to go to every midnight showing of every one of the movies.

The next stop for my personal Hogwarts Express was the Goblet of Fire movie. I took a bunch of friends and didn’t order tickets in time and didn’t make it to the midnight showing, but another opening day showing none the less. It turned out for the best because I got to see what it is like to sit all day at the mall, surrounded by people in costume. Now, that might scare some of you away, but for me it was like heaven on earth. All of my friends and I met at the mall and spent all evening together. If you know me, (and if you don’t it is kind of weird that you are reading my blog) you know that I always try to have a good time, and this was definitely no exception.

Fast forward to July 2006. I am in between my junior and senior years of high school. I definitely didn’t forget to pre-order my book this time…as a matter of fact, not only did I double check, but I triple checked that I had everything correct and in order. Unfortunately, the book came out just a day or two before I was supposed to go to church camp so of course, I had to take the book with me to camp. I knew I wouldn’t have time to read it, but I knew if I didn’t take it, I would regret it. I tried to read it every chance I got. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that one of the girls in my dorm was a huge harry fan as well and we bonded over our shared interests. Half way through the week I had to go home for my mom’s retirement party and I accidentally left my book with the girl. I wasn’t planning on going back after the party, but I wasn’t going to let that girl have my midnight party book, so I bought another copy for her and took it to her to trade out. Looking back, I know I didn’t owe her a book, but it just felt like the right thing to do.

A year later, just after my high school graduation I attended my first midnight movie premier for Order of the Phoenix on July 10, 2007. It was nothing short of magical. I would expect nothing less from a Harry Potter movie. It was a completely different experience because with the opening day crowd, you have the crazies running out an about and tons of kids in full costume, but at a midnight showing, only the most dedicated of fans show up. With a phenomenon like Harry Potter, it is best to get to the show early. This is where I learned about line time and people who will sit in line for 12 hours just to see a midnight movie. Those people were my heroes. They were even bigger fans than I was! I couldn’t believe it. But it was true: as big of a fan as I was, I had much to learn.

I don’t even know where to start talking about the Deathly Hallows book. I didn’t preorder. I know what you are thinking….didn’t she learn? Yes. Yes I did. I learned to go to the midnight party with friends, but wait until the next morning to go to Sams and buy it there for a cheaper price and shorter line. I went to two different Barnes and Noble stores the night of July 6, 2009. I ended the night at the one on May and Memorial with a group of friends. I’m glad I went to that one because if I hadn’t, I would not have experienced the funniest Harry Potter fan moment to date. Imagine me and three friends, in our own little nook of the store, not in full costume, but we definitely don’t look like amateurs. We are quietly discussion all the books and what we think will happen in the final installment of JK Rowling’s infamous series when out of the blue, two adult men in robes run to the middle of the store apparently mid dual. When one man takes his wand, turns and shouts at the top of his lungs “AVADA KEDAVRA!” The other man stops in his place, rolls his eyes back into his head and faints to the floor and just lays there. What do you do to that? You applaud. Loudly. At least that was the general consensus around the room.

Every other story from here on has taken place at the same place: Harkins Theater in Bricktown. I attended the Half-Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows part I, and Deathly Hallows part II all in the same theater: Cine Capri. From my experience (please note I have never been to the Warren in Moore) it is the best theater in the OKC area. It was at Half-Blood Prince that I was introduced to a couple of guys called Twinprov. They are hilarious. You can YouTube their performances. I highly recommend you do, actually. See, they do raps about movies. They have done Harry Potter, Twilight, and many more. Mix their songs with the heightened emotions and excitement of the night and there is an energy that can’t be beat nor duplicated. I know, I’ve searched for excitement like that…After their performance at Harry Potter I was thrilled to learn they would be performing at the Twilight Premier as well…and they did a great job for New Moon, However, I was disappointed when I tweeted them before Eclipse and they assured me they would be there. I made T-Shirts and everything and they didn’t even show up.

