Goin' To the Movies--On a Week Day?!?

Guess who actually went to the movies before the show hit the cheap joint second-run theatres?!
Yes, me.
And, during the week no less!

Actually, I took my Girl Scout troop to see Soul Surfer after school today.
We meet twice a month and I adjust my work schedule to leave a little early those days for our meetings.
But, today, I just felt like I was playin' hookie or something. When do I ever go to the movies?

Actually, I needed this. A couple relaxing hours without my Blackberry and no one demanding asking anything of me. It's been a stressful three weeks.

Here's my review:

This is the true story of Bethany Hamilton and her come-back after a shark attack that took her left arm.

It was really a great movie to see with my Girl Scouts. I'm not saying it was the most compelling acting I've ever seen, but the message in the movie was great for this age group.

(I admit I was a little distracted by how much Helen Hunt had aged since I'd seen her last. I almost didn't recognize her. Not that she looked bad--she's still beautiful. She's just an older version.)

The movie is good material for mom-daughter discussions about what's important in life, faith, attitude, courage, how to treat others and trying your best. Bethany is a way-better role model than that Miley Cyrus.

BabyD declared the movie "great". One of my Scouts announced, "This is in the top 3 movies I've ever seen." (How's that review from a 13-year-old when the show has no vampires?)

The shark attack scene happened very quickly, and with only minimal gore if you have a weak stomach. Not too icky at all.

If you have a teen or pre-teen in your house/life, I'd recommend it.

Now, here's my editorial on the TOTAL RIP-OFF prices at the concession counter:

Explain to me how 3 slurpees, 2 popcorn tubs (yeah, large), a water, a Sprite and 2 boxes of M&Ms can cost as much as the nice Italian dinner for four we had for our anniversary last night?!?!?! (Granted, we didn't order any alcohol at the restaurant. But, I had to save my money for the comparably priced fruity shaved-ice drink at the movie theatre!!!!)

And, I'm not even including the cost of the tickets... Which were matinee-priced, but still ridiculously high.

No wonder people sneak snacks into the theatre. I should've recieved free M&Ms with what I paid!

(Please note:  I did NOT sneek candy in on this trip, as I did not want to set a bad example for the impressionable youth accompanying me. Can you hear the choir of angels behind me praising my virtues?)

I'm betting the profits of one Regal Cinema on a busy opening weekend of a hit show could rival the gross national product of a small Pacific island nation.

Want a way to fund education? Replace the gym with a movie theater. At the goin' rate, they could replace yellow buses with stretch limos.

And that's my commentary on going to the movies.

I say wait until it's out on video, but watch Soul Surfer with your favorite kid.

And pop your own corn.

Another Parenting Milestone

It came without much fanfare, considering the milestone that has finally arrived:

LittleD is now officially a teenager.

So, now I'm officially further along in motherhood than I ever imagined.

Does this make me old?

For some reason, when I pictured myself having kids, my mental image got the child up to about the age of 5. Six, maybe.

But teenager?

Just didn't quite picture it.

I don't know how this happened so quickly, either.

Seems like just yesterday that I brought home my dark-haired baby girl in the aftermath of a snow storm. It freaks me out a little to think that in another five years she'll be heading off to college...

Although, I must say, there's a strong chance we just might kill each other before that happens!

Along with this milestone has come the hormones. And mood swings. And yelling. Followed by slamming doors.

It ain't pretty.

But I am determined.

I will prevail.

So what do modern 13-year-old girls want for their birthdays?

Let's see... a pedicure, a manicure, a Nook, (given up on the cell phone), a Facebook account... just to name a few.

So what do discerning parents who are determined not to raise an over-indulged spoiled brat give said 13 YO?

A checking account.

When the list got out of control (and out of budget!), The Husband and I opted to take LittleD over to our local Chase Bank and open a new account.

They have a no-fee student account option that we (the 'rents) can magically control via the web. (And, yes, I declined to give her overdraft protection. When that card pops up "insufficient funds" it will stop working. Good habits are formed early.)

She's had a savings account forever, but this is one that she'll be responsible for, including the debit card.

And--here's the bonus--she can buy her own birthday gift(s).

I decided it's time we put the lessons about living on a budget into action. And, when she decided to take back the ugly birthday sweater Grandma sent and found two sweaters she liked, my response was, "Buy it yourself; you've got birthday money."

That was not the answer she was expecting. Or wanting.

Nor was that the answer LittleD wanted when she wanted some candy.

But my kid is no dummy!

Three days later, LittleD plops down on the couch and asks,

"So, is this bank account a present or a punishment?"

I think the gleam is already fading from that debit card.

Meanwhile, I think my devious plan is starting to work. She's hardly spent any of the money. (Funny how you don't need certain things when you pay for them yourself!)

She's decided to save up for a Nook. Which makes me think she might be growing up even faster than I think!

Meet Me On Monday

1. Have you (only you..not a group) ever won first place in anything?

A: I won a jar of candy corn in third grade when I guessed how many.

I also won Best Halloween Costume once, where I used to work. I dressed as Jackie Kennedy at the funeral. Tacky. But it paid off.

2. Are your toes always painted (sorry guys...this question for girls only)?

A: No. It's winter, so all my toes care about are wool socks!

3. What color eyes do you have?

A: Blue. Little bloodshot, after how I slept last night!

4. Look to your left....what do you see?
A: Empty bed where The Husband will be hogging the covers in a couple hours. (Surprised there's not a kid there, wanting bedtime cuddles.)

5. Soft cookies or crunchy cookies?

A: Depends: Chocolate chip--soft. Thin Mints--crunchy.