keeping it simple

life is kinda simple these days.. i don't demand too much of it, it doesn't ask me questions that are too difficult in return. i go to work at the library, then go on to the lab after that, send out a few resumes.. come back home, play football or cricket.. cook some dinner, watch a movie or two, or there's always M*A*S*H on tv.. weekends we barbecue, and go out for a movie..

here's our latest culinary delight, perfect for hot summer days.. nats made the cold shrimp pasta salad with apple mint sauce, and i made the potato pancakes with the salsa dip.. i'll put up the recipe on the recipe blog as soon as i can

watched a bunch of movies recently.. some pretty good, some not so memorable:

La Mujer de Benjamín (1991) - one of the better spanish language films i've watched, pretty grim, but deep.. the movie maintains a constant speed throughout, which belies the action taking place onscreen. its portrayal of small town life is quite gripping, and unnerving too.

Flight of the Phoenix (2004) - this is one of those movies in which the plot is so fantastic this cannot be anything but a movie! a plane carrying the crew from an oil rig crashes in the mongolian desert, completely off the radar.. and with the weather, thirst and smugglers threatening, they build a plane off the wreckage and fly away!! *shaking head in disbelief*
Giovanni Ribisi (who plays Phoebe's psychotic brother in 'Friends') is excellent in this movie though.. i really like his work, he covers quite the range..

Spanglish (2004) - i liked this movie.. not really heavy on plot, more like a 'slice of life' film.. but strong characters, and acted very well.. Adam Sandler-haters will be pleasantly surprised to find that he is not the craziest person in this household.. this role is played to the hilt by Téa Leoni ('Bad Boys', 'Deep Impact'), and you actually fear that there are women out there in the world who might actually be like her!! Paz Vega ('Sex & Lucia') is breathtakingly gorgeous, and plays the mexican househelp with a refreshing sense of innocence and calm.. i think i am in love with this woman.. she is beautiful!

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) - one of the big budget blockbusters of the summer.. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are both sizzling in this movie! all the pre-release hype about online chemistry etc.. you better believe it! not a movie to carry your brain into.. just watch and marvel! filled with witty one-liners and kick-ass action.. this is a perfect summer movie.. to just be enjoyed with popcorn and a drink. i actually liked the TV show too.. so i was kinda disappointed that they tinkered with the story.. but ahh, what the hell.. angelina jolie is smokin'!!