Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Freedom Writers

I've been on a DVD binge for a few days. There was a time when Curtis and I frequented the movie theater so much that we had no reason to go to Blockbuster, but that day passed on February 17, 2006.

Curtis went out of town for 36 hours last weekend and Jackson and I stayed home. I'm a huge baby when it comes to being alone overnight, so I have to give myself a pat on the back for being such a big girl about it. I did beg Janelle to call me if she was doing anything interesting in those 36 hours. Yes, I know I'm pathetic. Jacks and I got to have dinner with Janelle and her family and it was very fun. What's really cool is that Jackson is old enough to actually keep me company now, so I never felt lonely.

On the way home from Janelle's we stopped at Blockbuster. I was giddy knowing I could get any chick flick I wanted without feeling bad for the hubby! I got two - one was okay, one was bad. When I returned them (on time!) I decided to pick up two more movies that were a little more substantial. Both were good, one was excellent. Have you seen Freedom Writers? Curt and I have a tendency to overblow the movies we like and then our friends are disappointed when they see them. Kay and Christine seem to be our most frequent victims. I don't want to say too much, but I loved this movie. It does have harsh language, so don't say I didn't warn you. If your movie-going days have been replaced by Blockbuster or Netflix or whatever, plan a date with this movie and a package of kettle corn and a box of Kleenex. By the way, did you know you can design your own Kleenex box? They even have a blog for it. Looks like I have another one to add to my bloglines!

30 comments:

Tracey said...

Hey Amanda!

Hubby and I just watched it two nights ago and I loved it! I boo-hooed at several parts. I've added it to my must purchase list!

It's amazing the difference one person can make, isn't it?!

I was going to blog about this very same thing. So glad you mentioned it!

Tracey

Darla said...

Haven't seen the movie, but if I get some down time without children, I would love to see it! Mine are older.

I have a day care in my home, and we love the wonderpets! haha I did say "we".."this is serious". We like backyardigans too!

Enjoy your precious son, and thanks for sharing him. what an awesome gift from God children are, and there are not many lonely moments while they are little...don't you just love those cuddly pj's and the way they snuggle when they are tired!? Love it!

Shelly said...

One of my goals this summer now that I'm not in school for a bit = to be like a normal person and watch movies and maybe even the occasional tv once in a while.

My success rate thus far = half of a movie and about 3 hours of tv since June.

LOL! I think I've heard how great Freedom Writers was though; so your bragging about it could be just fine on this one!

Living to Love said...

I have been wanting to see Freedom Writers. I will have to give it a shot! Also, designing your own Kleenex box?? Awesome!

Toknowhim said...

I loved it when my children were at the age where they could keep me company when my husband had to go on business trips. You are right about not feeling alone :) I was such a wimp about being all by myself.. My mother in law came to stay with me a lot. But, now I do feel more comfortable being on my own (with lots of prayer :)

Erin Ward said...

i loved that movie! and yes, i cried.

Anonymous said...

Amanda-
I saw Freedom Writers on a L-O-N-G plane ride. I sat there in my seat wiping my tears away with the free airline blanket that was given to me. Turns out my husband was two seats away from me and didn't even know I was crying! I guess I was more discreet than I thought. It was PHENOMENAL. I loved it! We would probably be a match on flixter!

Finally an Abrigg..... said...

I'm a horrible baby when it comes to staying alone at night!!! I have issues. One time, Peter was out of town for a week. I had to bribe people to come stay with me!
I loved Freedom Writers!

Anonymous said...

I'd heard that Freedom Writers was good. One day, I'll watch a movie again and I'll add that to my list!

I attempted to design my own Kleenex box once, but had some connectivity issues... it may be time to go back and try again! I surely didn't know there was a blog! Thanks for the info!

PS- I'm a baby about being at home alone, too. Before the Wog, I would just sleep on the couch with the TV on, but now I just sleep with like 4 lights on in the house! I'm a HUGE fraidy cat!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I also hate being alone when my husband travels. Which is often.

It has gotten better since we have kids. They keep me company, they make me laugh and they stop me from spending 8 hours in front of the TV eating Red Vines.

But it sounds like you used that time for a little R&R. Good for you! I've heard good things about "Freedom Writers" from other sources too. I'll have to add it to the list of movies to rent.

Holly said...

Thanks for the movie tip! I'm way behind on watching things, so it's nice to go to the video store with some idea of what to pick.