Now, Deathly Hallows rolls around. One book—two movies. All is right in the world because finally we can dedicate enough time to actually explain why so many things are the way they are. Sometimes with the movies, you really need to read the books to understand parts of the movie. Part one premiered November 19th so on the 18th I arrived at Harkins at 9am to find the theater still locked. I was puzzled because I was under the impression that they open their doors at 9 am daily. Since I was the only one there, I went ahead and left. I went to school, took a test (aced the test), and went back. Still made it in time to be first in line and the doors were still locked. DHp1 was another high point of Harry Potter. As first in line, I found out you get interviewed for the news, you get quoted in newspapers, and you get bragging rights over all the friends you make in line. I felt like I was the Harry Potter Queen for the Day. It was the best time I have ever had in my life. Imagine spending the day with your best friends at a high energy party honoring something you have spent 10 years of your life loving and you might get some glimpse as to the pure joy I felt that day. For one day I didn’t have to explain why I like Harry Potter to angry mobs of people who constantly feel the need to question anyone and everyone who has any interest in pop culture. It is nice to be completely surrounded by like minded people, eating movie-themed snacks, and watching youtube videos on our iPhones.

It comes down to the last day. Deathly Hallows part 2. July 14, 2011. I am happy. I am excited. I am pumped and ready for the movie. I am sad. I am heartbroken. I am not ready for these happy memories to come to an end. I want more. Is that so wrong? These people I see in line have come to be my friends. We have laughed together and cried together. I’ve spent hours next to you playing games, answering trivia questions, and talking to each of you about life. Harry Potter was what made me want to start reading. It is what got me interested in movies. I owe a lot to that messy-haired kid with the lightening shaped scar. You have helped me come up with some of the greatest pet names imaginable (I’m talking to you Ronald Bilius Weasley-Gordon my beloved bird who died….and to you future lizard pet I plan to name Harry just so I can say “You’re a lizard, Harry.” Just like Hagrid does in Sorcerer’s Stone.)

So now I will leave you with the greatest movie quote of all time. One that we should all hear and take to heart. “Dark and Difficult times are ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right, and what is easy.” –Albus Dumbledore


*ADD ON*
Obviously I wrote this in line yesterday. I just want to add a few things. Last night I actually got to sit down and talk with the Twinprov guys. It completely amped me up for the movie. (plus they signed my arm in sharpie) I had a total fa...ngirl moment. You all would have been embarassed of me. Also, the movie was the best movie I have ever seen. Not just the best of Harry Potter. They did a really good job of using the other movies to create flashbacks. The sad parts were sad enough to fully appreciate, but were not overwhelming and there was plenty of humor. Even though the series is over, Harry will live forever in our hearts. "He will never be gone. Not as long as those who remain are loyal to him." (Chamber of Secrets)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

V-Day Movie Blast

Instead of wallowing in the self-pity of Singles Awareness day, my friend Ashley and I have decided we are going to have a Valentine's Day Rom-Com Movie Marathon! So I have made a list of all acceptable movies for us to watch. Now, we just have to narrow the list down! There are 31 movies on the list (and shocker! harry potter didn't make the cut....or twilight) So please cast your vote for your favorite on the list!

1. Walk the Line- 2005- Story of Johnny Cash and June Carter. I hear it has a really great proposal scene. I have never seen this movie.

2. Serendipity-2001- Another one I have never seen. John Corbett has a great romantic proposal...doesn't get the girl....but a great proposal never the less.

3. Stepmom-1998- Super sad movie, but one of my all time favorites. Funny, timeless, and the way Ed Harris proposes to Julia Roberts is awesome! **SPOILER** Susan Sarandon dies of cancer in the end.

4. Sweet Home Alabama- 2002- "Why do you wanna marry me for anyway?" "So I can kiss you anytime I want." Queue the Awwwwwwww.

5. Love Actually- 2003- Even though I would consider it more of a Christmas movie, I love at the end when Colin Firth goes to the woman's home and proposes to her in her language. He doesn't exactly get the words correct, but the point gets across...then she answers in broken english because she learned "just in case."

