Nora.

You guys. I'm sorry. I have not posted in forever. I just started a new job, plus it's gorgeous outside and I never want to be inside (unless it's to watch many, many episodes of Breaking Bad in a row), so, that's that.

But this week, something earth-shattering happened, and it affected me so deeply that I absolutely had to write something. And no, it's not about healthcare reform (although, if you care, I am starting my own political party called "This shouldn't be so complicated" and I'll be on the ballot in 2024).

Nora Ephron, writer of my two favorite movies of all time, passed away this week.

I just saw this on Slaughterhouse 90210 and it almost made me cry, because I love her and I love that show and it's all just so sweet and lovely and funny and real: http://slaughterhouse90210.tumblr.com/post/25999118230/i-married-him-against-all-evidence-i-married-him

I'm not really what you would call a movie-loving person, but I swear, I have seen When Harry Met Sally so many times that I've lost count. More than any other movie (except maybe Double Jeopardy, but let's not dwell on that point...).

When Harry Met Sally speaks to me so much. It taught me that it's OK to be a little neurotic and stubborn and picky. But not to be too neurotic, stubborn and picky. And to let someone else see the most neurotic, stubborn and picky parts about you - but to also be open to letting them change those things.

I think the reason I love this movie is because, at the end of most romcoms, you might think that the ending was really cute but you probably don't have much confidence in where that romance is ultimately going. (like, don't you want to see the sequel to "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" called "How to Lose a Husband in 10 Years"? Honestly, I kind of do.)

But in this movie, at the end, you feel confident that these two are perfect for each other. And yes, they'll disagree about things and have problems and feel discouraged at times... but they love each other and share each other's values, and you know it's right. You just know, after Harry goes to see Sally on New Year's Eve. You know.

(and the vignettes with the old couples! the best!)

I will forever love and respect Nora for writing one of my favorite lines in all cinema history, which I loved so much that we put it on our wedding programs:



Has anyone ever summed up love more beautifully? I submit, no.

Nora, you were the best. This weekend, I will re-watch When Harry Met Sally for the hundredth time, in your honor.

Let's Play...Song of Summer 2012!

With only one week left until the official start of summer, everyone is scrambling to crown an official "song of the summer." Every year it happens: one song rises above the rest, reaches near-ubiquity on the radio, and provides the soundtrack to our road trips and pool mixes and parties even though we're kind of sick of it because, no matter how many times we hear it, it still reminds us of the best three months of the year and gosh darn it it's just so catchy.

I have only one, very strict, requirement for a summer jam: it's gotta make me want to dance. That's it. Whether it's on a dance floor or at a sunset rooftop parties or just wiggling in my chaise lounge while enjoying poolside cocktails, I wanna MOVE.

This summer's frontrunner has already begun distancing itself from the pack. This week "Call Me Maybe" finally reached the Number One status that had eluded for so long. I generally pride myself on knowing What' Up in music, but when I told my 8th grade girls about two months ago that I had heard this great new song they looked at me like I was an alien. Apparently it's already way over among the middle school set. So summer means my musical tastes revert to 8th grade? So be it. Anyway, when I finally DID jump on this glorious, glorious bandwagon, I literally listened to the song 20 times in one day. I went to the gym over lunch and pounded out 4 miles while listening to nothing but this song on repeat. And I came home that night and made a music video to it with Lauren. I don't care if you're the indiest indie that ever indied, YOU LOVE THIS SONG. Don't pretend like you're too good for it--I promise you you're not.

(A whole bunch more contenders after the jump...)