You Couldn’t Ignore Me if you Tried

This week I began a new reading project on a book that I bought and partially read during the pandemic in 2020. I lost track of time and lost track of reading the book, and five years later I’m back at it again.

“You Couldn’t Ignore Me If You Tried” was a quote from the iconic Brat Pack movie The Breakfast Club. It was from Judd Nelson’s character. The book cover the work of 80’s filmmaker and producer John Hughes, his life, as well as the Brat Pack and other actors who starred in some of the biggest movies of the decade. We’ve all seen the movies, we know the actors, and we can quote all the films. We argue which member of the Brat Pack is the best and have called Bueller’s name at least once. Hughes has produced, written for, or directed a lot of great ’80s movies from Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club to Christmas Vacation and Home Alone. If you have a weekend with nothing to do, having a John Hughes movie marathon would be really cool.

John Candy was a name that really stood out in all these John Hughes films. He starred in some of the funniest films of the ’80’s and early ’90’s before succumbing to a heart attack at age 44. Of course, his small role in Home Alone towards the end when Mrs. McAllister is just trying to get home is one of my favorites from him. Also, his starring role in 1989’s Uncle Buck as the titular character never fails to make me laugh. That movie had a young Macaulay Culkin in one of his first roles.

I’m looking forward to getting through Winter with this book and learning more about classic movies from this classic decade.

This week was one of the coldest that we experienced in a long time. Wednesday morning, the thermometer read minus-9. Some of the valley locations read minus-15. Due to the cold weather, our Greensburg Toastmasters meeting was 100% remote. It was a great meeting and I led an amazing Table Topics session. The extreme cold this month inspired me to come up with the theme, which centered around the weather. We had nine in attendance and I had eight questions so everyone could join. Our next meeting is February 5 and I’m one of the three who signed up to speak. We’re back to meeting on the first and third Wednesday again.

Contest season is heating up in February and so are nominations for District Leaders. I’m planning on coming for the Area 24 Speech Contest on February 18 (even if for a short time) and going to Area 21’s contest a few days later in Johnstown. In March, I’m looking to go to the Division C International Speech and Tall Tales contest. Just like last year, it will be held in Blairsville.

I took the time this morning to organize my clothes better. It was much needed and it was therapeutic. I put some of my tops with some of my pants and jeans, and I made room for my latest outfits that I purchased, including my jumpsuits (let’s hope these ones fit). Now the next question is, what to do with my bookshelf and some of my books that I don’t read anymore. I want to organize my accessories better and I want to give my scarves and purses some love. 

I continued to enjoy great Valentine’s Day coffee when I tried the White Chocolate Truffle Latte yesterday at Cutie’s. The pink chocolate curls gave me serious chipped ham vibes. If you’re from Pittsburgh, you know what I’m talking about. Next week I have my sights set on the Cutie Cherry Latte. I have two days off in a row next week, so I am looking for ways to make the most of them. 

Next week, I’ll be recapping Sunday’s Conference Championship action as the Commanders look to continue their surprise season, and the Bills look to beat their biggest rival. Or, will the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes try to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls? Can Saquon Barkley cap off his amazing season with a Super Bowl trip and victory? 

I’m rocking my faux leather and my jumpsuits in my try-on blog this week. Next month I focus on outerwear as I up my fitness game come February.