6. In Her Shoes- 2005- Good story--great ending. I love the ee cummings poem at the end. I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart.

7. My Big Fat Greek Wedding- Her family reminds me so much of Ashley's family. It is a cute, feel-good flick and it's been awhile since I've seen it!

8. Josie and the Pussycats- 2001- I can almost see you all rolling your eyes. But I don't care. Alan M.'s crowd-surfing confession is too cute. Actually, now that I think about it...Everything Alan M. does in the whole movie is too cute.

9. Valentine's Day- 2010- Why not? It's Valentine's Day...when is a better time to watch this movie? It has everything for our celebration! A little romance, humor, upsidynamancakes (sorry, inside joke) and yes, Tay squared.

10. Titanic- 1997- One of the greatest love stories...sure, it has a sad ending...but a surefire hit.

11. The Notebook- 2004- It is no secret that in the past, this has not been my FAVORITE movie ever (It beats tristan and isold thought) but I am willing to give it a second chance, especially on Valentine's Day.

12. Romeo + Juliet- 1996- Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes have phenomenal chemistry in this remake of William Shakespeare's most famous love story of all time.

13. My Best Friend's Wedding- 1997- proof that even when the man you love marries someone else, you can get through it with a best friend and Dionne Warwick.

14. Runaway Bride- 1999- Are you seeing I love Julia Roberts yet? Well, this is one of my favorite movies of hers (which really says something). Also, it has a really great soundtrack! Plus. If we learned anything from Pretty Woman...it's that Julia Roberts and Richard Gere work fabulously together.

15. He's Just Not That Into You- 2009- Because lets just face it, he isn't. Nothing like blunt reality for V-Day.

16. A Little Romance- 1979- I can already tell you this is too old for Ashley. She doesn't like old movies. But my mother would kill me if I didn't put her favorite on the list. If you don't know what it's about 2 teenagers run away together when the girl finds out she is moving to kiss in a gondola under the bridge of sighs so they will be in love forever. "Geeez Lauren!"-favorite line

17. Mamma Mia- 2008- Amanda Seyfried+ Meryl Streep+ Greece=Fabulocity. Not to mention the ABBA songs that make my heart pitter-patter.

18. Princess Bride- 1987- Still too old for Ashley, but another one I just had to put on the list. It's been so long since I've seen it, but I just got the DVD for Christmas!

19. 27 Dresses- 2008- The look on James Marsden's face when Katherine Heigl walks down the aisle *swoon* And you can't forget B-B-B-Bennie and the Jets.

20. A Cinderella Story- 2004-Chad Michael Muray and Hilary Duff make this a B-list teenie bopper movie...but sometimes I like those.

21. Ever After- 1998- Drew Barrymore plays Danielle in this Cinderella-esque tale. Truly a must see (that I would be willing to bet Ashley has NOT seen.)

22. Father of the Bride-1991- Because occasionally we enjoy movies about weddings.

23. The Proposal- 2009- If Ryan Reynolds isn't reason enough, then Sandy and Betty should do the trick.

24. Princess Diaries- 2001- She just wishes her foot would pop.

25. Never Been Kissed-1999-Best. Kiss. Ever award. No--seriously. best kiss ever.

26. The Little Mermaid-1989- What would an Ashley/Mattie movie party be without at least a mention of a Disney Princess?

27. Juno-2007- Candice Accola's character is so much funnier now that VD has brought her a bigger role. That plus the soundtrack and the awkwardness of Michael Cera (just like every other movie he is in) is a WIN!

28. Sydney White-2007- THe hilariousness of Amanda Bynes tied in with a Snow white spoofed storyline makes a good movie...at least to me.

29. A Walk to Remember-2002- Shane West really is a good guy--sappy romantic movie with a sad ending. **SPOILER WARNING***Mandy Moore dies from cancer in the end.

30. Letters to Juliet-2010- Modern Day fairy tales do come true!

31. Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging- 2008- I can't resist the Angus. That and Robbie is dreamy.