HAPPY BELATED SATURDAY

Musings on the greatest Saturday yet!

March 1, 2008 was the best Saturday I've had so far this year (yeah, yeah, I know, it's just March, but still...) Rarely do I have this kind of time to myself.  My weekdays usually begin at around 5:00 a.m.   

The daily drill consists of getting out of bed (preferably without crying) and making my way to the bathroom to brush teeth, shower body, and wash face. I strive to look halfway decent in an outfit chosen at the last minute.   Then it's out the door to my co-workers car.  Everyday we try with all our might to make the 35 mile commute and get to work on time. 

After a day of grueling work dealing with disrespectful students--and parents, counselors and teachers who think I'm their personal secretary, phones that ring EVERY second, and an over zealous principal who refers to herself in the third person, I pack up my stuff and head to the bus stop for the 2-2 1/2 hour trip home.  This is my 5 day schedule:  leave home at 7:00 a.m., arrive home at 6:45-7:00 p.m., sometimes later if I have to make a stop (running errands by way of the bus is not easy). 

Anyhoo, when the day's grind finally ends, I'm too tired to even think about doing something creative, or anything at all once I hit the door of my abode.  I fight through this exhaustive state, making my way to the kitchen to fix a quick meal, then to the couch to consume said meal in front of the TV, and finally to Sleepytown where televisions watch people instead of the other way around.

So to have a day as thoroughly relaxing as this past Saturday was for me a treat indeed! First, I got up, thanked God for life, dressed and took a leisurely walk to the bank down the street from my complex to get some change.  I returned home, fixed myself a wonderful breakfast consisting of pancakes and bacon (that's right, I said BACON!) with a slammin' cup of java.  Then I lovingly devoured my food while watching the BATMAN animated series. After breakfast, I started channel surfing and came across the Turner Network's "31 days of Oscar," which dealt with films that had either won or been nominated. 

My first trip down cinematic memory lane was the always magnificent, "Singing in the Rain," with one of the century's most brilliant dancers, the late Gene Kelly.Following SITR, was "Funny Lady," with La Streisand, maybe not as good as its predecessor, "Funny Girl," but just as engaging.  I enjoyed every rift between Fanny Brice and Billy Rose, played to the height of regular guy/over the top music producer whose extravagant, overly propped productions had about as much subtlety and class as a sledgehammer.  LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

Next on my day of movie-mania was the purest form of guilty pleasure for me:  Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest!"  Boy, what a hoot!  I scream-laughed at this movie.  The sword fights were brilliant:  the one between Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightly), Ragetti, Pintel and the Dutchmen reminded me of a well-choreographed dance scene--it was, at once, graceful and technically flawless.  Of course, the sword fight on the rolling Water Wheel between Will Turner (Orlando Blume) and Norrington (Jack Davenport) had me riveted to my seat with a goofy smile on my face.

I live to see Captain Jack run.  Arms flailing and eyes bucking, Jack's running down the beach from the Dutchmen resembles a child-like traipsing, rendering him less human and more cartoon-ish.  This is comical excellence along the lines of Charlie Chaplin and the Marx Bros.

And what better way to play a giant pipe organ than with your FACE!  Davy Jones was the Man!  Or should I say, the Squid... Oh yes, Captain Jack & Company were an added jewel in my Saturday afternoon crown.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the great dinner I almost burned up while captivated by the TV-succulent baked chicken, surrounded by carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes, with a big pot of cabbage, and a pan of cake-like cornbread.  

Okay, back to Turner Network and the culmination of my wonderful Saturday.  I was instantly transported to Old Hollywood Glamour heaven with my all time favorite Betty Davis movie, "All About Eve!"  The clothes were to die for, particularly Margo's (Betty Davis) black satin number, with pockets, no less(!), worn at her lover Bill's birthday/coming home party.  George Sanders as Addison DeWitt was deliciously malicious and Ann Baxter was simply superb as the backbiting, treacherous, Eve Harrington.  What great fodder!  Not only is "All About Eve" wonderful to watch, but as a study in great writing and witty dialogue, this movie remains untouched.

So there you have it, my greatest Saturday to date.  It's almost Saturday again, and I'm hoping for a repeat of rest, relaxation, and another all round great day.  Hope your belated Saturday was as great as mines!

Viva La Saturday Cinema!