BOY TRAPPED

Where the inside of my mind leaks onto the screen.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Marley & Me

Last night, I finally had the chance to watch the highly acclaimed "Marley and Me." Maybe it was just too hyped, because though I enjoyed it, I didn't find it to be the great movie that I've heard so much about.

I was talking to Kirk (who is in Seattle for 3 weeks for work) about it and trying to explain why I felt it was lacking and finally came to this conclusion:

If I want to immerse myself in a story about an in-love couple whose easily resolved issues include things like exhausting days with the kids, unrest at a job, or trying to balance personal happiness with doing what's best for the family, all I have to do is look around! The characters in the movie had a strong, happy marriage, good children, a good dog, and relatively small challenges. I watch movies for an exciting escape from my life. This movie was in so many ways just my life.

So now I say thank you to:
  • My wonderful husband who, like Owen Wilson's character, always works hard but also always wants just a little bit more than he has. It keeps life interesting, and I married him because of his drive to always be a little better.
  • My amazing kids who keep me so busy but for whom I'd do anything.
  • My ex-dog Sam who was there for me during the hardest parts of my life so far. Sorry, Sam, that we just couldn't handle your allergies. We miss you.
  • My new dog, Sadie, who is shaping up to be that family dog we've always wanted. As soon as one of the boys relaxes on the couch to watch a little TV, she has to be right there with them. If the boys are outside playing, she'll whine at the door until she is outside with them. We've only had her a short while, but she loves our family.
  • The producers of "Marley & Me" for helping me to appreciate the wonderful life I have.

6 comments:

Steph said...

You are too cute! I have not seen the movie and now realize I may not need to!

Sarah said...

I really enjoyed the book...and likely won't make it to the movie because the actors are NOT who I saw while reading it. But, I'm glad that you saw its relevance to your life...

coryshay said...

congrats on the pregnancy! How was the challenger girls dinner the other night? We were hosting a huge college dance festival and that night was the opening gala performance. I hope it was fun and I hope there's another one in the future so I can come!

Kris said...

I know the feeling of watching a movie and being reminded of your own life. Not too exciting sometimes. I can't wait to meet your dog. Christopher said she's so cute and playful.

Fountaine's said...

I agree with you Andrea. The movie was good but too much like real life. Especially having a dog who is at that part of her life when her poor old body can't take much more. I watched it with the kids hoping it will help them in this transition of life. Austin and I cried our eyes out, Chance got bored with the movie and went to his room to play. I'm not sure if it helped or not, hopefully it did a little bit. At least I got a good cry.

Anonymous said...

We recently had to put our cat down (admittedly, cats are horrible creatures, but I'd known him since before I can rememeber), and I was the one who volunteered to go with mom to do it. I guess what really got me about the movie was how much it reminded me of watching the life of slowly leave him. I sobbed so hard I almost threw up. But I do get what you are saying, I don't really like books that remind me of regular life.