When Chris is out of town, one thing I do that helped me at night was to turn my back to the door (when I go to bed) and I say, "Lord, watch the door." He always does! I don't know if you struggle with this part, but thought it may be of help.

Have a blessed Wednesday!
Holly

Janelle and Ella said...

We loved having y'all over Friday night! It was so fun!!

Thanks for the movie recommendation! I'm going to add it to my blockbuster online queue right now.

Allison said...

So funny! A baby about being alone overnight! I love that Jackson can keep you company. What a treasure!

Anonymous said...

Freedom Writers is EXCELLENT- what an inspiring story.

I love true stories like that - definitely pass hints on good ones to see. Thanks!

Unknown said...

I will rent Freedom Writers for sure!!
I am also quite the whimp when it comes to sleeping alone! Most of the time I invite my neice over for a girls night. Usually she will bring a friend or two and we watch movies and eat junk food! (She is in college now though...so those times are few and far between!) Looks like I will just have to cowgirl up next time!

Leanne said...

Hi Amanda,
You get SO MANY comments... I nominated you for an award on my blog..
Thank you for the daily encouragment!
Leanne Heern
Indiana

Rita Loca said...

Sounds like a good one. thanks for sharing I am so out of it I dont have a clue as to what movies are out there these days.

LeslieW. said...

The kleenex box thing is awesome! Thanks for the tip. My mother in law is obsessed and has some in every room, I may have to do that for her.

Michelle said...

I LOVED this movie...so inspiring.

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

I have seen Freedom Writers...I cried like a stupid baby..

I am all 'watched up' on all the good new releases, though I did rent 'hollywoodland' Have you seen it? I hope it isn't ugly.

btw..i have the monthly plan where you don't have to pay late fees.. i figured it was time when the 'late fee collector' started high fiving me when i walked in the door...:)

Angela Baylis said...

That is by far the best movie I have seen in a LONG time!!!

kittyhox said...

I am absolutely the biggest nerd when I have to stay home alone at night. I leave all the lights and tv on and triple check that the doors and windows are locked. I used to lie awake, listening for burglars, and imagining axe murderers at the window. I had my hiding places and escape routes all planned out.

But I've been praying some fear verses and it has helped so much! I'm proud of you for making it through the 36 hours. I'm sure you were so happy to have your hubs home. I hate sleeping alone now!

Jackie said...

LOVE this movie. Rented it awhile back and though it was GREAT!! My hubby will be out of town for the next 4 days...so I may be hitting up Blockbuster for some good flicks!!!

mandy said...

yes! i've seen it and i LOVED it.... its such a great movie about changing lives and giving hope.
and the kleenex = NECESSITY.

Jan said...

Wasn't it great? I know what you mean about chick flicks. Breakfast at Tiffany's is playing on my tv right now! Hubby is at a golf tournament and my two teenage sons refuse!

If you get out, Ocean's 13 is excellent and the language is fine. We BOTH enjoyed.

jennyhope said...

Amanda,

I have a tv guardian and it takes all of the cussing out of the movies. I love it! I got it a few years ago for $100. Lifeway has started selling them to.
I grew up with 7 people and it was a shock to my system when i had to start staying alone while Rod hunted all of the time. I finally started to be a big girl once morgan got here. It really is fake it until you make it with me re that. I used to call the police if I heard a noise and get them to come check it out. I would stay up and panic listening for every noise. I did live by myself before but it was a small apartment. Anyway, that made my first year of marriage hard because i was so mad that he left all the time. After several hunting seasons i am finally ok! PRAISE YOU LORD!!

Moments with Mammy said...

When my kids were little I would always let one of them sleep with me when hubby was out of town. I was the scared one!!! As they got older, I thought my oldest son was probably getting to big to do this - so I made that comment to my kids. Well, younger son said - "Mommy, Daddy is bigger than he (big brother) is!!!" I love the innocence of those precious young ones!! Enjoy Jackson while he is young! They grow up way too fast!!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear I'm not the only one with a "Burglers be Gone" routine when alone. I sleep all decked out with a set of steak knives, my cellphone, the fireplace poker, mace and an old door alarm in my hands. With all the lights on. And the dog on the bed. And my eyes open.
Thea

MamaCass said...

This is a great movie! I rented it and watched it one night after Rodney went to bed (he saw it in the theater while he was out of town-no fair).

debra parker said...

I loved freedom writers!

I am also a big baby when it comes to staying home alone. Slowly but surely I am getting better.